A Cheap (but Good Sounding) MP3 Player for Exercising at The Gym

Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 14:44
Last edited 01/06/2017 - 17:02

Hey - thanks for checking out my post.

I want something cheap and hopefully small to play music at the gym.

I want drag and drop functionality, I cannot stand itunes/apple products.

Don't really want to use my phone, worried it will have a weight dropped on it.

I once purchased a cheapo telstra phone to try and do it… but it made the audio output quality terrible - plus a pain in the ass to change songs.

Pretty much something like this: Except I don't like the price of $89 bucks when you only get 4gb of space.

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/ipods-docks-fitness/sony/sony-nwz-…

Appreciate all the help.

UPDATE

Thank you for the dozens of helpful people who had some great suggestions.

I ended up buying a Philips 8GB Mp3 Player

With the eBay Deals I got it for $55 bucks.

I had a few top contenders, but I picked this because I liked the design of the item more and the interface looks clean.

Thanks greatly to nismo for all his help - he went above and beyond.

Listen - to anyone who got upset / salty about this forum, come on mate… I'm just another moron on the internet, why get worked up over petty stuff? Go exercise, have a flogg, relieve some of that stress…

Thanks to all the ozbargain community - your all beautiful in your own way.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Diji1 on 31/05/2017 - 14:48

    Buy an armband phone holder for exercising.

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 14:52
      +31

      no thanks, too wank and gets in the way

      • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2017 - 20:00
        +20

        What ever floats your boat. But going to the gym to wank…… bit of a hassle, you can flog the log in the comfort of your own home…….

        • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 20:03
          +30

          I prefer the gym mirrors, that way I can look into other peoples eyes while they call for security.

        • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2017 - 20:08
          +5

          @Dazza102: yes. Eye contact, hell yeah.

        • Kangal on 31/05/2017 - 23:14
          +5

          @Hotkolbas:
          We all know he goes to get ripped, so he can get off from the shape of his body.
          The security grappling is just the icing ; )

        • Dazza102 on 01/06/2017 - 13:13
          +3

          @Kangal: I cover myself in baby oil first… That way they have a tough time pinning me to the floor…

          They gave me the nickname 'the greasy gorilla'

  • Baebs on 31/05/2017 - 14:49
    +2

    You could also use Bluetooth earphones to pair with your phone.

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 14:53
      +3

      no thanks, hated my friends set and far too expensive for what you get.

      • iridiumstem on 31/05/2017 - 14:56
        +2

        Which one have you tried? I found Jaybird X2 to be alright and Chinese ones are fairly cheap (like EP51 that matthewk85 have mentioned).

        • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 14:59

          shrugs ones he purchased at Harvey Normals for far too much money and same thing, he'd have to carry his phone on his person — something I'm not interested in.

        • iridiumstem on 31/05/2017 - 15:06
          +2

          @Dazza102: You can easily carry your phone in a small bag or something simliar. It wouldn't have to be on you when you actually do gym stuff.

          As with the price, Jaybird X2 was around $100~150, EP51 is around $35 etc etc. Chinese ones really dragged the price down (at least in my view) and I personally found Jaybird X2 to be alright for its price.

          Anyways, if you want an MP3 player… I can't think of any that's just suitable for your need. Fiio M3 probably is something that you can look into. The list of MP3 players that are just MP3 players that are not targetting audiophiles are very limited, but there can be other options out there.

          https://www.whathifi.com/fiio/m3/review

        • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 15:12

          @Oversimplified:

          A+ for your effort buddy, I know they're a dying breed - thanks for taking the time to respond

        • iridiumstem on 31/05/2017 - 15:41
          +1

          @Dazza102: Fiio M3 is within your price range and I am guessing it'd be better than Sony's one that you've posted, at least on paper (8GB storage + mSD suopport) ($70 @ Addicted to Audio).

          I've not look into the model itself (like how it performs, what the UX is like etc) since I've kinda settled down with a smartphone. It's been awhile since I've looked into DAP market.

          Anyways, good luck with your search.

        • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 15:54

          @Oversimplified: That Fiio does look like a top contender, I'll read some reviews and check out what they compare.

          Thanks for the effort and have a good rest of the week.

