CNET Editor's rating: 8.3 out of 10
Reviewed by
Donald Bell
Review date: 07/19/07
The good: The Cowon iAudio 7 is one of the most versatile MP3 players available. It plays music, video, and photos; has unbeatable sound quality; records line-in, voice, and FM; supports OGG and FLAC file formats, plus DRM-protected WMA; works in MTP and MSC connection modes for use on both Mac and PC; and has an unmatched rechargeable battery life.
The bad: As tiny as the iAudio 7 is, it's still about three times the width of an iPod Nano. The reflective, glossy plastic found on the front and back of the player is prone to smudges and glare. There's a learning curve to the Swing Touch interface, and we would like to have seen support for Audible audiobooks, as well as a memory expansion slot.
The bottom line: The Cowon iAudio 7 beats the industry heavyweight iPod Nano in price, features, battery life, and sound quality. The user interface could use some refinement, but all-in-all this is a very impressive MP3 player.
Editor's note: Although CNET's battery drain tests revealed that the iAudio 7 is unlikely to meet its claim of 60 hours of continuous music playback during realistic conditions, we still feel it is an excellent player worthy of the Editors' Choice distinction.
While the Cowon iAudio 7 is cosmetically indistinguishable from its previous life as the iAudio 6, it still proves to be a significant upgrade. Under the hood, the 4GB microdrive technology found in the iAudio 6 has been transplanted with up to 8GB of faster, leaner flash memory and an improved battery life. We still feel that Cowon's Swing Touch interface takes some acclimation, but with the 4GB player selling for $170 and the 8GB selling for $220, the iAudio 7 is one of Cowon's most competitively priced and full-featured MP3 players to date.
Design
When we heard that the latest iAudio player would toss out the microdrive in favor of flash memory, we presumed the result would be a slimmer player. Thus, it was a bit of a letdown to find that the iAudio's dimensions went unchanged. Granted, the iAudio 6 was small to begin with, but it's certainly not as slim as the iPod Nano. Side-by-side, the iAudio 6 and iAudio 7 are indistinguishable aside from the iAudio 7's screen being slightly offset and the back cover changing from a matte to a glossy plastic. The good news is that by resisting the temptation to go skinnier, Cowon was able to fit a higher-capacity battery into the iAudio 7.
Cowon's included earbuds look great, but they really don't do justice to the audio quality this player is capable of.
Like its predecessor, the iAudio 7 features a 1.3-inch OLED screen that does an exceptional job of displaying photos and video despite its size. The entire player measures 2.75 by 1.25 by 0.75 inches, weighs a light 1.8 ounces, and fits easily in a pocket. You'll find the Hold switch clearly marked at the top of the player, along with dedicated buttons for the menu and volume control. The left side of the iAudio 7 includes two stereo minijacks, one for line input and the other for headphone output. The right side has an extremely durable rubber door that conceals the USB port and a reset switch.
One of the most notable design elements on the iAudio 7 is Cowon's unique Swing Touch user interface. While we admit it does take some getting used to, the iAudio interface is an effective and novel way to quickly navigate through files. The diagonal bar can be used to scroll through lists in three ways: swiping your finger up or down, holding down one corner, or just tapping a corner. The Record and Play buttons on each side of the scroll strip also serve to take you in and out of file directories.
Features Cowon players are seldom light on features, and the iAudio 7 is no exception. Cowon packed this little dynamo with an audio player, a video player, a photo viewer, an FM radio, a line-input recorder, a voice recorder, a radio recorder, and even a text reader. With support for an exhaustive array of file formats, including MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, and WAV, the iAudio 7's music player is really the crown jewel of this device, especially given its exceptional sound quality (see Performance). While support for purchased and subscription WMA is great, we wish we could have seen format support for Audible.com audiobooks.
Using the included Cowon Media Center software, adding and optimizing photos and videos for the iAudio 7 is mostly painless. We quickly converted AVI, MPEG, and XVID movies for playback on the iAudio 7's small screen without any audio or visual artifacts. You also have the option of adding cover artwork for your music, which displays as a background image during music playback.
The Cowon iAudio 7 has an exhaustive array of customization settings that make it a gadget-tweaker's delight. Beyond the adjustable 5-band EQ, users can also enhance the player's sound by adjusting BBE settings to add clarity, Mach3Bass settings for low end, MP Enhance to compensate for harmonics lost in music compression, and 3D Surround to improve stereo separation. Users with hearing loss will appreciate the iAudio 7's panning control for balancing the volume from one ear to the other.
