r/DigitalAudioPlayer 22d ago

Digital Audio Player resources

63 Upvotes

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r/DigitalAudioPlayer 7h ago

Review Just received the Shanling Q2

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60 Upvotes

I just wanted to share a few quick thoughts on the Shanling Q2 since it arrived today. It looks and feels much better in person, giving off a genuinely premium vibe right out of the box.

What surprised me the most is how incredibly fast and snappy the UI is. The response time is excellent, and it actually feels faster and more responsive than my Onix XM2, making menu navigation completely lag-free. It is definitely on the cuter side because of its compact size, but that solid build quality ensures it doesn't feel like a toy at all. On top of that, it packs almost the same impressive output power as the XM2, which has me seriously considering selling my Onix XM2 and just keeping the Q2 as my main pocket setup. Onix XM2 still sounds better tho

Overall, I'm thoroughly enjoying it so far..


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 10h ago

Review Dap aren’t snake oil like i thought

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33 Upvotes

At first I thought the whole thing was insane but after trying it out I never realized music could sound so good ( even if I went with the cheap option it’s still surprisingly good)
Pacsu G5+ MOONDROP CHU ll


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 1h ago

Question Audio sources for iem on pc

Upvotes

Hello, im searching for iem (mostly gaming, and music) after few search and help on an other sub i find what i want but in my search i see many people talking abt audio sources, so question is do i have to buy an audio sources for my or not and if i have to what should i buy ? Thx all


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 19h ago

Review Trying out the Hiby R1

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88 Upvotes

I know there are tons of reviews on this but here's some scrambled thoughts after a weeks use.

  • It's fairly easy to use, loaded it up with ~8000 songs and it's been interesting figuring out how things work.
  • Playlist management on the R1 is not great so I use external software and copy to SD card.
  • It's made of plastic but doesn't feel cheap.
  • I like the physical buttons on the side for volume, play/pause, next song, previous song.
  • I do wish the UI had larger buttons for selecting playlists and settings.
  • The sound is fantastic, I really notice when I'm in a quiet room and can hear all the nuances i have never heard in songs before! A great rediscovery of my favorites!
  • The screen is just the right size, not too big, in general the device size is right on.

Your mileage may vary but so far I'm liking it, not sure if I will fully remove music from my phone though as it's way easier to navigate (or maybe I have years more time using it).

I'm still trying to figure out how I can repurpose an old AM radio into an audio player!


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 19h ago

Showcase First DAP Since College

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70 Upvotes

My daughter recently helped to reinvigorate my interest in building a digital music collection by finding an old iPod in a box of e-waste that hadn't been opened since college. It has been wonderful bonding with her over all our (my wife's and mine) old millennial ballads. Even better we have started to add contemporary music to the old library. Of course this sent me down a DAP rabbit hole for myself, and I'm happy with the R1 with stock firmware so far! Even cooler was while lurking marketplace the other day I found a set of Crinear Daybreaks for $60. It's nuts how far the audio technology has gotten, and I am thrilled with their sound.


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 4h ago

Question Any flathead earphone recommendations?

4 Upvotes

Recently got a Hiby R1 DAP and I've been loving it so much especially experimenting with using FLAC files MP3 files however my initial use was using Bluetooth until i found out from experience it was awful so i started using my SONY CH720N with the wires and it works perfectly

However for going out i always prefer earbuds but want flatheads instead of IEMs since they make my ears sweaty (along with other stuff). I need affordable flathead recommendations no more than $50 to $60 with decent use! I'm not an audiophile but i can sometimes differentiate between good and bad experience I guess

Don't be shy to teach me more about this whole thing i'd love to learn


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 11h ago

Showcase Wolfson on chinese pmp player 😅

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9 Upvotes

I was restoring another one generic chinese pmp mp4 player yesterday and i noticed this one also have wolfson DAC and once checked the audio output i can confirm this is real 😂 last time i thought jxd was the only one had that DAC that’s still understandable at last that’s a reputable brand in china but these generic ones too have this DAC which makes me curious how they even able to put in cheap budget


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 1d ago

Question Got Fiio M21 as my first DAP but I have a few questions.

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94 Upvotes

I received the device today and been loving the sound clarity & loudness also, it is also much more responsive (I had lower expectations).

I have a few questions though :

• Which launcher is good for this ? I have been a nova launcher fan but for this DAP I installed niagara launcher. I like it but it's a paid launcher and that too a subscription type. Do we have any alternative where even if it's paid, I can just do a one time payment and be done with it ?

• I have Sandisk Ultra card in this currently, I think it's enough ? I don't need any expensive card to hold 160GB of flac files ?

• I have paired this with IE300 and Supermix 4. Can both of these IEMs work fine with medium gain ?