        • Cantstandya on 01/06/2017 - 16:45

          @Dazza102:

          I'll go as far as to say you won't find a better sounding / value for money MP3 player in your price range. Expandable storage up to 64gb too…

          https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/fiio-m3-digital-audi…

          Highly recommended

        • Dazza102 on 01/06/2017 - 16:49

          @Cantstandya: It was my second option actually, ended up going with a philips 8gb for $55.

          I just liked the design of the philips a bit more, and the interface was a bit more clean… less asia style.

          I've probably lost on sound quality but hey, if it sounds like tin cans I'll return it and buy this for sure.

      • Mitchel on 01/06/2017 - 11:25

        I got a pair of Bludio bluetooth earbuds and they are great for $24au.

        You can find many things like this on Aliexpress.

        • Dazza102 on 01/06/2017 - 13:14

          Thanks all the same, just don't want my phone in a bag next to me.

      • secondstory on 03/06/2017 - 12:57

        I know you already bought, but just wanted to let you know they have little bluetooth receivers with audiojacks for headphones (some with all the same controls mp3 players) and cost under $20 if you don't mind ordering from china. I haven't tried them myself yet though.

  • MattyAu on 31/05/2017 - 14:51
    +2

    I just use Apple Music on my S8 with Meizu EP51 Bluetooth earphones, phone just stays in my pocket.

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 14:54
      +2

      I've got a large phone, don't want it on my person when exercise.

      • Powershopz on 01/06/2017 - 10:01
        -3

        I workout with an S8+ in my pocket. It's fine.

        • Dazza102 on 01/06/2017 - 13:16
          +1

          Different horses for different courses, carry my phone on me just gets in the way - and​ carrying in a bag next to me doing a set isn't my cup of tea.

          Thanks all the same.

    • hepc on 31/05/2017 - 20:18

      I use this setup but just leave it on the ground, range is a few meters so it never cuts out

      • Dazza102 on 01/06/2017 - 13:16

        Different horses for different courses, carry my phone on me just gets in the way - and​ carrying in a bag next to me doing a set isn't my cup of tea.

        Thanks all the same

  • geek001 on 31/05/2017 - 14:56
    +3

    I gave my son my old ipod and installed Yami on his Windows computer. That way he can drag and drop any mp3 into the ipod without itunes. :)

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 15:01

      Sounds fun, but I don't own any apple products, and something cheap / 2nd hand on ebay is probably something thats been in the washing machine… thanks all the same.

  • Halo375 on 31/05/2017 - 15:08
    +1

    I have a much older version of the Sony you've linked to - it's a 2gb version and honestly, it works great. With 4gb - that is about 30 hours worth of music. I doubt you'd need that much just for gym sessions and with the easy plug and play it's easy to drag folders in and out of the system. Bluetooth earphones aren't that expensive anymore - I have some soundpeats QY7's that are great and the cords stay out of the way.

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 15:14

      Yeah… maybe I'm just too much of a tight ass and think that your not getting good value at $89 dollars for the sony one.

      • Halo375 on 31/05/2017 - 15:28

        Ideal situation is using your phone (leaving it in a bag nearby) in conjunction with good bluetooth earphones. Another alternative would be something like the Sony Smart B trainer which is earphones with an integrated 16gb mp3 player and some fitness tracking capabilities: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phone-accesso…

        • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 15:34

          How nearby we talking? I don't reckon it will reach one side of the gym to the other if it sits in the storage area…

          Them Smart B trainers, my god, looks like you got two bluetooth headsets in your ears.

          Thanks for your input and suggestions mate.

  • KitchenSink on 31/05/2017 - 15:24
    +7

    Check out the Sandisk Clip Jam or Clip Sport. You can get some from Amazon.

    MP3 players are a dead market - phones killed it. There's the dodgy ones off sites like Aliexpress, Gearbest for under $10. Your mileage may vary with those.

    I've smashed my phone by weights before, now I use a Running belt to hold my phone and not in the pocket and bluetooth headphones (Plantronic backbeats fit). Kinda expensive setup but beats the wires getting in your way or headphones falling out of ears.

