I'd recommend the Hippo Gumstick with Hippo Ten IEM

^2 Gumstick has a Class A amp inside, the SQ is fantastic. I haven't heard the Sony or Transcend but if you're gonna choose one, give the Gumstick a try as well before you make a decision.

IMO, yes. It has 4GB internal. Storage can be expanded with a MicroSDHC card up to 32GB.

Tunertoobe's impressions on the SQ of the Fuze vs Gumstick when I asked:

IMO, Cowon players rely on it's EQ to sound great but that doesn't mean they sound bad without the EQ turned on, in fact, it sounds perfectly neutral. Which Cowon player are you referring to?

This post has been edited by MrJinggles: Jan 18 2011, 03:37 PM

There is no difference in sound quality between these two players. The J3 is a cosmetically better S9 and it's really not a bad thing, quite the opposite. The expandable memory and physical buttons are a welcome addition among other new features.

Here's a similar topic on ABI asking the same question : http://www.anythingbutipod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59652
Take a look at the first few posts and it should answer your question.

You mean the Sony NWZ-B152F mp3 player? Because it's the only Sony mp3 player that retails for about RM159 (correct me if I'm wrong) or do you have another Sony in mind?

If it's between these two players I would pick the Clip+
Note that I've never heard the Sony before so take my biased opinion with a grain of salt. The Clip+ has expandable memory which is a plus for me. Also, the Clip+ can be Rockboxed to unleash it's 'true' potential. I say 'true' because I personally prefer the Rockboxed FW (firmware) over the OF (official firmware) in terms of sound. Again, I've never heard the Sony before and my opinions of the Clip+ are based on memory. I only had the Clip for a brief 2 days when I borrowed it from a friend.

Good question, YES it will void the warranty.

I think the Sansa is capable of driving low to medium impedance headphones. What headphones will you be pairing the Sony with?

This post has been edited by MrJinggles: Jan 19 2011, 03:48 PM

Like blegh said, most if not ALL portable players have no problem driving IEMs, earphones. I assumed you were using a high impedance headphone because you mentioned the Clip having low output.

I know, I was just assuming you were using such a headphone based on the statement..

Anyway, do give us an impression of the Sony when you have purchased it

^2

Might I suggest the Hippo 10 if ur gonna get the Gumstick.
Another player I'd suggest would be the Sansa Clip+

You can try here : http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1289488?hl=

From what I can gather online:

Fuze
- Capacity (GB) : 2, 4, 8
- Wheel, buttons
- Audible formats: FLAC, MP3, OGG VORBIS, WAV, WMA, and secure WMA
- Screen: 1.9”, 64k color, 224×176 pixel
Weight: 59.5g

Fuze+
- Capacity (GB): 4, 8, 16
- Touch control, buttons
- Audio formats: MP3, WMA, Secure WMA, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, AAC, Audible, Podcasts
- Screen: 2.4" bright QVGA screen (320 x 240, 30 FPS) LCD screen
- Weight: 170 g

Some rather comprehensive reviews of both players:

Fuze+
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/San...r-Review/1174/1
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/01/sandisk...sa-fuze-review/
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2369011,00.asp
http://www.trustedreviews.com/mp3/review/2...-Sansa-Fuze-/p1

Fuze
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/San...er-Review/695/1
http://anythingbutipod.com/2008/03/sandisk...sa-fuze-review/
http://www.trustedreviews.com/mp3/review/2...k-Sansa-Fuze/p1

I have both players and the Gumstick on normal EQ sounds more alive and engaging compared to a J3 on 'normal' EQ, so the Gumstick wins by a huge margin here. The J3 on normal EQ sounds dark and a tad bit analytical, if you like this kind of sound then get the J3 if not go buy the Gumstick I don't particularly like this type of sound, however, it makes a whole world of difference when you EQ the J3 to your liking and the J3 has a very powerful EQ function. There are more EQ options for the J3 compared to the Gumstick but I mainly use one to two of the 39 preset EQ on the J3 for general listening or I customize my own EQ. I have the Gumstick set on Rock/Normal for my general listening. The Gumstick's soundstage is slightly wider than the J3 even after EQ. The J3 has a whopping ~55hrs of battery life (advertised is 64hrs which is bullshit or I got a defective player ). I can squeeze out ~6-8 hours on the Gumstick from fully charged to complete shutdown. Seriously, you can't go wrong with either players. If you can dish out the cash go for the J3. You get a better interface, much better battery life (55 hours!! ) and other additional functions that you may or may not use but if you are on a tight budget but want a VERY good sounding player then get the Gumstick (that class A amp is no gimmick )

This post has been edited by MrJinggles: Jan 29 2011, 02:37 PM

What's VB?

This guy has it - http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1273986/+0&#entry39762272

I'd give it a try if I knew the model

Can't find a review or user impression for the Philips

This post has been edited by MrJinggles: Feb 8 2011, 12:13 AM

This seller has some interesting mp3/mp4 players for sale including the Philips mentioned in the previous post:
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1470371

I prefer the looks of the J3 more than the S9 (not liking the curved shape at the back of the player) but I prefer S9's button placing more than the J3. But preference is a personal thing