In article <9f77f2dtguc53mgankt9cbbnp6vg5rh19a@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>,
jestrBob<jestrBob@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> I have seen a few ****table Audio devices that play FLAC files.
>
> 20mb version
> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16855603821
> and
> 30MB version
> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16855603827
> all the way up to
> 60MB version
> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16855603827
>
> Does anyone have/use or know anyone that does have this unit?
I would recommend against the X5. From what I've read, it can only
playback FLAC compressed using level 0, 1, or 2 (the least compression),
apparently it doesn't have the processing power to decode levels 3+ on
the fly. Since most shows are torrented at FLAC level 5 or above, not
very useful. Sure you can convert the downloaded FLACs to wav, then
back to barely compressed FLACs, but what's the point? Might as well
get an iPod and do FLAC>wav>Apple Lossless if you're going to have to
transcode anyway. The X5 also records line in, which might come in
handy, but only through a special docking unit and only in MP3 format.
A better choice if you don't mind going used might be an iRiver H120,
H140, (also goes by iHP 120 or iHP 140) or H320/H340. 20/40 refers to
hard drive size, the 100 series has a black and white display while the
300 has color, and the 100 series has digital outputs and inputs but the
300 does not.
The iRiver's stock firmware is pretty pathetic but there is an excellent
open source alternative, Rockbox, that allows playback of FLAC files
(and AAC, as well as the usual MP3 and wav) and turns the iRiver into a
viable field recording device. (The stock firmware has issues with
maximum file size and clicking noises during recording.)
I use my iRiver H120 to tape. For playback I actually much prefer my
iPod mini, smaller and a much nicer interface than any other player I
tried. And seamless integration with iTunes is a big plus for me. But
I'm a fan of the Apple exeperience. The iPod plays Apple Lossless
files, similar to FLAC but not directly compatible, as well as high
bitrate AACs which I find entirely sufficient for ****table use.
I think lossless playback may be overkill for ****table devices. It
depends on the playback environment and the headphones you use, but I
think it's rare that you'll hear a real improvement in real world use.
And lossless files will fill up hard drive space and drain your
batteries much faster. Remember that MP3s/AACs don't need to be limited
to 128 kbps. I find variable bitrate LAME-encoded MP3s using
alt-preset-standard or AACs at 192 kbps are entirely satisfactory for
all of my ****table listening and much of my home listening, only when I
can sit down and really focus on the music with no distractions or
outside noise do I perceive a benefit from lossless audio.
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