The best mp3 player for under $130

[Paulieg]

I'm looking for a new mp3 player, and I won't buy a Ipod, Zune or Creative Zen. I need some opinions on the best mp3 players under $130. Whatever I end up buying has to meet the following criteria: 4-8GB, good-excellent sound quality, compact size, user friendly menu/controls and durability. I could care less about video features etc. I have been looking at models from Cowon and Iriver, but I'm not sure what to buy. Thanks in advance guys.

[tiys]

SanDisk Sansa e280

[cdawall]

creative zen V video i have one it has a OLED you can read across the room! cost $80 for 4gb at frys @ xmas i dont know what it is at now

[Paulieg]

creative zen V video i have one it has a OLED you can read across the room! cost $80 for 4gb at frys @ xmas i dont know what it is at now

As my post indicated, I'm not interested in the Zens. I have one, but in my opinion the sound quality is not very good, and that's using a good set of Sennheiser earbuds.

[cdawall]

As my post indicated, I'm not interested in the Zens. I have one, but in my opinion the sound quality is not very good, and that's using a good set of Sennheiser earbuds.

sorry i only skimmed threw your post. i found mine to sound good on my JVC HA-G770 (pro headphones)

[Paulieg]

sorry i only skimmed threw your post. i found mine to sound good on my JVC HA-G770 (pro headphones)

no problem. Not saying it's bad, I'm just picky....

[InfDamarvel]

Sandisk E280 or E260 w/ somewhat quality headphones if your worried about sound quality.

[[I.R.A]_FBi]

Meizu M6

[tiys]

SanDisk Sansa e280

Hello? :o

[SK-1]

I have a Zune and an iPOD. I like them both but the Zune seems to have better features and is built sturdier. It also seems easier to use the software and I can drag and drop with less problems. Just my 2 cents.

[anticlutch]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855228019

Cowon = automatic win for sound and build quality. Fits within your price range too :)

[Paulieg]

_FBi;663898']Meizu M6

I've been looking at this one, but I've never heard of the brand before. How would you rate the sound quality? Any distortion at high volume?

[Paulieg]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855228019

Cowon = automatic win for sound and build quality. Fits within your price range too :)

Do you have one?

[anticlutch]

Do you have one?

I don't have this player but I do own other DAPs made by the same company (the X5, T2, and D2).

The U5 doesn't pack what Cowon usually puts in to their DAPs (e.g. codec support for OGG, FLAC, etc.) but it does seem to get the job done according to reviews.

You can also try the i7, which is in the same price range but has more features at the cost of some thickness :)

http://www.amazon.com/Cowon-I7-08RD-iAUDIO-Portable-Player/dp/B000TB0RY4

[[I.R.A]_FBi]

I've been looking at this one, but I've never heard of the brand before. How would you rate the sound quality? Any distortion at high volume?

i read 2 review where it wasw rated better than average, a definate deal for its price. Also battery life is great, the reviewers said the controls took some getting used to.

[anticlutch]

Paulieg, the meizu DAP is also another awesome player. I've tried my friend's M6 out and I was pretty impressed since I initially just wrote it off as another copy of an iPod. Sound quality is pretty decent even up at high volumes (only tested it for a few seconds as I usually don't listen to my music too loudly), and the screen is nice and bright for photo/video viewing. The only turn off for me was the likeness to an iPod (easily scratchable silver back and all, if you decide to take off the protective plastic cover)... if it weren't for that and if I were in the market for a new player, the Meizu would definately be a contender :D

[Scrizz]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855228019

Cowon = automatic win for sound and build quality. Fits within your price range too :)

go with that definately ;)

[Paulieg]

I don't have this player but I do own other DAPs made by the same company (the X5, T2, and D2).

The U5 doesn't pack what Cowon usually puts in to their DAPs (e.g. codec support for OGG, FLAC, etc.) but it does seem to get the job done according to reviews.

You can also try the i7, which is in the same price range but has more features at the cost of some thickness :)

http://www.amazon.com/Cowon-I7-08RD-iAUDIO-Portable-Player/dp/B000TB0RY4

Yeah, I was actually looking at the i7. I just don't want something to thick...

[Paulieg]

What about Iriver? Anyone own one?

[WhiteLotus]

if you can afford it the Sony NWZ range. I have one, and i was amazed at the sound, the features and the fact that you only need WMP11 to sync. Its easy to use, and comes with a picture and MP4 player.

[Deusxmachina]

SanDisk Sansa e280

You are correct, sir!

Prices have come down a bit on that and the smaller versions, too. Very nice units, and tiny. AND can play video if wanted.

IF someone wants one more for video, it's hard to go wrong with a Zune. Compared to ipod, big screen, sturdier, cheaper, can you even replace the battery in an ipod? I forget. Ipod sound quality isn't all that great, really. Built-in radio, wireless sync.... yeah, the ipod marketing train annoys me.

