Database Info

[Q] Speakers/Docking stations

So hey, I'm searching for some good speakers or a speaker docking station to play music from my G2. Obviously there are an abundance of Ipod/Iphone speaker set ups. I was wondering what products you guys were using and what you think are the best for some outloud listening. Bluetooth streaming? Wifi? I don't even have a home computer, so I'm a little limited. Any feedback would help me out since it's almost Black Friday!! Thanks.

feelucky said:
So hey, I'm searching for some good speakers or a speaker docking station to play music from my G2. Obviously there are an abundance of Ipod/Iphone speaker set ups. I was wondering what products you guys were using and what you think are the best for some outloud listening. Bluetooth streaming? Wifi? I don't even have a home computer, so I'm a little limited. Any feedback would help me out since it's almost Black Friday!! Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can't find a decent dock, you could get a 3.5mm to 3.5mm headphones thingy. Which is what I use for my iPod.
Plug one end into the phone, and the other into your TV. Win?

I must have been over thinking this, I'm gonna give that a go when I get home..only problem is my tv has weak speakers.This could be a good quick fix until I upgrade my system.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

DanWilson said:
If you can't find a decent dock, you could get a 3.5mm to 3.5mm headphones thingy. Which is what I use for my iPod.
Plug one end into the phone, and the other into your TV. Win?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this, but nothing..I have an Lg plasma and it dosen't have a specified headphone jack. I just plugged it into the two different spots that would fit the 3.5 mm. chord. One was for a controler, the other was rgb something. I might have done something wrong..Will it just play on any channel?

DLNA ?
(10 characters)

feelucky said:
I tried this, but nothing..I have an Lg plasma and it dosen't have a specified headphone jack. I just plugged it into the two different spots that would fit the 3.5 mm. chord. One was for a controler, the other was rgb something. I might have done something wrong..Will it just play on any channel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For my TV, it has the following channels for input
Antenna, AV 1, AV 2, AV 3, Component, RGB, HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3
For my TV I have to use RGB to get any sound.
Also check you aren't plugged into the TV's headphone jack.

No its not, Maybe my next one will be.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Got it!! Thanks for your help..i was using the wrong chord..now I can do my laundry
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

It's been a few months. Has anyone found anything? This Droid one looks simple/inexpensive.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938451&pf_rd_i=507846

USB Audio - working!

Hi everyone,
I know this has been confirmed elsewhere on the net, but I didn't see anything here so thought I would pass this on to the more hardcore audio fans here.
I tried all my USB DACs last night - RSA Intruder, Apex Glacier, HeadAmp Pico, Leckterton UHA-6S.MKII and all are working with the Xperia Z.

great news! thanks mate!
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium

cool

I recently got the MW1 (only €19!!!) and learned about DACs (apparently there's a pretty good one inside, Wolfson). Now using this together with the MDR-1R and my Xperia Z! Really nice.
The DACs you are talking about are standalones? How would you use these and why? And why so many? Sry noob questions, but would really like to know.

Yeah, standalone DACs/amps. You would use these because they give you better sound quality than the phone itself does, and also the amplification makes them able to drive less sensitive headphones, which phones are unsuited for. Now that Sony, HTC, and Samsung all have USB audio in their phones it means I never have to care how good or bad my phones inbuilt sound quality is, I know I'll always have awesome sound quality regardless.
As for why so many, well, no particular reason apart from I wanted to know which I liked best and I'm taking my sweet time about deciding!

moraal said:
I recently got the MW1 (only €19!!!) and learned about DACs (apparently there's a pretty good one inside, Wolfson). Now using this together with the MDR-1R and my Xperia Z! Really nice.
The DACs you are talking about are standalones? How would you use these and why? And why so many? Sry noob questions, but would really like to know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get it for 19 euros from?

L11 said:
Where did you get it for 19 euros from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was a temporary offer from Studentmobiel, the dutch company where I ordered my XZ. Ridiculously good offer
NZtechfreak said:
Yeah, standalone DACs/amps. You would use these because they give you better sound quality than the phone itself does, and also the amplification makes them able to drive less sensitive headphones, which phones are unsuited for. Now that Sony, HTC, and Samsung all have USB audio in their phones it means I never have to care how good or bad my phones inbuilt sound quality is, I know I'll always have awesome sound quality regardless.
As for why so many, well, no particular reason apart from I wanted to know which I liked best and I'm taking my sweet time about deciding!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the explanation.
What do you mean by less sensitive headphones?
If I understand, newer model phones all have a DAC inside already?
In my case, because there's a Wolfson DAC in the MW1, would you recommend using MW1 or just using Xperia Z (in the case of audio quality) ?

