Looking for a new MP3 Player (specific qualities wanted)

[Juniper]

I've been searching for a new MP3 player. The one I have is an insignia and I've been using it for years (it was a gift) but have always disliked many of its features (or lack thereof).

I have looked into the Zune line, IPods, Creative Zens, etc, and the only thing I decided is I definitely do not want an Ipod. When it came to the other devices, the reviews vary so much, that there seems to be deal breakers on all of the ones I've been excited about, and after months of searching, I feel I've become numb to them all.

So I'm hoping if I describe the features I am looking for, I could get some specific advice on which player to go toward.

First, I want great sound quality. I plan on buying high quality head phones, and want the player to be able to keep up, and I need 8GB + of space, preferably 16GB+.

Secondly, I'd like an FM radio, with record-ability.

Thirdly, battery longevity (I would like around 24 hours with normal use. I realize all batteries lose charge as the months go by, but some hold it better than others. So if possible the ability to replace the battery would be a bonus).

I also am looking for a player that I can hook up to my computer and not have to use specific software. I do not want to use iTunes or Window Media Player (I detest them both). I use an old, free version of Winamp, so it would be a plus if it would sync with that, (but not necessary). I've already ripped almost all of my CDs over the years to my computer and portable hard drives, so all I want to do is drag and drop my files onto the player. I purchase all my media, and would really prefer not to deal with compatibility issues. Ability to create customizable playlists is a must. (I remember having to rename all my music files so they were in the order I wanted them on my Insignia - drove me crazy).

And a few things that I would like to have (although not completely necessary): microphone port (and/or very good built in microphone for recording speech), great video support (decent sized screen, rather have it be small and clear, than large and ugly) so I can watch videos without them being pixellated or freeze up on me, multiple file type support (mp4, mp3, avi, wav, ogg, midi), and please not a ton of software glitches, I've had my fair share of returning tech items, and would love to get an mp3 player I don't have to replace in the first week.

Things I don't care about are the size/thinness of the device, whether it scratches easily or not, color, or overall sleek look. None of these matter in the slightest to me. Price is a consideration, but I wouldn't disregard a device because of price, if it has everything I'm looking for.

I hope I haven't described an MP3 players that doesn't exist. I'm just looking for a high sound quality, music, video, recording device, that doesn't try to control how I use it. I look forward to hearing all opinions on players that may meet my expectations. Thank you so much for your time and advice, in advance.

[CrowdAds]

[ultrauber]

There's actually lots that will fit your requirements. If you can lose the video support, the sansa fuze will be great. it comes in up to 8gb, but you could add an up to 32gb micro sd card. maybe a bit lower battery life. That would be your budget option. But if you were willing to spend a lot, you could get the cowon j3, which is the new model of the cowon s9. I don't know the j3, but the s9 does everything you want, it comes in 8, 16, and 32gb. I think the j3 will go up to 32 or 64 later, but I'm not sure if those sizes are available now. the j3 takes micro sd as well, i think. check the forum for it and you can find that out.

[Xinz]

What screen size are you looking at?
I'll agree with the above, codecs support usually is Cowon's players forte

[Juniper]

Screen size, at least 2 inches + I would think. I have good eyes, and don't need an amazing screen, but I'd like one that will play videos easily.

I looked at the sansa fuze, but I saw a review that mentioned it only records speech if it is right up to your mouth. I would need the recorder to be able to capture a soft voice at least 5 feet away. Its for recording lessons.

The Cowon s9 looked interesting, someone mentioned that these devices treat music like files (which is great for me - even though I think they meant it as a detriment). I read someone mention playlist and navigation issues. Do you find this to be true? The j3 seems to be better, but how new is it? I would prefer to purchase something that is tested by consumers for at least 6 months. Also, I like touch screens, but I find them to be troublesome sometimes. I might want to go for a player that has actual button controls.

