iRiver iHP-120...My Thoughts

[XP1800]

Well, you guys all heard the news that I got rid of my Karma and picked up the iRiver, but you haven't really heard what my thoughts were! So, without further adue (sp?), here they are

FYI:
Just to let you guys know before the review, these are the tracks/albums that I was using, and I had the EQ set on default, which is basically flat, the whole time.

Tool -Lateralus
A Perfect Circle - Orestes, Magdalena, 3 Libras, Gravity
Rush - Chronicles (Discs 1 and 2)
Dream Theater - Scenes From a Memory album
Evanesence - Evanesence
Dispatch - Gut The Van (Disc 2)
The Who - Who's Next

First Impressions:
After ripping the package open, I first thought, "Wow, this thing is built solid. I mean, you hold it in your hand, and the metal feels cool to the touch. It's about as heavy as the Karma, but just feels built better. The accessories were plenty too, geez. I'm talking a USB cable, charger, ear buds (probably MX300's), a remote, a small mini to mini extension cables, and another longer one. The only thing this player really lacks is a dock. It also comes with software, but I decided to keep that in the sleeve, for reasons you'll soon find out.

Data Transfer, and ease of use:
Like I mentioned in the first paragraph, this player doesn't need software. To transfer some files, I simply plugged the player right into my computer and voila, I have an external device. Transferring music is freaking easy as hell to, copy and paste whatever songs/folders you want, and before you know it you're done. USB 2.0 is freaking fast, I'm talking 10gigs in about 10-15 minutes. That includes my toying around with player (playlists, arranging files).

Now, after you have those files on the player, how do you get them to play? It's tougher than the Karma at first, but after a day I'm getting pretty accustomed to the process. It's just like going through folders and sub folders in Windows. I have my Root Directory > Tool > and then either other folders filled with live sets and playlists, or the tracks themselves. You can also browse your music by Artist, Album, Genre, Song Title, and then your File/Folder Menu which is just like using Windows.

When songs are playing, the screen is a little less user friendly in terms of options and "prettiness". It's no where near the Karma's interface, how you can view Track Info, a VU Meter, and a larger list of what tracks will be coming up next. The iRiver has some of the same capabilities, but it isn't as easy to access these features.

Sound Quality:
Chances are you just scrolled down to this part, since this is all most of you care about (if you are an audiophile!). Well, I must say I was impressed. I remember telling Zemo when I got my HD580's that the highs weren't as detailed (or grainy you could say) and the bass just wasn't tight enough. Well, the highs haven't changed at all, but I DID notice the bass was much better. With the EQ set on default, I actually prefer this player to the Karma. The bass, although lacking a tad bit, is very punchy and less muddy than what I was getting with the Karma. I will attribute this to the Line Out though, since it probably has a big part in sound quality. Playing some Dream Theater encoded to Uber Standards just simply rocks. Mike Portnor's double bass is insane, and is MUCH tighter than the Karma. But like I said, the Line Out is HUGE, and really give my Zmoy a chance to "Zemonize" the music

Conclusion:
Bottom line, I like this player A LOT. But like I've mentioned to some of you before, it desparately needs gapless playback. Every time I play Dark Side of the Moon, I'm reminded that iRiver almost has a 9/10, but the lack of gapless playback just plain sucks.

Other than that, I haven't found any other huge flaws with this player. I really like the fact that I can have my amp plugged into the Line Out and the remote plugged into the headphone out. This mean I can tuck my portable rig in my backpack and listen to my tunes with nothing with the remote taking up pocket space. iRiver really did a great job with that feature. Overall, I think this was a $30 well spent, although I'm keeping my eyes peeled for the arrival of the Karma2 :wink:

So, I'm sure I skipped some stuff (it's been a long day), so if you guys have any questions you know what to do!


edit: I realize I don't have pics, but give me some time and I'll have a TON for you guys. I'm waiting for something to come in to complete the sexiness

[Terry]

Oh, I never realized that lineout and remote thingy working out so well with an amp.

Sounds like heaven...