Cowon's Media Center software does a speedy job converting videos for playback on the iAudio 7.
The built-in FM tuner has adequate reception and gives users up to 24 preset slots for saving their favorite stations. An autoscan function found in the main settings menu will make short order of finding available stations and assigning them to your preset list. Radio region settings are also adjustable between U.S., European, and Asian bandwidths.
If you're looking for a flexible MP3 player that can be used on Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems, the iAudio 7 can jump between MSC and MTP USB connection modes for maximum compatibility. Linux users will be especially happy that the iAudio 7 supports open file formats such as OGG and FLAC.
While we're happy to see Cowon finally making the jump to 8GB flash players, we would have been excited to see a memory expansion slot on the iAudio 7 as well.
Performance
Cowon consistently produces some of the best-sounding MP3 players on the market. No other manufacturer offers so many useful and customizable sound enhancement features. Does it sound better than an iPod? No question. Listening to Timbaland and Magoo's "It's Your Night" with a dash of Mach3Bass enhancement made the kick-drum thick and snappy--not just louder. A live recording like Gillian Welch's "I Want to Sing That Rock & Roll" presents a great stereo soundstage right out of the box, but with the MP Enhance setting switched on and the 3D Surround setting turned up halfway, the live sound becomes much more vivid.
The photo viewer is colorful and sharp and allows music to be played simultaneously without slowing down. All the recording functions of the iAudio 7 encode to a WMA file with a Kbps resolution that can be adjusted between 64, 80, 96, and 128. By default, the voice recorder encodes to a 64Kbps WMA file and does an adequate job despite common issues of background hiss and rumbling created by handling the player while it records. FM recording encodes to a default 128Kbps WMA file, making a very clean recording. Line-input recording also encodes to a 128Kbps WMA file, and allows for volume adjustment, autodetection of pauses between songs, and real-time monitoring of the recording through the headphone jack.
Looking edge-on, the Apple iPod Nano must make the iAudio 7 feel like it has a glandular problem. The iAudio 7 may be three times as thick as the Apple iPod Nano, but it also has nearly three times the battery life.
We're not thrilled with the idea of watching video on a screen no bigger than a postage stamp, but the Cowon iAudio 7 does an admirable job of presenting video despite its size limitation. It takes a little effort to convert and transfer video onto the device, but the results during our tests were sharp and colorful. Outdoors, we found the iAudio 7 does reflect a considerable amount of glare, so just keep your photo and video entertainment indoors or in a shaded area. We also noticed that the Cowon Media Center video converter places a small Cowon logo watermark in the upper-right corner of converted videos. The logo appears only at the very beginning of your video and disappears after a few seconds--but it still seems unnecessary.
Our CNET labs found that the iAudio 7's battery life is realistically capable of 41 hours of audio playback and 22.6 hours of video playback. While 41 hours of audio playback is still remarkable for an MP3 player, it does differ dramatically from Cowon's claim of 60 hours of playback time. To test the possibility of the iAudio 7's capability to reach the 60-hour mark, we performed an unofficial retest using Cowon's less-realistic playback scenario: volume set at 15 (out of 40); screen brightness set to its lowest setting; and all audio enhancement turned off. Using Cowon's test conditions we were able to coax 56 hours from the iAudio 7, but we believe these playback settings are unlikely for most users.
Final thoughts
The Cowon iAudio 7 delivers an unbeatable combination of size, features, sound quality, and battery life. But if you're looking for a MP3 player with a bigger screen for your videos, the Cowon D2 may be a better option.
6 out of 10 - Good General Cowon Review
I do not own this product, and have never seen an iAudio 7. This review is about Cowon in general....
I do not own this product, and have never seen an iAudio 7. This review is about Cowon in general.
I purchased an iAudio X5L in January of 2006 because of the favorable reviews they have received from many owners. From the perspective of audio quality, it was a superb performer for me. The FM radio was quite functional and was able to pull in all the stations I regularly listened to, and the voice recorder was at least adequate, although I think it really needs a powered external mic to realize its full potential. The video, on the other hand, was quite awful - at least as compared to the iPod. I didn't care about the video, however, so this was not really a factor in my purchase.
I use the line-out capabilities of my iAudio to play music through my home stereo and in both of our family cars. Unfortunately, in March of 2007, shortly after my warranty expired, my left line-out channel went dead. This was the beginning of my worst customer service nightmare ever.
