MP3/CD Player: Rio Volt vs. AVC Soul Player

[LuBug]

After quite a bit of time spent on research, I am thinking about getting an MP3/CD Player. Now the question is, which model should I get? From many reviews, it seems like Rio Volt is the one to get. However, there is another product called AVC Soul Player, which looks different but seems to have the same technical features. Anyone has comments on these 2 toys? Thanks!

 

[Ender510]

I am actually deciding between these as well.. you should also check out: www.iriver.com - it looks like this is a version of this as well.. I am wondering if the iriver one is the original one, then the rio volt and the avc soul player are knockoffs?

One question I had was if they all use the same firmware updates? If so, then I guess it doesn't really matter as far as from the functional standpoint.. only depends on the hardware quality.

 

[Shmorq]

I remember hearing that the 2 are the same in terms of hardware. I forgot which company makes it for who...

 

[Ender510]

how about firmware updates? Can they all be used interchangibly?

 

[mikee]

I have heard that you can use firmware updates interchangeably. The player itself is made by iRiver.

 

[Ender510]

Which player? Both?

 

[hans007]

all 3 of them are the same. but i like the way the rio volt looks more.

 

[Adul]

They are basicly the same player. All that is different is the looks and price.

 

[Ender510]

Is there a place where I can check out what's different as far as looks go? Any real diff. in durability factors then? I think I am leaning towards the Rio Volt right now.. I think I am going to do the Flooz special.. where you send $60 and get $15 each time.. so I'll do it twice, and save $30, plus I have an old $25 someone sent me.. now I just gotta wait for Outpost to get it in stock..

 

[Ender510]

Is there a place where I can check out what's different as far as looks go? Any real diff. in durability factors then? I think I am leaning towards the Rio Volt right now.. I think I am going to do the Flooz special.. where you send $60 and get $15 each time.. so I'll do it twice, and save $30, plus I have an old $25 someone sent me.. now I just gotta wait for Outpost to get it in stock..

 

[LuBug]

I am not too concerned about the iRiver product being in the mix of these things cuz it seems to me iRiver is based in Korea and I'm not sure what US retailers carry their products.
I am, however, concerned with the durability of each model. I believe Rio Volt and Soul Player are essentially the same thing, but if one company makes more durable product than the other, I wouldn't mind paying an extra $10. Of course, both of these models have just come out recently, so durability is difficult to assess. I'm just wondering if anyone has experience with other products from these companies.

 

[LuBug]

By the way, are there any of these mp3/CD players out there that also have the AM/FM function? Just curious.

 

[DaveH]

bump...any new thoughts on the comparisons between these devices? The Soul player seems to be getting cheaper all the time...

thanks, Dave

 

[sygyzy]

Get the Rio Volt, you won't be disappointed. You can use the firmware from the other device so that works out perfect. And you get warranty and service from US company rather than Korean.

 

[LuBug]

I've finally decided on AVC Soul Player and ordered it this afternoon. Before I logged online I actually thought I was going to order the Rio Volt, but then I found a great deal: AVC Soul for $129 + shipping, but with MasterCard, you get an additional 10% off! So I saved about $30 over the cheapest Rio Volt I can find. Here is to hope that AVC is the same (or better???) quality as Rio!

 

[ex inferis]

May I ask where you ordered it from for the 10% off? I found a place that is selling it for $129(compgeeks.com) but I don't know if its the same place where you got the 10% off for mastercard. I didn't want to enter my personal info just to find that out. Thanks

ex inferis

 

[LuBug]

ex inferis: yes, that's where I ordered it from. You may find out how to get the 10% off here. Good luck!

 

[LevcoS]

iRiver is a Korean OEM who manufactures *all three* players; the Rio and the Soul players are just relabelled for their respective "manufacturers". The innards are identical- just pick the one that looks the way you want it to look!

LevcoS

 

[LuBug]

I've heard of that iRiver company as well. Thanks for the info. I kinda suspected that all 3 are the same, but just didn't have any confirmation.