wI was just 18 when I got my hands on a Minidisc player, which had seen better days in terms of popularity. While it might not have been the most “fashionable” choice at the time, I absolutely loved it. I vaguely recall picking up packs at Poundland, building a vibrant library of affordable music before Spotify even existed.

This week, as I published articles about the MP3 players that revolutionized portable audio technology, I reflected on how they ultimately overshadowed my beloved Minidisc players. To be fair, MP3 playback is merely one of many file formats supported by modern digital audio players—perhaps a more fitting term.

For a period, I sensed that music streaming didn’t quite satisfy my needs. Yes, the ability to access an entire music library at your fingertips is a technological marvel, but it also leads to “choice paralysis” akin to being a child in a candy store. More crucially, it’s not your music.

Frustration with Algorithms

While exploring modern players for this piece, I found that I’m not alone in feeling disconnected from today’s streaming landscape. Chris Laidler, office manager at Advanced MP3 Players, provided insights into the type of individuals who opt out of the streaming norm—my kind of people.

When he began his career in 2017, his customers largely comprised a niche audiophile community, “pursuing high-resolution audio as a hobby,” he shares. These were people “more invested in technology than in music.”

However, since the onset of Covid, this clientele has expanded to include more casual buyers. For some, nostalgia plays a role, but there are also more practical motivations.

“It liberates them from the algorithm,” Laidler explains. “They seek out music on their own terms. This also means they have a device to store the music they genuinely own, rather than subscribing to Spotify.”

For true audio enthusiasts, smartphone audio simply falls short. “Consider your phone’s size,” Raidler gestures, “which features only a small DAC [digital-to-analog converter].” On the flip side, a dedicated MP3 player offers an entire setup designed for optimal music reproduction. And yes, that includes a standard wired audio jack—take note, Apple!

Generally, some acknowledge the steep entry price, even if they appreciate the concepts. For reference, my investment landed around £650, but top-tier technology can soar into the thousands. However, don’t fret! My more budget-friendly pick, the impressive Snowkey Echo Mini at £66.99, provides great value. After a certain price point, you’re more likely chasing a specific sound signature than an evident leap in quality.

The Tyranny of Choice

Ironically, as you try to make a selection, the abundance of options can mirror the overwhelming experience of scrolling through Spotify. “At audio trade shows, visitors come equipped with notebooks, taking notes on each player’s characteristics and prices,” Laidler recounts. “Yet, when you see these same individuals returning the following year, and you ask them, ‘So, which one did you choose?’—they’re still undecided.”

Should I opt for an older MP3 player? They have limitations in terms of storage, file format compatibility, and warranties. “From a nostalgia standpoint, they’re fantastic,” says Raidler.

“I enjoy showcasing these vintage players during our exhibitions and meetings because we can’t access them easily; perhaps we should even start a museum!”

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