Can't decide which player to get.... Help

[tripletdad]

I am looking to purchase a new MP3/4 player but having real problems trying to figure out which one to get. I keep thinking I have made my mind up, but then see something else which clouds my judgement. I have approx £80 to £90 to spend on the new player, which needs to be at the very minimum 8GB but at this level, will need the option to expand the memory via SD or MicroSD. ideally I would like 16GB inbuilt. The new player needs to have a decent sized screen and have the ability to show JPGs and also allow me to view AVI's/WMV's and also downloads from the BBC Iplayer.

In the last few days, I seem to have it down to a number of various players, and was wondering whether someone could tell me which would best suit my requirements in terms of usability etc.

I have found the Cowon iaudio D2+ DAB 4GB for £85, with the kids buying me a 16GB SD card for fathers day in a few weeks time. It doesnt have the mimum amount of memory inbuilt, however to get the minimuim would put me over my budget.

Sony Walkman S545 16GB Player - has speakers inbuilt which I'm not bothered about, but has 2.4inch screen which would be ideal for viewing photos and watching video clips. However no option for increasing the memory £70 all in.

Sony Walkman E445 - again 16GB inbuilt, no speakers, smaller screen than that of the S545, total cost £83. Again, similar to the S545, there is no option to increase memory

Samsung YPQ1 - not looked into this once as much as I only spotted it this morning on ebay (argos-clearance) for £60 but it looks to be 16GB in built, but no option to add additional memory

Archos 2 Vision 16GB - I did look upon this one at the very beginning, as it is cheap and looks nice, however the further I delved into user reviews, they have seriously put me off. can pick one up for £70

And the less than ideal as I have had one and wasn't entirely impressed, a Sansa Fuze 8GB for £50 and then adding a 32GB Micro SDHC card (if the player will accept it) for an additional £31, so £81 total.

Again, another less than ideal situation would be a Sansa View 16GB, which I can pick up from ebay for £60 (argos-clearance) and then add additional memory via its MicroSD card slot on the side

From what I have read, the Cowon is the most impressive of them all in terms of sound quality, build quality and actual usage of the player, but to get the 16GB inbuilt that I'm after would mean paying out over £130 which I don't have. Any suggestions from the above list or is there something I may have missed and should consider?

[CrowdAds]

[WalkGood]

Of the one’s you mentioned I’d go with the D2, it’s the best of those to fill your requirements, but that’s just my opinion as you are the ultimate decision maker and will have to live with it.

[The DarkSide]

Me, personally, I'd say go for the D2 myself, or the Sony S or E Series Walkman. Both have stellar SQ, and the D2 has the added upgrade of the SD cards (as you've noticed) up to 32gb.

The Q1 has great SQ, but a horrible navigation system, and the Sansa View is poop - not a single firmware update in over a year for the bugger.

As for the Archos Vision - I've only seen it, and I couldn't get it to function. It has terrible battery life, and is actually a re-branded cheap player marketed by Archos, I'd suggest leaving it alone.

As for the Fuze, it's quite the diva here, and on most websites - if you buy that you'll enjoy it as well. I own 1, and have a Sony S639 & X1061 Walkman in the house as well.

Any of these will be great: Sansa Fuze, Cowon D2, Sony E & S Series, but personally I think the D2 is for you (IMO, YMMV).

[tripletdad]

Thanks for the replies so far. I did come to the conclusion the D2 would the the best player for me. The question is should I try and push my budget and go for the 8GB version for an extra £15 more? I have found the 4GB DAB version for £85 and the 8GB DAB for £99

[Marvin the Martian]

Originally Posted by tripletdad

Thanks for the replies so far. I did come to the conclusion the D2 would the the best player for me. The question is should I try and push my budget and go for the 8GB version for an extra £15 more? I have found the 4GB DAB version for £85 and the 8GB DAB for £99

Yes, you should.

[The DarkSide]

I'd say to go w/the highest capacity you can afford, since you never know when the music library might begin to overflow.

Also consider you'll need to get better headphones/iem's after your D2 purchase, as the included buds really suck.

[tripletdad]

I have some CX300's which I bought 18 months ago to replace a set on Sony in ears, so they should do the trick.

[The DarkSide]

Originally Posted by tripletdad

I have some CX300's which I bought 18 months ago to replace a set on Sony in ears, so they should do the trick.

True, that should hold you over for a bit.

Anyways, happy shopping - and please keep us posted as to what you decide to purchase, and what you think after a day or 2 alone w/your new love.

[tripletdad]

Having had a read of a few diufferent forums on ABi, I have spotted a potential problem with any purchase of a new MP3 player and that is these stupid EU rules regarding the volume limiters being place on players these days. Having just updated the OH's sansa fuze, I have experienced the sound level at which these limiters are set , and if i'm honest a flushing toilet drowns the sound out.

Where is this rambling leading to? well, I had a look at the Sony subforum for the S series player and there are plenty of FM's based in the Eu complaining about the volume levels of their players and that even changing the firmware version to one suited to elosewhere in the woprld doesn't affect the sound levels. I have come to the conclusion that Sony players are out of the questionm, and so will the Cowon player, if I cannot find out whether there is a work around to get the sound to a decent level? Believe it or not, I may have to buy an 8GB fuze and add a large MicroSD to it, as there is a simple work around already in pace and it works as I have found out already.

please make me a happy man and tell me that there is a viable workaround for the Cowon as I really don't want to buy a Fuze (I bought the fuze that the OH now has after deciding that I didnt like it)

[The DarkSide]

Go w/a Cowon, and upgrade the FW. When asked region specific question - answer USA. This removes the EU volume cap.

Now, ask further questions in the Cowon section of the forums, you'll get very player specific answers there.

[Dreamnine]

Maybe it's on newer Sonys, but I've yet to experience an EU volume cap on any of my players.

[JK98]

Have any players with a full sized SDXC card slot been announced? 64 GB SDXC cards are already out, however they are very expensive. Until they are much cheaper, one could put a $70 32 GB card in the slot.

[tripletdad]

Thanks for all the advice given. I have just ordered the D2+ DAB 4GB player with a free case for £84. Managed to get some money knocked off which was good.

I will ask further questions in the Cowon D2 sub-forum from now on.