There are some alternate choices, but I'd use the Sansa as a benchmark and compare everything else to that. Plus, unlike maybe some others, it has solid third-party support. Third-party support is what enabled mpeg2 to be used on it, actually.

That's the video version, remember. They also make a 4gb Sansa Clip that's just audio, but can't say I've done any homework on it. And I think their other audio-only players are only 2gb. It's worth looking into.

[tiys]

Mine is the 8GB version :)

[Water Drop]

I own a Zune 30GB and a very old iPod, but I'd probably go for the SanDisk e280 if I was looking for a cheap flash based player. I do like the Creative Zen also which you can get in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and even 32GB versions. Checkout the iRiver Clix/Clix 2 also. Theres a Archos flash based player too now but it might be out of your price range.

[Paulieg]

I really don't care about video at all. I just want GREAT audio quality and durability withy compact size.

[Paulieg]

I own a Zune 30GB and a very old iPod, but I'd probably go for the SanDisk e280 if I was looking for a cheap flash based player. I do like the Creative Zen also which you can get in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and even 32GB versions. Checkout the iRiver Clix/Clix 2 also. Theres a Archos flash based player too now but it might be out of your price range.

I was very disappointed with the sound quality on the Zen, especially on higher volume. It just seemed "weak". I need something with much better audio.

[tiys]

The only problem I've had with my e280 is, the screen scuffs very very easily. :mad:

Other than that, it's a uber mp3 player :)

[Paulieg]

I think I've got it down to these 2:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855228010
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855625015

Opinions?

[cdawall]

go with the second one it has a better screen

[tiys]

seconded on the second one :)

[Paulieg]

go with the second one it has a better screen

I agree, it has a better screen. What I'd like to find out is which will have better sound quality.

[DR.Death]

the scandisks are a great player I have had mine for almost a year it’s been drooped spilled hot chocolate on it and it still works its going strong too it will freeze sometimes if it’s cold but it’s simple to fix I would not look at another player

[tiys]

If he's looking at those two, I made a suggestion of one of them.

I would just recommend a SanDisk Sansa e280. Get one at Walmart online. That's where I got mine :D

[anticlutch]

I'd choose the iAudio over the Meizu. Build quality, better sound, etc. It's up to you though :D

[DR.Death]

The only problem I've had with my e280 is, the screen scuffs very very easily. :mad:

Other than that, it's a uber mp3 player :)

ya i have that problem with mine but u don't really see them wile its on only the big ones

[Paulieg]

Ok, this is a month old thread...but I had to post on this. I tested several players, including the Cowon iaudio, MS zune, iriver clix etc. Out of all of them the build quality and sound of the iaudio was by far the best. I was very interested in the Meizu M6 SL (NOT the low end model), but I couldn't test it, as no stores around here carry it. So, I had to decide b/t the iaudio or taking a chance on the Meizu. Well, I'm a betting man, so I ordered the Meizu. I just received it today. WOW. The build quality is equal to the iaudio, and the sound quality is even BETTER, not to mention the screen is excellent. I swear the thing could make my ears bleed before you'd here any distortion when matched with my sennheiser earbuds. Great highs, mids, and lows. Simply amazing, especially for the price. It made my old Creative Zen look and sound like a Fisher Price toy. I don't know about their lower end players, but this is simply the best PMP I've ever used.

[anticlutch]

Good to hear that everything worked out for ya :D

[WhiteLotus]

how much was said player? and what size was it?

[Pinchy]

How does it rate to a sony walkman phone :p

[Paulieg]

How does it rate to a sony walkman phone :p

Well, I have a w300i phone. The sound quality is not even comparable. The Meizu is much better. The player is slightly smaller than a credit card, and about as thick as a CD case. I'm playing around with sound effect settings right now. There is an advanced EQ system called a "Spatiator" which seems really good at fine tuning the sound. I'm still amazed at the sound quality.

[Pinchy]

Ive heard the W300i, wasn't that impressed either.

My SE W800i is pretty good though. I can't put it onto full volume with my sony earphones in as im afraid my eardrums will explode :p

[Paulieg]

Another great thing about this player is that the proprietary software is completely optional. You can use winamp to manage your files, or just drag and drop.

[Paulieg]

Ive heard the W300i, wasn't that impressed either.

My SE W800i is pretty good though. I can't put it onto full volume with my sony earphones in as im afraid my eardrums will explode :p

All I know is that man people believe the Cowons are the gold standard as far as sound quality goes. I'd argue that this M6 SL is slightly better than the iaudio 7 that I tested.

[[I.R.A]_FBi]

i ordered a m6 .. soon reah jamaica, ill tell you how it is ...

[Paulieg]

_FBi;692001']i ordered a m6 .. soon reah jamaica, ill tell you how it is ...

You will be pleasantly suprised. It's a great player. I do suggest you get a better pair of earbuds though, preferably something noise canceling.