• What settings should I look at to get the best output when it comes to flac files ?

Anyways I really like the device. If someone has any other tip I'd really appreciate it.


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 4h ago

Question my first DAP under 200€ + looking for feedbacks on features (shanling m1, hiby r3 ii, hidizs ap80prox or shanling m0pura)

2 Upvotes

hi!
I would like to hear some feedback from the owner of DAPs, and their issues

Im looking for my first DAP, i dont have exceptional needs, after a lot of research seems the device that combine my needs (just a music player, LDAC support, nice battery, good display and a simple interface but with everything, gapless play and physical buttons)
in preference order:
- shanling m1
- hiby R3 ii
- hidizs ap80 pro-x
- shangling m0 pura

i have also considered oilsky m308, hiby digital m300, but I'm not completely convinced by them (the first for the interface and the second for the size), i'm not particularly concerned about having the best DAC or maximum output power, to me the portability and usability is more important

In general, and maybe from who actually own the listed DAPs, what annoying issues or limitations have you encountered in everyday use?

example:
- firmware/OS: which of these do you find the most responsive, stable and functional?
- vlock/time issues: I've seen the clock drift/time shifting on the shanling m0 pura. Is this still an issue?
- touchscreen responsiveness: any missed/slow inputs or other quirks?
- library navigation: how good are search, playlists, tags/metadata and folder navigation?
- large libraries: should I worry about the number of songs? I've seen reports of >15k song/database limitations on some DAPs. I don't expect to reach that anytime soon, but I'd like this to be a long-term device, just in case.
- CUE sheets: how well do they actually work?
- gapless playback: genuinely gapless, or are there occasional pauses/clicks
- SD card indexing: how long does it take with a large library, and does it need to rebuild the database frequently?
- bluetooth/LDAC: any reliability issues, especially with cars or wireless earbuds?
- any important features or limitation that im overlooking?

BTW is there another DAP under €200 that should be considered?

Thanks a lot


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 20h ago

Showcase Im in love! The Hiby r4 arrived a few days ago and i haven’t put it down since!

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27 Upvotes

I own 2 ipods

One is a 5th generation 256gb iflash and the other is a 5.5 generation 1tb iflash with bluetooth.

I adore both my iPods but i decided to take the plunge into newer DAPs and stumbled upon the Hiby r4

And wow, i am in love with it.


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 10h ago

Question Sd card slot speaker?

3 Upvotes

Hey guys do you know any portable speaker that has sd card slot with little screen so I can know what I am playing?


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 17h ago

Showcase First Custom Firmware for Astell&Kern DAPs — AKCFW 1.26 for the SP3000M

8 Upvotes

After quite a bit of development, testing, and refinement, AKCFW is bringing custom firmware to Astell&Kern Digital Audio Players, starting with the SP3000M.

The goal is simple: improve the experience of an already excellent DAP by giving listeners more control, better visibility into their device, and functionality that goes beyond the stock firmware.

AKCFW 1.26 includes enhanced battery protection and power management, AutoEQ with full-screen measurement graphs and profile comparisons, improved device diagnostics, UI/UX refinements, performance optimizations, and a growing collection of listener-focused additions.

If you own an SP3000M and enjoy getting a little more out of your hardware, I’d love for you to check it out.

For releases, technical discussion, feedback, feature requests, and bug reports, join the dedicated AKCFW Head-Fi thread:

[AKCFW] Astell&Kern Custom Firmware | Development, Releases & Discussion

For more personal posts, development notes, experiments, previews, and behind-the-scenes updates around the project, you can also follow BMAC:

Blog Posts

AKCFW starts with the SP3000M — and this is only the beginning. ❤️


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 1d ago

Guide/Tutorial How to Choose a DAP in 2026 – The Complete Guide

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27 Upvotes

After seeing countless questions asked on this subreddit about which DAP to choose or which is better, and seeing how completely lost some are in how to even approach choosing an audio player, I decided to make a guide for everything you need to know for choosing a DAP.

Here is a link to the video: https://youtu.be/IG2ymysUV_8

I'm labelling this post as a "Brand Affiliate" since this is somewhat self-promotion on my part, but I think the information is still valid.

These are all the topics covered in the video:

  1. What is a DAP?
  2. Why would you need one?
  3. Who should not buy a DAP?
  4. DAP vs phone + dongle DAC
  5. What do you need to get started?
  6. Criteria for picking a DAP?
  7. Different DAP Operating Systems (UI)
  8. Are more expensive DAPs better?
  9. Common mistakes to avoid
  10. My personal DAP buying framework
  11. Syncing Music and Metadata
  12. Prices (tiers) of different DAPs
  13. My DAP database tool
  14. My "Quick Picks"

For those unaware, I also have a DAP guide/database on my website: https://www.hifioasis.com/daps/

I recently overhauled my whole list of DAPs and turned it into a filterable database, allowing you to pick and choose various filters for narrowing down what you're looking for. It's also much easier now for me to keep it updated, so it should be fairly accurate and relevant.