Fortunately, or so I thought, I had bought an extended warranty from Mack Camera & Video Service. I packaged up the unit and sent it to Mack Camera, including a letter detailing my problem. I fully expected that I'd receive my repaired unit back in a couple of weeks. It was not until late May of 2007 that I received an obviously refurbished unit. During this time I called and emailed Mack Camera numerous times only to be ignored at every opportunity. At Mack Camera's website you can check the status of your repairs. For my repair it always said "Status: Manufacturer," "Reason: Manufacturer." It seems that Cowon does its repairs somewhere in CA and does not have a phone number that customers, or extended warranty providers such as Mack Camera, can use. All correspondence must be via email. Cowon was content to drag its feet endlessly. Mack Camera, for its part, seemingly felt no obligation to help speed things along for me and was perfectly content to keep me in the dark. I had NO idea as to the status of my repair until I received the refurbished unit in the mail.
To my great disgust, the refurbished unit I received was itself damaged. The circuit board tab to which the sub-pack connects was slightly, but noticeably, bent. It took me more than 20 minutes of jiggling the sub pack before I could get it attached so I could transfer over my music files. I also charged the unit at this time - the only time I was EVER able to charge the refurbished unit.
So, after a few days of frustration, I called up Mack Camera once again and carefully explained the new problem. No problem, they said. They sent me a UPS call tag and I shipped the damaged refurbished unit back to them at their expense. They told me on the phone that I'd have the unit back in a few days. It is now late September 2007 and after six months I still don't have my iAudio back! I'm getting the same old run around from Mack Camera. No response to any of my phone calls or emails, and apparently I went straight to the bottom of the queue at Cowon's US repair site. Honestly, doesn't it make you wonder how reliable Cowon products really are if there is such a long line of repair work to be done?
Well, to add insult to injury, today I received a repair estimate in the mail from Mack Camera. They are asking that I pay $105 to repair the bent sub-pack connector! They are claiming Cowon has determined that I damaged the unit, for crying out loud. My wife and I just rolled our eyes when we saw that. She watched me struggle at length to get the sub-pack connected to the refurbished unit. Cowon sent me a lemon, yet because it is my word against theirs, and because if Mack acknowledges that Cowon is at fault they would have to pay for the repair themselves under the terms of the extended warranty, Mack is sticking me with the bill.
I don't know what I will do frankly. With extra cables and accessories I have more than $600 in this unit. I feel like if I pay the $105 I'll be paying extortion fees, but if I don't I'll just have an expensive pile of junk that I won't even be able to sell on eBay. If I do pay the bill, I expect not to see the unit until at least November or early December.
The only thing I am certain of is that I hope I'll be able to cost both Cowon and Mack Camera far more in lost business than they would have spent to treat me fairly and like a valued customer - thus this review. If you have read this far, you had better fully understand what you are getting into. As long as your Cowon product is working you will love it. But if it fails, you will end up in the same endless pit of customer service hell that I'm currently in. And beware of Mack Camera extended warranties. They will ignore your requests for information on repairs, and they will take every step they can to deny your claims. Consider yourself warned!
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by CowonSUX (see profile) -
September 10, 2007
5 out of 10 - Average Great features - Isn't as user friendly as I hoped
This player has wonderful potential. The features are 2nd to none. Battery life is Awesome. It has playback speed adjustment ...
This player has wonderful potential. The features are 2nd to none. Battery life is Awesome. It has playback speed adjustment which I love because I can listen to my audio books faster. You can get used to the menu/option user interface navigation. the slider bar is really cool. Sound quality is excellent. I used multiple headsets and earpiece and compared it to my girlfriend IPOD 30gig. The screen is small but bright and clear. Plays videos nice. Scrolling though songs/playlist/menus is instantaneously fast and flawless. Almost too fast but I like it.
It's really small but I would personally like to see it a few mm thinner. I guess they need the extra width to house the larger battery for the 60 hours of playback rating.
But my one big issue is the front interface. Its just way too sensitive. I have been really trying to get used to it. I listen to a lot of audio books and when I want to pause or fast foward/rewind there is a good chance I will skip to the next or previous track. When I go back I had lost my spot and have to waste time finding it again. When I place the unit down or go to pick it up there is a good change I will switch tracks to the next or previous again because the slider bar is soo sensitive (even on the less sensitive setting). I am seriously considering returning it because it has been frustrating me quit a bit. I will try a couple more days.
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by LM123 (see profile) -
September 8, 2007
3 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
4 out of 10 - Mediocre Good hardware...horrible software!
I'm really bummed out with this player because it has SO much potential. The review from CNET was great, ...