[MrDigital]

How can something not have gapless playback? That seems... odd.

Then again I don't have any portable player (although considering a mini) so I don't know if this is common.

-MrD

[XP1800]

It's so close to having gapless too, that's what really kills me.

Listening to Disposition/Reflection/Triad, I get in the zone and just drift away with the music on, and then this tiny little 1/4 second kills the moment. Oh well, I'll just get a better amp and make it sound better!

Crap, I already did that!

[davnport]

adieu = proper spelling. Sorry, had to throw that at you.

I have been considering the that DAP, but money and the fact that I don't need it holds me back. I was considering the nomad muvo2, but can't get good info on it. But those are my two choices. You might push me towards the iRiver.

[Buster Sword]

Excellent read, Great post!
the iriver is down to 287 bucks!!

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...150-015&DEPA=0

[XP1800]

I wonder if you can still get a warranty with that though? I'm sure the Mack and Viking warranty would cover it though...

Anyways, keep waiting guys, pics are still coming. It'll all be worth it, I promise!

[G5_Todd]

pics pics pics


how much did you pay and where did you get it i saw it on newegg for $286.99




im debating on buying it.......still unsure if i want to spend that much money

[davnport]

Hey XP, you bought yours at Best Buy correct? What was the price after that all encompasing warranty? And is that a no/few questions asked return policy if you buy that warranty? I am interested in that DAP, but if something comes out in a month or two that is better, I don't want to be stuck with something. Your thoughts/input? Thanks man.

[cookie]

I've wanted this mp3 player for so long, but I need to buy new headphones for my computer and a new case and I'm sure if I got this too I'd end up wanting to get new portable headphones. Those MX400's just won't cut it anymore.

[XP1800]

Originally posted by davnport
Hey XP, you bought yours at Best Buy correct? What was the price after that all encompasing warranty? And is that a no/few questions asked return policy if you buy that warranty? I am interested in that DAP, but if something comes out in a month or two that is better, I don't want to be stuck with something. Your thoughts/input? Thanks man.

Yeah I bought it at Best Buy, where I got my Karma. I only paid the difference between the both ($30) and walked out with a new DAP. I haven't gotten the extended warranty yet though, which I plan on doing.

The return policy is actually just a replacement plan, so if you are good at telling a white lie then you can get a new player easily. Or, if it actually does break, you can honestly walk out with a brand new unit. But, remember that that the plan ends once you take advantage of it, so you'd have to purchase it all over again.

Oh and for G5_Todd, it retails for $329.99, and I just paid $29.99. But, my Karma was worth $299.99.

[G5_Todd]

i have a couple of questions cuz im either getting the hp-120 or an ipod......



i saw that the ipod is lighter (weight) and i heard the software is better......and it is easier to navigate....



also i know the ipod comes with a clip that snaps it to your belt....


does the iriver device come with anything to snap it to your belt?

[Patrick00011]

Originally posted by G5_Todd
i have a couple of questions cuz im either getting the hp-120 or an ipod......



i saw that the ipod is lighter (weight) and i heard the software is better......and it is easier to navigate....



also i know the ipod comes with a clip that snaps it to your belt....


does the iriver device come with anything to snap it to your belt?

ok so here we go.... ok the ipod 20GB is like 2 grams lighter... The software for the ipod 'exists', and there is no software neccessary for the H120, it's plug and play... drag and drop your songs.

The H120 does come with a leather case in which the back of it has a belt loop that fits very tightly on your belt.

The H120 is cheaper, comes with a remote, has FM tuner abilities. If you name your songs primarily by file name and not ID3 tag, then the H120 has no match at all. There are some many more features here just read this....

http://gear.ign.com/articles/457/457818p1.html

and a Shootout

http://gear.ign.com/articles/504/504552p1.html

[Terry]

How come if you search for filenames it's easier in the ihp-120?
How does the search work?

[Patrick00011]

Originally posted by Terry
How come if you search for filenames it's easier in the ihp-120?
How does the search work?

Correct me if I'm wrong but I heard that in the Ipod you have to use ID3 tags