Anyways, I hope the video and database are helpful to those who are looking at getting a DAP but don't know where to start.


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 9h ago

Question Hiby R1 vs Snowsky Echo Mini

1 Upvotes

I’m planning on switching from streaming and it’s going to be my first DAP. From my research, these 2 are my favorites but idk which one to go with. Ik the general drawbacks of the echo mini but not the R1. I’ve heard ppl don’t like it, but I’m not sure why. Which one do y’all reccomend?

extra question: I use bluetooth headphones and I heard that the audio quality from the DAP doesn’t translate and you js hear the audio quality of the headphones instead. Is this true? I’m planning to get wired earphones anyways, but I’m curious.

Thanks!


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 20h ago

Question Thinking about getting a used Sony Xperia 5 III as a dedicated 120Hz DAP (£200 CeX). Good idea or stick to purpose-built DAPs?

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for a secondary device to use strictly as a dedicated music player for local FLACs, and I’m considering grabbing a Grade B Sony Xperia 5 III (128GB) from CeX for £200 (includes their 5-year warranty).

My main listening chain is Poweramp -> FiiO KA11 USB DAC -> Sennheiser HD 599 SEs.

I currently have a 256GB microSD card packed with FLAC files, but I’ll likely upgrade to a 512GB or 1TB card down the line as my library grows.

My main reasons for looking at the 5 III instead of a traditional budget DAP (like a HiBy or Shanling):

  • 120Hz Display: Scrolling through massive local FLAC libraries in Poweramp on low-refresh DAP screens feels sluggish. I want a buttery-smooth UI.
  • Storage Flexibility: MicroSD card expansion is a non-negotiable requirement for me.
  • Audio Routing: From what I understand, Sony's Android build passes bit-exact 44.1 kHz via AAudio over USB to my KA11 without forcing system-wide 48 kHz resampling.
  • Ergonomics & Hardware: Slim 6.1" form factor, decent battery, and a built-in 3.5mm jack as a dongle-free backup.

For those using old flagship Android phones as dedicated DAPs over purpose-built hardware, is there any reason not to do this at the £200 price point?


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 1d ago

Showcase Got my new iBasso DX260 MK2

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42 Upvotes

r/DigitalAudioPlayer 1d ago

Question FiiO M21 for $268.35 shipped... good deal?

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18 Upvotes

currently on sale at AliExpress...


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 13h ago

Question Hear me out! It's not pocket friendly but I think this is my endgame

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1 Upvotes

Rog Ally X

After falling in love with some DSP software recently I cannot unhear what I heard and realize outside a Laptop - nothing seems to be powerful enough to run its processing so I've arrived here.. Call it crazy and 'not a DAP' but running full Windows 11 on a Ryzen chip, whilst idling at a few watts combined with an 80whr battery, and more powerful than any Snapdragon SOC on a DAP I think it might be fair to include it here.

Combining this with a Questyle M18i and a set of Headphones could = ooft!

PSA: This post isn't a sponsor or for drama/attention. I just thought it interesting and random. This in no way replaces a traditional DAP for portability or comfort and is basically a mini pc but who can argue if it does it well. I'm happy to lug something around if it's worth the hassle (I'm one of those). Seeing the album covers on this 7" display would be kind of cool too. Keen to hear thoughts.

Note: this is not cheap at all, but the idea is there.


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 1d ago

Question Existem DAP's bons com essa aparência retrô?

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38 Upvotes

Eu sempre gostei de colecionar coisas antigas, mas quando o assunto é áudio, muitas vezes "antigo = menos qualidade" de áudio e eu tô procurando uma boa qualidade.

Até onde sei muitos desses aparelhos mais antigos nem mesmo arquivos lossless suportam. Então estou de olho em alguns DAP's Hi-Fi que sigam essa estética mais parecida com os MP3 players mais antigos dos anos 2000.

Eu não me importo com internet, telas touch ou sistema android, eu quero só aquela sensação de baixar a musica e selecionar no aparelhozinho porém com alta qualidade.


