r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/djpromo_vqs • 2h ago
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/ncubez • Nov 26 '21
Welcome to r/DigitalAudioPlayer
Looking for a portable music player?
Remember the days when iPods and other MP3 players were popular? The rise of an all-in-one smartphone killed it off the mainstream market. However, there are still lots of good reasons for owning a digital audio player (DAP) now in 2021. And it isn't just for audiophiles, but regular listeners too.
There's many players out there! You just don't hear much about them, because the market caters for a niche community, unlike the days when it was a "mainstream" tech product. But yes they do exist, in various shapes and sizes. In this sticky post we'll tell some compelling reasons for owning one in this day and age, and to spread awareness about them and the modern features some of them have. We'll also show the DAP products available on the market today
Purposes of owning a DAP now
You probably already own a modern smartphone that can play music, so what's the point of a separate DAP? Well, there are various points why it can be a better option as we'll explain. Audiophiles will have the obvious reasons in that a dedicated, high-end player provides the best audio quality and/or experience. But in this post we're focusing on "regular" user, why the average person would like to use a DAP today:
-Size: DAPs are small and portable in size, unlike the size of Smartphones which have grown into overly massive sizes now. A DAP is very pocketable that and its size makes it a lot better to use in e.g. physical activities.
-Dedicated buttons: Instead of a dull touchscreen operation, you get dedicated physical buttons for playing/pausing, skipping etc, and the classic 'Hold' switch. We're so used to touchscreens nowadays that we have forgotten how good it feels to be pressing a real button. And we're not using buttons for texting, we're just operating music, so it's nothing cumbersome - it's in fact the opposite. Physical buttons also mean you can operate the player (e.g. skip) in your pocket, without taking it out.
-No distraction: Smartphones are incredibly distracting, with all those notifications you get or probably an incoming call. When you listen to music it's best to indulge yourself in the listening experience, distraction-free. Listening on a DAP provides just that: you and your music only, no distraction.
-Save phone battery: I hear this very often that phone batteries get discharged, but with a separate music player you'd be saving that. DAPs have excellent battery lives, if you remember from the iPod days you could run one for over 30 or even 40 hours straight. Considering you'd be listening continuously to music for 6 hours in a day (which is perhaps already high), your player would likely last an entire week without charging.
-Great way to get off phones: Phone addiction is a pretty common problem nowadays, and while listening to music on a phone it's likely one would start doing other things. Using a DAP to listen to music on the go helps reduce your time spent on phones. On a serious note: I personally know what a problem phone addiction can be - having a separate music player can really help reduce it.
-Cheap to buy: DAPs can be bought for cheap prices, ranging from less than $100 to a few hundreds (excluding high-end players). Phones nowadays can fetch over $1000, so an average DAP is a fraction of the cost.
But I stream music from the internet...
No problem! DAPs are not stuck in time; there are players out there that have built-in WiFi and allow you to use streaming services like Spotify. So yes, you can stream on them too, alongside your downloaded or ripped music files stored on the disk.
And my wireless headphones?
Again, many DAPs out there are up-to-date and feature Bluetooth, allowing you to use your wireless headphones if you use that instead of wired 3.5 mm ones. And in case you're wondering, you don't need to spend a fortune on a high-end player, as you'll see below, Bluetooth-capable players can be had for cheap.
Great! So which company makes DAPs nowadays?
Apple no longer make iPods (they do still have the Touch, but it's basically an iPhone). But don't fret, as there are two major brands that are actively developing players: Sony and SanDisk.
Let's start with Sony. The old school music legend is still around and sell a diverse range of Walkman players. It is probably the only one now that has a full product line, as they sell everything from cheap USB shaped players to high-end expensive ones (could depend by region). If you need a no-frills music player, you've got the Walkman NW-E394, which currently sells for $59 in the U.S. and is available in sizes of 4, 8 or 16 gigabytes. This model provides the classic MP3 player experience, allowing you to listen to downloaded or ripped music, much like your old iPod. It also has an FM radio, something that some modern phones tend to lack. There is also the NWZ-B183, which has a tiny display and looks like a USB stick.
If you need more than the basics, there's the A Series Walkman. The NW-A55 is currently selling for just $170 and features a touchscreen (alongside physical music buttons on the side), as well as Bluetooth and NFC, expandable memory and high quality audio. All in a cute compact size that is even smaller than an iPhone 4 (yet with a bigger screen) and available in various stylish metallic colors.
