Ports for currently available players / Balance Control MP3 Player

[ZOS474]

Rockbox is great, I love it (and need it.) But the last of my ebay Sandisk Clips died and I am out of options. I dont understand why the Rockbox experts continue to work on devices that are long discontinued, for which their hard work will be wasted.  So that is my rant and my question is, are there any ports close to stable for reasonably priced (~US$50 or less) mp3 players currently on the market?  And if not that, does anyone know of an mp3 player on the market that has balance control? That is one of the main reasons I need Rockbox (hearing loss in one ear.) Thanks!

[Duceboia]

FIIO M3K have balance in original firmware and can run Xvortex unofficial rockbox port (almost stable, if you don't mind fast-forward / rewind deficiency).

[Astrogoth]

I'm thinking of buying yet another Zip. My last one worked so well for daily city use I find myself missing it badly.

[ZOS474]

I'm ecstatic to say I managed to revive my Clip Zip - I'll post to that forum on what I did. But thanks for your replies!
Duceboia thanks for the advice, I'm going to get a FIIO M3K off Amazon to try out. It looks like a solid player.
Astrogoth, I hear you, which is why I was so sad when I thought my zip was done. There are some newer players that look decent and similar to the old Sandisk's e.g. the Oakcastle MP100 or Victure MP3 Player (both ~$25 on Amazon now) but sadly no Rockbox for them.