Best Non-Apple MP3 Player? $180 Budget

StrifeFox · Sep 17, 2011

What's the best non-apple MP3 player you guys would recommend with a $180 budget?

Right now I'm looking at the 16gig Zune HD but since OCN got some smart dudes I'd like to know if you guys think I could do better without going over $180.

aerieth · Sep 17, 2011

Any smartphone?

StrifeFox · Sep 17, 2011

I already got a smart phone but playing music is a no no. Even in airplane mode the phone has a wimpy battery.

hawaiian_geek · Sep 17, 2011

I'm not a Apple fan of anything. I have the Sony Walkman 16gb MP3 player, $125.00. The Sony MP3 player works well for me. I just bought another one for my mom to use on her vacation. I wanted to get it from Amazon but those suckers wouldn't ship that Sony MP3 player to Hawaii.

Go freaking figure! Try checking out Best Buy or Amazon for the Sony MP3 players. I believe Sony has new models coming out but they're over your budget.
Just my

j0zef · Sep 17, 2011

Sony produces mp3 players with decent battery life and great quality audio. You can also watch videos on them, which have good quality, but are on a very small screen.
Here are some:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002IPHA3A/ref=mp_s_a_4?qid=1316279302&sr=8-4]Sony Walkman NWZS545RED 16 GB Video MP3 Player (Red):Amazon:Electronics[/URL]

If you shop around you'll find these for some good deals. Especially if you're willing to go for a refurb.

Metalbeard · Sep 17, 2011

Zune HD. I love mine and the Zune software is awesome.

Manyak · Sep 17, 2011

The Cowon players are really good. The S9 and D2+ fit in your budget, or if you don't mind used you can go for a J3.

Or you can just get a player that supports Rockbox

. A Sansa Clip with Rockbox actually sounds really good.

161029 · Sep 17, 2011

Cowon all the way. The Zune HD and Sony Walkmans are good too. The J3 is the absolute best though. Sansa Clip+ is great too.

doomlord52 · Sep 17, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metalbeard;14968467
Zune HD. I love mine and the Zune software is awesome.

Basically this.

Tunechi · Sep 17, 2011

Pretty sure the iPod touch is the best mp3 player out there, you can find comparisons between Zune HD and iPod Touch and the iPod beats it.

GoTMaXPoWeR · Sep 17, 2011

Based on the UK to US prices you should be able to get a Cowon J3?

MrAlex · Sep 17, 2011

Zune HD. The interface is really good, and the Zune software is abosolutely amazing for sorting our your music library, plus is automatically downloads images of the band for the Zune HD in the backround, a bio and related artists which is a nice little feature.

pangolinman · Sep 17, 2011

+1 for the conwon suggestion. Look for an S9
Having a built in mid-fi DAC is an exceptionally nice addition. I can't stand listening off of smartphones, due to the low quality of their audio processing.

Lyno · Sep 17, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tunechi;14968527
Pretty sure the iPod touch is the best mp3 player out there, you can find comparisons between Zune HD and iPod Touch and the iPod beats it.

Speaking from my own experiences (I can't back it up with evidence) but I've always considered Zunes better quality than the ipod touch even though I have an ipod touch (soon to be sold). The app sstore is fun I guess but you loose interest in it soon enough.

Blostorm · Sep 17, 2011

Using my iPhone 4, not that bad, battery life holds, I just can't have 2 units in my jeans pockets (iPhone + what ever player).

wumpus · Sep 17, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tunechi;14968527
Pretty sure the iPod touch is the best mp3 player out there, you can find comparisons between Zune HD and iPod Touch and the iPod beats it.

dude....you must be VERY susceptible to marketing...

iTunes is literally the worst program I have ever used, and apple makes you do a ton of BS just to sync your ipod. The ipod is a nifty gadget, but It is just not a far superior product.

the Zune HD has better sound, the program is not compete doo doo and there is no BS like you have to go through with apple products.

DEEBS808 · Sep 17, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawaiian_geek;14968375
I'm not a Apple fan of anything. I have the Sony Walkman 16gb MP3 player, $125.00. The Sony MP3 player works well for me. I just bought another one for my mom to use on her vacation. I wanted to get it from Amazon but those suckers wouldn't ship that Sony MP3 player to Hawaii.

Go freaking figure! Try checking out Best Buy or Amazon for the Sony MP3 players. I believe Sony has new models coming out but they're over your budget.
Just my

I get that problem a lot also.Make me hate ordering online but that is my best place to get good deal.I only have 1 or 2 computer shops where I am(Kauai) and they charge a lot.I can save a few $ if I order myself online.

@OPI have had Apple and Zune products.Although I love Apple (4 ipod touch) I still prefer a Zune.

SugarySnack · Sep 17, 2011

Zune HD has great sound quality, a great screen, and great software. If you want apps, there isn't much there. iPod touch if you want apps.

I had a zune and I loved it. Use my Galaxy S2 now though.

andydam · Sep 17, 2011

Apple fanboy here, but I'm recommended a Zune HD since your budget isn't big enough for a good iPod.

Manyak · Sep 17, 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by wumpus;14968568
dude....you must be VERY susceptible to marketing...

iTunes is literally the worst program I have ever used, and apple makes you do a ton of BS just to sync your ipod. The ipod is a nifty gadget, but It is just not a far superior product.

the Zune HD has better sound, the program is not compete doo doo and there is no BS like you have to go through with apple products.

Actually, if you pair up an iPod with a CLAS and an RSA Protector with balanced silver IEM cables, it becomes the best player out there.

But, yes, a plain old iPod on it's own sounds like crap.

Best Non-Apple MP3 Player? $180 Budget

StrifeFox

aerieth

StrifeFox

hawaiian_geek

j0zef

Metalbeard

Manyak

161029

doomlord52

Tunechi

GoTMaXPoWeR

MrAlex

pangolinman

Lyno

Blostorm

wumpus

DEEBS808

SugarySnack

andydam

Manyak

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