@@Audio-Zone my bad....yes HIDIZS AP80 @ £139.99 HiBy R2 @ £119.99 Astell&Kern SA700 @ £1,299 Sony NW-WM1AM @£1,147 FiiO M11 @ £490-960 ...............pity the top players are priced so out of reach.
I was about to get myself in an iPod, specifically an iPod touch but I've bought an iPhone cause I could do more, way more! I recall that iPods don't cost even half as much of iPhones. Yet iPods can play more high music file types.
ESS dacs are just not my cup of tea anymore. I used to think they were the best for the price till i moved to Japan and a REAL AUDIOPHILE showed me not only why they suck but also why the AKM dacs is on top.
Are they still good since the factory burned down? Ess seems a little clinical and thin..I have Hiby r3 pro sabre its very good, but for tonality and musicality I think AK takes it...
@@Whit-mh9nt ESS is very THIN. As for AKM, this is a Japanese company were talking about here. I'm sure they took advantage of the burn down to actually improve their factory and processes. :) They're back to making dacs again last I heard and im certain their most recent DAC is top-tier.
@@percyvolnar8010 Can you recommend a DAP in the lower price range using their dac? I live in asia wont wont be as expensive as in north america or europe anyway..
Great Review! I have older Sony nw-wm1z and sound quality is amazing. Looking to upgrade to Sony nw-wm1zm2 for the 3rd party app support. You have reviewed some of the best dap players on the market, very informative 😊
@@Audio-Zone The Chinese pay you to say dumb things like that don't they? The M0 Pro sounds MUCH better with lower, stronger bass and higher, clean treb'.
Shanling M0 is legendary for a reason. Tone and timbre are exceptional. And its tiny! Xduoo is also another one to look at for exceptional value for money with in house developed dac.
I realize commenting this on a channel like this one is like a duck choosing to float along pirhana-infested waters, but what's the difference between one of these devices and simply using one's phone to play audio files or stream music? Does it mostly have to do with how the audio is processed and output, and is that difference only something you'll be able to hear on a higher-end set of headphones or speakers, or is there something else to it I don't understand?
It depends on which one you buy and what youre connecting to. For normal headphones most will be alright. Something like the Hiby R3 has a dac built in and plenty of the Fiios do as well
I thought your voice sounded a little fake and probably AI of some kind, but then I saw you reply to comments. And then the giveaway is always when computer generated voices can't properly pronounce things. FYI: anyone that knows anything about audio and high res knows how to pronounce LDAC. And it ain't the way you tried to pronounce it But thanks for coming out and giving it your best try whatever you are.
How can I search or find DAPS that arent portable. Its all I can find on YT. I want a home DAP or a bookshelf DAP with big hard drive inside (no ssd). Compact but not portable, maybe size of macmini and no streaming or any wifi (hate streaming and paying monthly suscriptions). Also no apps, no android or apple or any account, just the software or chip to play the music
@@Audio-ZoneNot really. Tempotec V6 offers better value for money. ibasso dx170 offers better value for money. Aune m1p offers better value.. There are a few more that stand out. The Hidisz is a good choice at the price point.
I had two of the Fiio players quit on me. Neither one lasted more than three months one had a button fail, and the other would not recognize the SD card. Also, the unit would freeze continually. never buying them again to many other quslity produckt to choose from that haven't let me down twice. I did those reviews on RUclips by the way and showed the broken products. I was so proud when I got the first one at seven when that turd broke I got the 11 when that turd broke. I told the Enta wouldn't be buying anymore. lol
Oh no, that's a bummer to hear about your experience with the Fiio players. It's frustrating when gadgets don't live up to expectations, especially when you're excited about them. Kudos to you for sharing your honest reviews on RUclips-it's essential for others to know about both the good and the not-so-great experiences. Hopefully, your next audio adventure brings you a more reliable companion! 🎶✨
I love when these people go on about something failing in two or three months, and it's like news flash I'm not sure if you got the memo but every manufacturer has at least a one year warranty. So obviously you're full of shit. To go on and on about this failure as you so call it, when it could be easily replaced by any manufacturer. Don't bother posting your comments if you can't provide accurate details
The guy said 'studio quality audio in an MP3 player' Seriously? Dumbing down audio lossy style! Like Stereo did to Quadraphonic. Looking for an M4A MP4 DAB & FM audio player, and yes, legacy MP3 included. I know, wrong channel.