PlugAndPlay
Is it a simple plugAndPlay or do you have to restart the phone with the DAC plugged in?
Would love to attach a Behringer X302 to my (future) Xperia Z
It's only 42Euro at Thomann.de
According to the Android App USBAudioRecorderPRO
i can record a signal with the Xperia Z (hopefully)
Think that output is also possible?

Mixermachine said:
Is it a simple plugAndPlay or do you have to restart the phone with the DAC plugged in?
Would love to attach a Behringer X302 to my (future) Xperia Z
It's only 42Euro at Thomann.de
According to the Android App USBAudioRecorderPRO
i can record a signal with the Xperia Z (hopefully)
Think that output is also possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple plug and play, USB Audio Recorder Pro not required.

moraal said:
Thanks for the explanation.
What do you mean by less sensitive headphones?
If I understand, newer model phones all have a DAC inside already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All phones have a DAC inside, a DAC is a digital to analog converter, and is required for the playback of digital music and sound.
The advantage of bypassing the phones internal DAC, which is what is being done with USB audio, is that if a phone has a poor DAC (or good DAC that is poorly implemented for that matter) you're not stuck with that.
Headphones and IEMs have varying sensitivity to a given input signal - some require more power to drive effectively (and when I say drive effectively I mean drive to both good listening volume levels and adequately control the driver of the headphone to get the best from it). That's a fairly simplistic and ham-fisted explanation right there to get the basic gist across, if you really want to understand 'sensitivity' you should take a look at somewhere like Head-Fi and so some reading about sensitivity and input impedance (for starters). As a general rule IEMs tend to be more sensitive than full-sized headphones.

NZtechfreak said:
Simple plug and play, USB Audio Recorder Pro not required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Input and Out?
What happens when you connect a USB Hub.
Would love to connect a external powered USB Hub, a cheap DAC and my Samson G-Track USB Microphone )

Mixermachine said:
Input and Out?
What happens when you connect a USB Hub.
Would love to connect a external powered USB Hub, a cheap DAC and my Samson G-Track USB Microphone )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried input, I expect that will require USB Audio Recorder Pro. I can check that with my generic Logitech mic.
Connection via a hub should work fine, at least for output, have done that with my S3 and Note II and it's fine. Not sure about simultaneous input and output via a hub though.

NZtechfreak said:
All phones have a DAC inside, a DAC is a digital to analog converter, and is required for the playback of digital music and sound.
The advantage of bypassing the phones internal DAC, which is what is being done with USB audio, is that if a phone has a poor DAC (or good DAC that is poorly implemented for that matter) you're not stuck with that.
Headphones and IEMs have varying sensitivity to a given input signal - some require more power to drive effectively (and when I say drive effectively I mean drive to both good listening volume levels and adequately control the driver of the headphone to get the best from it). That's a fairly simplistic and ham-fisted explanation right there to get the basic gist across, if you really want to understand 'sensitivity' you should take a look at somewhere like Head-Fi and so some reading about sensitivity and input impedance (for starters). As a general rule IEMs tend to be more sensitive than full-sized headphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, clear explanation!
I've read several reviews on head-fi, but when it comes to the details, I have no clue what they're talking about ;p Soundstages and subbass and all that. I do want to learn though, would you have any other recommended sites fot this kind of information?

USB audio out works plug and play with my Fiio E07K. Makes the MDR-1R sound awesome!

@NZtechfreak
Youve got me thinking :thumbup:
Is it possible to yplug a micro usb into the Xperia z which splits on the other end into two usbs -
One for the dac the other for charging?
Ive got an idea brewing...
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2

I'm getting back my Audio-GD NFB-3.32... Upgraded to USB 32... wonder if that'll work with the XZ.... cause i believe that even in windows, a driver needs to be installed...

DarkKrypt said:
@NZtechfreak
Youve got me thinking :thumbup:
Is it possible to yplug a micro usb into the Xperia z which splits on the other end into two usbs -
One for the dac the other for charging?
Ive got an idea brewing...
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use a Y-split cable according to some at Head-Fi, however I believe it will only charge the attached peripheral and not the phone.
jkwanness said:
I'm getting back my Audio-GD NFB-3.32... Upgraded to USB 32... wonder if that'll work with the XZ.... cause i believe that even in windows, a driver needs to be installed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably not if driver installation is required. I have the Audio-GD Reference 10 by the way, they make some stunning gear.

