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Damn, we're old. Its the first A&K player to feature Bluetooth 5.0, and like every other player from this company, it delivers solid sound quality. The high price here may turn off some people, but we still think the NW-ZX507 is one of the best DAPs around right now.See the Sony Walkman NW-ZX507. It compares favorably to the $450 FiiO M11, and while it doesnt sound quite as good as the FiiO, it still manages to hold its own while delivering a slick user experience. Sometimes, you just need to break the bank. It probably doesnt sound quite as good as the A&K player, but its ideal if you want to listen to streaming services.See the Astell&Kern KANN Alpha. SOMETHING NEW IS COMING STAY UP TO DATE! A well-built operating system can make using a DAP a real pleasure, and if that sounds good to you, then you need to try the Sony NW-A55. The SA700 is their latest creation: a player with a distinctive, eye-catching design and terrific sound. Sensitive in-ear headphones often suffer when coupled with inferior sources. The slightly theory-heavy explanation is that balanced outputs offer an impedance-balancing (between the individual wires) effect on the connected cable, resulting in a better transference of the audio signal. The big draw is the fact that this is the first A&K player with two DACs, one for each channel, which theoretically result in cleaner, more direct sound. FiiO recently released an upgraded version, the M11 Pro, which is around $200 more expensive and offers minor upgrades. DSD stands for Direct Stream Digital, and is an audio protocol also known as 1-bit SACD bitstream - a file associated with Super Audio CDs. It may not have the nostalgia factor, but it handles MQA almost as well. The quality of playback of any digital audio player depends almost entirely on the quality of the DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Conversion) chipset. There is one feature that Cowon do better than almost anyone, and thats EQ. Audio encoding keeps evolving and youll often see the term DSD Audio, which has of recent become the benchmark for high definition sound. Its an astounding omission, and one we can only hope that L&P correct soon. The NW-A55 not without its frustrations. The difference between, say, a $50 converter and a $500 will be as clear as night and day - even to untrained ears. All Rights Reserved, Product successfully added to your Shopping Cart. Best Bluetooth and Wireless Speakers of 2021, WAV vs. FLAC vs. MP3: Audio File Formats Explained, Headphone Impedance And Sensitivity Explained, weve dedicated a separate explainer on these file formats below, a full explainer on audio file formats here, an explanation of which can be found here, LAC, AIFF, FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, APE (Multiple), DSD, DXD, MP3, OGG, WMA, WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA, WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD, MQA, MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFF, MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV, AAC, HE-AAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF, DSD, DSF, DFF, APE, MQA, MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV, AAC, AIFF, AIF, DTS, DSD, DSF, DFF, APE, ISO, OGG, ALAC, MP2, M4A, AC3, DSD, DFF, DSF, ISO, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, APE, ARC, MP3, WMA, M4A, OGG, DSF, DFF, ISO, DXD, APE, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, AIF, DTS, MP3, WMA, ACC, OGG, ALAC, MP2, M4A, AC3, M3U, M3U8, FLAC, WAV, WMA, MP3, OGG, ALAC, APE, AAC, AIFF, DFF, DFS, DXD, DSD, DFF, DSF, ISO, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, APE, MP3, WMA, OGG, WV, TTA, DCF, MP3, WMA (NO DRM), AAC, OGG, WAV, FLAC, and Audible (DRM only). In the month or so we spent with Astell & Kerns AK380 player, the most common question from those who saw it after a few minutes spent marvelling at its stunning good looks was the price point. Its easily better than the operating system on the otherwise brilliant FiiO M11, and it helps that the new amp section and DAC chip make it sound crisp and fresh. You may have noticed us ranting about not enough hard drive space in the above picks. Things can go a lot further than that allowing audio professionals to turn their AK300-series DAP in a fully-equipped ultra high-end field audio recorder by adding A/D (analog to digital) conversion and support for external condenser microphones and recording. Everything you need to know about headphone specs. The process is identical to connecting an external DAC to a computer and in most cases, drivers (which are like device recognition apps if you like) are either not necessary or automatically found by the computers OS. There is in fact a close relation. Storage: None (Exp. Lets talk balanced vs unbalanced connections - quite important, actually. Regardless of this issue, we had tremendous fun with this little beauty. These