[skip252]

There's a number of players out that come close to what you describe. The Sony S545 almost fills all of your criteria. The need for conversion to specific formats seems to be the thing that would disqualify it. However the player I'm saving towards right now seems a perfect fit. The Cowon iAudio i9.

As I do not have this player yet I wouldn't be able to give it a personal recommendation but members whose opinion I respect seem to be happy with theirs. Enzo has done a review here. I'd give that a read and check back to see what an actual owner has to say if you have any questions. I'm sure one will come along sometime in the near future.

And... Welcome to ABI

[Juniper]

Originally Posted by skip252

And... Welcome to ABI

Thanks! Glad to be here.

I read the review you posted. I like what I've heard about the three Cowon products recommended so far. Its nice to hear the sound quality has no complaints. A little worried about the lack of a MicroSD slot on the iAudio i9, and someone mentioned problems playing avi files?

I definitely would love the idea of arranging playlists on the player, or if the player recognizes folders as playlists that's good too.

[skip252]

As I said I don't own the i9. I'm not that familiar with the actual use of it, including on the fly playlists. You'll need to get feedback from someone who owns one.

I did see your post concerning recording. I've owned several players that have a recording feature. None of them had the ability to capture a soft voice from 5 ft. away. That would require a a decent microphone and a microphone-in jack. I don't know of any player that has that.

With the players I'm familiar with voice recording is a side feature to catch a quick note not a main feature. That may be different on the Cowons but looking at the specs I doubt it.

[Juniper]

The recording would be great, but again, not an absolute must, if everything else is there. I currently use my phone to record audio (samsung eternity), and sometimes record from about 3 feet away, and occasionally lose words. I'd love to find something with a microphone-in jack (but again, that would be the icing on the cake and I wouldn't sacrifice other features for it).

Well, it seems I'm leaning toward either the Cowon J3 or iAudio i9. Both seem great (from what I've been reading here and the info on the JetAudio site), just trying to figure out if its worth spending the extra $100 for the J3.

This is a fantastic website, very glad I found it.

[lestatar]

Hey Juniper, welcome to ABi...

I looked at the i9 myself a little while back. Definitely a slick, sexy player. But the turn off for me was the touch controls - I prefer tactile, but YMMV.

Indeed, for a lower cost alternative, the Sony S545 fits almost all your criteria.

But for sure, the J3 is the deluxe, big boy player to have at the moment for many people. People I trust are saying it is the best Cowon player ever, which automatically makes it a contender for best player out there. But indeed, it is pricey...

cheers and good luck! Do let us know what you choose...
-lestatar

[The DarkSide]

I luv me J3 - it's my fav!!!

[EggyCuppy]

from my experiance you would be better off getting a seperate recorder, you can find them cheap that will record from quite a distance without problems, the thing is, most mp3 players dont really have a great mic for that kinda thing, its just for "quick notes" kinda thing.

I have grabbed a few cheap recorders off chinese sites that worked great, its best to sick to ones that use AA or AAA batts tho, the 2 I had that used internal batts ended up having the batts die with in a year, replacing the internal bat was more then just ordering a new device so you know where those ended up.

That being said, the Cowon j3 covers the rest of your requests.

budget option as others said is the sansa fuze with rockbox, you would have to convert your videos to mpeg format but thats a fast process on any simi modern computer.

Avoid the zune,zen and most other common devices.

One other possible option would be to wait for the samsung galaxy S PMP to come out and see if you can snag one.

hell you could just grab the galaxy S and use that, from what a friend of mine who has one says its a great phone AND great audio player(he sh!t canned his iphone 4 for it after all)

[WindSpear]

we must have enzo full j3 review!! im also peering into that very sexxy player, but yeah as eggy said u could wait for the samsung galaxy S..without the phone..i've always adored samsungs audio quality and sound enhancements, all though alot of the time might loose some quality with the bass, but the sound overall is very good. and their screens are usually top notch