Best portable music player under £200
Sony NW-A45
Convincing hi-res sound and plenty of stamina
Best portable music player £200-£500
Cowon Plenue D2
A class-leading budget portable music player
Best portable music player £500-£1000
Astell & Kern A&norma SR15
An extremely appealing all-rounder
Best portable music player over £1000
Astell & Kern A&futura SE100
Portable music players rarely sound this good