By Clay Valarezo
Introduction
Ok, I am going to keep this one microscopically short!
There are very few differences between the Cowon Plenue V and the Plenue J. The reason why I am writing this post is because both these devices are
heavily discounted right now on Amazon. Both devices retailed for more than
$300 a year ago, now the Cowon Plenue V and the Plenue J, are $150 ($120 with
discount) and $160, respectively. Now is a great time to buy, especially the
Plenue V!
Difference 1: Form Factor
The Cowon Plenue V looks, well, like a Corvette! It is
shaped like a “V,” and even has an edged contour. I have the red version, and
it looks pretty f-in sweet.
 |
| Cowon Plenue V |
The Plenue J looks like an Astell & Kern made
forbidden love to a FiiO. It is an attractive looking device for sure, with its
contoured headphone jack input. But the Plenue V is sexier!
 |
| Cowon Plenue J |
Difference 2: DAC/Amp Chips
Another main difference is the internal hardware. The
DAC/Amp chips are different. The Plenue V uses DAC chips by Cirrus Logic, and
the Plenue J uses, well, I’m not sure. They don’t specify what DAC chips they
use on the Plenue J, but there is speculation that the device uses Wolfson
circuitry, similar to the Plenue D.
Regardless, both devices sound stellar! As I have
mentioned with Cowon devices, they seem to be designed in a specific way, so I
am not certain if the sound differences, if any, are due to different
circuitry.
I theorize that Cowon uses different DAC/Amp chips to
optimize processor efficiency and battery life. But I could be wrong.
Reasons to Buy: Sound and Now, The Price
When the Plenue J came out, I was excited. At the time
it promised more than 40 hours of battery life, and for a device that is so
sleek, I thought I would be drowning in awesomeness, if not drowning in awesome
sound.
In the end, I was certainly drowning in amazing sound,
but the battery life was lacking. The same is the case for the Plenue V. I can
get 9 hours of solid listening on both devices. While this is not horrible, I
really wish Cowon tested the devices before advertising them as such battery
mammoths. In fact, I don’t typically listen to files larger than AAC (16/ 44.1/
256kpbs). Even then, I can’t get near the advertised minimum.
Anyways, if you can accept a 9-hour battery life, then
the price might entice you to buy both devices. The sound, as you can expect
with such a detailed Equalizer, is immaculate. The JetEffects EQ is the highest
selling point of Cowon devices. If you pay close attention to the specs, these
devices are typically overpriced and underspec’d (No blue tooth, and laggy UX).
But that sound though…
Conclusion
The Plenue V is not only heavily discounted right now,
there is a $30 coupon attached to the offer on Amazon. What was once a $300
gadget, is now less than half that price. I recommend it for exercising,
studying, and planning world DAP-a-holic domination. For $130 total dollars,
what do you have to lose (except $130)?
The Plenue J is a great device as well, certainly
worth the new price of $160.
But which one is better? I can’t tell the difference
in terms of sound. Yet, they both LOOK different; one looks like a
pseudo-Astell and the other looks like a Corvette. I will leave the buying
decision to you.
I like to end all of my posts with a “do you need it”
segment. And, NO, you don’t. You could always buy it, and do what most people
do, sell it on ebay if the device doesn’t suit your needs. But where is the fun
in that? Budget DAPs aren’t meant to re-sell. Leave that to the flagship DAP
that you mistakenly bought because you thought that you would have an
unparalleled listening experience and didn’t.
Let’s continue to go to our school’s library, with DAP
in hand. Let’s get those curious looks by others wondering why the hell we
don’t listen to music with our cell phones. F them! We shouldn’t have to
explain ourselves. We are unique. We. Are. DAP-a-holics! Until next time, stay
listening!
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