View Full Version : My first contact with the iAudio 7...
mosso2000
07-11-2007, 13:56
... is quite disappointing!
EDIT : the new 1.12 firmware available on cowon korea site seem to fix all bugs and the player sounds quite better as well. More extensive testing in progress
My X5L 30Gb is quite old, it fell few month ago and is quite exploded now and its battery life starts to go short, so was thinking of changing to a more compact cowon waiting for the x7 ;-)
Received today my i7 from advancemp3player and have to say I am quite disappointed for these reasons :
- the plastic is cheap - it makes noises when I force a bit on it - do not look robust
- the PC connection is completely buggy! even got a BSOD! transfert is buggy, usually starts as fast as we would expect for a usb 2.0 device and then gets stucks for ages to tranfer Mos... when it manages to finish transfert. Maybe Vista is partly responsible of that... SOLVED WITH FIRMWARE 1.12
- sound is good, it's a Cowon, but less clear than my X5. Using same track, same settings, and two different headphones (HQ1700 and MX500).
I am thinking of returning it. Will perform a more extensive testing but, not convinced.
Update : Photos..
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x186/mosso2000/11072007076.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x186/mosso2000/11072007080.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x186/mosso2000/11072007078.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x186/mosso2000/11072007079.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x186/mosso2000/11072007081.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x186/mosso2000/11072007082.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x186/mosso2000/11072007083.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x186/mosso2000/11072007084.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x186/mosso2000/11072007091.jpg
maxjensen
07-11-2007, 14:49
I am really sorry to hear that! Then I will stay quite content with my D2 (4GB) and not go for the 16GB 7 when it comes out. Anything else about it? What's it like to operate? Is the screen any good?
Stevenbrouwer
07-11-2007, 15:15
same settings? i hope you mean flat... i still don't get you cowon people..... Eq: oke, but jeteffects.... If you use jeteffect I don't think you are actually bothered by sound quality....
mosso2000
07-11-2007, 16:25
same settings? i hope you mean flat... i still don't get you cowon people..... Eq: oke, but jeteffects.... If you use jeteffect I don't think you are actually bothered by sound quality....
Yes of course i do not mean a 44KHz mp3 with BBE at max ;-)
I mean I compared a FLAC encoded CD and all settings flat including EQ. The X5 sounds clearer and better spatialized. It is not a huge difference, but when you compare both it seems quite clear.
I tried to optimize then playing with EQ, but I never could get a sound as clear as the X5.
PLEASE NOTE that these comment account for a direct comparison between X5 and i7; but in a general manner it sounds excellent (and x5 "supra-excellent") and you won't be disappointed (unless it is meant to replace a x5!). For my personnal use, I think I will ask for a refund and go for a cheap M5L. because it is cheaper, better build (i7 too plastic and not feeling very robust) and the transfert is not buggy.
mosso2000
07-11-2007, 16:28
I am really sorry to hear that! Then I will stay quite content with my D2 (4GB) and not go for the 16GB 7 when it comes out. Anything else about it? What's it like to operate? Is the screen any good?
On the specs of the box it is written available : 4GB, 8GB. Take the 16GB information with care.
It is quite fun to operate. Surprisingly slow to start, but then it is quite fast. Another bad point is that when you change the volume during play there is small "scratch" interferences in the music. Nothing dramatic. Controls are quite fun, actually.
The screen is very good in my opinion. I do not need a 0.5"HD screen so that's perfect - and the reason why i did not take a D2.
Who Am I?
07-11-2007, 16:43
mosso2000, did you update the Firmware from the Korea site? i believe they have fixed some of the bugs. and the sound you here from when changing the volume is normal actually. my F2 does that when the volume is around 25+
EDIT: the screen is nice. clear, bright, colorful, and sleek. see that it comes with a screen protector but does it come with more then just the one applied on it? my F2 came with 3 extra ones.
Hmm, hope it's not too bad. I just returned my U3 I bought for an i7 (might as well get a new model) but as you say, you're comparing it a previously good player (although they are quite different in some ways).
I will try and give some feedback tomorrow when mine arrives.
Who Am I?