The original M11 is outdated since years, you are reviewing the wrong DAP, also the wrong link! The current models are the M11s and the M11 Plus (which i own myself), both with ESS-DACs..
Why must I have any of those? Just because someone say I MUST have this or that, doesn't mean anyone needs them or no one should listen to anyone say I MUST have this or I must have that. Never 5 five of them!
you failed to mention the retail price of these "top" players, as they are so priced out of reach for normal folks.
The prices keep changing, the links are given on the description
@@Audio-Zone my bad....yes
HIDIZS AP80 @ £139.99
HiBy R2 @ £119.99
Astell&Kern SA700 @ £1,299
Sony NW-WM1AM @£1,147
FiiO M11 @ £490-960
...............pity the top players are priced so out of reach.
@@jshan888 they are (more) within reach if you search for second hand deals regularly.
You get what you pay for. Period. if everyone has the money, they would go top end every time of course. Otherwise, get what you can best afford.
@jshan888 It's not the HiBy R2 featured in this video though, it's the R6 III (at $499).
I just got the new Astell&Kern 35! Very good! Love the fact that the only button/knob you need is the volume!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more contents on audio related products.
What Hi-Fi players has to do with Spotify? 2:03
So that you can stream lossless audio in CD quality.
@@Audio-ZoneSpotify however only uses lossy files/fileformats tho.
@@Audio-Zone With Spotify….really? Ha ha ha I think you mean Tidal, Apple Music, Amazon Music or Quobuz.
Spotify is one the largest libraries so that support is def appreciated.
@ For phones and trash players yes
I was about to get myself in an iPod, specifically an iPod touch but I've bought an iPhone cause I could do more, way more!
I recall that iPods don't cost even half as much of iPhones. Yet iPods can play more high music file types.
ESS dacs are just not my cup of tea anymore. I used to think they were the best for the price till i moved to Japan and a REAL AUDIOPHILE showed me not only why they suck but also why the AKM dacs is on top.
Are they still good since the factory burned down? Ess seems a little clinical and thin..I have Hiby r3 pro sabre its very good, but for tonality and musicality I think AK takes it...
@@Whit-mh9nt ESS is very THIN. As for AKM, this is a Japanese company were talking about here. I'm sure they took advantage of the burn down to actually improve their factory and processes. :) They're back to making dacs again last I heard and im certain their most recent DAC is top-tier.
@@percyvolnar8010 Can you recommend a DAP in the lower price range using their dac? I live in asia wont wont be as expensive as in north america or europe anyway..
Great Review! I have older Sony nw-wm1z and sound quality is amazing. Looking to upgrade to Sony nw-wm1zm2 for the 3rd party app support. You have reviewed some of the best dap players on the market, very informative 😊
Is there a decent and affordable DAP without streaming. One where you can only listen to music transferred to the internal memory or a SD card?
ruclips.net/video/zPHUGoQp1h8/видео.html
Exactly what I wanted to ask! I don't want a streaming platform. Just ... an ipod.
Why not just buy a smartphone?
You said Hiby r6 III in the video but in the timeline you wrote Hiby r2 and also in the video details.
how do these devices compare to Shanling m0 Pro? I am planning on getting another one
You can rather choose from these 5, as they are the best ones right now
@@Audio-Zone 🧢
@@Audio-Zone The Chinese pay you to say dumb things like that don't they? The M0 Pro sounds MUCH better with lower, stronger bass and higher, clean treb'.
Shanling M0 is legendary for a reason. Tone and timbre are exceptional. And its tiny! Xduoo is also another one to look at for exceptional value for money with in house developed dac.
If your using it as Bluetooth? You do not hear the hi- res audio?
did it sound really good?...what they promise from it?
Yes, they sound good!
I realize commenting this on a channel like this one is like a duck choosing to float along pirhana-infested waters, but what's the difference between one of these devices and simply using one's phone to play audio files or stream music? Does it mostly have to do with how the audio is processed and output, and is that difference only something you'll be able to hear on a higher-end set of headphones or speakers, or is there something else to it I don't understand?
You need decent eadphones but no need for major expense. Getthe Hidisz dap for 200 and the KZ PR2 (not pr3) for 40, already midfi audiophile
Do any of these units allow you to record your own MP3s or wav files?
Yes
If i buy a dap do i still need a dac to enhance it further or uts useless
It depends on which one you buy and what youre connecting to. For normal headphones most will be alright. Something like the Hiby R3 has a dac built in and plenty of the Fiios do as well
Which ones also have FM radio?
