walkman A845 vs the Cowon J3

[walkmanforever]

I have heard good reviews about both of them.The A845 has been voted the best PMP but the J3 has taken up over the S9 almost in every deficit it had and it's been called as the best sounding PMP available right now.
The A845 has the warm signature sony sound.is it because of the cusomizability of cowon that has gained it much appreciation? i know the BBE is one of the best technologies available now.the J3 might be sounding a bit warm than the S9 but is still cold as compared to the Sony.Anyone got to compare both of them? reply!

[CrowdAds]

[dfkt]

There is no "warm" or "cold" between those players. The A845 has a linear frequency response with average phones, but totally craps out with multi-armature IEMs. The J3 has a slightly rolled off bass response with low-impedance phones, but performs very well in all other aspects. The A845 hisses a lot with most sensitive phones, the J3 is totally silent with any phone.

In general the J3 is a better performing audio player than the A845, and has much better sound enhancements.

Sony A845 RMAA tests
Cowon J3 RMAA tests

[Olley]

If I could find a Sony NWZ-A845 to buy I might test it for you. None available at my favorite sources though. Is it sold in the U.S.?

[lestatar]

Hey Olley, no at the moment, I believe the Sony A series is Japan/Europe only, with only Japan getting the 64GB version for some reason.

[Ghibli]

I seriously considered the J3 when deciding on my A806 replacement, and I regret not actually trying one before plumping for the A846, but in hindsight I wouldn't have changed my mind.
The J3 is really not easy to find here, and the 32GB model I was eyeing is even more unheard of. Cowon support is consequently almost nonexistent.
In Sony's favour, the A840 is really a delicious piece of industrial design, and I must say I'm hooked on the noise-canceling. I can't afford to buy a better set of earphones right after splurging on a DAP, so the A840's bundled cans really helped.

[Ascariss]

Originally Posted by lestatar

Hey Olley, no at the moment, I believe the Sony A series is Japan/Europe only, with only Japan getting the 64GB version for some reason.

64gig version will be available this september in europe.

[bob123]

I have both players - I am in New Zealand where they are selling the A845.

Although I prefer the look, feel and UI on the A845, the J3 wins hands down on SQ. Although the SQ difference is I think down to the BBE and the huge number of EQ options on the J3 - there isn't really much of a difference between the players when the EQ is turned off. Beware though that because there are so many options it takes a few hours of playing around with the J3's EQ to get the sound just how you want it. But at least the J3 lets you do that.

I wish Sony would include more EQ options like the Cowon. I still prefer Sony players in general but the SQ on the J3 has meant I rarely use the A845 now.

Happy to answer any questions.

[lestatar]

Bob123, lucky guy!

Thanks for the feedback on 2 [top] players. How about posting some pics of your sweet gear so the rest of us can drool? :-D

[Xinz]

Ghibli - You sure its hard to find locally?

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/sh...7&postcount=34

[Ghibli]

Originally Posted by Xinz

Ghibli - You sure its hard to find locally?

Definitely harder than any Sony model, and even rarer back in May when I bought my A846.
And even if you've found one, good luck with after-sales support...

[rickysio]

Farle in Funan also carries Cowon products.