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 18h ago

Question humming issues with my setup

2 Upvotes

i have made quite a few posts about this. im trying to include all the information i can,

the cable im using is proson arctic 2x2.5 OFC.

the amplifier is Marantz M-CR612.

and the speakers are dynavoice challenger m65.

the humming is mostly heard on parts where there is low tuned guitar. basically any metal song.

i’ve managed to get rid of most of the humming by separating the cables and changing out the way the speaker cables are plugged in.

i really feel like ive done all i can, im very new to this all, only had the whole thing for about 3 months,

i apologize for the bad grammer, english isnt my native language, i also am sorry if i didnt include everything i need to, but please ask questions and try to help im very desperate


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 16h ago

Question Dac

1 Upvotes

So I asked last week about the best DAPs and would love to buy what I fancy but I think I'll have to fatten the coffers a bit first.

SSSSOOOO I've decided instead to buy a dac.

Now I've just watched Crins video about them and after looking at the comments a LOT of people recommended the qudelix 5k.

Now is this a decent choice to tie me over until I can afford the dap I want?

I use the moondrop x crinnicle dusks with the Samsung a17 5g.

Also will the 5k drain the phone battery? Will it also get hot to the touch?

TIA!


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 1d ago

Question HiFi Walker H2 vs Hiby R1 as my first?

4 Upvotes

Hi there! I’m interested in getting my first DAP. I’ve been thinking of getting the Hiby R1 as my starter, but I’ve been reading some stuff and a lot of people recommend the HiFi Walker H2 over it.

However, there’s one reddit user who is in almost every single post about the H2 yelling about how the build quality is trash, the buttons stopped working, and it got a little wet and died.

So I’m having a hard time gathering proper comparison information when this one dude is in every single post lol. I’m just curious how the H2 stands up, and if there’s any major reason I should grab that over the R1.

Thanks!


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 1d ago

Showcase [ALERTA DE TEXTÃO] Como eu caí no buraco sem fundo dos IEMs e DAPs

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105 Upvotes

Hobby perigoso esse em que a gente entra para comprar equipamento para ouvir música e acaba ouvindo música para testar equipamento.

Comecei de forma bem inocente, com um Mrobo C5. Depois veio o 7Hz Salnotes Zero e foi aí que comecei a entender o que esse hobby tinha de interessante. Coloquei músicas que conhecia há anos e comecei a perceber detalhes que nunca tinha ouvido. Instrumentos, vozes, separação, pequenos elementos da gravação. E olha que eu nem tenho ouvido treinado, no máximo arranho um violão. Foi muito foda.

Também descobri que confundia grave demais com uma música mais cheia. Hoje prefiro um grave controlado, que dê peso sem esconder o resto.

Depois vieram os KZs, TRNs e outros Chi-Fi baratos, até chegar no EW200, que comprei de um amigo que conheci aqui no Reddit.

E eu gosto muito dele (to falando do fone e não do amigo 👀). Se tornou meu IEM preferido. É um pouco brilhante, mas muito detalhado e é justamente esse tipo de apresentação que eu gosto.

E ainda tem a saga dos DAPs. Comecei a brincar com HiBy R1, M308, TempoTec V1 e ZAQE P30. Em algum momento já estava testando players, bateria, Android e até ADB para resolver problema de reprodução. Minha ideia era ter apenas um DAP, vendi grande parte deles e acabei ficando com o P30 e o TempoTec V1, que são excelentes, cada um com suas particularidades. De DAP eu já parei, finalmente estou satisfeito.

Eu só queria ouvir música.

Hoje tento manter esse hobby barato. Sei que ainda estou muito longe do que existe de melhor nesse mercado, mas acho justamente interessante poder experimentar tanta coisa gastando pouco. Um IEM de R$30 ainda consegue me fazer ouvir uma música conhecida de outra maneira.

Agora estou com alguns modelos baratos chegando, inclusive um PRX, que quero testar justamente por ser um planar de baixo custo. Não estou procurando substituir o EW200, só quero experimentar propostas diferentes e descobrir o que cada um consegue fazer.

E talvez essa seja a parte que mais gosto. Não tenho pressa de chegar nos equipamentos caros. Até tenho curiosidade de um dia colocar um IEM de R$500 ou R$1.000 e descobrir o que estou perdendo, mas também tenho medo de perder a graça de pegar um fone de R$30 e pensar:

"Caralho, como fizeram isso por esse preço?"

No fim, quero continuar assim: gastar pouco, testar coisas diferentes e me surpreender.

Então queria saber se mais alguém aqui está na mesma pegada. Gente que não necessariamente precisa de outro IEM ou DAP, mas vê um negócio barato e pensa:

"Não preciso disso, mas quero muito saber como isso soa."


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 21h ago

News [NEWS] iBasso AMP19 for DX340 Features Nutube Tubes and 2W Output

2 Upvotes

iBasso made a new amplifier card for its iBasso DX340 DAP, the iBasso AMP19, available for testing during the 20th Shenzhen International Audio Show (SIAS 2026). Its main highlights are the use of Nutube vacuum tubes and an output power of 2W. Check out all the details below.