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 15:38
      +2

      Yeah man, you would know the feeling, plus phones are just a distraction — how many rock apes do you see waiting far too long between sets playing candy crush…

      And my phone is like a 6in screen, and it wasn't cheap… may not even be me who breaks it, only takes a firm push in the wrong area and you got a crack in the screen.

      Thanks for the suggestions.

      • havebeerbelywillsumo on 31/05/2017 - 15:44
        +1

        re the Sansa…….they should be the solution but company appears to be a strong contender in "the race to the bottom". Sort views into age order and you'll see a wild variance in the feedback but too many failed within weeks/a few months for my liking, and I speak from personal experience.

        • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 15:53

          Thanks for the warning, ill cross it off the contender list

    • [Deactivated] on 01/06/2017 - 09:10
      +2

      Sansa Clips rock. I've got a few. Tiny, TINY player that has good volume. Put rockbox on it and you're laughing.

      • Dazza102 on 01/06/2017 - 13:17

        How new we talking buddy? Did you have any issues?

      • Noblejoker on 01/06/2017 - 14:53

        Sansa Clip is absolutely what you want <$60 new on ebay
        And Yes you can install the alternative OS Rockbox - but try it with the Sansa OS first
        I tried both and found the Rockbox more complicated and didn't add much I wanted

        • Draxxx on 01/06/2017 - 17:22

          I thought the only one that supported Rockbox was the Clip+, and they are as rare as hens teeth, and expensive to match.

        • yesiamcheap on 03/06/2017 - 01:00

          +1 for Sansa Clip+ … I've had it for a few years, mostly use if for travel, it's brilliant

  • garetz on 31/05/2017 - 15:31
    +2

    get an older ipod

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 15:39
      +1

      No thanks

      • snowcold on 31/05/2017 - 15:53

        Looks like you know the obvious answer to your question (which is an iPod shuffle- checks all your requirements) and you are letting your hatred towards a company stand in your way for whatever reason

        • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2017 - 16:27

          dont worry man, the dude is a clown

        • ThithLord on 31/05/2017 - 16:27
          +6

          Hardly - I can spot Apple h8rs from a mile away - looks like OP just mainly wants drag and drop functionality. Nothing wrong wi' that!

        • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 16:46
          +7

          @ThithLord: 100% this — I don't like the way itunes operates, I want to be able to just chuck my stuff on a electronic device without waiting for a middleman program to update, wanting to sync etc etc

        • garetz on 31/05/2017 - 21:21
          -1

          @Dazza102: There is alot of guides out there on updating the software on older ipods to drag and drop interfaces. You can upgrade an old 5th gen 30gb ipod to 120gb with rockbox for very cheap.

        • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 21:29

          @garetz: Thanks all the same but I don't really want to muck around with secondhand gear and then play programmer.

  • PVA on 31/05/2017 - 15:51
    +2

    I don't blame you, using a phone is a pain and not simple to change songs.

    Get a MP3 player that has buttons and not a touch screen then you can swap songs etc without looking. I found my old iPod nano with a scroll wheel perfect but you needed crappy iTunes.
    Try one of these from Target, $49
    https://www.target.com.au/p/thomson-16gb-multimedia-video-pl…
    You can always return it if it sounds awfull.

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 15:57
      +1

      Got some mixed reviews, but like you said, if its crap just wait in line at the returns counter all sweaty and say gimme back my money…

  • frondono on 31/05/2017 - 16:05
    +1

    Shanling m1

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 17:21
      +1

      It looks like its a $150+ player - no sorry mate I need something reasonably priced.

      • gimli on 01/06/2017 - 06:39
        -3

        it is reasonably priced…

        • Dazza102 on 01/06/2017 - 13:24
          +1

          I'm just going to drip sweat over it - I've had plenty of good suggestions here with prices under $60.

        • gimli on 01/06/2017 - 18:47
          -1

          @Dazza102: this is under $160

        • Dazza102 on 01/06/2017 - 18:56
          +1

          @Gimli: yeah nah… not paying $160 bucks for an mp3 player sitting next to my sweaty balls.

        • gimli on 01/06/2017 - 20:10

          @Dazza102: tmi

  • Ozbargainite on 31/05/2017 - 16:23
    +2

    I understand the aversion to apple and having a large phone is impractical.
    What about…….
    https://bemighty.com/products/mighty

    I don't know much about these but the idea seems good.

