sound quality more dependent on the headphone u are using.
if u are looking at higher end mp3 u can get those in apple
stores.
for anohter alternative, it may be from creative.
and if you are looking for a budget mp3 player, get those “made in
china” that look alike to the ipod. much cheaper (less than
$80)
they still give the same functionality but the interface they
are using is different. it works exactly like a thumbdrive and u
have to organise your files in the player that is plugged to ur
pc.