Ultimately, MP3 players are about the music -- so which one sounds the best?
Determining the best-sounding player is a tricky task since many of the top devices utilise the same sound chips. In fact, unless you have the golden ears of an audiophile, it's difficult to notice the difference between devices.
Still, we, the editors and CNET Labs, put them to the test using a playlist ranging from Air to Bob Dylan, comprising a variety of genres encoded at 320Kbps VBR MP3, setting equal volume levels, and disabling any EQ or sound-effects settings.
Using a pair of our trusty Grado headphones, we judged sound quality in a blind sound test and came up with some consistent (and interesting) results.
Described as "warm" and "true", the sound quality of the iRiver H320 fared very well and Creative's Zen Touch was described as "tight" and "hiss-free".
But it was the brand-new Sony NW-HD5 that consistently ranked number one, delivering MP3s "with a crispy warm seal." Which consistently ranked last? Apple's iPod Photo.
The iPod Photo is a beautiful and versatile device with a new, affordable price. The 30GB version is a particularly good value at only AU$60 more than the audio-only 20GB version.
Memory capacity: 30 GB Battery life: 15 hours Supported formats: MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless Dimensions (W x D x H): 10.4 x 61 x 16 mm Weight: 167 g
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.
Storage capacity: 20 GB Memory life: 24 hours Supported formats: MP3, WMA, WAV Dimensions (W x D x H): 104 x 68.6 x 22.8 mm Weight: 203 g
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Apple's iPod family may rule the world of MP3 players but there are many challengers out there. We take a look through the Creative Zen team sheet, which tackles Apple from top to tail.
Effectively a member of the Vision series, the Zen Digital Media Player handles most popular music and videos formats in a handy credit card sized form factor.
Hey, I read this same review on cnet.com, but where is the Cowon iAudio X5? You seem to have omitted it from your re-write of James Kim's review. Just wondering is all.
Yeah, where's the iAudio X5? It sounds as good, if not better than the Sony... and it's now in stock with most online MP3 retailers as well as many retail stores!
I am really into my sound quality, and think that the lesser known QoolQee K7 will totally obliterate the line up you have here. This MP3 player doesn't have the standards chips in it, it employs a Wolfson 24 bit DAC and boy does it deliver. I even plugged it into my separates system running through Sugden pre power amps and the sound is still very good.
After watching the latest Bond film, we're beginning to wonder whether Bond's so angry just because of all the products he's meant to spruik. We wonder whether he's reading this story right now on his Intel-inside PC...
Flash memory chips are tiny, meaning the players that use them can be small to the point of ridiculousness. Here are some of our favourite teeny little super guys.
Chip design wizard Mark Papermaster is taking control of Apple's iPod and iPhone hardware engineering as the portable music player of the last decade becomes a computer.
Sharing a computer and iTunes library with someone but can't stand some of their music? Here's how to filter out each other's bad stuff and live in harmony.
If you're keen to boost your music collection without stepping away from the glow of your monitor, our quick guide to Australian download services will give you all the info you need.
The unfeasibly cute Mozaic is a budget player with decent sound quality and a surprisingly powerful speaker, but its toy-like looks won't be to everyone's tastes.
After watching the latest Bond film, we're beginning to wonder whether Bond's so angry just because of all the products he's meant to spruik. We wonder whether he's reading this story right now on his Intel-inside PC...
Flash memory chips are tiny, meaning the players that use them can be small to the point of ridiculousness. Here are some of our favourite teeny little super guys.
The unfeasibly cute Mozaic is a budget player with decent sound quality and a surprisingly powerful speaker, but its toy-like looks won't be to everyone's tastes.
When Apple gave birth to the iPod Touch, it should have been the killer fusion of MP3 player and PDA. It wasn't. Fear not though, the guys and gals of the Internet have unlocked the Touch's full potential -- we show you how.
If you've been holding back, now is the time: the second-gen Touch is an excellent media player, and the addition of third-party apps extends the fun for everyone, no matter where your interests lie.
The 2nd gen iRiver Clix offers the perfect blend of hot design, desirable features, and stellar sound quality. If you're looking for an alternative to the iPod Nano, this device should top the list.
fghh
08/07/2005 12:19 PM
That ipod must be the smallest mp3 player in the world. 1.6 mm thick wow!!
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pete
08/07/2005 11:10 PM
Hey, I read this same review on cnet.com, but where is the Cowon iAudio X5? You seem to have omitted it from your re-write of James Kim's review. Just wondering is all.
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Anon
07/08/2005 02:50 PM
Yeah, where's the iAudio X5? It sounds as good, if not better than the Sony... and it's now in stock with most online MP3 retailers as well as many retail stores!
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Ian
07/01/2007 09:56 PM
I am really into my sound quality, and think that the lesser known QoolQee K7 will totally obliterate the line up you have here. This MP3 player doesn't have the standards chips in it, it employs a Wolfson 24 bit DAC and boy does it deliver. I even plugged it into my separates system running through Sugden pre power amps and the sound is still very good.
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Cameron
18/03/2008 02:52 PM
Where did you find the QoolQee? I can't find it anywhere. I am in Australia.
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