NZtechfreak said:
Hi everyone,
I know this has been confirmed elsewhere on the net, but I didn't see anything here so thought I would pass this on to the more hardcore audio fans here.
I tried all my USB DACs last night - RSA Intruder, Apex Glacier, HeadAmp Pico, Leckterton UHA-6S.MKII and all are working with the Xperia Z.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I am really interested in knowing more. Could you tell me how you plugged the Xperia Z? Is it a direct plug and play using USB out from the Z. ANY SPECIAL CABLE NEEDED OR JUST THE CHARGER USB CABLE?
Appreciate the info. :good:

Hi,
I'm very interested in this thread.
I bought that device for my xperia z, ESI Dr. dac nano.
But it doesn't work "power consumption error message", because this dac is usb powered :s.
I think the xperia z will only accept dac/AMP which work with their own battery, do you have a device to test this ?
i'm also very interested in the hrt microstreamer but it is also usb powered, so i won't buy it until i have a proof it can work with an xperia z.
I think your not new in "the word of usb dac/amp" could you give me an advice if i want to buy a battery powered usb dac/amp, as small as possible and with a sound as good as the microstreamer(only basing on review :s)?

cedou97yon said:
Hi,
I'm very interested in this thread.
I bought that device for my xperia z, ESI Dr. dac nano.
But it doesn't work "power consumption error message", because this dac is usb powered :s.
I think the xperia z will only accept dac/AMP which work with their own battery, do you have a device to test this ?
i'm also very interested in the hrt microstreamer but it is also usb powered, so i won't buy it until i have a proof it can work with an xperia z.
I think your not new in "the word of usb dac/amp" could you give me an advice if i want to buy a battery powered usb dac/amp, as small as possible and with a sound as good as the microstreamer(only basing on review :s)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right in that you need a self powerd amp/dac. I suggest the Sony PHA-1.
By any chance do you know if for Xperias equiped with 4.1 Jellybean connection to outside amp/dacs is plug n play or do you need special app?

[Q] How to Play Music via Nexus 5 in Car

I love nexus 5 and google music ! but my car is manufactured by apple fan boys and the bose audio it has only has ipod menus and plays music out of iphone only.
The audio system does support playing music from a usb device but google music doesn't cache the music in a plain root folder for the car music to identity it.
I can get an aux cable but I want to control music off my steering controls and don't want two cables for charging and audio to my phone at the same time, its just not convenient.
How can i resolve this ? Is there an app which gets music from google music and puts it in music folder on the phone directly ? What are my options ? I am sure some other fellows here have been in my position before.

Even if you do put music directly on the device. Almost all car head units do not support the mtp protocol that the nexus uses to read the storage of your phone.
Your first step should be to drop an mp3 into your nexus and check if your car can even read it
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Also try both settings (MTP / PTP). As far as I remember PTP used to handle my Galaxy S2 as two seperated storages (one for internal / one for external). If I remember correctly they both appeared just like USB sticks when I connected it to the PC. The Nexus 5 should then bring up a single storage, since it doesn't have an external storage.
Hope this helps
Another question: Doesn't the device have the ability to stream music via Bluetooth? I use this method in my car and the music controls work great
EDIT: You could also try this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeysoft.nexususb.importer I know, it costs money but you can try it for like 15minutes and if you don't like it, just uninstall it and you'll get your money refunded

Alex240188 said:
Even if you do put music directly on the device. Almost all car head units do not support the mtp protocol that the nexus uses to read the storage of your phone.
Your first step should be to drop an mp3 into your nexus and check if your car can even read it
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You were so right. I placed mp3 directly in the Music folder it still doesn't play it.
Also try both settings (MTP / PTP). As far as I remember PTP used to handle my Galaxy S2 as two seperated storages (one for internal / one for external). If I remember correctly they both appeared just like USB sticks when I connected it to the PC. The Nexus 5 should then bring up a single storage, since it doesn't have an external storage.
Hope this helps
Another question: Doesn't the device have the ability to stream music via Bluetooth? I use this method in my car and the music controls work great
EDIT: You could also try this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ususb.importer I know, it costs money but you can try it for like 15minutes and if you don't like it, just uninstall it and you'll get your money refunded
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you mean when I connect the phone via usb I get options to whether use it as media device or photo transfer ? I have tried both its not working.
The bluetooth only works with phone calls and not with music playing.
I may sound funny but aren't there any apps or even hardware device which can get connected to nexus 5 and makes car system consider it as an iphone ?

