Many audiophiles are not satisfied with the audio quality that many media players deliver-- iPod like devices may only rank barely on the "ok" range. If you are a fellow that demands the highest audio quality possible, well you are in luck--I present to you what may be the most expensive and hopefully superb sounding portable media players.
- FiiO - The company well known for their DAC and AMP.
- X3 - This is the affordable version of FiiO's media players, which sells for a low $200. It can handle 192 kHz /24 bit, has a line out port, coax digital output, headphone output, and
- X5 - The big brother of the X3 is the X5. FiiO claims that it possesses "better audio quality, UI, power, and a better build." The player has a dual-core CPU, supports many popular file formats, usb DAC function, and of course support for 192 kHz / 24 bit . This player is currently priced at about $350.
- Sony - The electronics giant, well known for their Walkman media players.
- NWZ-F886 - Sony's Android powered media player. Of course, the device is packed with features. Currently this player sells for only about $380.
- NWZ-ZX1 - Sony's top of the line Android media player, and is priced at an affordable $750.
- Walkman ZX2 - An Android 4.2 media player. The device is priced at £949.00 which is about $1436.
- HiFiMAN
- HM-601 Slim - Priced at about $199.
- HM-602 Slim - Priced at about $240.
- HM-700 - Priced at $249.
- HM-801 - Priced at $450.
- HM-802 - Priced from $700 to $979.
- HM-901 - Priced at $999.
- Cowon - The company known for handheld players and PMPs (portable media players).
- Z2 Plenue - Cowon's first entry into the Android OS. The device delivers superb audio that can satisfy those with similar taste to those that enjoyed the Cowon S9. The Z2's price is within $250 to $280.
- Plenue 1 (P1) - The latest entry by Cowon offers 192 kHz / 24 bit HD audio, JetEffect 7, 120 dB SNR, and extensive file format support. According to ACTTABLET News the P1 will sell within the range of $1275 to $1337. On eBay this is listed at $1,460. [update: Amazon has it now listed for $1249.99]
- Astell & Kern - The company behind some of the most expensive media players available in the market. The details on these players are far beyond the comprehension of us plebs, I sure hope that the audio quality provides that sweet elixir to the ears.
One more device that is worth mentioning is the PonoPlayer, which has attracted a lot of buzz but remains unreleased--priced was rumored to be $399.
So, are you ready to toss that crappy sounding iPod or Samsung Galaxy Player and are you going to get yourself a "real" music player? Don't forget, you will also need the audiophile-level headphones and you must also ensure that the mastering of the music is done correctly.
So, are you ready to toss that crappy sounding iPod or Samsung Galaxy Player and are you going to get yourself a "real" music player? Don't forget, you will also need the audiophile-level headphones and you must also ensure that the mastering of the music is done correctly.
Other useful info: http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/its-masters-damit
No comments:
Post a Comment