are regular USB connections which can link a DAP to an external DAC. Youll inevitably come across many players that offer multiple headphone outputs: 3.5mm, 6.3mm, 4.4mm, 2.5mm. The main proponents for audio clarity would be the internal DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) chipsets, combined with the noise/distortion-free headphone amplifiers capable of driving even the hungriest cans. Given that similarly priced models like the $1,299 Astell&Kern SA700 provide up to 128GB of on-board memory for only a slightly higher price, thats very strange. A jack slightly larger than regular headphone jack, featuring tip/ring/ring/sleeve ending, or a 4-point connection on its end. But the other issue is that as good as the design is, the player is significantly larger than other models on this list. The PAW 6000 is ideal for travel, and for those with an extensive music library already, but it definitely has its limitations.See the Lotoo PAW 6000. Storage: 128GB (Exp. If you're in the market for a budget DAP, we'd strongly recommend checking this one out. Read more about us. The new PAW 6000 is significantly less pricey, and has one killer feature: the battery life. While the same principles apply, youll see your hard drive space getting filled up fairly quickly. The sound quality in general is far better than other sub-$500 players like the Sony NW-A55, and it really does feel as if the P3 has been specifically built to extract the most information possible out of the DSD format. to 2TB)Max Sampling Rate: 32-bit/384kHzFile Types: MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFFWhat We Like: Tiny body and great sound, with a super-simple operating system.What We Don't: Wont satisfy those who demand high-end sound quality. There are some puzzling omissions, however. Shanling clearly understand this with their Q1. In short, the effect of using balanced connections is to provide a better signal-to-noise ratio. Here are some of the best available right now. It helps that the SE200 has a huge range of features, and sounds terrific. Storage: None (Exp. Commonly found on Sony products with balanced outputs. Shanlings players keep getting better and better, and we think the M8 is one of the best theyve ever made. Balanced connections found on portable audio equipment require the so called 4-point plugs TRRS jacks (Tip, Ring, Ring, Sleeve). It goes without saying that due to the large-sized hi-res files, library transfers can often prove time consuming. Luxury and Precision are relatively new in the crowded DAP landscape, and while we dont think they are going to be competing with the big dogs any time soon, theres a lot to recommend their models. This is really when balanced outputs can come handy and act as effective hum-destroyers, as we discussed in our breakdown of the 10 Most Common Home Theater Problems. Using a balanced output may have a dramatic (positive) effect on audio performance, and its important to mention that the balanced circuitry takes place after the point of conversion from digital to analog audio. The AP80 remains a significantly better option for now, but in our opinion, the Q1 still offers some advantages.See the Shanling Q1. to 256GB)Max Sampling Rate: 32-bit, 384kHzFile Types: DXD, DSD, DFF, DSF, ISO, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, APE, MP3, WMA, OGG, WV, TTA, DCFWhat We Like: The EQ options here are some of the best available.What We Don't: Poor interface with limited features, and the R2 only offers Bluetooth 3.0. But if all you are doing is listening to Spotify, and you want a simple device that will allow you to leave your phone in your pocket or backpack, then check out the R2.See the Hiby R2. Cirrus is an unusual choice for DAPs, but it works exceptionally well here. Either way, if, like us, you want to call them MP3 playerswe wont tell anyone. In our opinion, it has one of the smoothest and best-designed interfaces available, with virtually no lag. If you happen to have an overwhelmingly-large super hi-res audio library and the current maximum storage of your digital audio player is not sufficient, then the streaming capabilities of DAPs may be something worth looking at. In our tests, we found that it was the quietest DAP around, even with earbuds but had a reputation for being overly sensitive, like those from Campfire Audio. For one thing, it offers great storage capacity. If you are an Android smart device user, you will immediately feel at home with the majority of DAPs. Remember the very first iPod from seventeen years ago? Wireless and Bluetooth speakers are the bomb. Better than what you might ask? If youve never uploaded a super-high resolution (say DSD256) audio library into a top notch DAP player, you might be forgiven for thinking that, yeah, everything is pretty much like dumping your favorite iTunes albums into your iPod. A jack that is smaller/thinner than regular headphone jack, featuring tip/ring/ring/sleeve