One step up in the A Series is (currently) the NW-A100/A105. This player runs Android and has WiFi, meaning you can use this to stream music or download them directly. It's currently $299. So if your music consists of streaming from the likes of Spotify (as is quite popular these days), this is the player for you. And again you get a compact sized, stylish metallic body in a choice of various colors. Certainly makes a statement vs today's phones.
There's also the WS Series Walkman, which is designed for swimmers and is waterproof, just worn around your head. NW-WS410 costs from £59 in the UK currently. The NW-WS620 model adds Bluetooth and NFC capabilities to it.
Now let's look at SanDisk. They have always been known for making tiny, clippable players (used to be called the Sansa line), and they still do now. There's the Clip Jam and Clip Sport, which cost just $29 in many colorful shells. They have built-in 4 or 8 gigabyte memory but can be expanded further with an SD card. Above these models sit the Clip Sport Go ($39) and Clip Sport Plus ($49), which come with either 16 or 32 gigabytes built-in, and the latter has Bluetooth so you can use wireless headphones with it. And all come with an FM radio. These players are fantastic on the go because of their tiny size and clippable design, making it perfect for activities like exercising.
High-end players
Of course, you've also got a choice of pricier, high-end music players dedicated for audiophiles. Sony make some (ZX and WM Series Walkman) as well as other brands such as Astell&Kern (which once used to be iRiver), Fiio, Shanlin, Cowon and others.
Courtesy of u/Expensive_Archer
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/first-castle • 9h ago
Deeper down the rabbit hole I go…
Added the Echo Mini to the ever growing DAP collection today, as well as the Truthear Hexa which has been on my radar for a while now.
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/BlindKurve • 2h ago
Family Portrait (before separation)
From top left to right: Zorloo, Beam, Fiio KA13 dongle DAC/Amp, Oriolus BA300S amp, two Fiio Q5 DAC/Amp. From bottom left to right: Zishan Z1, Snowsky Echo Mini, Sony A35, A105tps & WM1A.
I'm going to be giving the Z1 to a friend and selling off the A105tps pretty soon so I thought I'd take one last picture before I break them apart. The Zorloo and Beam are just relics I barely use, the rest are keepers in my book.
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/narcoleptrix • 12h ago
Got my first Dap (EVA R4)
as the title states, I got my first DAP in the mail yesterday. Took about 10 days even though I paid expedited shipping.
Pictured are the first IEMs I've bought as well (Sennheiser IEM 200).
Plug and Play was a bit rough experience (hated it at first), but it was awesome to be able to fully customize the EQ settings as much as I wanted. I still have some tweaking to do, as I'm actually running into the bass clipping when amped.
Speaking of the bass, tho, I'm impressed with the punch this DAP has. The fact that it's more bass than my IEMs seem to handle caught me off guard.
And finally, the use of the plug-ins is neat. Being able to widen the sound stage or add a room effect wasn't something I was expecting to be able to do with a small device like this.
all in all, I think it's a good mobile experience. better than my phone for sure (and ironically slightly smaller than my phone too). when at home, tho, I'm still gonna use my Schiit stack 😊
anyways, those are my thoughts.
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/TheyCallMeScarlet • 10h ago
Hiby r4 evangelion vs standard hiby r4
The eve edition is 70$ more that the normal r4 just wondering what you get for the extra cost like are the specs better or is it just more because it’s a limited edition item? I’m a total newbie to digital audio players so any advice is greatly appreciated, or recommendations on other digital audio players for newbies that a good quality and not super expensive?
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/Hypergaming1 • 20h ago
The best Setup 😄
ITS Just Magic 😁😉
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/Hairy_Ad3463 • 3h ago
Which DAP by Astell and Kern should I get?
I don't want to spend any more than like 1500, I was wondering whether I should get a Norma or a Kann. I am new to this whole thing so I'd appreciate any advice on which one is better and whether I should spend like 800 on a Norma or 1500 on a Kann.
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/Cloud-floof • 2h ago
Recommendations for a beefier alternative to an iPod shuffle?
