Could one of you point me in the direction of a great audio player?

[the_eternal_dark]

Ok, I am currently in need of a new portable audio player. The iPod Touch didn't last long with me (it was adopted by the wife). But to be honest, I wasn't too impressed with it in the first place, the audio quality just wasn't as good as my Meizu M6 SL. And my biggest beef with the M6 was that the touch strip failed after 4 months of use, but it was by no means a big loss, as it only cost ~$110 for the 8GB when I got it.

Now, I am looking for a player with exceptional audio quality. I'm not really in the market for a "media" player, videos are not a priority for me, I just want some kick-ass audio rocking my eardrums. Keep in mind, I do use some great quality monitors too (custom Ultimate Ears 10 Pros).

Also, price isn't all that big a deal for me, unless it's simply ridiculous ($200 for a 2GB player).

I am looking for your experiences, dcemu crowd, as many players are available only from online stores.

[nomi]

You might be interested in the Creative Zen:
http://us.creative.com/products/welc...p?category=213

There is a whole list of Creative Zen products, check it out, you might like it.

[dejkirkby]

My missus has an 8gb Creative Zen and she absolutely loves it.

[the_eternal_dark]

You might be interested in the Creative Zen:
http://us.creative.com/products/welc...p?category=213

There is a whole list of Creative Zen products, check it out, you might like it.

I'll have to check it out. Thanks nomi.

Anyone else have any other suggestions for me to check out?

My missus has an 8gb Creative Zen and she absolutely loves it.

Nice. I'm still not sure if I am in love with the Creative line yet though. No vorbis, no flac... But if I have to settle for MP3, the Zen looks good.

[tuddy]

Yeah, I'd recommend a Zen, my 8GB one is brilliant. Though lack of Ogg support is a pain sometimes, and it's almost impossible to set up on Linux (hurrah for dual booting). If you can get over those problems, then the Zen is possibly the best player you can get.

[the_eternal_dark]

Problem is that I don't/won't dual boot. I think I have narrowed it down to 3 now. I'll let you guys know what my final 2 choices are when I get there.

[Triv1um]

The Rio Karma is meant to be very good.

Supports Ogg Vorbis and Flac.

Its cheap, because it doesnt have all the junk like colour screen and stuff...

Just for music, and it does that job well.

http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/sho....asp?model=261

I know alot of major audiophiles that have these, and love them.

[the_eternal_dark]

The Rio Karma is meant to be very good.

Supports Ogg Vorbis and Flac.

Its cheap, because it doesnt have all the junk like colour screen and stuff...

Just for music, and it does that job well.

http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/sho....asp?model=261

I know alot of major audiophiles that have these, and love them.

Funny thing is that this was one of my 2 finalists. I am settling on this one I believe.