Rio Volt Jr SP90 MP3 CD Player

The SP90 operates a little differently when playing MP3 files. It reads the track, loading it into an internal buffer until it reaches the end of the track. The disc than stops spinning until it starts to read the next track. This buffer is used as anti-skip protection too, but using the SP90 on the move is less than satisfactory. Bizarrely, it's actually better at skip-protection when using a regular audio CD than with MP3s. When it begins to load a new MP3 track it is easily upset by even mild movements, which makes playing MP3s on the move tiresome. Audio CDs are handled much better, although it's not as foolproof as some. The skipping and the lack of a remote make the SP90 better suited to desk-bound work. In which case you'll probably want to also invest in a power adapter.

It is also particularly slow to get going, especially with MP3 discs. There is between 10 and 30 seconds wait before you hear anything. Sound quality is generally very good. The exact sound quality for MP3 and WMA depends on the compression rates picked. High compression rates introduce strange effects, so a data rate of 128 Kbps for MP3 files is recommended. The headphones supplied are better than you might expect and there are a handful of EQ modes to add some bass. The controls are simple and it's easy to use. The LCD screen has no light yet does supply a row of superfluous little dancing men. Track and directory names are scrolled to show the full text.

The trick of playing MP3 files is certainly a good one. You can fit so much music on one disc, hit play and sit back. You can also program in playlists, useful when you've so much on one disc. Switch to shuffle mode and you'll never know what's coming next. The Rio Volt Junior provides an affordable MP3 CD player, but it has some rough edges. If the ability to upgrade firmware is important to you, or you need a remote control--look to the Rio Volt (SP100). If you want all this and more--including an FM Tuner, plus a whopping eight minutes of shock protection, then the Rio Volt SP250 is your best choice. --Miles Berkeley

Manufacturer's Description
The Rio Volt SP90 plays CDs with MP3 and WMA files as well as standard audio CDs. That means you can fit over 20 hours of your favorite music onto a single CD. Plus, the large LCD makes it easy to navigate through song titles and menus. With 120 seconds of skip protection and a battery life of over 15 hours, it delivers the rock solid performance you've come to expect from Rio Digital Audio.

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