MP3 Player and Desktop Stereo Recommendations?
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good info. battery life isn't going to be a major concern for me (since i intend to run it 100% off of AC at work), but i do hope to travel with it ala an adapter for my Alpine... knowing i had a full trip's worth of battery...
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From: Tallahassee, FL
Yeah, you might want the iRiver as it also incorporates an FM tuner, incase you want news or NPR or something like that at work. I can only listen to so much constant music.
As far as I know, there is no adapter for the iRiver, other than an FM modulator, but I am sure you can fashion some sort of RCA-AiNet connection. You would just have to physically use the iRiver (or whatever mp3 player you get, short of an iPod).
Another thing is that I need a voice recorder for my business, so it would fill to things at once, and I could probably write it off under the business, as most GOOD voice recorders are around $100-150.
John
As far as I know, there is no adapter for the iRiver, other than an FM modulator, but I am sure you can fashion some sort of RCA-AiNet connection. You would just have to physically use the iRiver (or whatever mp3 player you get, short of an iPod).
Another thing is that I need a voice recorder for my business, so it would fill to things at once, and I could probably write it off under the business, as most GOOD voice recorders are around $100-150.
John
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Originally Posted by PJK3,Sep 13 2005, 05:10 PM
well, as some of you know, i just changed jobs/companies. i've moved from the land of contract engineering to a direct hire position with a major refining/chemical company. i'm still in the same line of engineering, but married to the company vs just whoring for a pimp... 
now to the point, their IT is about 100x's more strict, so no more playing MP3's off the company PC.
i'm looking for two things: an MP3 player and some sort of desktop stereo.
for the MP3 player:
-it's got to be able to hold my collection and have some room to grow, so 20 GB is a minimum.
-i want a good easy to use interface that let's me build playlists and easily navigate, and i'm willing to learn a 'different' design, as long as it's quick and easy after i've learned it.
-i want to be able to transfer files ala windows explorer, and not through a proprietary software package.
-color screens, video, etc. are irrelevant, but i do want a navigation screen.
-it has to be able to use an AC adapter that isn't tied to a PC connection (ie, can't recharge via USB only)
-i'm not planning to spend a mint on it, so around $250 is my limit.
-i want it to be reasonably portable, so if i want to bring it on trips, i can.
-not overly flashy
for the desktop stereo:
-needs to be subtle and inconspicuous
-should sound nice with a natural open sound, preferably tinged warm, and sound good at low volume levels
-must have an input for the MP3 player
-no real need for a CD player
-a tuner would be nice, but not required
-clock would be nice, but not required
-easy to reach and quick to adjust controls
-moderately sized and not overly flashy
-about $200 max, preferably less
my current thoughts are the Creative Zen Touch 20 GB player and the Cambridge Soundworks 730. these look pretty good, and even though Crutchfield is a bit pricey, i've found a $50 off $250 purchase coupon for Crutchfield (which should work), so that makes these a bit more reasonable...
suggestions? feedback?
anyone have an MP3 player or desktop stereo they just adore?
*edit*
what about the Dell DJ20 or DJ30? anyone have experience with these?
now to the point, their IT is about 100x's more strict, so no more playing MP3's off the company PC.
i'm looking for two things: an MP3 player and some sort of desktop stereo.
for the MP3 player:
-it's got to be able to hold my collection and have some room to grow, so 20 GB is a minimum.
-i want a good easy to use interface that let's me build playlists and easily navigate, and i'm willing to learn a 'different' design, as long as it's quick and easy after i've learned it.
-i want to be able to transfer files ala windows explorer, and not through a proprietary software package.
-color screens, video, etc. are irrelevant, but i do want a navigation screen.
-it has to be able to use an AC adapter that isn't tied to a PC connection (ie, can't recharge via USB only)
-i'm not planning to spend a mint on it, so around $250 is my limit.
-i want it to be reasonably portable, so if i want to bring it on trips, i can.
-not overly flashy
for the desktop stereo:
-needs to be subtle and inconspicuous
-should sound nice with a natural open sound, preferably tinged warm, and sound good at low volume levels
-must have an input for the MP3 player
-no real need for a CD player
-a tuner would be nice, but not required
-clock would be nice, but not required
-easy to reach and quick to adjust controls
-moderately sized and not overly flashy
-about $200 max, preferably less
my current thoughts are the Creative Zen Touch 20 GB player and the Cambridge Soundworks 730. these look pretty good, and even though Crutchfield is a bit pricey, i've found a $50 off $250 purchase coupon for Crutchfield (which should work), so that makes these a bit more reasonable...
suggestions? feedback?
anyone have an MP3 player or desktop stereo they just adore?
*edit*
what about the Dell DJ20 or DJ30? anyone have experience with these?
i-pod and i-tube. yes, tube amp.
http://www.psiberaudio.com/iPod_3.htm
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
$1k for the tube amps and pre-amp + MP3 player + speakers?! whoa.....
i'd have to really think about what speakers would match off well for an office setting.....
sweeeeet... i wish, but i fear it's simply too big for the office... now, if i get a promotion a few years down the line and one of the double size offices? 
i'd have to really think about what speakers would match off well for an office setting.....
sweeeeet...
i wish, but i fear it's simply too big for the office... now, if i get a promotion a few years down the line and one of the double size offices?
