Regardless of it being 17 years to the day because the launch of the primary iPod and 4 years because the basic mannequin was discontinued, there are nonetheless shedloads of individuals who love an MP3 participant. Myself included. Streaming is nice, however there’s one thing fantastic about truly carrying your music with you.
It could possibly be that your commute takes you underground, you’re recurrently out within the wilderness, otherwise you identical to curating your personal music library – the explanations for wanting your music with you might be countless.
As Plugged is all about discovering the right product for a selected individual, as an alternative of simply itemizing a collection of random MP3 gamers, we’re going to organize them by the type of individual they’d go well with. Why? As a result of we’re beautiful like that.
Then this SanDisk MP3 participant could possibly be a fantastic match. Let’s begin with its apparent flaw although: a dumb title. Yep, it’s listed because the SDMX28-016G-G46K. No. Thank. You. (Sure, I’m conscious this system can be known as the Clip Jam).
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Nonetheless, it has some advantages. It comes with 16GB of built-in storage, a clip so it may possibly connect to you whilst you train, and it solely weighs 1.28 ounces.
On high of that, it’s additionally waterproof, sturdy, and has bluetooth functionality. Even higher, it’s solely $59.99, which is an absolute cut price when you consider how a lot MP3 gamers used to price.
One of many largest criticisms from music snobs in regards to the iPod was the dearth of lossless help. Principally, MP3 audio compresses music in a means that loses sure frequencies – a no-go for audiophiles.
Fortunately, there are gadgets that may simply deal with high-quality, lossless music.
If that’s what you’re in search of, you possibly can do a lot worse than the FiiO M7.
The corporate is well-known for its high-quality audio merchandise, like DACs and amplifiers, and it has used this expertise in making its music participant.
The FiiO M7 has high-fidelity bluetooth, supporting the aptX, aptX-HD, and LDAC codecs. Storage-wise, it takes micro SD playing cards as much as 512GB and has a 20-hour play time.
It’ll set you again $199.99, however that’s not out of this world for a top quality music participant.
They need to take an extended, onerous take a look at the HiBy R6.
This presents lots of the similar advantages because the FiiO M7, however can even function as a standalone Android system. It achieves this with its Snapdragon 425 processor, 32GB of inside storage (you possibly can add extra with a microSD), and 3GB RAM.
It prices $569.00, however will ship you audiophile-level sound and allow you to entry well-liked apps, like Netflix, Twitter, and Fb. Principally, it’s a mini high-quality audio laptop.
You’re a discerning individual, yeah? You solely like one of the best, proper? Then do I’ve a music participant for you.
Say good day to the Sony NWWM1Z Signature Sequence:
Oh, did I overlook to say it prices $3,198… no massive deal, proper?
It’s nearly all the pieces you possibly can need from a music participant. 256GB of inside storage plus further microSD card help? Examine. The power to play nearly each audio file format? Sony has your again. A “a gold plated, oxygen-free copper chassis design?” You’re rattling proper.
Nicely, that’s the very least you’d count on for $3,198. I need one so dangerous.
However perhaps you’re the kind of individual that may’t let go of the iPod?
I get you. It’s a fantastic system and perhaps the above choices simply don’t do it for you.
Fortunately, you might have a couple of choices. Apple nonetheless sells the iPod Contact, in order that’s not a nasty shout in the event you really need that Apple expertise.
However, if you need an outdated iPod Basic, they’re nonetheless being bought on websites like Amazon and refurbished fashions can be found on Music Magpie.
There may be one other route although. There’s a thriving scene on eBay of individuals changing iPod Basic onerous drives with SSDs and, usually, a greater battery. You’ll find all of the accessible fashions for that choice right here.
Fortunately, regardless of the rise of streaming and the saturation of smartphones, there are many choices on the market for individuals who can’t fairly let go of the iPod. And that’s comprehensible, contemplating it’s the best gadget of all time.
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