07-11-2007, 16:58
thx b0ng0. hope things go well.
mosso2000
07-11-2007, 17:14
mosso2000, did you update the Firmware from the Korea site? i believe they have fixed some of the bugs. and the sound you here from when changing the volume is normal actually. my F2 does that when the volume is around 25+
EDIT: the screen is nice. clear, bright, colorful, and sleek. see that it comes with a screen protector but does it come with more then just the one applied on it? my F2 came with 3 extra ones.
Did not go to the korean site, thanks for letting me know about it. But I am not sure the player is worth the £149 as my x5 is still functioning and hopefuly can last till the x7. So probably won't touch it and ask for a refund as I'm not fully satisfied (I am hard to satisfy sorry lol).
Yes, I like the screen. No need of anything else than an OLED screen to play some mp3s!
mosso2000
07-11-2007, 17:15
Hmm, hope it's not too bad. I just returned my U3 I bought for an i7 (might as well get a new model) but as you say, you're comparing it a previously good player (although they are quite different in some ways).
I will try and give some feedback tomorrow when mine arrives.
You won't be disappointed by the sound quality, don't worry. But, in my opinion, this player should be cheaper than a D2 which offers more for the same sound quality.
Who Am I?
07-11-2007, 17:26
Did not go to the korean site, thanks for letting me know about it. But I am not sure the player is worth the £149 as my x5 is still functioning and hopefuly can last till the x7. So probably won't touch it and ask for a refund as I'm not fully satisfied (I am hard to satisfy sorry lol).
Yes, I like the screen. No need of anything else than an OLED screen to play some mp3s!just do a quick firmware update now and see if you notice anything alright?
Firmware v1.12 (http://download.cowon.com/data/C08/I7_FW_1.12.zip)
mosso2000
07-11-2007, 17:32
updated. testing.
Who Am I?
07-11-2007, 17:36
do you have the link on official site?(Korea)Cowon Site (http://product.cowon.com/)
Firmware located on bottom of page.
mosso2000
07-11-2007, 17:51
Ok, after firm update 1.12 :
- vista compatibility working perfectly
- transfert issue solved
- sound volume higher
That's very good. Checking if audio quality has changed.
Who Am I?
07-11-2007, 17:58
Ok, after firm update 1.12 :
- vista compatibility working perfectly
- transfert issue solved
- sound volume higher
That's very good. Checking if audio quality has changed.see... every little info. helps :)
mosso2000
07-11-2007, 18:06
wOOOw... Can't make anymore the difference between a same FLAC song played flat on my x5 or my i7! Great job!
Now trying to see what the EQ can give...
Who Am I?
07-11-2007, 18:09
so the sound is way different? it's better right? that's awesome!
mosso2000
07-11-2007, 18:57
Yes, the sound is definitively different with the new update. However EQ are different on the X5 and i7, and I spent quite a lot of time to find the same ideal settings I was using with the x5. Notably, it seems that bass are quickly too much present, I put lot more highs in my EQ than with my X5. In addition, I found better putting more 3D sound in BBE with my i7 to get a more spatialized sound. So it seems that EQ and BBE are quite different, but at final, result is quite comparable (maybe +0.5% clarity for x5 ^^)
So, may not be so disappointed. Will do a full day test and then update my topic.
Who Am I?
07-11-2007, 21:55
glad i could help on finding that update for you. i hope you enjoy the iAudio 7 (that's if you plan on keeping it).
Syntax010011
07-11-2007, 22:20
Hi,
When you use the Korean firmware is there any issues using the iaudio 7 with the english language. Is there a choice upfront or will it default to english due to I'm upgrading from english? I am interested in the upgrade but worried I might have any issues using it. I realize there is always a risk. Also can I revert back if i needed to? Thank you for any help. Take care.
Who Am I?
07-11-2007, 23:43
Hi,
When you use the Korean firmware is there any issues using the iaudio 7 with the english language. Is there a choice upfront or will it default to english due to I'm upgrading from english? I am interested in the upgrade but worried I might have any issues using it. I realize there is always a risk. Also can I revert back if i needed to? Thank you for any help. Take care.there shouldn't be any problem. with my F2 when version 1.11 came out i installed the Korea version and it worked just fine. their isn't really a difference so no worries. i'm not sure if you can go back to a lower version for the iAudio 7. why would you bother at this point? the new Firmware already fixes a lot of bugs.
There's a few things I'd really like to know about the i7 before I decide to buy one or not...