Could also try this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2169761
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium HD app

How about over bluetooth audio?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I don't have a solution for you but only a comment.
I think that it is complete crap that they manufactured the stock headunits in cars to be more compatible with iPhone than Android. Not everyone has an iPhone, believe it or not.

jwhyte said:
How about over bluetooth audio?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't work. The car bluetooth only take phone calls and doesn't support music playback.
If theres a kit of some sort.. anything ! I'll get it but I haven't been able to play music while driving for days now. Shouldve got iphone 5s instead, what a shame !

sami1255 said:
Shouldve got iphone 5s instead, what a shame !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope this is ironic It's more like "Should've got an audio system which supports Android"
What about that app I mentioned before? Heard it does wonders

experience7 said:
I hope this is ironic It's more like "Should've got an audio system which supports Android"
What about that app I mentioned before? Heard it does wonders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what you mean but the car is more like 30k and nexus 5 costed around 4 hundred. It worked perfectly with iphone, i would charge, play music, show playlists artists everything and would let me control tracks off my steering. This thing doesn't work at all. Not as a usb not as an iphone no nothing !
The app you mentioned, not sure how would that work considering that the app pulls up media from the usb or hard drive. Here we want to put the media from the device to the car.
Wonder if nexus 5 owners never had a car or what because this should be a very common problem. Why no one ever talked about it here on the forum ?

As far as bluetooth goes I am wondering how old your car is, and what is the make and model?
If the car is a 2012 model or newer then it really should work and if not it is the fault of the manufacturer. If it is older than that I wouldn't expect it to work. You will likely have to upgrade your factory stereo to something newer that supports today's Bluetooth profiles.
If it is a 2013 model I am shocked that it doesn't work, but if so you should have tested this before you bought it
But ya, the USB thing will never work.

sami1255 said:
...Wonder if nexus 5 owners never had a car or what because this should be a very common problem. Why no one ever talked about it here on the forum?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Nexus 5, and, I have a car. I use an app called utter! for hands-free operation of my phone while driving. I highly recommend it.
Since your car came with iPhone technology, however, I suggest that you get a used iPhone just for use in the car.
Sent from my Nexus 5

sami1255 said:
Wonder if nexus 5 owners never had a car or what because this should be a very common problem. Why no one ever talked about it here on the forum ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all gonna be based on your actual stereo unit because I have a Honda Civic that when I plug in an iPhone it charges and syncs my music, it even shows the album artwork. When I plug in my Note 3 or Nexus 5 I don't get any of those options except for charge BUT I am able to stream over bluetooth and it lets me control my music through steering wheel buttons.
Now I have noticed that on my Note 3 it doesn't display the right track information if I play music through Spotify but on my Nexus 5 it will actually show the tracks. I found that very interesting.
So basically, your stereo unit was made strictly for iPhone support.

bekyndnunwind said:
As far as bluetooth goes I am wondering how old your car is, and what is the make and model?
If the car is a 2012 model or newer then it really should work and if not it is the fault of the manufacturer. If it is older than that I wouldn't expect it to work. You will likely have to upgrade your factory stereo to something newer that supports today's Bluetooth profiles.
If it is a 2013 model I am shocked that it doesn't work, but if so you should have tested this before you bought it
But ya, the USB thing will never work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep its 2011 nissan altima having bose audio system. So I believe I am out of luck. Basically you select a car on basis of several other factors. Phone connectivity wouldve been the last thing I would notice and in those days I was connecting iphone 4 without a problem.
Its more of a problem of phone manufacturer to make sure that it is considered as a usb music player when connected to a device.

sami1255 said:
It doesn't work. The car bluetooth only take phone calls and doesn't support music playback.
If theres a kit of some sort.. anything ! I'll get it but I haven't been able to play music while driving for days now. Shouldve got iphone 5s instead, what a shame !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB mass storage was so useful. I hate mtp. So I had to use bluetooth adapter and I love it. I got this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004CLYJ2I/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1388953809&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40 the price went up. When I got it, it was only 30+.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

I have a 2010 Equinox and use this adapter. It works great for me as the audio in and a USB port are right next to each other in my arm rest. So I can basically have it charging all the time. Plus I never take it out so I mounted it with some double sided tape. The sound quality is great too.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00727FE5U/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?qid=1388955765&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70
Sent from the jaws of my Hammerhead!

ben503 said:
USB mass storage was so useful. I hate mtp. So I had to use bluetooth adapter and I love it. I got this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004CLYJ2I/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1388953809&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40 the price went up. When I got it, it was only 30+.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ordered it not more than 10 seconds ago before you recommended. Infact it didn't mention anywhere nexus 5 so i just took a leap of faith. Glad its compatible with Nexus 5.
mrro82 said:
I have a 2010 Equinox and use this adapter. It works great for me as the audio in and a USB port are right next to each other in my arm rest. So I can basically have it charging all the time. Plus I never take it out so I mounted it with some double sided tape. The sound quality is great too.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00727...110_SY165_QL70
Sent from the jaws of my Hammerhead!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes have been checking this one too. Lets see if the belkin works, otherwise will give this one a try.

