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General discussion

Looking for replacement mp3, need recommendation

Jun 4, 2009 7:49AM PDT

Hi All,

I am newly registered, so I apologize for starting another thread on what's probably a well discussed topic.

Many years ago I bought and irver mp3 player- can't remember the model name, but it was before the clix came about. That one is now broke and I need a replacement. My criteria is sound quailty, able to wear comfortably while working out and most importantly, mini usb compatibility so I can connect it to my Alpine head (I use mini usb instead of the auxillary). Because I use the usb connection, all my songs are from amazon.com because they are drm free and in mp3 format (drm's won't play via usb on my headunit). I have been looking at irver again, and the clix 2 seemed to be just what I need- but I can't find on larger than 4gb for sale. Is the clix 2 outdated now? The other irivers seem ok, but not sure they are as good, or are a good choice for working out. Thanks in advance for your comments

S2000FAN

Discussion is locked

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hi
Jun 8, 2009 1:36PM PDT
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The Alpine unit
Jun 11, 2009 3:51AM PDT

I don't know jack about Alpine decks these days, so I wouldn't have a clue as to its level of compatibility with other portable devices. Did you control your old iRiver device from your h/u? Or did you control songs with the controls on the iRiver itself?

This is important because quite a few DAP and PMP devices these days go into a passive mode when connected to a recharging source like a USB port, requiring all data control be done on the h/u. This assumes that the deck can actually UNDERSTAND the attached device. For instance, the JVC h/u in my car has no problems with one of my iPods or a flash drive, but attach a Sony Walkman PMP or a Creative Zen or Zen X-Fi to it through USB and it's helplessly lost. A lot of it has to do with the deck's ability--or inability, as my case may be--in interpreting the operating system and/or storage structure of the portable device. A lot of older devices seemed to be easier to interface, whereas perhaps the added features and complexity to current-day portables seems to have mucked up the data exchange thoroughly.

Even though with both my Walkmans and Zen X-Fi I have drag-n-drop file capability, my deck won't seem them as a connected drive like it would a flash drive. Instead my JVC just seems them as some sort of alien device that it can't understand. Without knowing more about your Alpine, it's hard to give a definitive recommendation on what brands and models of DAPs or PMPs for you to look and listen to.

That said, on the issue of SQ alone, it's hard to go wrong with any Sony S-series player. They're superb sounding, and have a fairly easy-to-use interface. Since they're flash-based, have a relatively petite footprint, and they're lightweight which make them easy to wear. They range in capacity, but I believe the S-series tops out at 8GB. If you want more storage, you'd have to wait for the upcoming X-series (maxing out at 32GB) or consider a NOS model of the now discontinued A-series (though that tops out at 16GB). Jasmine France of CNET seems to think a LOT about the X-series based on a preview model she got to try. It's supposed to be out within the month.

I own the 16GB A829 (for about 10 months) and aside from a nit with the inability to make on-the-fly playlists I couldn't be happier with it. Sony now has that model in limited quantities in some of its Sony Style B&M stores for around $160 these days, about half of what it used to sell for when first introduced. It's great for working out, because it's compatible with stereo Bluetooth headphones (no wires, but perhaps at the cost of questionable SQ). But again, I'd be leery about whether it's going to work with your Alpine.

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replacement mp3 player
Jun 11, 2009 8:15AM PDT

I have the 9887 model, single cd player. It was their top of the line single cd player, until just recently as it was discontinued. I used to control my mp3 player through the h/u- that's what the mini usb is for (there is separate piece of equipment between the usb and h/u, buried under the passenger floor panel). The cable comes through my center console, between the seats. Very nice and easy set up, and I have full control from the h/u.

Alpine has head units that work great for ipods, but I'm an ipod hater so I didn't get one (I really hate the dial). I'll do some more research on the sony players. I have heard Cowon and iriver are the best sounding though. Either way, if the player sounds good and can be connected to a computer via usb instead of some proprietary cable, then I'm fine.

S200fan