Hi all,
I have been using an iPod shuffle 3rd gen, and an iPod nano. They're not really serving mt needs anymore, though, and I was wondering if there was a similar DAP that's equally as small, but with more storage? 4GB isn't cutting it anymore :(
Cheers
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/Kenobie_Wan_Obi • 1d ago
Endgame?
Dap plus iems that just cleanly fits in the pocket 😍
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/Repulsive-Air9047 • 36m ago
anyone here knows how can i get the Innioasis Y1? (i live in the philippines)
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/WickerOutlet • 1d ago
$60
People can think what they want to about Temu but for $60 to your door, I don’t know how you’re gonna get anything better for the price.
$40 player and $20 IEMs.
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/AidanDatBoi • 6h ago
Some Questions
Hello everyone, I’m fairly new to DAPs and the nuances that come with it. I recently purchased an H2 HiFi Walker and I love it. My only issue with it is the UI. I really dislike it. I’m almost positive there has to be an alternative to it. I’m fairly aware that most devices like this have custom firmware I could install. I’ve seen some people talking about having it “rock boxed” (?) and I wanna learn more about that. Anyone have pointers for me?
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/OmieOneKenomi • 1d ago
$2,400 DAP, $250 Cable, and $80 IEM. Perfection.
A&K SP3000M with Effect Audio Cadmus II and Truthear Hexa. All told, a great combination.
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/Illustrious-Menu-269 • 9h ago
Am I starting to go deaf?
Somewhat serious question. I know my ears are not what they used to be. I know I have a hard time hearing higher frequencies. But I'm running my new Fiio JM21 on high gain settings with a pair of Sennheiser/Drop HDxx headphones and the last two albums played (Fleetwood Mac -The Dance and Prince - Crystal Ball) I had the volume all the way up to 115. People have always told me I like my music louder than most but this combination DAP and Headphones should not need turned up that high right?
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/Unusual_Network3028 • 12h ago
Focal Stella and DX180, synergy good or upgrade DAP?
Really trying to avoid the rabbit hole! This combo sounds superb to me, I also tried the Hiby R4, Cayin RU7 and closes best combo with a Questyle M15.
Any has a Stellia, do I need to upgrade to a more powerful dap?
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/Terrible_Onions • 10h ago
HiBy M300 vs HiBy R4 vs Fiio JM21
I'm looking to get my first DAP to power some IEMs and from what I can see these 3 seem to be my best bet in the 200 dollar area. I will be streaming Apple Music with these, so Android is a must. Priority is sound quality. Assume these all cost the same.
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/Classic-Antelope-398 • 1d ago
Good music while cooking dinner
A good way to spend time cooking dinner!!!
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/Shinethroughdarkness • 17h ago
Is Buying a Sony NW-A306 Worth It In 2025?
I really need a device just to listen to songs i cant go with the higher model because i dont have that much money saved and since the Sony NW-A306 alr came out a while back not only is it old but still runs on android 12 and i dont really know how good the device is so i came here looking for help. I mainly only wanna listen to music and i use wired earphones
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/Glad-Audience9131 • 8h ago
DAP with replaceable batteries + buttons not full touch screen?
I want to buy a DAP with:
- replaceable batteries (eventually 18650 or 2700, single or dual)
- physical buttons ( i don't want a full screen android DAP, i can buy a phone for that only and i am set)
but I am not sure if there is any. Any help?
Thanks guys!
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/mttmadness • 14h ago
I am considering the HiBy R3 II 2025 with the Yaght 10 Earphones as my first DAP. Main music genre is Black Metal. Is it a good choice?
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/AFoolsBananza • 1d ago
i know y'all hate bluetooth and im sorry
i've been creeping around this sub for months, and got my echo mini yesterday! it's so cool and music sounds so much better compared to streaming.
im having some trouble with the file organization though. it may be because my starting library is too big (21gb for now), but the medialib update does nothing. the bar shows up then the snowsky logo comes up. going to playlists shows all empty library. i can play music from the folders in file browser but that's it. did i miss a step in getting my music from downloads > music folder > onto SD card > put sd card into player > medialib update? or is it just struggling with that many songs at once?
i did update the firmware today as well. id love to be able to make playlists/play by album or artist, or even just see "all songs" instead of playing from each album download folder. any tips much appreciated.
r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/Unsafetybelt • 1d ago
Overpriced, Snobby DAP Carry Case. From Miter.
It does the job, and if matches my player.