ending, or a 4-point connection on its end. We also find it bizarre that there are no native streaming apps, which means that the PAW 6000 is a poor choice for anyone who listens to music that way. Audio bitrate quality is quite like megapixels in digital cameras - the higher the pixel count in an image, the higher the detail. Storage: 64GB (Expandable to 2TB)Max Sampling Rate: 32-bit/768 kHzFile Types: DSF, DFF, ISO, DXD, APE, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, AIF, DTS, MP3, WMA, ACC, OGG, ALAC, MP2, M4A, AC3, M3U, M3U8What We Like: Offers a clever solution to a frustrating problemand sounds great.What We Don't: Very pricey, and very large. Its definitely not something you have to use if you buy a DAP, but it sure is nice to have. This product can be controlled with your voice through Alexa-enabled devices such as Amazon Echo and Amazon Tap. The HiBy R6 Pro is an upgrade on the original R6. A lot of additional kit is offered (by normally high-end manufacturers) - such as balanced-out kits, or specific headphone amps reserved for hungry headphones (we mean high-impedance units of course, an explanation of which can be found here.). Well, thats why. For a better streaming option, try the less expensive Sony Walkman NW-ZX507. Just compare it to the slimmer (and lighter) FiiO M11. Given that you are paying for the twin DACs, it makes the SE200 first choice only for those with sensitive IEMs.See the Astell&Kern A&futura SE200. Ta da! Shanling avoid that by having a single output socket with a set of interchangeable connectors, meaning you arent paying for outputs that you arent going to use. Other less-expensive players like the $750 Sony Walkman NW-ZX507 would be better choices here. If youre interested in sound quality, you may want to skip this one. It starts with file support and sample rates. The case is very similar with hi-res PCM files - say of 24-bit/192kHz recordings. In our opinion, it's an improvement on the original AP60, and although it isn't a complete overhaul, it definitely ticks the right boxes. On the models we tried, which included the Campfire Audio Andromeda, there was some audible hiss barely, but still noticeable. It's damn good.See the Hidizs AP80. This leads to another important DAP feature. to 1TB)Max Sampling Rate: 32-bit/348kHzFile Types: DSD, FLAC, APE, WMA, WAV, ALAC, DSF, DFFWhat We Like: Incredible value for what you get.What We Don't: Sensitive headphones can be a little noisy with this DAP. Storage: 8GB (Expandable up to 32GB)Max Sampling Rate: 16-bit/48kHzFile Types: MP3, WMA (NO DRM), AAC, OGG, WAV, FLAC, and Audible (DRM only)What We Like: Easy to use, portable, decent-sounding.What We Don't: Nothing to dislike, as long as you dont expect high-res audio. DAPs give you the utmost in audio quality - all youve got to do is preserve this quality by using good quality cables, and whenever possible, use balanced connections. Its a beastRead our in-depth reviewSee the FiiO M11. While the Plenue R2 is a genuine revolution on the D2 model that came before it, with upgraded DACs and improved EQ, it struggles to compete against other DAPs here.See the Cowon Plenue R2. The model weve flagged here has 32GB of internal storage, although you can happily buy models with up to 256GB. The 18-million-color screen is just superb, and the sheer number of options the player gives you easily beats models from HiBy and iBasso. Designed as a jogging audio player, it is probably a bit more than that, as it plays a multitude of lossless files as well - no proper high-resolution here, but at least FLACs and WAVs are managed with ease. They certainly can play MP3s (or any other low-res / lossy file format), but their ability to play full resolution digital audio, and we mean way higher than CD-quality audio, is their special trick. Lastly, providing all your digital connections are optimised, youd need to take good care of how you connect your DAP to your A/V receiver or stereo amp. In our opinion, the interface is nothing special, managing to offer both dull looks and sloppy performance. The Bluetooth is only 4.2, which is relatively low, and there's only USB 2.0 charging available, which can get mighty slow. While it might be good to have a range of output options there are four here we just dont think the sound quality is equal on all of them. The most common mini-jack connection as found on smartphones, laptops etc. On very rare occasions you may see two 2.5mm balanced outs - splitting the stereo feed into two mono feeds: left (L) and right (R). For while it is fully Wi-Fi equipped, actually getting any of the streaming services you probably use, like Tidal or Deezer, to work is an exercise in frustration. The Tidal streaming service uses MQA files on its high-res audio content. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. The ability to enjoy digital audio sampled at up to 384kHz in standard PCM wav formats, plus of course, the highest order DSD files, is all present and correct. The downside? Here are some of the best ones of this year. Well, unbalanced outs, naturally. File transfer is super easy, and the 8gb memory would be enough for several albums of CD or FLAC quality and of course it's all expandable with an (optional) microSD card. Back To Our DAP Picks Back To Our Comparison Tables. The inability to add music to bespoke playlists means your recycling through menus a lot, and while the P3 is a speedy player and is a pleasure to hold and use, in ways quickly. Surely a simple software update would do the trickSee the Luxury and Precision L&P P3. Dozens of companies have sprung up, offering players that can deliver audio of a much higher quality than any iPod. Storage: 64GB (Expandable to 512GB)Max Sampling Rate: 32-bit/384kHzFile Types: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD, MQAWhat We Like: Great sound with some unusual features.What We Don't: Doesnt offer enough to justify the high price. 2022 SHENZHENAUDIO. Although standalone installation-grade DAPs exist (and we mean the big A/V receiver sized units), handheld DAPs dont just belong in your pocket. Anyway, it sold around three hundred and sixty million units. That being said, a DAP this expensive should not give you noise issues with sensitive in-ears. Most DAPs arent geared for Spotify, and the ones that do include it are often prohibitively expensive. Only 8GB. The FiiO M11 isnt just a brilliant player, its one that comes hot on the heels of two equally brilliant players - the M7 and M9. Youre seeing this ad based on the products relevance to your search query. Newly-released models are beginning to feature USB 3.0 (up to 640mb/s transfer speed). We feel that many future DAP models might embrace Linux, as it is an OS famed for its glitch-free stability. The Q1 also doesnt sound anywhere near as good as the AP80, with audio that we think is just a little too neutral and sterile. Sometimes, you need to take a step back, look at how youre listening to music, and improve it. Clearly, they should be treated as serious audio hubs. The NW-A55 is an upgrade on the A45, and although not much has changedthe design has been reworked, but thats itthe price remains the same as the old model. Ultimately, these issues mean that the M8 isnt the first choice for everyone, even if it does present a compelling alternative.See the Shanling M8. Brennan B2 2TB Metallic HiFi - Hard Disk CD Ripper, Storage and Player with Sonos, Bluetooth, Spotify, YouTube, Internet Radio, Stereo Power Amplifier, NAS, Wav, Lossless (FLAC) and MP3. Good DAPs normally ship with at least 64GB of internal hard drive space, and manufacturers quote the maximum space that one can upgrade to. When connected to a computer server, they can also act as standalone DACs, streaming audio from a hard drive into your state-of-the-art amp and speakers. The problem is, the Hidizs AP80 beats the Q1 in several key areas. You need to be aware of what you are getting, however, as there are some downsides. One of the most interesting things about this DAP is that it echoes the original Walkman, with a digital tape graphic that appears whenever you play music. We also truly dislike the 22 pin proprietary data port that Sony insists on using, as it means yet another cable to cart around with you. Even cheaper options from the likes of Sony and Hidizs have it beaten here, by quite some margin. Storage: 2GB (Expandable to 4TB)Max Sampling Rate: 32-bit/384kHzFile Types: ALAC, AIFF, FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, APE (Multiple), DSD, DXD, MP3, OGG, WMAWhat We Like: Stunning design and sound quality, terrific screen.What We Don't: Older version of Bluetooth, a little expensive. Honestly, the ESS one struck us as overly sterile, and we steered clear of it. This, again, is a good place to mention that data stream transfer speeds are crucial for smooth and uninterrupted server playback - having a USB 3.0 (or later) connection on your DAP really makes streaming a breeze. The base sound is solid, too, with two Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs doing the bulk of the heavy lifting. The NW-A55 sounds great, and the operating system is outstanding, but it has some issues worth bearing in mind.See the Sony NW-A55. When we talk accessories, the first thoughts include protective cases, screen protector kits, and so on, which are a little more than necessary when you are enjoying your music through a few grand worth of a handheld hardware. That, plus crystal clear sound and a decent operating system, make the PAW 6000 a winner. You wouldn't expect headphones to need any special equipment to work. Storage: 32GB (Larger Options Available)Max Sampling Rate: UnknownFile Types: AAC, MP3, WAV, FLAC, AudibleWhat We Like: Good storage capacity, excellent OS, Wi-Fi.What We Don't: Definitely not the best sound on this list! The biggest problem with the NW-ZX507 is that youre paying a lot for nostalgia.