OT: Finally...A Worthwhile MP3 Player (really long)

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 4:41 pm

DivotMaker wrote:
dbdynsty25 wrote:Listen to that player for a while then go listen to someone's iPod...I trust you will be very happy with your decision.
I have done just that and I am quite happy with my decision...thanks!

Well congrats to you too then.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 4:58 pm

DivotMaker
PostPosted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 2:25 pm Post subject:
Congrats on the purchase! I almost purchased one, but CompUSA and most retailers where I am were out of them when I bought my iPod video. I am also hopeful you won't have anyone try to make you feel stupid for buying one...

pk500
PostPosted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 2:52 pm Post subject:
Enjoy it, Diablo! I'm more than pleased with my Creative Zen Xtra 40 GB. In fact, I was just working on transferring some more songs to the player that I "obtained" recently.

dbdynsty25
PostPosted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 3:01 pm Post subject:
Congrats Diablo...good choice. Listen to that player for a while then go listen to someone's iPod...I trust you will be very happy with your decision.

Thanks fellas. Mucho thanks to this thread for giving me solid advice. Now...off to installing this bad boy

Is the software that comes with the player decent? I always used WMP with my other player.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 5:05 pm

Diablo25 wrote:
Thanks fellas. Mucho thanks to this thread for giving me solid advice. Now...off to installing this bad boy Is the software that comes with the player decent? I always used WMP with my other player.

I would follow PK's advice in the post below...

http://www.digitalsportspage.com/module ... 774#136774

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 5:49 pm

Thanks again. I just purchased that software...looks super.

Gangrel · Post by **Gangrel** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 6:42 pm

Ok, I have a few questions as I've been toying around with the idea of an MP3 player myself.

I have around 3 or 400 CDs, so I was wondering if the 40GB Zen Xtra would hold them all at 192KBs? Which leads me into my other questions... to my ear, 192 KBs seems to be close to CD quality and still small sizes. Am i correct in thinking this, or do most people use 128?

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 8:00 pm

If those 400 CD's have around 10 songs each, that's 4,000 songs. If you encode them at 192 kbps, you'll have enough room with a 40 GB. I have 5,500 songs on my 40 GB, probably 65/35 between 128-160 and 192 and higher, and I have around 10 GB left.

As for bit rate, 192 is pretty much the minimum I'll use these days. When I first started in the merry MP3 universe around three-and-one-half years ago, I used 128. I was worried that I wouldn't have enough room on my 20 GB player, and 128 seemed to be the standard on most file-sharing networks back in 2002-04.

But 192 is more of the standard now, and I definitely can tell the difference between 128 and 192 in most cases.

If you "obtain" your music like I do, you're at the mercy of the seeder when it comes to bitrate. But if you're "obtaining" a popular album or track that's seeded by many people, then always try to get files at 192 or higher if you care about sound quality. I'll look for 256 kbps at times for some techno and classic jazz stuff if I can find it.

This is all in MP3 format, by the way.

Take care,
PK

Badgun · Post by **Badgun** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 11:02 pm

LOL! "Obtain"

Gangrel · Post by **Gangrel** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 12:54 am

Thanks for the info PK. I know the ads say "5,000 songs" or whatnot, but I always prefer the real-world numbers.

Kinda like the manufacturers numbers on gas mileage on cars....

Nozzleman_216 · Post by **Nozzleman_216** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 1:26 am

CONGRATS On your purchase Divot. Same player the wife let me pick out for Xmas

I am loving it VERY much! Its also my first player so I am learning lots as I go. I have yet to get the redchair software as so far I am having little problems with what I am doing. Then again, once I get some more content I think it will be nice to have it. I am using the Rhapsody to go service and I am doing OK keeping up with the music I have downloaded so far. I need to go back and read what all I can do with redchair now that I somewhat know how to use my player. It may be easier to transfer music though it compared to the Rhapsody software (powered by real player)

Lots of good info in this forum for all newbs such as myself. Now if I could just get the hang of newsgroups and all that podcasting stuff LOL

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 10:08 am

What the hell is the secret to charging the battery on the Zen Micro? I have it plugged into the USB like the instructions say and its charging but its been hooked up well over 12 hours and it still isn't fully charged. Says in the instructions it will only take 3 hours to fully charge. Am I missing something? My guess is its a first time charge thing.

