Cowon's longevous iAudio 7 now shipping

If you're scouting a music player that can keep the jams rolling into the third day of an up-all-night long weekend, you've got a few options outside of the iAudio 7, but we doubt you'll find one this sexy. Cowon's latest flash-based device -- rated for 60 hours of playback sans a recharge -- is finally ready to delight, as the company has just announced that the silver accented 4GB unit and red accented 8GB flavor are both shipping to US customers as we speak. Of course, we're sure the audiophiles are well aware of the potent integrated amplifier, built-in five-band equalizer, and lossless file support, but those just catching up can get their orders in now for $169.99 or $219.99 depending on capacity.

[Via PlayerBites]

[Kris S. @ Jul 9th 2007 6:54PM]

8 gigs
FM Radio

This might just be my next DAP.

[Iain @ Jul 9th 2007 7:04PM]

or get a Sandisk 8gb +microSD upto 2GB
and fm

[tekdroid @ Jul 10th 2007 1:00AM]

standard removable flash rules.
(as does removable battery which many seem to be ignoring, sigh)

The thing with Cowon is that the sound quality is generally rated higher than Sandisk. Cowon also supports FLAC and Ogg Vorbis, which Sandisk hasn't touched yet.
http://flac.sourceforge.net
http://www.vorbis.com

[Iain @ Jul 9th 2007 7:04PM]

Againt the grain, eh, fat and healthy.
I want to hold one.

[threefingeredlord @ Jul 9th 2007 7:11PM]

It's like they heard I needed a new mp3 player and tailored one specifically to my needs XD.

[duber @ Jul 9th 2007 7:16PM]

Seriously, what's will all that "i(whatever)" naming convention?! At first, I thought that was purely Apple's thing, but seeing all those "i(whatever)" products coming out, I start to get sick of the letter by now!

[madd_matt @ Jul 9th 2007 7:48PM]

iAudio has been around since 2000, which isn't much after the iMac was introduced (1999) and is before the iPod at least.

[jaalin @ Jul 9th 2007 7:17PM]

cowon has the best players if you're after usability and sound quality, but they seriously need a new designer... their players are way too fat/ugly.

see, this is what happens when you dont go the meizu route and rip off every design apple throws out.

cowon with meizu design = the win!

[tekdroid @ Jul 10th 2007 1:03AM]

from what i read a while ago they outsource the design to another firm. This design gets no points from me. I hate the button layout & gloss.

[Pat @ Jul 9th 2007 7:22PM]

Does anyone know if this is able to charge via USB? If it does, I'm sold.

[mik @ Jul 9th 2007 7:59PM]

theres is a USB port on the bottom if you look at some of the pictures, i'm assuming its for charging. never owned a COWON mp3 player but i'm assuming USB charging should be standard by now?

[cruzlee @ Sep 19th 2007 4:10PM]

You're sold, because it does.

[Sam @ Jul 9th 2007 7:29PM]

Can I please get a mp3 player with built-in Bluetooth stereo?

[Gavin @ Jul 9th 2007 7:59PM]

I think Cowon's designs take a while to adjust to (some seem never to get used to them), but I personally like the style that they pursue. With the iAudio 7 in a dark shaded red, it looks very modern, yet I do agree that they are a bit on the fat side!

[mik @ Jul 9th 2007 8:00PM]

any one have info on the freq response?... I hope its a bit better then 20hz-20khz

[jcollum @ Jul 9th 2007 8:02PM]

So like you're looking for a player that plays sounds outside of the range of human hearing? I've got one that does exactly what you want. Yours for only $99.95!!!

[Dustin @ Jul 10th 2007 4:02AM]

Dude, it's for his dog..

[Joe @ Jul 9th 2007 8:03PM]

I own the iAudio 6 and I HIGHLY recommend it. My wife got it for me for my birthday and I'm glad she did.

It's only 139.99 on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Cowon-iAudio-MP3-Player-Black/dp/B000FJEY6M/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-0005526-5380044?tag=freeplefav-20&ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1184025601&sr=8-1

[Richard @ Jul 9th 2007 9:47PM]

Yes, it charges via USB.

If I didn't already have an iAudio 6, I would totally buy an iAudio 7. As far as I am concerned, they are the only worthy rival to an iPod. Particularly if you don't like using proprietary software to upload tracks.

[Superhob @ Jul 9th 2007 10:29PM]

16GB Available Soon!

I believe that would be a first. See the web page for details: http://www.cowonamerica.com/products/iaudio/7/

[Kr4t05 @ Jul 9th 2007 11:09PM]

And here I just ordered the iAudio F2 from N'Egg last week. This thing is only $30 more than the F2 and looks a lot nicer. I have half a mind to cancel my order if it hadn't just shipped.

[psxp @ Jul 9th 2007 11:22PM]

fark.. come on cowan..release the A3 and Q5 soon!

[Jongwon Lee @ Jul 10th 2007 9:09AM]

It's already released in South Korea...Not yet in USA?

[psxp @ Jul 10th 2007 9:18AM]

no word from Cowon in USA on these products. People will spend their $$ on the Archos, because their release is very soon here and at least they have made announcements for USA/Europe.

[Reader @ Jul 10th 2007 2:49AM]

Wow, when that comes out I'm buying that 8gigger. I would go for the Sansa Connect, but imo it's ugly as hell. I have a 30gb gigabeat right now, but it's flawed in so many ways, and I want a flash based player.

[Michael @ Jul 10th 2007 2:52AM]

From my experience with the X5, I can say with complete confidence that Cowon makes the best players, period. My X5 has been dropped onto a concrete floor literally at least 10x and it still works like new. The anodized finish has rubbed off of the aluminum in places due to extreme mistreatment but never once has it given up on me. Just yesterday I dropped a bag with my X5 in it onto the pavement and didn't even bother to check if it still worked. I just knew I could depend on it that much.

Plus, even more importantly, Cowon has the best sound quality of them all. You really can't go wrong.

[Dustin @ Jul 10th 2007 4:00AM]

Don't you mean, "I would be sans job"
sheesh, haven't you learned?

[anonymouspimp @ Jul 10th 2007 11:53AM]

Stooopid. What do you leave your iPod at the bike rack or something? Quit spamming... noone wants your stupid ipod lock.

[Randavance @ Jul 15th 2007 5:16PM]

I have the iAudio M5 and I absolutely LOVE it. Great codec support (ogg, flac, the works). Great sound quality. Great firmware (though I ended up replacing with Rock box). Over all it was a great investment and I highly recommend the brand.

[ark_v2 @ Sep 2nd 2007 12:21AM]

I think it's great for audiophiles except for a little detail...it's flash memory based, so the maximum storage is 8 GB, which is not good enough for lossless audio.

[funktion @ Sep 6th 2007 6:53PM]

right...because all audiophiles music files are each 8gb+ in size...