MP3 Players, MP4 Players, iPods & accessories

Most iPods/MP3/MP4 players sound pretty good when listened with a pair of earphones especially when you are using a premium-grade pair. However they do not sound as good when connected to PC speakers via the analog 3.5mm connectors especially when you up the volume. Some would even 'crack' when playing music with strong bass sounds if the volume is set too high. Unless you are playing via a dock that reads digital data directly from the hard-drive or flash-drive or using a pair of good speakers, you are likely to have to settle for mediocre music outputs. A good pair of speakers is recommended for quality music to be enjoyed at home from MP3/MP4 players (without having to use the earphones). You should look for two important indicators when shopping for the pair of speakers: the total RMS power output and the Signal-Noise-Radio (SNR). Total RMS output should not be less than 6 watts per side or 12 watts total for 2 sides and SNR should be at least 80dB. You normally would hear hisses or music that are somewhat noisy when you play from speakers with no listed SNR or low SNR. Speakers between 20 watts to 30 watts would be loud enough for a bedroom. Speakers that excel for all three ranges (high-pitch, mid-range and low-range (Bass)) are normally cost at least US$90 but are worth getting as they deliver quality outputs and make listening to MP3/MP4 players a real pleasure. They could also double as speakers for DVD players and TVs. You probably would not settle for anything less once you hear the excellent audio output from a blockbuster movie; there is a quantum gap between a premium-grade and an ordinary pair....

Most MP3 players come equipted with a pair of stereo speakers. Some MP3 players also come with built-in speakers. Most people have their MP3 players packed with their favourite music as well as the latest hits. No doubt, the music sounds awesome when you listen using the pair of stereo earphones but you probably would enjoy more if you could listen to it together with your folks and friends or do not have to physically carry the player and earphones when you listen. A good pair of portable MP3 speakers could provide you with more enjoyments. Though some mp3 players come with built-in speakers, there is a big difference in sound quality and loudness between the music produced by a in-built mono speaker and dedicated pair of stereo MP3 portable speakers. The MP3 portable speakers in the market range from being able to produce 1 watts (0.5watts x 2) RMS output to 12 watts RMS outputs. They come in different shapes and sizes with the smaller ones being very compact and the larger ones being able to deliver louder musics. Some could aalso be folded for ease of transportation/carrying, some look aesthetically more appealing, while others also come with trays for containing the MP3 player. Most portable MP3 player speakers do not deliver above 3 watts per channel (max total 6 watts). If you need it to play good quality music that is adequately loud enough for 1 room, remember to get one that is could produce a minimum of 10 watts RMS output. Try to get one that also comes with an AC adaptor as it could really save you a lot from battery cost.