What is the boot up time, from Off to Playing?
Does it resume properly, as in: turn it on, and it continues playing from where it was when it was turned off, without any further interaction? Compare with the D2, which doesn't, and requires an extra couple of clicks to select Music mode after turning on.
Can the Album Art be displayed from a jpg in the folder, or does MTP mode have to be used to get Album Art?
Is the slide-touch button thing sensitive to being left in a pocket without Hold turned on? Or does it just respond to finger-touch?
Can it play music while charging?
Does shuffle/random mode actually work?
If you can answer any of those, I'd be grateful!
I've also got some questions abour the i7:
• How do you perform a firmware update on it? Do you have to run an updating app (the way that the G3/U2/i5 does), or do you drag and drop the firmware file onto the device, with the update happening automatically the next time you turn it on?
• What format and quality does it record voice recordings to?
mosso2000
07-12-2007, 02:48
Hi,
When you use the Korean firmware is there any issues using the iaudio 7 with the english language. Is there a choice upfront or will it default to english due to I'm upgrading from english? I am interested in the upgrade but worried I might have any issues using it. I realize there is always a risk. Also can I revert back if i needed to? Thank you for any help. Take care.
multilanguage, no problem!
mosso2000
07-12-2007, 02:52
What is the boot up time, from Off to Playing?
7-8sec to boot
Does it resume properly, as in: turn it on, and it continues playing from where it was when it was turned off, without any further interaction? Compare with the D2, which doesn't, and requires an extra couple of clicks to select Music mode after turning on.
yes, it resumes exactly where you were, simply press play after switching on.
Can the Album Art be displayed from a jpg in the folder, or does MTP mode have to be used to get Album Art?
I did not manage to get it working yet
Is the slide-touch button thing sensitive to being left in a pocket without Hold turned on? Or does it just respond to finger-touch?
just sensitive, and do not seem to be working well in the pocket. That may be an issue for me...
Can it play music while charging?
no. btw no charger is included, so you need to buy one if you plan to be a long time without cpu.
Does shuffle/random mode actually work?
yes, like on my x5 ;-)
mosso2000
07-12-2007, 02:54
• How do you perform a firmware update on it? Do you have to run an updating app (the way that the G3/U2/i5 does), or do you drag and drop the firmware file onto the device, with the update happening automatically the next time you turn it on?
Just place the firmware at root (not the archive), switch off, restart, update is auto.
• What format and quality does it record voice recordings to?
128k max.
mp3 or wma format for voice or radio recording ?
thanks !
mosso2000
07-12-2007, 03:00
it is wma.
Awesome news on the firmware. I agree that £149 is expensive although I only paid £110 for the 4GB model which I still consider worth it considering how new it is.
Just on the firmware side of things, and i'm sure this has already been answered I just want to make sure - is the firmware universal or region specific i.e. can I just get firmware from the USA or Korean site?
Thanks
mosso2000
07-12-2007, 03:04
it is universal, no worries. Did not start learning korean yet ;-)
The I7 seems really close to the U3, whith more battery life, less output power and a different physical interface.
As far as I know, audio hardware has got exactly the same specifications than on the U3, with a lower output power (52mW in front of 60mW).
What about the radio reception ?
Can you double check and make sure that there isn't a way to record to mp3?
Yeh I ordered a U3 but have sent it back straight away once I realised the i7 was out.
I don't think you can record to mp3, but i'm pretty sure it has a voice recorder on it, ill let you know.
7-8sec to boot
yes, it resumes exactly where you were, simply press play after switching on.
Hmm... so that would be, then: Press On, wait 7-8 secs, then press Play? Still not proper resume, though, is it. My old iAudio 4 could do it properly, you just turn it on and bung it in your pocket. It boots, and starts playing, no need to hang about waiting for it to boot so you can press play. I don't see why that seems to be so difficult for their newer players to do. Oh well.
7-8 seconds also appears to be surprisingly longer than the D2 takes to boot, I was hoping for better with the newer player. Perhaps that will improve with later firmware. (I know, I'm a sucker for hopeless optimism)
mosso2000
07-12-2007, 14:53
Hmm... so that would be, then: Press On, wait 7-8 secs, then press Play? Still not proper resume, though, is it. My old iAudio 4 could do it properly, you just turn it on and bung it in your pocket. It boots, and starts playing, no need to hang about waiting for it to boot so you can press play. I don't see why that seems to be so difficult for their newer players to do. Oh well.
