Looking for portable MP3 CD player

2003-03-20 00:33:39

I just started looking for a portable MP3 CD player. I want to use it to pre-listen (Audio-)CDs before I buy them (on roadside stalls, flea markets etc.), and to take along a nice selection of music without having to carry too many CDs when travelling.

So I recorded MP3s on a CR-RW and also took along a few normal Audio CDs, in order to compare the sound quality in the shop. For lack of time I have only tried one player so far, the Elta 8863, but it stopped playing a copy protected CD (Hellacopters / By The Grace Of God) after 9 seconds.

Also, from experience with my car CD changer, which ALWAYS starts at the 1st song on the 1st CD (which sucks, sorry to use the word) I definitely look for a player with a resume function.

The shop had about 10 different MP3 CD players ranging from around 60 to well beyond 200 Euros; if I want to try them all it will take me a whole day, I'm afraid. (That's why I'm searching this forum now.)

While I was listening to music played back on the Elta, I also had a brief look at the SlimX (iRiver?) because it looked so stylish, but when I looked for where the batteries are I realised one drawback (for me) of the slim design: it needs these special slim batteries. And I don't want anything than AAs because it would mean I have to take along a special charger on my trips, which I definitely don't want. I have one AA charger with me on all trips, so all battery operated stuff (photo flash, GPS, flashlight) has to work with AAs.

So can anyone suggest a MP3 CD player which plays Audio CDs also if they are copy protected, MP3 files from CD-RWs, has resume and shuffle (play in random order) functions and operates on normal (or rechargeable) AAs?

Plus, all of you MP3 buffs out there on the forum: Anything else the inexperienced MP3 shopper should look out for?

Looking for portable MP3 CD player

Reply #1 – 2003-03-29 14:58:27

I own the iRiver ChromeX, which is the small (fat) brother of the SlimX. It is a great player and uses AA batteries. BUT: I had a problem with a CDS100 (?) protected CD... I think it missed out the first song. Needless to say that CD was imidiately thrown away, and I would suggest that to you too. Don't buy, download copy protected CDs. Thats the only way to get rid of that nonsense. I doubt there are MP3 players which work with copy protected CDs, because its more a computer drive than a stupid CD player. Oh... and resume and all the other features you want will be on the ChromeX IIRC. Just the copy protection stuff.

Looking for portable MP3 CD player

Reply #2 – 2003-03-29 18:47:09

I've got the iRiver SlimX IMP-400
http://www.iriver.com/product/info.asp?p_g...&p_name=iMP-400
and I just love it. The resume function can make it start at exactly the same spot as it stopped (it even fades in). The remote is very nice and the player is small and stylish.
I haven't tried it with copy protected cd's, but ss kadajawi said, you may have a problem with copy protected cd's on most portable players.

Concerning AA batteries you have the option to use the included external battery pad that takes two AA batteries. I quess it's not the best choice if you need to use AA batteries all the time, but I think it's a nice feature when I'm on a long trip or as a 'just in case'.
I have not had any problems with any MP3's and it plays "--alt-preset standard" encoded files with no problem at all.

The included Sennheiser MX300 Headphones is more than ok, but their not in the HiFi category. It has alot of well thought out features and is a really good quality piece of hardware.

But, this is my first mp3 player, and I haven't tried others...

Looking for portable MP3 CD player

Reply #3 – 2003-04-02 06:28:37

At one point i might have said iriver slim-x ( i have a 350) but i have had nothing but troubles with it...it will work for about a month and then decide it cannot read any cds. This is my second soon to be third.

(yes it had battery power)

It's not like these get jerked around either. They sit next to my bed so i can listen to soothing music and go to sleep.

Looking for portable MP3 CD player

Reply #4 – 2003-04-02 20:46:44

I have the iRiver Slim-X 400. I like the sound. Using Sennheiser PX200 portable headphones with it around town, sometimes use Grado SR60s in the office or at home.

In addition to the internal rechargeable batteries, it comes with a small attachable AA battery holder. That might meet your needs for travel.

Looking for portable MP3 CD player

Reply #5 – 2003-04-02 21:16:37

I have the Iriver IMP-400 too. It's great and has very neat features.

Another plus is that Iriver very regularly releases new and improved firmware for them which is great for new features and new codec support.