The MP3 player won't dictate your sound quality, its the level of compression.

Generally anything below 120 compression sounds pretty bad. I don't really care for MP3s, I usually buy CDs...although I too am thinking about an MP3 player.

I would go with Ipod, check out ebay, they have awsome deals on Ipods with warranties.

They have an established iTunes store and lots of experience.

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