Nozzleman_216 · Post by **Nozzleman_216** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 11:36 am

not sure man, the first time I charged it I used the wall charger (mine came with it) and it took roughly 3 hrs. Maybe a little less. One thing I think I noticed is that it seems when I am hooked up USB it never shows the fully charged Icon in the battery meter. I am not sure if its something I missed or what. I dont't think you have a problem. If you have the wall charger ( you probably should have gotten one as Creative is giving them away with the 5gb package) try it out. I will keep an eye on mine with the usb hooked up. Only other thing I can think of is make sure its off. I can't imagine the player being on would slow it down charging that much but who knows!

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 11:47 am

SEMINOLE wrote:not sure man, the first time I charged it I used the wall charger (mine came with it) and it took roughly 3 hrs. Maybe a little less. One thing I think I noticed is that it seems when I am hooked up USB it never shows the fully charged Icon in the battery meter. I am not sure if its something I missed or what. I dont't think you have a problem. If you have the wall charger ( you probably should have gotten one as Creative is giving them away with the 5gb package) try it out. I will keep an eye on mine with the usb hooked up. Only other thing I can think of is make sure its off. I can't imagine the player being on would slow it down charging that much but who knows!

I didn't get the wall adapter with it so I'ven been using the USB cord. The "still charging" icon just keeps flashing. If I unhook it I'm only getting 2 of 3 bars in with the battery icon.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 11:22 pm

Still trying to figure out what the deal is with charging...but damn this thing is SWEET. Plenty of volume, nice menu system, etc. The Red Chair software (Notmad) that PK recommended is money. Super for editing tags, etc. It stomps the bundled software. I just finished uploading 3.5 GB of tunes and it went flawlessly. I really am surprised at the sound quality. Great investment.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:24 pm

Quick question for anyone who has a Creative Zen Micro Player. As I stated above, I'm having trouble charging mine via the USB. There wasn't an AC adapter bundled with mine but I do have an adpater that looks like it works with the player. Its a 12VDC output, 120VAC input adapter. I don't want to use it if its going to harm the player. I guess my question is...what are the specs on the power adapter that came bundled with anyone's Creative Zen? Much appreciated!

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:35 pm

Doby:

Did you get my PM reply to yours? Sorry, didn't have any answers to your power problem, though!

Take care,
PK

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 3:47 pm

pk500 wrote:Doby:

Did you get my PM reply to yours? Sorry, didn't have any answers to your power problem, though!

Take care,
PK

Yeah, I got it. I'll figure it out.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 4:34 pm

Well, I think I just solved my recharging problem. I found and ordered the power adapter that wasn't bundled with my player. Once this gets here I'll be set.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 10:04 am

10spro wrote: Yeah, they are a bit pricey but it's an alternative to those ipod owners that don't want to buy another MP3 player & like you say, the tripod is abit cheaper with a great range of sound too. The QC2's are great for travelling.

Just picked up the TriPort headphones and they are phenomenal. I had some Jensen and JVC noise cancelling headphones prior to this pair and they simply do not compare to the TriPorts for SQ and comfort. I actually find that the TP's cancel more noise than the previous sets even though it is not marketed as a NC product.

The TP's have also dramatically improved the SQ of the iPod video as well. I was happy with the SQ before, now I am ecstatic with this current combination. Like db, I am also not interested in the QC2 phones for $300. I am pretty sure that I won't see another $150 worth of value over what I have now....

