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MRCL
09-03-2009, 11:34 PM
New car, new sound system... and I need music. As I don't have a CD changer, I'd like to hook up an mp3 player to my head unit (via AUX). Now the obstacle I have to face is, which mp3 device to buy. I don't want an iPod, they're nice and all but ridiculously overpriced, at least where I live.

I had an Archos 605 once in my other car, it was pretty good actually. Except accessoirs are rare and pricey - I guess to balance out the cheap price tag on the players themselves. However these things are thief magnets, as my unit got stolen. I might as well buy one again, if I can't find an alternative that is.

Now what to I need in said mp3 player...

- Capaity. Not under 30gigs. 16 is the least I'm going, but only if the player is extremely good. A 120gig iPod Classic is a waste of space. My music library holds ca. 40 gigs.
- Handling. This thing goes in a car, and if I deciede to switch from Laura Pausini to Slipknot on the motorway, it would be nice if its easy to navigate and such. Touchscreen or buttons, I don't care.
- Size. I don't want a device that you have to point with a syringe to hit the desired function. Again, I should be able to operate it while driving.

If anyone knows a good player or can recommend one, I would appreciate that. Price tag is secondary; I'm canny, but I appreciate good quality. And quality > money here.

PS: Google only tried to lure me into shops when searching on this subject, or misunderstood it fully.

Thank you in advance:)
Wile E
09-04-2009, 03:14 AM
I like Cowon players. I have an extensive library of music in flac, and many cowon units play it, and they sound good doing it. Whatever you choose, try to find one with a line level output available. Line level out is better to use than a headphone output because it is cleaner and the levels are already set properly.
From_Nowhere
09-04-2009, 05:29 AM
+ on Cowon. The upcoming Zune HD might be something you'll want to consider as well. The ipod touch (be warned it's a fucking thief magnet) wouldn't be a bad buy either.
MRCL
09-04-2009, 10:10 AM
I like Cowon players. I have an extensive library of music in flac, and many cowon units play it, and they sound good doing it. Whatever you choose, try to find one with a line level output available. Line level out is better to use than a headphone output because it is cleaner and the levels are already set properly.

I heard about Cowon. They seem pretty nice, I'll look into them further. Line level out... does that work with an AUX in from the head unit?

+ on Cowon. The upcoming Zune HD might be something you'll want to consider as well. The ipod touch (be warned it's a fucking thief magnet) wouldn't be a bad buy either.

iPod Touch was my initial thought, but for the price I have to pay here, I can get better. And I see it more as a toy, too.

Edit: So the Cowon D2+ (http://www.itreviews.co.uk/hardware/h2028.htm) would be a good device to buy then? 50 hours of music sound very good, and its reasonably priced AND you can add SDHC cards. So should I go for that one?
Wile E
09-05-2009, 09:59 AM
D2 is a great choice.
MRCL
09-05-2009, 11:07 AM
I ordered the 16gb version. An SDHC card with 16 gigs is a cheaper upgrade than buying the D2+ 23gb from the beginning.
MRCL
09-09-2009, 11:55 PM
It arrived today. I was suprised by the size of it - its tiny! The screen is awesome quailty tho. I'm just curious to see how it works out in a car environment. Gonna get the Line-In adapter tomorrow, if it sounds good, it can stay.