iPod What should I replace IPOD classic with?

[erikinbend]

I've got an IPOD classic 160gb. It's served us well for many years. 90gbs worth of music on it, all organized into playlists that are just right that I don't want to lose.

It's days are numbered and I'm starting to think about what to replace it with.

A big % of songs are bootlegs or rare songs that aren't going to be available in streaming services.

Depending on the replacement I'd use it in the car and with a home stereo.

Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

[philden]

I've got an IPOD classic 160gb. It's served us well for many years. 90gbs worth of music on it, all organized into playlists that are just right that I don't want to lose.

It's days are numbered and I'm starting to think about what to replace it with.

A big % of songs are bootlegs or rare songs that aren't going to be available in streaming services.

Depending on the replacement I'd use it in the car and with a home stereo.

Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Why not just replace the disk drive with iFlash/microSD and install a new battery?

 

[Sil3nt1]

Sony Walkman

 

[erikinbend]

Sony Walkman

Why not just replace the disk drive with iFlash/microSD and install a new battery?

That sounds fairly complicated, and I'm not sure long term it gets me all the compatibility I'd like.

 

[arw]

I went with @philden ’s suggestion.
The alternative I'd recommend is simply an old iPhone (128GB or more; meaning iPhone SE 1st gen or newer).
Bluetooth and Airplay are built-in. Everything else is the same as on your iPod (like Smart-playlists) or even better.

 

[Sil3nt1]

 

[ananniamul]

I've got an IPOD classic 160gb. It's served us well for many years. 90gbs worth of music on it, all organized into playlists that are just right that I don't want to lose.

It's days are numbered and I'm starting to think about what to replace it with.

A big % of songs are bootlegs or rare songs that aren't going to be available in streaming services.

Depending on the replacement I'd use it in the car and with a home stereo.

Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

There are various portable media players available from different brands that offer music playback, video playback, and storage options. Examples include devices from SanDisk, Sony Walkman series, and Cowon.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

In the past, I have replaced a classic (I adore the iPod classic) with an Astell & Kern mp3 player.

 

[philden]

You might find that the simplest solution for your car is just a USB memory stick, and let the car stereo handle the playing part of the operation. Any player with a line level output will work with a home stereo.

 

[EdwardMatthew]

I'd recommend taking a look at the iPod touch. The iPod touch offers high-resolution audio playback, generous storage capacity, and support for various audio formats, making it a suitable choice for your collection of bootlegs and rare songs. Its versatility allows you to enjoy your music both on the go and at home. With the iPod touch, you can easily sync your music library from iTunes or Apple Music.

 

[txa1265]

I'd recommend taking a look at the iPod touch.

Not OP, but this was me years ago. It's funny - the Touch seemed like a natural evolution, but what I loved about the 'mainline' iPod series was the physical buttons. When they first came out I was commuting in the Boston area so attention was key ... now I just play albums or shuffle playlists but otherwise basically don't touch my phone (or use the controls on my wheel).

But I definitely miss having a world of music on a device - especially in the ~4-5GB days when you'd have to down-select from your library!

 

[EdwardMatthew]

Not OP, but this was me years ago. It's funny - the Touch seemed like a natural evolution, but what I loved about the 'mainline' iPod series was the physical buttons. When they first came out I was commuting in the Boston area so attention was key ... now I just play albums or shuffle playlists but otherwise basically don't touch my phone (or use the controls on my wheel).

But I definitely miss having a world of music on a device - especially in the ~4-5GB days when you'd have to down-select from your library!

I completely understand what you mean! The physical buttons on the 'mainline' iPod series were indeed convenient, especially for those moments when attention was crucial, like during commutes. The iPod touch may not provide that exact tactile experience, but it offers a modern alternative with its high-resolution audio playback, ample storage, and support for various audio formats. It's a great way to have a world of music on a single device without relying on your phone's controls.

 

[tarasis]

Sony Walkman

The prices on that are insane

£1,299.00 for 128GB, £3,299.00 for 256GB

 

[tarasis]

I've got an IPOD classic 160gb. It's served us well for many years. 90gbs worth of music on it, all organized into playlists that are just right that I don't want to lose.

It's days are numbered and I'm starting to think about what to replace it with.

A big % of songs are bootlegs or rare songs that aren't going to be available in streaming services.

Depending on the replacement I'd use it in the car and with a home stereo.

Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Not sure, I've been thinking about it as well as I've an iPod classic 5th Gen (60GB). Local CEX store has a 160GB 6th Gen for £125, but I've toyed with doing the replacing disk with SSD.

 

[Traverse]

It’s a refurbished, iPhone, mini or iPhone SE would do very well. I have to have either iOS or android because I do not want to lose my smart playlist. Most of the dedicated android players have very weird hardware or battery limitations.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

I've got an IPOD classic 160gb. It's served us well for many years. 90gbs worth of music on it, all organized into playlists that are just right that I don't want to lose.

It's days are numbered and I'm starting to think about what to replace it with.

A big % of songs are bootlegs or rare songs that aren't going to be available in streaming services.

Depending on the replacement I'd use it in the car and with a home stereo.

Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

FiiO sells a lot of Android DAPs that you may like. They even come with built in AMPs and DACs so you could use it with more demanding equipment.

 

[stiligFox]

That sounds fairly complicated, and I'm not sure long term it gets me all the compatibility I'd like.

There are quite a few people (including myself) that will do the upgrade as a service for you! But I can get wanting something that’s a bit more on the modern side.

 

[erikinbend]

Thanks for all the suggestions folks, more decent options than I had thought of! Much appreciated. A few observations on those options:
The Sandisk doesn't have much storage.
The Astell & Kern mp3 player is really expensive.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

What should I replace a day-timer with?
What should I replace a pocket camera with?
What should I replace a folding map with?
What should I replace a flashlight with?
What should I replace a notepad with?
What should I replace a paperback book with?

The answer to all those questions (and an iPod) is - my iPhone.

 

[xthine]

In my search an iPod repair shop online, I came across one that sells refurbished iPods e.g. replaced logic boards or batteries. Have you looked into that?
I still have my 5.5 classic and in trying to preserve it, ended up buying one of those new mp3 (now called DAPs) players.

 

[tarasis]

(now called DAPs) players.

To be fair, some were called DAP players all the way back in 1999-2002. Specifically I used to own a Creative DAP (Nomad in the US). 6GB, ran on 4 AA batteries.

 

[xthine]

To be fair, some were called DAP players all the way back in 1999-2002. Specifically I used to own a Creative DAP (Nomad in the US). 6GB, ran on 4 AA batteries.

View attachment 2232182

Sure. I’ve just always been used to calling them as “MP3” players back in the day and was not familiar with calling them “DAP”s until I joined audiophile forums. Even now I have the urge to call my A&K an MP3 player instead of a “DAP”.

 

[1rottenapple]

Are you in the USA? If so sell it to me.

 

[txa1265]

To be fair, some were called DAP players all the way back in 1999-2002. Specifically I used to own a Creative DAP (Nomad in the US). 6GB, ran on 4 AA batteries.

View attachment 2232182

Wow - memory activated! I had that identical one and had forgotten exactly what it looked like ... got it when it came out, dumped it for release-day iPod (that I still have!)!

 

[Slix]

It sounds like you're happy with your current iPod Classic, and it still works. So why search for a replacement? If it dies, you can always replace it with another Classic or replace the parts that break.