19 out of 19 people found this review helpful.
Definitely the "Best In Class"
Date of Review: Sep 27, 2007
The Bottom Line: Stop looking. The best 8GB flash-based player for audio files.
I've always been partial to the Cowon iAudio players, especially my M3 player, and this 8GB flash-based player has turned out to be no exception. Though it is only slightly larger than an iPod Nano, it is far superior in virtually every respect.
Sound quality: There's simply no comparison. The iAudio 7 has better dynamics, clarity, and tonal balance than any other sub-$400 flash-based player I've tried. It plays louder and with less background noise than any other HDD or flash-based player I've used. I normally use it with decent high-impedance headphones, so I have to use a good headphone amplifier, but it is very comfortable with standard headphones and really makes my Ultimate Ears earphones sing. DON'T insult this unit by using either the earphones that come with it (just throw them away) or some pair of sub-$50 earphones you picked up at the Wal-Mart.
Battery Life: Best I've ever seen...hands-down. I accidentally left this unit on and connected to my earphones when putting it back in my laptop case and the thing was still playing three days later. It was a bit intermittent when using the menu (which turns on the display), but it sounded just fine. I estimated that the unit was playing for over 46 hours. Some reviewers on other websites have pointed out that the 7 is the same size as the iAudio 6, which used a microdrive, and that the space saved was apparently used to improve battery life. I'd believe it.
Computer Interface and File Transfer: This is as close to perfect as you can get. Plug it in...it automatically shows up as a drive...place whatever you want in the unit. No (significant) DRM, no synch problems, no interfering software, no heartaches. (Don't bother with the Cowon Jet software...you don't need it unless you're going to watch movies.) This plays just about any audio file format you care to place on it, including OGG, effortlessly.
User Interface: This could use a bit of work, though it's better than that of the M3. Navigation can be a challenge until you get used to the way that Cowon "thinks". I was ahead of the curve because I was already used to the M3. The touch-sensitive controls are reliable, but a bit too sensitive, even on the lowest sensitivity setting.
Features and Controls: Too numerous to mention. This has so many digital processing and tone controls that you will lose track. I just stick with the basics (graphic equalizer presets and custom settings), but it also has a virtual parametric equalizer, as well as several "sound field" settings. One feature that is a "killer" is that it will talk directly to a USB drive! Really! You can plug it into a desktop USB HDD (externally powered, of course) and play the files on the HDD.
Miscellaneous/Complaints: It's not perfect. It doesn't come with a carrying case and the Cowon case (as well as after-market cases) are pretty bad. As I said previously, the earphones that come with it are about on a par with iPod earphones , i.e. pretty poor. It also lacks a separate AC charger, though you can buy one from Cowon as an option.
Overall, the best sub-$400 flash-based audio player I've ever come across.
UPDATE! I plumb forgot to mention that this unit also plays video files (once encoded with the Jet software), records audio through an integral mic, and has an FM radio. Frankly, the screen is too small to make an effective video media player, though the clarity is very good. And I don't use the other functions. I just wanted an above-average flash-based audio player. There's also a 16 GB version that has just been released. I may need to upgrade just for the extra capacity. BTW, if you really must synch your audio files, use SyncToy (free from MS) and you'll probably be quite happy.
ANOTHER UPDATE! If you are looking for accessories for your iAudio 7, especially cases, try www.jetmall.net. They have a transparent plastic case for the 7 that does a great job and fits the unit beautifully. It does not have a clip and can't be used with an armstrap, but it's perfect for protecting the finished surfaces while allowing you to access the controls. They also have some other soft cases that work well and allow you to wear the player on your belt or on an armstrap.
YET ANOTHER UPDATE!! For anyone who has had problems with the sensitivity of the controls, Firmware 1.17 improves the situation significantly. Also, I've listened to the Cowon D2 and it sounds at least as good as the 7, but it has touchscreen controls that are just as big an issue as the touch controls on the 7...probably even more of a problem. I've also shared my 7 with a couple friends who compare the sound to their Sony players. I admit that the Sony A810 sounds very good indeed, but it is more limited in the formats it will play and the DRM is a bit more intrusive than Cowon's.
