Philips eXpanium 213 CD Player
The EXP 213 is a bare-bones CD-R/RW playback device.Of the two regular CD-based MP3 players we've examined in this review, the Expanium's definitely the more ordinary looking device. The front facing is finished in a metallic white colour with facing buttons to control simple playback, shuffling and base control. The three-line LCD display isn't capable of showing track names as it comprises some set LCD displays and a standard 7-segment LCD display for track numbers and elapsed track time. A switch on the side turns the player on and off, and also acts as the hold switch. A dial on the base changes volume, alongside the release catch for CDs. Volume levels on the player were acceptable although if you like your music on the very loud side you may be disappointed. Unlike the Slim 600, there's no cabled remote, although the Expanium does offer a clip for easier carrying ability.
The Expanium 213 will read regular CDs, CD-R and CD-RW media, but only supports standard CD-Audio and MP3 file formats from 32-320KBps. The specifications list a limit of around 350 files/disc, depending on filename length, although that would indicate individual files of around 2MB each, which either wouldn't sound terribly good or be terribly long; we doubt many users will hit this particular limit.
The Expanium comes with a very ordinary set of bud headphones; as with every other player that comes with this option we'd recommend investing in a decent set of real headphones. Musical playback was acceptable with our test files, although the enhanced bass settings -- the only type of graphical equalisation the Expanium 213 supports -- did tend to distort noisier tracks.
At AU$279, the Expanium's not quite as cheap as the Philips AZ5150, but it's a fair amount more portable. It is cheaper than the similar Creative Slim CD 600, but it's quite easy to see why; it lacks basic track identification and is a quite bare-bones MP3 playback solution.
Philips Expanium 213 CD Player
Company: Philips
Price: AU$279
Distributor: Selected resellers
Phone: 1300 363 391
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Hi! I recently put a Sony MZ-N510 on layby of $350. It's my first update sine a discman. Should I keep it or find another one? Any comments are more than welcome! Thanks!