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[7imz]

I know there's been a lot of mp3 player threads lately... here's one more . I'm just confused about which of the three to get? Everybody (on this board) seems to be complaining about the quality of sound on the ipod min. I don't know how the sound quality of rio carbon measures or how it's performance in general is and as for creative zen it seems to have better sound quality but the controls seem crappy. Please advise.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

ipod mini is a ripoff. for $50 more you can get 4X the space with a regular 20 gig ipod, which isn't that big itself.

 

[Tabris]

Yeah, the iPod mini's aren't worth it imo. Get a 20GB iPod if you care about style and size.

If you don't, get those other one's

 

[Hollywood]

Creative Zen Micro I plan on buying this week at Best Buy ... it seems like a solid MP3 player, and should practically all my CD's on it.

 

[Doth Togo]

Creative Zen Micro.

 

[DECK'ARD]

iPod Mini is a bit more appealing since the 6GB one came out, as the 4GB one is now $199. So that's $100 cheaper than the 20GB iPod.

I'd go for the iPod Mini over the other 2, because of ease-of-use/iTunes etc. But if you have the extra money I'd go for a regular iPod. With any mp3 player, you always end up wanting more space ...

 

[BTMash]

I ended up going for an ipod mini over the other 2 choices (it was $80 cdn cheaper than if I wanted to go for the closest 20 gig competitor and a $100 cdn difference if I wanted an ipod 20gig) and I have not regretted the decision in the least. While the sound *could* use some improvement, I think it sounds great (to note: I use another pair of earbuds that I own). Its going to depend on what you want from your player. Do you want ease of use? Do you want something with great sound? Do you want something that you can use while working out? Do you want there to be other features on the player (like recording, fm, etc)? The list goes on and on.

Tell us more about what you are looking for from the player so we can help you better with it.

 

[Winged Creature]

apparently the zen micros arent that good for working out, the guys at www.head-fi.org have found alot of issues with the micro when working out and less with the mini

 

[7imz]

I ended up going for an ipod mini over the other 2 choices (it was $80 cdn cheaper than if I wanted to go for the closest 20 gig competitor and a $100 cdn difference if I wanted an ipod 20gig) and I have not regretted the decision in the least. While the sound *could* use some improvement, I think it sounds great (to note: I use another pair of earbuds that I own). Its going to depend on what you want from your player. Do you want ease of use? Do you want something with great sound? Do you want something that you can use while working out? Do you want there to be other features on the player (like recording, fm, etc)? The list goes on and on.

Tell us more about what you are looking for from the player so we can help you better with it.

I want something that sounds good. I'm not exactly an audiophile but the way everybody here talks about the sound quality of the ipod mini, I figured it's pretty much shit. I also want a long battery life. As for something to use while working out, I don't need anything of the sort.

edit: I'm mostly going to use when studying, taking bus/subway or travelling in general.

 

[Winged Creature]

I want something that sounds good. I'm not exactly an audiophile but the way everybody here talks about the sound quality of the ipod mini, I figured it's pretty much shit. I also want a long battery life. As for something to use while working out, I don't need anything of the sort.

then go with the micro or the karma, both have great EQ so the sound can be tailored to your needs. The mini sounds great with EQ off its a very neutral sound, but with it the EQ the sound just goes to hell, the EQ of the mini distorts the sound like crazy.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

The Rio Carbon is actually a nice player, and recently was named the best of the microdrive players, being bested only by the larger iPods, but higher then the iPod mini. The Rio players have great sounds, tons of features, and nice capacity. I've got the Rio Karma, and absolutely love it. Better sound, and more features then the iPod.

 

[DECK'ARD]

The sound-quality issues with iPods are way overblown, they sound fine (I'm not a fan of the EQ settings either though). Especially for a device you are most likely going to be listening to with earbuds, which no matter what make or player you choose do not offer ideal sound-quality. You can always swap to in-ear ones if you want better sound and more bass, just try and not get run-over when crossing the road ...

Battery life on the new Minis is also very good, up to 18 hours I think.

 

[MrPing1000]

The Rio Carbon is actually a nice player, and recently was named the best of the microdrive players, being bested only by the larger iPods, but higher then the iPod mini. The Rio players have great sounds, tons of features, and nice capacity. I've got the Rio Karma, and absolutely love it. Better sound, and more features then the iPod.

yay rio karma 4 teh win

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

yay rio karma 4 teh win

Karma rocks. And they've really come down in price. You can find them online for under $200 now easily. 20GB of storage, tons of features, a dock. Go for a Karma if you can afford it.

 

[Winged Creature]

Karma is easily the best sounding player on the market due to its EQ, but it has some hD issues

 

[Memles]

Battery life on the new Minis is also very good, up to 18 hours I think.

Mine runs about 18, although they technically are more over than under, I think.

I purchased a Mini because I used iTunes to store and listen to my music on my computer anyways, and don't really care about song quality. The battery life is great, I don't need something large, and I love using iTunes.

But, since I lack psychic capabilities, this is really not a decision anyone can make for you...I don't have a discerning ear in terms of audio quality so I am of no help.

 

[Kung Fu Jedi]

Karma is easily the best sounding player on the market due to its EQ, but it has some hD issues

True. There were some hard drive issues when it first came out. Not sure if they ever ironed their quality control. But I bought mine the day they hit stores, and have had no problems with it at all. I even run with it all the time. But yes, there have been quality issues with some early Karmas.

 

[MrPing1000]

I accidently dropped my karma right on the wheel a few months ago snapping it off, resecured it after some glue issues (its now super strong, stronger than how it originally is and works properly) but i accidently broke my hold button. Whoopsy. Its actually possible to fix it but I think I'll stay out out my karma I can live without hold tbh

 

[Lil' Dice]

I like my 6gig iPod mini, it's perfect for what i use it for, working out, drawing and listening to it while at work. It's extremely sturdy, and feels really solid and well crafted.
I think the sound issues are overblown as well, however iPods do come with shitty earphones which some may mistake for poor sound coming from the unit. I suggest you invest in a set of powered headphones if you need your music to emit at eardrum shattering decibles.

Apple is a trusted and well suported brand when it comes to these devices, it's amazing how many add-ons and peripherals there are for these things. You can find iPod accessories at liquor stores nowadays.

 

[7imz]

well, it looks like i'm getting the rio, not sure if carbon of karma (can't find karma anywhere online - i'm in canada)... thanks a lot for the help people