Question MP3 Player and Bose Headphone Advice Needed

[MasterYoda327]

I have a Sony NWA-55 MP3 player. I think its battery is starting to fail. I am looking at a replacement but my understanding is Sony's successor to my player, the NW-A306 is considered inferior to mine. My player has served me well and I am looking for a replacement with similar capabilities. I listen to various genres of music. I would like the MP3 player to have good audio quality with an EQ for settings such as Rock, Classical, Pop, and Dance (or equivalent types), environmental enhancements such as Concert Hall, Studio, and Auditorium (or equivalent types), supports formats like MP3, FLAC, and M4a, supports having playlists, has Bluetooth capability for Bluetooth speakers and car stereos, has a battery life of 10 hours or more, and a price tag of $200 or less.

I have done some research for possible replacement players, but I am open to suggestions. Here are the ones I am considering:

SHANLING M1 Plus M1Plus Protable Music Player

HiBy R3 II 2025 Hi-Fi Lossless Audio Player

HiFi Bluetooth Mp3 Player: F28 High Res Lossless Portable Music Player

F20 HiFi MP3 Player (Surfans)

As for noise-cancelling headphones, I currently own a pair of Bose Quiet Comfort headphones (2023 standard version). It is possible I will replace them with the new MP3 player. Unless Bose releases a successor for my headphones this year, I am looking at either the first or second generation Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra headphones. Would I be better off with the first or second gen headphones?

I am not an expert on MP3 players and headphones. My intended use is for listening to music at home, while reading, and traveling (mainly by airplane or train). I appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

 

[COLGeek]

Do you have a smartphone? Have you considered using it (if yes) as your music player?

 

[Wolfshadw]

Do you have a smartphone? Have you considered using it (if yes) as your music player?

This.

I use my cell phone (with the VLC app) for my music listening.

-Wolf sends