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 16:52

      nice concept, but I don't have spotify/don't want spotify.

      Thanks all the same.

  • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2017 - 16:26
    +3

    you are shitting on everyones ideas in this thread…Whats up with you?

    Options:
    1. Old ipod nano (solid, works, cheap, sounds good) 99% of them being sold used on ebay would not have been through someones wash…
    2. sony mp3 player
    3. chinese import mp3 player.
    4. use google and do your own research and dont come here

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 16:57
      +19

      I think you interpreting my posts wrong…

      I like to reply to everyone, I even say no thanks and try to acknowledge everyone who responds.

      I've gotten some great options and advice from this thread, no need to get upset and salty telling me not to come here buddy lol…

      • Kangal on 31/05/2017 - 23:16

        Ugh, no thanks Dazza…

        Now let's find a good mp3 player for karanimal, hmmm

  • activ8newbs on 31/05/2017 - 16:52
    +3

    I get where you're coming from and agree with you. I don't understand the hate you're copping. Be mindful, it's a dying market. Check Kogan, or ebay for dodgy ~$10 players. Worth your bet imo.
    Go the blues tonight btw!

    • KitchenSink on 31/05/2017 - 16:56
      -1

      Giving you thumbs up for the blues comment! :D

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 17:18
      +1

      I didn't even think about kogan actually - they got plenty of nickles and dimes electronics now days.

    • PVA on 31/05/2017 - 17:49
      +1

      Thumbs down for Blues comment 😀

  • sim777 on 31/05/2017 - 18:13
    +2

    Had this same issue before - didnt want a bulky phone in my pockets nor any bluetooth earphones. Ended up getting a second hand shuffle off gumtree for like $20. Have a few 1hr trance music sets which is perfect for my workouts and a good pair of light but good quality earphones (senheisser cx300ii). can clip the shuffle onto my single or my shirt and never had issues of it getting in the way. tI can turn it off and chuck it in my gym bad. battery life is awesome too- end up charging it like once every two weeks with daily use.

    • PVA on 31/05/2017 - 18:17

      Don't you still need iTunes to transfer songs on and off though?

      • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 18:36
        +3

        Yeah sorry mate, I just don't like how much effort it is with apple products when it comes down to installing software which always wants to update, sync and just be annoying

        • PVA on 31/05/2017 - 20:34
          +3

          Oh, I agree. My reply was to sim777 who suggested a shuffle.

          An Apple iPod nano would be perfect if not for iTunes.
          My wife still uses one but no one here has iTunes, so she's had the same songs on it for 5 years.

  • fatpizza on 31/05/2017 - 18:25
    +1

    I used an ipod nano 16GB (7th gen) paired with some Jaybird X2 headphones. Really good combo.
    Of course you don't want to use apple though. It's the only apple product I own. :P

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 18:37

      Thanks all the same, just not my cup of tea.

  • lainey13 on 31/05/2017 - 19:17
    +1

    Back when I used my old nano (which I still have), there's a simple way of transferring files onto it without needing software. I can't remember the exact steps but you do NOT need itunes.

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 19:54
      -1

      Cool beans, unfortunately don't have any used ones in my possession

  • Yuri Lowell on 31/05/2017 - 19:32
    +2

    I use an old Sony Walkman mp3 player. It's only 4GB but lasts 30+ hours and small. Might be able to find a cheap 2nd hand one on ebay.

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 19:55

      I made an offer on one on eBay, never still sealed… give it a punt I say

  • Pacify on 31/05/2017 - 19:45
    +1

    An old sandisk clip would work pretty well, sound quality in them are fantastic and they are pretty small

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 19:55

      I'm getting different reports on sandisk quality being hit and miss - thanks all the same tho.

      • Pacify on 31/05/2017 - 19:58

        You would want to get the original clip, should be able to get one second hand pretty cheap

        • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 20:01

          Yeah nah thanks… thing about small portable electronics they can go in the wash… or sit in a pocket next to some sweaty balls — I'm all about a bargain but I was hopeful to buy something new.

