Unfortunately, there's an unwritten rule that MP3 player manufacturers seem to stick to without fail: no matter how good the device is (and there are certainly some excellent products out threre), they're only ever as good as the headphones you use to listen to your music on.

If you haven't ever thought about it before, then the sound quality produced by a pair of headphones might seem farily abstract: just look at how many people make do with those famous white earbuds that Apple ship, which are amongst the worst quality audio equipment out there.

To try it out for yourself, try listening to one of your favorite tracks on your regular headphones and then test it with one of the best sets from our Product Survey.

We're pretty certain that you'll find the difference remarkable.

So, without further ado, here are recommendations for Christmas 2008, but we'll repeat it one more time: all of these MP3 players need to be paired up with a good pair of headphones to get the most out of them.

	Budget Buyer: Sony NWZ-A815 2 GB For the same price as the lower model in the range, the NWZ-A815 is a much more polished player.  A larger screen and a sleekere case also count in its favor.  At this price, it's really not worth going without!	Dell (UK)  26.92  Digitech Electronics  64.99  Sainsbury's Online  79.99  Dell (UK)  109.04  Sainsbury's Online  114.99  1staudiovisual.c- o.uk  198.93  Compare prices

	Simplicity First: Apple iPod Nano 4G The 4G represents another great step forward for the iPod Nano. Apple have managed to couple several useful new features with a stylish new look that recalls classic iPod design as well as improving battery life.	Tech Focus  8.80                      Compare prices

	Demanding User: Archos 7 Smaller than a netbook but biger than a mobile, the Archos 7 (and its smaller twin the Archos 5) is perfect for mobile web browsing as well as enjoying music and video.	Find the best price

	On The Go: Apple iPhone 3G Who said the best MP3 player could only do one thing?  Combining the functionality of a regular iPod, and a large touch-screen, the 3G now features a standard headphone jack.	Find the best price

	Expert: Cowon D2 8 GB Foldable, with its own case and a special flight adapter, it has a special noise-cancelling technology which you can turn off and on at will.	Pixmania.co.uk  126.70                      Compare prices

>  Product Survey: Portable Audio and Video Players