7-8 seconds also appears to be surprisingly longer than the D2 takes to boot, I was hoping for better with the newer player. Perhaps that will improve with later firmware. (I know, I'm a sucker for hopeless optimism)
It may be able to set it. I dont know and wont know as I am returning it.
It feels in my hands really to cheap, bad plastic, not perfectly assembled.
I mean, it's a really good player, but in my opinion it is not worth 149£. I prefer saving for an eventual x7...
mosso2000
07-12-2007, 14:54
Can you double check and make sure that there isn't a way to record to mp3?
did not find any setting to change that
GSV3MiaC
07-12-2007, 16:38
The spec clearly says 'recording format .wma', so I expect that is fixed. Most of these questions are answered in the manual, which IS on-line. The spec also says 'limit of 200 folders, 2000 files' which is a show stopper for me, even if I can overlook the 'throw it away when the battery dies' issue (which apparently Apple have also inflicted on the iPhone. Is EVERY designer terminally thick or what?).
The spec clearly says 'recording format .wma', so I expect that is fixed. Most of these questions are answered in the manual, which IS on-line. The spec also says 'limit of 200 folders, 2000 files' which is a show stopper for me, even if I can overlook the 'throw it away when the battery dies' issue (which apparently Apple have also inflicted on the iPhone. Is EVERY designer terminally thick or what?).
Both of those quirks are deal-breakers, for me. Thanks for the info.
It may be able to set it. I dont know and wont know as I am returning it.
It feels in my hands really to cheap, bad plastic, not perfectly assembled.
I mean, it's a really good player, but in my opinion it is not worth 149£. I prefer saving for an eventual x7...
At least iAudio 6 has the "Autoplay" -setting, so I'd say iAudio 7 has it too. [Settings]->[General]->[Autoplay]
I haven't tried iAudio 7 but that sounds weird when you say "bad plastic, not perfectly assembled" as iA 6 and 7 are basically the same from the outside and my iAudio 6 doesn't look and feel cheap and the assembly is perfect.
I have to say so far I am VERY pleased with my i7. I haven't even upgraded the firmware and everything works perfectly so far, the sound is amazing and the video is very sweet. Screen looks fab as well.
Not sure about battery life yet but will report when I know. About the 'cheap plastic' that a few people have mentioned, tbh it is very plasticky, however it feels well built and *very* light, and seems to be quite tough - I have dropped it around the house a few times because im retarded and it doesnt have a scratch on it yet.
Altogether I would say it's totally down to personal preference if you're thinking of getting one. If you're looking for a very small player with reasonable to good memory size then I'd say it's worth getting. If you're after a big screen, not too worried about slightly bigger players and want large storage then you'd be better off with something else.
mosso2000
07-13-2007, 05:01
At least iAudio 6 has the "Autoplay" -setting, so I'd say iAudio 7 has it too. [Settings]->[General]->[Autoplay]
I haven't tried iAudio 7 but that sounds weird when you say "bad plastic, not perfectly assembled" as iA 6 and 7 are basically the same from the outside and my iAudio 6 doesn't look and feel cheap and the assembly is perfect.
I've been suprised as well but that is the case for me. If i slighlty press on the opposite side of buttons were plastic is can i can feel the plastic moving with a small clic noise. And it does not seem to be resistantt. Maybe it is mine which was not well assembled, no luck. It is returned now.
That does seem rather odd. Mine seems very solidly built [blink]
Yeah build quality feels solid to me.
I have a logitech harmony remote for my TV and you don't know what 'flimsy creaking plastic' is until you've used one of those! They groan like a coach load of OAPs on a Saga holiday after the drivers told them there's a flat tyre & the hotels a 3 mile walk uphill.
At least iAudio 6 has the "Autoplay" -setting, so I'd say iAudio 7 has it too. [Settings]->[General]->[Autoplay]
I can confirm that the iAudio 7 HAS got the autoplay fucntion. [thumbsup]
Umm... one thing - does anyone have a link to a manual or guide for the controls as I haven't used a Cowon player before and the manual doesn't really tell you how to use it.
Thanks
vBulletin® v3.7.2, Copyright ©2000-2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.