Which device to replace my Creative Zen V Plus? (Line-In recorder)

[DAmm]

Hi,

I am looking for suggestions for a replacement for my trusted Creative Zen V Plus. I use it as an everyday mp3 player, but also regularly to record my DJ mixes/demos.
The Zen V Plus has a mini-jack and I just plug the "Rec" out on my mixer in there. I like that!

Here are my criteria:
- Line-In recording a must
- Sound quality (both recording and playback)
- Memory (8GB+) SHDC slot a plus.
- Price
- Size (smaller the better)

No need for big screen, I'm not going to watch any videos. (I already have an Android phone for the games...)

Last time I looked I could only find professionnal handheld recorder or "dictaphone" which were badly over-priced compared to similar "player only" devices. I ended up buying a new Zen V Plus on ebay!


Now the new one is dying out (and I am too lazy to change the battery) so I am thinking that I could move to a less obsolete device...
Suggesions welcome!


Thanks,
DAmm

[Just Some Guy]

Except for the line-in recording, you just described a Clip+.

It does have a microphone that you can record with, but if you want line-in, I'm guessing it for some sort of quality issue.

But yeah, 4 our of 5 makes it a Clip+

[Olley]

Cowon J3 or S9, and you'll need their specific Line-in cable.

[Just Some Guy]

The price might be an issue, seeing how they can get kind of expensive, even for the lower capacity models.

On Amazon, both the S9 and J3 8GB models are going for $180, and they don't have that many in stock. Although, the 16GB S9 is going for only $160ish.

[The DarkSide]

And???

[Just Some Guy]

Well, without knowing his budget, the Cowons might be out of his reach. If he had put a number to that price requirement...

[DAmm]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will look into the Cowon J3 - an extra cable is a pain but there aren't many alternatives, so. My budget is 150-200$ so it should do the trick. The SDHC slot is a pretty big plus IMO.

Unfortunately it looks like Cowon is not distributed in Canada, it will have to wait for my next trip to the US...

[steinburger1109]

Amazon has 8, 16, and 32GB J3s available to be shipped to Canada. The link above is the 8GB model. This is the 16 GB model.

[The DarkSide]

Great find Justin!!!

[DAmm]

Thanks Justin for the link.

However if I buy from amazon.com, the player will be shipped from the US and subject to candian import fees, estimated by amazon at 50$ (which makes sense based on my limited experience).
That's a 25% price increase, not so cool...

[zen4life]

Well now i understand you already bought another zen. But i have a Zen V Plus i am trying to sell. I think you may be in the market for another one.
The middle buttons broken off but you can still use the mp3. It is in pretty good condition other than that. It works, and charges and is currently used by me. It also has its hanging thing on it (dont know what its called) thats connected to the mp3 so that you can hang it around your neck while you lets say walk or jog. Post a reply if your interested. Or if anyone else out there is then feel free to reply.

Firmware version up to date.

Forgot to mention that its 4g.