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 10:13 am

I think DB's Sony MP3 player is being discontinued at Target, so be on the lookout for some sweet clearance deals on it. Saw one with the red tag on it, but it was only about $20 off at that point, but the % off will increase as long as they stick around.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Sat Feb 04, 2006 2:51 pm

Unfreakingbelievable....

http://news.com.com/2061-11199_3-6034391.html

This world is going to hell on a greased skid....F'ing idiots....

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Sat Feb 04, 2006 6:24 pm

I'm suing Microsoft over the XBox 360, so I can't really judge anyone suing Apple because they like to listen to their iPod set to 11...

You see, since the XBox 360 arrived, I've gained 5 lbs. This additional weight is threatening my health, my marriage, and my income. Co-workers look at me funny, my wife won't sleep with me, and I can feel my arteries hardening.

NO WHERE ON THE BOX, NOR IN THE PACKAGING DOES IT WARN YOU THAT THE XBOX 360 WILL MAKE YOU FAT.

That's just not right. It turns out (a surprise to me) that playing videogames is a sedentary activity, and therefor can encourage the body to convert 3 gallons of mayonaise (which I love to eat straight, with a spoon) into FAT. It seems irresponsible for Microsoft not to note this with a LARGE RED, preferably FLASHING warning on the front of the console or on my TV when I power it on.

Some may argue that it's my choice of activities, eating habits, and the time I devote to playing games that's truly responsible, but this is AMERICA. I'm only responsible for the GOOD things I do, the BAD is ALWAYS someone else's fault. I say here today, thank god for tort attorneys!

Thanks for your support.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Sat Feb 04, 2006 8:18 pm

That's a reflection of iPod's success. Lawyers will want to hunt for deep-pocket targets. And then you have the record companies saying Apple is using iTunes sales to help sell iPods so they should get more per track or a cut of iPod revenues. That is the way the world works though.

On earphones or head phones, I went for the in-ear types and found I can't do without them on flights. The probably don't shut out as much noise as active noise-cancelation but they do well enough. Lost one bud on a trip and was desperate to find a replacement before my return trip.

Now I carry extras or the full kit that came with my Ultimate Ears. Bose did sound good but generally don't like the Bose sound. Too processed. Plus you have to deal with battery life on active noise-cancellation not to mention the bulk.

The newer planes seem to be coming more commonly with personal entertainment systems and they take normal plugs so you can use your headphones rather than the ones they give you or sell you.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 7:03 pm

Well my Sony Mp3 player didn't survive the move. I have no idea where it is or where it went. So I had to go pick up something else (I know, not exactly twisting my arm). Cowon, my favorite MP3 player providor came out with their new IAudio 6 player and it is legit. I had the 1GB player called the U2 and it was tight...I just wanted some more capacity and at the time Cowon didn't have a player that wasn't HUGE. That has changed now with the 4 GB IAudio 6. Have had it for about a week and I freakin' love it. Cowon still has the best sound quality without a doubt in my mind. It's shorter, but thicker than the Nano...but like I said, it sounds a hellova lot better...has a line in recorder, FM Radio (which you can record as well) and it does everything the Nano does, movies, pictures, text files, etc. It's really an impressive package. Gotta love OLED screens too...

Here is the link to their site...

http://www.cowonamerica.com/products/iaudio/6/

jLp vAkEr0 · Post by **jLp vAkEr0** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 8:40 am

Isn't $249 a bit much for a 4gig player?

I gave my old Creative Nuvo to my gf and I'm currently shopping for a new MP3 player.

Kazuya · Post by **Kazuya** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 9:39 am

jLp vAkEr0 wrote:Isn't $249 a bit much for a 4gig player?

I gave my old Creative Nuvo to my gf and I'm currently shopping for a new MP3 player.

It's a premium player... if you were happy with the Muvo you can probably do better value-wise. I know somebody who got one a couple months ago... it's a nice little player. I won a Nano at the Christmas party last year and it would be hard to say which is better. I wouldn't really compare it to the Nano though, because it's not a flash player and because of the video playback on the Cowon. It's competing more as a smaller version of the multimedia units. And compared to those, it's very small and slick.