Cowon D2+ [PMP Mega test] Review

VERDICT:

Priced at Rs. 12,499 the D2+ is pricey, especially considering it doesn’t perform as well as an iPod Touch that you can buy with a similar capacity for a little more.

 

The D2 is powerful enough to drive the SR 225 well but without an amp the loss of control over the treble is noticeable. Once amped things tighten up and the D2 begins to exert control over the music as the amp reigns in the uncontrolled-at-times highs Grado is known for. The bass is heavy but not as clean as the iPod Classic and Touch – there is some bass bloat audible and the bass loses its tight, impactful feel. The mid-range loses its immediacy and begins to sound like it’s a few rows down from the rest of the music. Although everything is done reasonably well, the passion goes out of the experience and after listening to the iPod Touch you will inexorably miss something here. And it is this 10 percent more performance that people shell out disproportionately extra amounts for, given that audio gear strongly follows the law of diminishing returns. Priced at Rs. 12,499 the D2 is pricey, especially considering it doesn’t perform as well as an iPod Touch that you can buy with a similar capacity for a little more.

Pros:

• Feature rich
• Built well
• Good sound quality
• Great audio formats support

Cons:

• Not in audiophile territory
• Bulky
• Touch interface could be better