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
Originally Posted by jwa4378,Sep 16 2005, 06:49 PM
Yeah, you might want the iRiver as it also incorporates an FM tuner, incase you want news or NPR or something like that at work. I can only listen to so much constant music.
As far as I know, there is no adapter for the iRiver, other than an FM modulator, but I am sure you can fashion some sort of RCA-AiNet connection. You would just have to physically use the iRiver (or whatever mp3 player you get, short of an iPod).
Another thing is that I need a voice recorder for my business, so it would fill to things at once, and I could probably write it off under the business, as most GOOD voice recorders are around $100-150.
John
As far as I know, there is no adapter for the iRiver, other than an FM modulator, but I am sure you can fashion some sort of RCA-AiNet connection. You would just have to physically use the iRiver (or whatever mp3 player you get, short of an iPod).
Another thing is that I need a voice recorder for my business, so it would fill to things at once, and I could probably write it off under the business, as most GOOD voice recorders are around $100-150.
John
the IPod i think is the only one that offers HU integration options, and it does offer one for my Alpine, but the extra cost pricing for the IPod and then the additional adapter together make it cost prohibitive imo... especially since i don't anticipate using it a whole lot...
at the moment, i'm thinking heavily about a desktop stereo/radio to plug the MP3 player into, however it might be cost effective to get my FM from the IRiver vs a table top radio... then i can possibly use some much less expensive quality PC amplified speakers for output...
i definitely need to check the IRiver units out a bit more carefully.
regarding voice recorders... not a bad point, but i'm not sure how much i'd be able to use it. most of that kind of info i'd use it for would be technical specs and it's just as easy to write it down on the drawings, etc.
gotta keep that in mind as well though...
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
after seriously debating...
-the IPod didn't make the cut b/c of it's relative inflexibility for software interface. the freeware version looked good, but it also appeared to have it's fair share of bugs. i don't feel like hassle, and the IPod costs extra on top of that...
-IRiver -- really a great player and looked nice, but bang for buck, i didn't need the extra features, and nice PC speakers to plug it into were just as much as some of the table radios i was looking at.
-i discarded the Dell DJ based on feedback here.
-the Bose systems were too much money for the product
-the tube amps were just too much..
in the end?
i bought the Creative Zen Touch 40 GB and the Cambridge 730. *shrug* in so many ways, they really did match my needs and were very highly recommended. i used my $50 off $250 coupon at Crutchfield, so if needed, i can send either back if i don't like them.
thanks guys
(i'd lock this topic, but i can't remember how...
)
-the IPod didn't make the cut b/c of it's relative inflexibility for software interface. the freeware version looked good, but it also appeared to have it's fair share of bugs. i don't feel like hassle, and the IPod costs extra on top of that...
-IRiver -- really a great player and looked nice, but bang for buck, i didn't need the extra features, and nice PC speakers to plug it into were just as much as some of the table radios i was looking at.
-i discarded the Dell DJ based on feedback here.
-the Bose systems were too much money for the product
-the tube amps were just too much..
in the end?
i bought the Creative Zen Touch 40 GB and the Cambridge 730. *shrug* in so many ways, they really did match my needs and were very highly recommended. i used my $50 off $250 coupon at Crutchfield, so if needed, i can send either back if i don't like them.
thanks guys
(i'd lock this topic, but i can't remember how...
)
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
thanks -- in some ways, i had my mind pretty made up when i started the thread... i was hoping that i would either get a great revelation for a product i hadn't seen or critical info about the products i've chosen... the IRiver was a revelation, but at $270 for 20GB... it was a tad steep. and the color screen, FM radio, voice recorder, photo viewer, etc. were very tempting, but just weren't worth the 50% reduction in storage, less battery time, and the increase in price.
actually, my new position includes a good bit of field engineering work and the occassional meeting. so, i'll probably be behind desk about 50-60% of my day as i draft reports, failure analysis, etc....
not too bad. my last job had me behind the desk about 80-90% of the day drafting procedures and the like.... *blech*
actually, my new position includes a good bit of field engineering work and the occassional meeting. so, i'll probably be behind desk about 50-60% of my day as i draft reports, failure analysis, etc....
not too bad. my last job had me behind the desk about 80-90% of the day drafting procedures and the like.... *blech*
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From: USA
Honestly, the iPod is so much better than the other offerings out there, it shouldn't have been a contest at all. There's a reason the iPod dominates the market despite being more expensive. I wouldn't let iTunes get in the way of your decision -- it is free, cross platform, and lets you manipulate files in several open (ie, non proprietary) formats. Can't get much less restrictive than that. And it's actually really nice software.
I liked the iPod interface and design (which is subjective, admittedly) but what really sold me was the sheer market acceptance of the iPod. It is very well supported with third party accesories and other devices. Seeing how the consumer electronics industry has embraced it, especially in the area of car integration, really made an impression on me. It's turned into a whole new industry. 5-10 years from now, the other players will probably not be around (or well supported) but the iPod juggernaut will still be going. It's a good long term bet.
Craig
I liked the iPod interface and design (which is subjective, admittedly) but what really sold me was the sheer market acceptance of the iPod. It is very well supported with third party accesories and other devices. Seeing how the consumer electronics industry has embraced it, especially in the area of car integration, really made an impression on me. It's turned into a whole new industry. 5-10 years from now, the other players will probably not be around (or well supported) but the iPod juggernaut will still be going. It's a good long term bet.
Craig