I feel for you. Car stereos have been very Apple centric for a long time and I don't know why. I guess it stems from almost everyone owning an iPod back in the day. Things are finally starting to change though, thankfully. I'm seeing more an more stock and aftermarket head units specifically mention Android support.

sami1255 said:
ordered it not more than 10 seconds ago before you recommended. Infact it didn't mention anywhere nexus 5 so i just took a leap of faith. Glad its compatible with Nexus 5.
Yes have been checking this one too. Lets see if the belkin works, otherwise will give this one a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use these:
http://www.amazon.com/FlexSMART-Blu...8620&sr=8-1&keywords=bluetooth+fm+transmitter
Both receiving Bluetooth, One cabled to AUX input in my car, sounds great, and the other in an old work truck via FM transmitter (stereo sounds great, but too old for AUX or bluetooth). It was the very first 'good' experience I've had with an FM transmitter, most are complete garbage. Cheers!

wideasleep1 said:
I use these:
http://www.amazon.com/FlexSMART-Blu...8620&sr=8-1&keywords=bluetooth+fm+transmitter
Both receiving Bluetooth, One cabled to AUX input in my car, sounds great, and the other in an old work truck via FM transmitter (stereo sounds great, but too old for AUX or bluetooth). It was the very first 'good' experience I've had with an FM transmitter, most are complete garbage. Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My wife and I have these as well. Except ours are Kinivo branded.
It works great and has decent audio quality for FM.
Sent from my Nexus 5

USB Audio for TF700

Hi,
I've been looking for a solution to use a dedicated USB soundcard with my TF700, because the sound quality from the 3,5mm analog out isn't loud enough, the quality isn't great and I hear lots of intermittent "hiss" noises when I'm watching movies with DTS sound (whatever the video player I use).
The main problem is the loudness, since I'd like to use the tablet to watch videos i.e. in a plane.
I was thinking of an external USB soundcard like the Asus Xonar U1 or U3 to connect to the dock's USB, but I'd like to know if anyone has tried it before.
Preferably, I'd like something with a dedicated headphone amp.
I have a HiFimeDIY Sabre DAC that kind of works when I plug it in the dock, I hear sounds but with lots of popping and cracking.
Using the USB Audio Player I could make the tablet work correctly with the DAC, but that one only works for music, and their custom driver doesn't work with other apps.
Any help?
(sorry if I posted in the wrong section)

An update:
I went to a store and tried a Xonar U3 connected to a TF700+dock. Same thing as with the Sabre DAC I tried earlier.
Whenever I play something, the sound is "recognizable", but it's mostly made of popping and cracking.
It sounds the same as is I was used the Audio Player before applying the proper settings (force 1-bit, 16bit sampling, 4k buffer).
This seems to be a driver issue. I heard Samsung phones/tablets work flawlessly with most external USB DACs, so this is a real shame.

Why don't you get a Fiio amp?

projeto56 said:
Why don't you get a Fiio amp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have one and it works great with headphones & portable speakers
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QVPGXK/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1

sparksd said:
I have one and it works great with headphones & portable speakers
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QVPGXK/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Rom?

dbaler said:
What Rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CROMBi-kk.

Question USB C Wired earphones

Hi, can anyone recommend a model of USB C WIRED earphones that work with an A53, I am getting very confused as to which earphones work and which don't !
thank you !
Mike

I ordered these ones for my A53 back in July: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B3R3TTDP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They worked pretty well for a few months each (you get what you pay for). They're unavailable now, but really any USB-C headphones will work.
Amazon.com : usb c headphones wired
I recently splurged and bought the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, looks like they're about 40% off right now. Really good deal if you want to opt away from USB-C wired headphones: https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Gala...=&sprefix=gaalxy+buds+pro2,aps,96&sr=8-3&th=1

Thanks! I read something about they had to have a DAC built in to work with samsung usb c, but it's quite possible I got that wrong

MikeIAmAnAndroid said:
Hi, can anyone recommend a model of USB C WIRED earphones that work with an A53, I am getting very confused as to which earphones work and which don't !
thank you !
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This works excellently and supports the highest rate of FLAC audio files, so you won't need to worry about not being able to listen to certain files. Inexpensive yet well-built, too.