MP3 players with advanced equaliser and surround sound options

Feel like massaging your sound? There are quite a few MP3 players with advanced equaliser options and special sound-processing effects.

The first that comes to mind is the iRiver H10 series, available in a variety of capacities. It features a five-band custom EQ, more than 30 presets, and the vaunted SRS Wow surround technology. Sony's NW-HD5 has a decent general custom EQ, but if you're listening to ATRAC3plus tracks, you can utilise the player's six-band custom EQ and cool environmental effects. Even Creative's Zen Touch and Zen Micro have four- and five-band custom EQs, respectively. In case you're wondering, the Apple iPod has a variety of punchless and mediocre EQ presets but no custom EQ.

iRiver H10 Read review The H10 includes nearly every coveted feature, but navigating the player controls can be frustrating. Claimed battery life: 12 hours Memory Capacity: 5 GB Supported formats: MP3, WMA Dimensions: 95.5 x 54.6 x 15 mm Weight: 96.2 grams Sony Network Walkman NW-HD5 Read review If you want a slick alternative to the iPod, then the NW-HD5 is a stellar choice. Claimed battery life: 40 hours Memory Capacity: 20 GB Supported formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, ATRAC3 Dimensions: 57 x 15 x 89 mm Weight: 136 grams Creative Zen Touch Read review Lately, Creative has been churning out players with great battery life and excellent sound quality. The Zen Touch offers all this and more, making it a legitimate challenger to the Apple iPod. Claimed battery life:24 hours battery life at 128kbps MP3 or 32 hours at 48kbps MP3 Memory Capacity: 20 GB Supported formats: MP3, WMA, WAV Dimensions: 104 x 68.6 x 22.8mm Weight: 203 grams Creative Zen Micro Read review The colourful and versatile Zen Micro will make lots of users happy. Claimed battery life: 18 hours Memory Capacity: 5 GB Supported formats: MP3, WMA, WAV Dimensions: 51 x 84 x 19 mm Weight: 108 grams