[GMP3 FULL REVIEW] Creative Zen X-Fi 2

[lebellium]

Hi, here is my gmp3 review of the Creative Zen X-Fi 2

It's in french but maybe the google translation could help you (a little bit )
http://labo.generationmp3.com/2010/0...ve-zen-x-fi-2/
Google translation

Rating: 2,5/5

Pros:

• Audio quality and various supported formats
• Video with Zero conversion support
  
• UMS/MSC
• Easy interface
  
• Standard mini-USB
  
• MicroSD Slot
  
• In-Ear Earphones Creative EP-630 included
  
• Applications development
  
• External Speaker

Cons:

• Interface not smooth
  
• Touch sensibility
  
• Finish
• No tactile button
  
• Gain fall with EQ
  
• X-Fi performance and quick popping
  
• Battery life
  
• No folder navigation
  
• Screen quality
  
• No RDS and recording for FM radio
  
• Useless features (contacts, calender, tasks)
• MicroSD integration
  
• Transfert rate
  

You Tube

You Tube

You Tube

You Tube

[CrowdAds]

[ThievingSix]

To each their own I suppose.

[eboyer93]

Originally Posted by lebellium

Hi, here is my gmp3 review of the Samsung X-Fi 2

I didn't know Samsung made the ZEN X-Fi2, LOL

[lebellium]

Indeed! I did not know either

[badazzmofo]

after looking at your video, i see that you're using your thumb on the pad which would explain your reponsiveness problems, try other fingers that arent so big.

i dont disagree with most the cons and many of them could be fixed by some genius firmware hacker ( calling all firmware hackers ), but i like this little player despite its faults.

it's got better sound quality than that samsung you're comparing it with and that's really the most important thing.

btw, what does quick popping mean?

[lebellium]

I use all players the same way with same fingers so I can compare them all and this touch screen is the worst I've ever seen, whatever the fingers used.

And I hope you're joking very very much for sound quality Oo

Maybe popping is not the good word. Is "sound saturation" better?

[a_tumiwa]

WOW! so many videos and photos, u need how long to create this review?

[badazzmofo]

in regards to your sound claims, are you talking about sound quality of flac files, or sound quality of mp3s?
my x-fi2 sounds very crisp with flac files...i dont use clunky old mp3s.
could you please post the spectral analysis from your sound tests?

in regards to your touchscreen problems, did you update your firmware to the latest?
that fixes most all touchscreen problems.

there's also the fact that since it is a resistive screen, you have to learn how to use it and it takes a while.

[lebellium]

Originally Posted by a_tumiwa

WOW! so many videos and photos, u need how long to create this review?

I usually need between 2 weeks and 1 month to complete a review.
I got the Zen X-FI 2 just before Christmas

Originally Posted by badazzmofo

in regards to your sound claims, are you talking about sound quality of flac files, or sound quality of mp3s?
my x-fi2 sounds very crisp with flac files...i dont use clunky old mp3s.
could you please post the spectral analysis from your sound tests?

in regards to your touchscreen problems, did you update your firmware to the latest?
that fixes most all touchscreen problems.

there's also the fact that since it is a resistive screen, you have to learn how to use it and it takes a while.

I test the sound quality with MP3 VBR V0 and FLAC, my ears, and my UE Super.fi 5PRO
On generationmp3 we test the sound quality with earphones and our ears, not with spectral analysis, that is a complete non-sense to use mathematic tools for a personal feeling
And the result of my tests you can read in the poor google translation is that the normal sound is very good, I cannot hear a difference with the Cowon S9 or the Samsung P3/M1. So as good but obviously not better than Samsung or Cowon.
And as regards EQ and sounds effetcs (X-Fi), that's obviously worse than on Samsung and Cowon players

If you had read the review or viewed the youtube video, you would know that I reviewed it with the latest firmware v1.11.01
And the touch screen still remains bad. It's a shame for such a famous and good brand.

And I know how to use resistive screens, I own a Nokia 5800XM.

[badazzmofo]

hmmm.

my screen seems fine.

i'd agree about the eq and sound effects....those are firmware issues and are fixable as time goes on. unfortunately, the dev team at creative is really lazy.
you also have to realize that the others you compared it with have been out longer and they've had longer to fix the bugs.

in regards to testing based on personal feeling, personal feeling can be subconsciously altered by your personal brand preferences. you interpret it as better sound because you like the player better and your mind makes it so without you knowing it.
that's why we have spectral analysis.

im not trying to trash on your ears, im just stating fact....and im curious to see some more solid data regarding sound comparison.

[a_tumiwa]

if you love that spectral analysis data, then ipod is one of the best !!

its no doubt that many people here would choose Cowon/Samsung over Creative for sound quality.
i dont have x-fi2, but i doubt the sound quality can good base on my experience with more than 5 models of older creative

[badazzmofo]

I've always understood that spectral tests of ipods rate them really low