Two of the best are Cayin and Luxury and Precision, missing here...
Thanks for your comment.
How did the m11 make this list, yet the first m15 didnt?
I thought your voice sounded a little fake and probably AI of some kind, but then I saw you reply to comments. And then the giveaway is always when computer generated voices can't properly pronounce things.
FYI: anyone that knows anything about audio and high res knows how to pronounce LDAC. And it ain't the way you tried to pronounce it
But thanks for coming out and giving it your best try whatever you are.
Nice review.
How can I search or find DAPS that arent portable. Its all I can find on YT. I want a home DAP or a bookshelf DAP with big hard drive inside (no ssd). Compact but not portable, maybe size of macmini and no streaming or any wifi (hate streaming and paying monthly suscriptions). Also no apps, no android or apple or any account, just the software or chip to play the music
Why don't you get a music streamer?
Hiby R6 III has no support for android auto (bummer)
Thanks for your comment
its massive adverisment with none of review elements. Waste of time :(
Thanks for your comment.
These daps aren’t the best daps you can buy, wrong caption for the video, these r just good daps but not the best ones out there….
For the price, they offer the best value
@@Audio-Zone Lie.
What are the best DAPS for the price then? Please tell me
The Hidisz is about 200 bucks and its very good, Hiby has the r3 about the same price, they both stream Tidal and Qobuz as well.
@@Audio-ZoneNot really. Tempotec V6 offers better value for money. ibasso dx170 offers better value for money. Aune m1p offers better value.. There are a few more that stand out. The Hidisz is a good choice at the price point.
These aren't the best. They may be the best affordable digital audio players, but they sure aren't the best in my subjective opinion.
For the price, they offer the best value
@@Audio-Zone Not even that.
Please list the best. Thank you
I had two of the Fiio players quit on me. Neither one lasted more than three months one had a button fail, and the other would not recognize the SD card. Also, the unit would freeze continually. never buying them again to many other quslity produckt to choose from that haven't let me down twice. I did those reviews on RUclips by the way and showed the broken products. I was so proud when I got the first one at seven when that turd broke I got the 11 when that turd broke. I told the Enta wouldn't be buying anymore. lol
Oh no, that's a bummer to hear about your experience with the Fiio players. It's frustrating when gadgets don't live up to expectations, especially when you're excited about them. Kudos to you for sharing your honest reviews on RUclips-it's essential for others to know about both the good and the not-so-great experiences. Hopefully, your next audio adventure brings you a more reliable companion! 🎶✨
I love when these people go on about something failing in two or three months, and it's like news flash I'm not sure if you got the memo but every manufacturer has at least a one year warranty. So obviously you're full of shit. To go on and on about this failure as you so call it, when it could be easily replaced by any manufacturer. Don't bother posting your comments if you can't provide accurate details
The guy said 'studio quality audio in an MP3 player' Seriously? Dumbing down audio lossy style! Like Stereo did to Quadraphonic.
Looking for an M4A MP4 DAB & FM audio player, and yes, legacy MP3 included. I know, wrong channel.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
The original M11 is outdated since years, you are reviewing the wrong DAP, also the wrong link! The current models are the M11s and the M11 Plus (which i own myself), both with ESS-DACs..
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We appreciate your diligence in highlighting the inaccuracies.
Forgot to mention the output power of each!
Thanks for your suggestion.
ALWAYS THESE REVIEWS 'NEVER MENTION ABOUT LINE-LINE CAPABILITES " WITH STEREOE RECORDING...ALL SAME
Why must I have any of those? Just because someone say I MUST have this or that, doesn't mean anyone needs them or no one should listen to anyone say I MUST have this or I must have that. Never 5 five of them!
Thanks for your opinion.
you say 2023 but change the title to show 2024. come on.
Thanks for your comment.
comments good or bad help.@@Audio-Zone
Only Nokia N91
ok
M11 is shit - battery drains and cannot turn on the brick. Garbage
Sony walkman is for hip hop rap and r&B not for rock
😂😂😂
Why?
@@Tropicalistico bc is made specially for that kind of music
that sucks
"Best hifi Spotify user" dosnt rhyme well
Ok, we will do better next time.
hidizs bluetooth sucks
Thanks for your comment
F sony...never buy their products for good reason.
Thanks for your comment
Okay and?