Topic: JB3 vs. H120

[Dkrogh]

just thought i would see what people are starting to lean towards

[graemecogger]

I'd be interested to see what advantages the JB3 has over the iRiver (with Rockbox installed).

The H120 is smaller and lighter and has decent level meters, including nice ideas such as the clip-light (you can set it so that the backlight comes on when you go into clipping).

From what I've heard, the recording quality is pretty much the same.

[macacopowa]

for now the optical in

[graemecogger]

for now the optical in

I forgot about that...

[divamum]

I wrote this up for another forum about a year ago when I first got the JB3 to add to my collection (and before RB was available for the iRIver)

At this point I'd probably still say about the same, even though the RB on iRiver has narrowed the gap, particularly since it enables to iRiver to record for longer times.  That said, I've found my RB'd iRiver a touch glitchy, so I think I "trust" the JB3 a little more, hence why I use it for performances.

I use the iRIver MORE however, since it's an ideal small mp3 player which records (which for me means lessons, coachings and practicies); I carry it with me most of the time. 

Anyway, FWIW.


http://www.network54.com/Forum/179870/message/1110344544/Here+it+is%2C+shoppers-++iRiver+H120+vs+JB3

[Aaron41]

I've been thinking about switching from the JB3 to the H120. I read that the H120 will power the DPA 4061s without anything in the middle. That would be even better when stealthing.

[firmdragon]

I read that the H120 will power the DPA 4061s without anything in the middle. That would be even better when stealthing.

it will.  so far i haven't had any power issues either.

[thierryhenry]

Just sold one of my old Backup Jb3's and I am in the process of getting the IHP-120 to serve not only as a backup/primary recorder but also as the all allusive college quintenessential item, the ipod...alternative.

I think I am going to enjoy the IHP-120, everything I have read about it has been good.

[BayTaynt3d]

The JB3 is a proven workhorse. With proper maintenance (defragging), this thing proven itself in the field thousands of times over by hundreds of people, and with a second internal battery, the thing will run for more than 5 hours straight without any external batteries needed. Not to mention it has optical input, which cinches the deal for many folks. But hey, if smaller form factor is your thing, then the H120 might take the edge... Not for me personally though -- the JB3 has earned it's place in the taping community as far as I'm concerned.

[George]

The iriver H120/H140 is starting to prove itself, that's true.  I've taped two shows with it and it worked perfectly.  Plus, its internal batt with roxkbox yields 6-8hrs of recording time and folks on misticriver have swapped out the internal battery for a newer, higher mah battery that nearly doubles playback time.  I think its a great, stealthy recording device and playback-wise, it sounds great with a pair if grado's.

[Sanjay]

The JB3 is a proven workhorse. With proper maintenance (defragging), this thing proven itself in the field thousands of times over by hundreds of people, and with a second internal battery, the thing will run for more than 5 hours straight without any external batteries needed. Not to mention it has optical input, which cinches the deal for many folks. But hey, if smaller form factor is your thing, then the H120 might take the edge... Not for me personally though -- the JB3 has earned it's place in the taping community as far as I'm concerned.

A few reasons you should consider the H120

- Smaller form factor (size of the ipod) and more rugged construction (metal)
- simple USB2 connectivity, no need for software
- active support of firmware (rockbox)
- I've run it for 9 hours on a single charge, if I were to replace the battery with a new higher capacity one the sky is the limit
- Optical input recording now works.
- handy remote for stealth taping
- much better metering (no need for SVU if using a UA-5)

personally i've never looked back from the jb3

[BayTaynt3d]

I didn't realize optical was a done deal. That changes things considerably...

[whatboutbob]

H1x0 optical recording is still only in alpha stage (the first patch was created 3 days ago).

I, for one, find stealthing with the iriver very easy.  I put the unit in my pocket, set my levels, and run the remote down my arm under my longsleeve shirt, clipped to my cuff.  I wait for the band to come out and press record (thank you pre-recording).  If I see a very faint light coming from my wrist (thank you clip light) I adjust levels unsighted @ the next break.  At the end of the night I fire up my computer and dump the wav over in ~3 minutes..

I get about 16 hours recording w/ the US$15 ipod battery I installed in about 15 minutes.

FLAC playback on my Grado SR60's does sound nice too, though a little underpowered.

Having said all that, I'll be happier once rockbox development for the iriver has settled somewhat - i've ruined a couple of recordings now (out of ~100) because i've been testing experimental builds.  Of course that's my own fault and I do it in the interests of advancing rockbox...but once optical's added to cvs I think I'll have a moratorium on new rb builds for a while.   Keep in mind that rockbox have not officially released their firmware to the h1x0 yet...though that should happen within the next couple of months.

[terrapinj]

how does the ADC compare between these two?

[joolz]

Hmm, sounds tempting. My JB3 screen broke yesterday and I need a new recorder before next weekend.

So, I guess it's reliable enough, bit worried about using it first time out at the biggest gig I've taped yet...

it doesn't seem that expensive...

looks like I might be sold on it.