I'm really bummed out with this player because it has SO much potential. The review from CNET was great, and the info I got on the iAudio 6 was all pretty positive. Unfortunately, this player was a massive letdown for me.
I've used a number of players in the past, including my long time favorite, the Zen Micro, a brief stent with the Toshiba Gigabeat (which was returned due to manufacturing problems) and my girlfriend's iPod. Compared to all of these players, the iAudio 7 has some clear advantages (on paper). The FM recorder is huge, and its even better because it has the ability to set the time you want it to record. The bummer is that the reception is horrible, and if you're not wearing the device (coiled up headphones sitting next to the player) the reception isn't even listenable.
The iAuio 7 also boasts great sound quality, but personally I found that my Zen Micro sounds just as good (if not better) and it took a TON of tweaking with the EQ to even get that level of performance. I guess if you're REALLY into playing with an EQ then it is nice. But if you're just looking for a simple, great sounding player, this one probably isn't for you.
One of the BIGGEST problems I had with this player was getting my DRM music to sync. I use URGE through Windows Media player, and was unable (despite many emails back and forth with URGE) to get my music to sync. I'm still not sure what the problem is (as iAudio claims to have "Playforsure" capability), but even when I tried to duplicate the problem with my Zen Micro I found that the problem was specific to the iAudio only.
Lastly, I was never able to get any album art to show up on the player's screen (which is a nice color screen). When I spoke with Cowon about this, they said that the current version of firmware DID NOT support album art yet, but that a fix would be out soon. Not sure why they would release this player WITHOUT that, but it was definitely a major bummer.
Also, if you haven't dealt with Cowon before, I would heavily advise caution. I was unable to register this device with them, despite many attempts. I never was able to successfully create an account with them because they refused to email me the activation codes, and the support staff kept me waiting for minutes (sometimes up to 15 minutes) before being able to answer my questions. Personally, I probably not going to buy another Cowon product again...or at least for a long time.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular the best player i ever had
Its a player which has all you want of mp3 player. Its hard to find something bad...very hard Perhaps ...
Its a player which has all you want of mp3 player. Its hard to find something bad...very hard Perhaps if you have hold, you can "only" choose to controll volume or next/prev song...but its a fault? Read more
by predator.sro (see profile) -
May 29, 2008
best sound ever. IPOD needs to do their homework if they want to be ...
This is one perfect mp3 player
best sound ever. IPOD needs to do their homework if they want to be that incredible sound machine
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by vanfax (see profile) -
November 8, 2007
9 out of 10 - Spectacular This player is awesome
This is the best of the six MP3 players I have owned. I has a Nano 2nd Gen and it ...
This is the best of the six MP3 players I have owned. I has a Nano 2nd Gen and it lacked so much compared to the Cowon 7. A high quality set of headphones and FLAC files, sounds like my $2200 home stereo. You can't beat it.
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by krustytheklown (see profile) -
November 4, 2007
5 out of 10 - Average Not available for retail in the USA?
If I lived in Canada, I could find one of these almost anywhere. I live in the USA. So the ...
If I lived in Canada, I could find one of these almost anywhere. I live in the USA. So the next time you guys are on TV you might just want to pass this little nugget along. So people like me won't waste an hour or so trying to find one!!! /(
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by motowntim (see profile) -
July 23, 2007
Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
Mfr estimated battery life
60 hour(s)
Audio System
Sound output mode
Stereo
Additional features
Lyrics display,
FM radio recording capability,
TXT files support,
Upgradeable firmware,
USB host function
Cable(s) / Peripheral(s)
Cable(s) included
Audio cable -,
USB cable -
System Requirements
Peripheral / Interface devices
USB port
Min Operating system
Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition,
Microsoft Windows XP,
Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition,
Microsoft Windows 2000,
Linux 2.2.x or later,
Apple MacOS X 10.x,
Microsoft Windows 98
Min hard drive space
40 MB
Min RAM size
64 MB
Connections
Connector type
1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
1 x Audio line-in Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
1 x USB
Slot(s) Required
None
Built-in Display
Audio system built-in display
TFT
Diagonal size
1.3 in
Resolution
160 x 128
Backlight display
Yes
Features
Adjustable contrast,
Adjustable brightness
Audio Features
Sound effects
MP Enhance,
BBE,
Mach3Bass
Amplifier response bandwidth
20 - 20000 Hz
Timer
Sleep,
Wake
Built-in clock
Alarm,
Digital clock,
Timer
CD System
CD system type
None
Playback modes
Pause,
Previous track,
Fast rewind,
Fast forward,
Next track,
Infinite loop,
Play,
Record
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