        • Pacify on 31/05/2017 - 20:06
          +1

          Yeah, unfortunately the new ones are expensive as hell, probably because its a discontinued product

  • aboabo on 31/05/2017 - 19:46
    +2

    USB rechargeable headphones with SD card slot and FM radio. e.g. Bluedio.

    Or the folding ones I bought from China on eBay for $14; excellent sound.

  • MessyG on 31/05/2017 - 20:12

    Don't really understand your emotional response to apple products, but ipod shuffle is great, mine is 10 years old and still going strong.

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 20:59
      +6

      No emotion here, I like the style and how compact apple products are - I just hate itunes and the software required to install simple tracks — each time I've had to do it for others I found it frustrating, If apple made a product where I can go to any computer in the house, without the need of software, to drag and drop audio files onto my device within moments, they would get my money… I'm not sure why people have got such a bee in a bonnet about me hating their products or whatever…

      • MessyG on 01/06/2017 - 18:28
        +2

        I think there's file managers for them now but I get your point, itunes is ridiculous.

        • Dazza102 on 01/06/2017 - 18:58

          A friendly person even showed a method where you find this folder and that folder to drop it into… but still, if they made it simple I probably would have got a shuffle if it was priced as good as the one I picked.

        • Jackkkkkk on 02/06/2017 - 11:30

          Copytrans is the program you mentioned for managing any apple product without itunes and it's free

        • Jackkkkkk on 02/06/2017 - 11:32

          @Dazza102:

          I used to have an apple ipod shuffle. Stopped charging but i was using Copytrans to manage music without itunes

          https://www.copytrans.net/

  • nismo on 31/05/2017 - 20:12
    +12

    I've been down this road and recommend this Philips MP3 player which I bought from (the real) Dick Smith a couple of years ago.

    Drag and drop, no need to install software.. Very light, 33 grams and also small, great for the gym, which is why I bought it!

    Great sound output, assuming you have at least half decent 'phones that "FIT" your ears properly.. I mainly listen to hard dance but these handle any music very well. I have an ear for sound quality.

    The same ones are listed on eBay, by KG Electronic, who I have dealt with before and had no issues with:

    $69 for 8gb and $59 for 4gb.

    • Dazza102 on 31/05/2017 - 21:00
      +2

      Thank you for a top suggestion, it has been added to my watch list.

      Greatly appreciated

      • nismo on 31/05/2017 - 21:07

        No probs, there's also 10% off ebay site wide starting tomorrow, if you do decide to get one:
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/310092

        • Dazza102 on 01/06/2017 - 13:28

          Nismo mate - what is the interface like?

          All the youtube reviews are for all different products and / or Indian or Russian.

        • nismo on 01/06/2017 - 14:50
          +1

          @Dazza102:

          Its not bad, I wouldn't say it's the fastest UI on the market, but you can flick through folders and your tracks quite easily, I mostly just Play on Random mode and don't go looking for tracks much.

          Here is the exact model, video review just it's black instead of red, UI is exactly the same as mine, have no idea what the reviewer says, can't watch it atm - black's also an option.

          Browsing the features on the product page (I linked earlier) wouldn't hurt either, assuming you haven't

          Also, the seller is included in the 20% CRACKA deal which starts later today, so take 20% off those prices. Getting closer to what I paid!

        • Dazza102 on 01/06/2017 - 16:32
          +4

          @nismo: nismo mate - I appreciate every single piece of advice you've given to me. You've gone above and beyond to drop me links, even provided a good reviewer bloke.

          I waited till 4pm, got the 8GB version for $55.

          You restore my faith in these forums.

          Thank you greatly - I oue you a chicken parma one day I reckon!

        • nismo on 01/06/2017 - 21:38
          +1

          @Dazza102:
          All good mate, happy to help and sounds like you got a good deal too

  • gotz on 31/05/2017 - 20:13
    +1

    Basically there is nothing that meets your requirements. I know because I spent some time trying to find a MP3 player like this last year. Closest would be a Rui ZU X12 or AGPtEK A12 from AliExpress. But the interface for these is terrible, particularly for podcasts or audiobooks.

    Each revision of the Sansa Clip seems to be worse than the last. The Sansa Clip+ was the best with navigation becoming noticeably slower for later versions.

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