Audiophile portable CD an oxymoron?

The Headroom headphone amp company recommends one of the cheaper Panasonic models (check their website for more info). They said they tested most models and found it to be the best sounding. I don't think any are considered to be "audiophile" quality.

I agree with the previous about the Panasonics being better than the norm. Most new players are sonically all screwed up with nonskipping circuitry. Take a pair of Grado headphones or similar and test them in the store with your own CDs. Good luck.

I agree that the non-skip technology is just terrible. What you are listening to is a cheap copy of the music in memory, not the actual CD. I heard a friends Sony and I would not even call it music.

I also agree with the non-skip circuit. However, if you turn it off (if that's an option) it sounds better. Still, I wish someone would come up with a better portable. I haven't tried the panasonic--but if headroom recommends it--it's probably pretty good.

Try and find an Optimus 3400 on e-bay or this site. It is very often regarded as the best portable made.