Changing ipod to something better

[dave_o]

Hey guys, I was looking at ordering a new mp3 soon to replace my ipod classic. I was originally looking at either the cowan x7 or the j3, but after further reading they have problems with mac osx.
Is there anything else that compares to the cowans in sound quility?
My budget is around 300$
Thanks

[JK98]

How much storage do you want? Do you want it just for music, or for photos and video as well? How much battery life do you need?

[dave_o]

Originally Posted by JK98

How much storage do you want? Do you want it just for music, or for photos and video as well? How much battery life do you need?

I was thinking 60+gb is good, I will be using it just for music. maybe photos no video. I was hoping something with 30+hours of battery.
I think I want something with a flash card instead, just easier on the player from drops.
So what other companies are there that are comparable to cowon.
Thanks

[DSperber]

Originally Posted by dave_o

Hey guys, I was looking at ordering a new mp3 soon to replace my ipod classic. I was originally looking at either the cowan x7 or the j3, but after further reading they have problems with mac osx.
Is there anything else that compares to the cowans in sound quility?
My budget is around 300$
Thanks

While there are lots of stories about problems of compatibility with Mac and J3 (vs. PC and J3), there are also details of exactly how to deal with the problems caused by using the Mac.

For example, this thread over on the iaudiophile.net forum (for Cowon users) should be very helpful. It starts back mid-2010 but the more recent posts provide some real solutions that work to avoid problems.

I'm very limited in my own personal experience, having bought a J3 as my first and only-ever PMP, largely on the recommendations from members of both this ABI forum as well as members on iaudiophile. Also, I use a PC and not a Mac, so I'm not really one to comment on this subject from firsthand experience.

But frankly, the J3 sounds ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! That was my #1 criteria for purchasing a player, and the latest Cowon devices sound absolutely stunning (don't forget about the BBE custom EQ facility). And I am positively thrilled at how it sounds.

My #2 criteria was capacity, and I was looking for a 64GB device. I went with a 32GB J3 and bought a 32GB microSDHC card. Perfect (though now getting a bit tight), for my music collection which is around 57GB. Note that you'll only get about 30GB usable on each the 32GB internal and 32GB external storage once they're formatted with FAT32. You don't actually see 32GB usable. So take that into account in your decision.

And finally, while the stock factory Cowon user-interface is adequate though bare-bones, the set of UCI-replacements by Kizune really makes the J3 (or other Cowon devices) fun and enjoyable to use, not to mention much more attractive to look at and functionally far-superior to what Cowon provided.

Don't discard the Cowon players from your potential list. I don't think you're going to find any other that sounds better.

[TheChipster]

If you don't want to get a Cowon player...a Samsung P3 might fit the bill.

[dave_o]

Well I have done some more research on the cowon, I think I am going to go with the x7. I found out about blueharvest which prevents the transfer of some files that make the cowons not work. Also there are the kizunes ui that look pretty nice adds more features to the x7. I will probably get it at the end of the month when some cash flows in.