NOMAD MuVo NX Review: A Memory Stick with a Penchant for Music - Playing Music
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I tested the unit using a number of MP3s at various bit rates and numerous sound sources, including the included speakers, and Koss UR-15Cs. I also compared the sound output to the Creative SoundBlaster Live! in my PC (with it being such a common card, I felt it to be a good comparison point for the quality of sound.)
My first tests consisted of a number of MP3s at differing bit rates. My speculation was that at higher bit rates, the differences between the MP3 player and the sound card would become increasingly notable. Although I was correct in my stipulation, it’s not something consumers should have to worry about: this thing can hold its own quite well.
128kbps:
Using the basic EQ settings, I had to keep the volume around 3/4ths of the way up, in an office environment, in order to get the music’s full effect. The difference in how it sounded with the PC sound card was in fact, negligible. The sound wasn’t as lively coming from the NX as opposed to the PC, but the drop in quality isn’t something that someone buying this particular MP3 player (whose main focus is on size) should really be concerned with. For better quality, seek a larger MP3 player.
192kbps:
No notable differences other than those afore mentioned. One interesting thing is that although the sound seems to stick towards the middle ranges, the definition of the sound channels is a bit clearer than on the PC. In fact, I could hear more of the specific channels than I can in the PC, so stuff that I wouldn’t necessarily hear coming from my PC I actually heard here.
256kbps:
The sound quality from the computer’s sound card was notably higher at this point. Full sound gave me much more bass through the computer. It’s hard to tell the difference between bit rates in this unit sometimes in the standard EQ setting, since it all comes out about at the same signal strength. Those things which should be heard more are not. However, things not necessarily emphasized come out, enhancing the music a bit (this is the definition of channels I was talking about before).
Next: Comparing the EQ Presets >>
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