Cowon D2 8gb vs. iAudio 7 16gb SQ & Firmware

[mp34me]

Hi I'm trying to decide which of these two to get. A couple of questions:

1. Sound quality - which one is better. Cleaner highs tighter bass?
2. Firmware - which one is more stable?

Thanks

[CrowdAds]

[s.zhao2891]

AFAIK, the D2 and i7 sound really similar. They even go down to the same sound enhancements so I don't think there's much of a distinct difference there. As for firmware, it really depends on which firmware you use with the D2, though they are all stable enough to use despite some having minor quirks. Can't say about the i7, haven't used it before.

[The DarkSide]

Originally Posted by s.zhao2891

AFAIK, the D2 and i7 sound really similar. They even go down to the same sound enhancements so I don't think there's much of a distinct difference there. As for firmware, it really depends on which firmware you use with the D2, though they are all stable enough to use despite some having minor quirks. Can't say about the i7, haven't used it before.

Actually, the 2.54 firmware is VERY unstable so if you do decide to purchase make sure you wait until the next update to see if all (or most) of the bugs are corrected. If you need further info go to the cowon forum here:
http://www.cowonamerica.com/forums/
Or the iAudiophile.net forums here:
http://www.iaudiophile.net/news.php

PS: I am not trying to undermine anyone or say their opinion is invalid but the firmware issue (causing my videos to CONSTANTLY be out of sync) made me finally decide to sell - and it was the sweetest sounding player - besides my sony s618 & I am a loving owner of a Zen (decent sounding but NOT a D2 OR a sony )

[dfkt]

I had issues with 2.54 before, but once I formatted my SD card with the Panasonic formatter and used Tcctool to upgrade from 2.51, all the issues are gone. 2.54 is now as stable as 2.51 for me. No messed up tags or empty file names at all.

2.54 seems to have fixed the video sync issues as well - for me all videos are in perfect sync, even the ones I converted with Badak or SUPER.

[mp34me]

I checked out those links. Looks like both models have issues with shuffle and supporting multiple playlists.

Anyone know of any work arounds for these issues?

Thanks

[The DarkSide]

Originally Posted by mp34me

I checked out those links. Looks like both models have issues with shuffle and supporting multiple playlists.

Anyone know of any work arounds for these issues?

Thanks

The only player that I've had -0- problems w/is the sony S618. And as far as I can tell there is no work around for any problems these players have (being the Zen & D2). The solution lies with the manufacturer as they have to issue firmware updates to solve problems. Sony tends to sell a more stable product that really, for the most part, doesn't need to rely on firmware updates. I do miss the D2 but it drove me bonkers.

[JK98]

AFAIK the Sony models don't allow browsing by folder(very important to me), and don't have a card slot. They also don't support mp3 files below 32 kbps(I listen to many lectures that are at 16 kbps). Why don't many other mp3 players besides those by Cowon allow browsing by folders or by ID3 tags?

[The DarkSide]

Because most people have no use for these features and the majority does rule in the long run. Cowon, as fickle as they are, seem to like to provide a player that appeals to all. Just wish they could do a better job of releasing firmware that doesn't cause more probs than it solves. The iAudio 7 is great and I wish I had bought it instead of the D2. Would have kept me from getting upset over video sync probs and I'd still have the great sound. Also, you did only mention these 2 players and I went off topic - my apologies. Best bet, unless you really need the video feature , is the iAudio 7. stellar player w/FANTASTIC battery life to boot. And great sound quality with all the features you're looking for.