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- ========================================================================
- /pmp/ DAP guide
- ========================================================================
- A list of old and new DAPs worth getting.
- ============================== Old DAPs ================================
- DAPs that have been long discontinued or only recently discontinued, but
- are still worth finding or using.
- [+] Sony
- Sony players often produce a warm, smooth sound. They also come with
- various sound enhancement technologies. Another feature on more
- recent models is SensMe, which scans your music library and creates
- mood-based playlists.
- While Sony separates players in different tiers, some of the players
- made in the same time period actually sports (near) identical
- hardware.
- Some older models requires SonicStage to transfer music, which is a
- huge pile of shit and probably won't work with any computer made in
- the last 8 years. Avoid.
- (-) A Series Walkmans
- Top end Walkman line.
- (-) S series Walkmans
- Lower end than A series, still good.
- (-) E series Walkmans
- Low end Walkmans. They work. That's it. E470 is right before
- these went downhill. Some have Rockbox support.
- (-) X1050/X1060
- Old flagship Walkman.
- (-) Z1000
- First Android Walkman. Runs Android 2.3. Unless you need Android
- there's no reason to get this.
- (-) F80x/F88x
- Old flagship Walkmans. The F88x is an upgrade of the F80x. These
- run Android.
- (-) HD5
- Very old HDD-based player. Highly regarded for audio quality.
- Requires SonicStage, but still worth considering if you can find
- one for cheap.
- [+] Apple
- Apple has a solid range of DAPs. They are made for the mass market,
- so don't expect mind-blowing quality or fancy features. But they're
- very good for general usage.
- Many of them has Rockbox support. The Classic line is also highly
- moddable, and replacement parts are plenty.
- At one point, Apple switched to CS codecs from the old WM one. This
- is after Cirrus Logic bought Wolfson Microelectronics. Some people
- are too used to the old WM sound signature and complained about the
- sound of the CS codecs. Keep this in mind if you are used to the
- darker sound of old WM codecs.
- Requires iTunes to transfer music on stock software, but some PC
- softwares also support iPods.
- (-) iPod 1G/2G/3G/4G/Photo
- Very old iPods. The earlier models don't even have USB. You can
- still find some 4G/Photo, but it might be better to just go for
- the newer ones.
- (-) iPod 5G/Video
- Last PP+WM model. Can be found for relatively cheap, especially
- if it has a broken hard drive (which you can replace with a SD
- card).
- (-) iPod Classic (6G/7G)
- Last models of the traditional iPod line. Also the first to use
- CS codecs. The extra hardware power helps when using Rockbox.
- (-) iPod Mini (1G/2G)
- Similar to larger iPods, but uses a microdrive. You can replace
- it with a CF card.
- (-) iPod Nano (1G/2G)
- These also have Rockbox support, but their storage is small and
- non-upgradable.
- [+] Microsoft
- Occasionally Microsoft would try their hands at hardware. This is
- one of those times.
- Has some interesting features, notably the ability to play games
- made with XNA and built-in Wi-Fi.
- Requires Zune software, which is now defunct (but can be made to
- work).
- (-) Zune (1st gen 30GB)
- HDD player. Somewhat large and bulky. 3" screen. WM8978 DAC.
- (-) Zune 4/8/16 (2nd gen flash-based)
- Smaller than HDD models. Now features the "Zune pad", which is a
- touchpad on top of buttons, which actually works pretty well.
- (-) Zune 80/120 (2nd gen HDD-based)
- Improved upon the original. Also features the Zune pad.
- (-) Zune HD (16/32/64 GB)
- Touch based model, which runs on a Tegra SoC. 3.3" OLED display
- (480*272). Has a web browser built-in, so the Wi-Fi is less
- useless now. The UI is the precursor to modern Microsoft designs
- People had fun playing Audiosurf on this.
- [+] Cowon
- A Korean DAP make. Known for some well-beloved PMPs in the past.
- Also known for highly customizable Flash-based UI. You can find
- plenty of custom themes (UCIs) online.
- (-) S9
- OLED touchscreen DAP with Bluetooth. WM8750L DAC.
- (-) D2/D2+
- Touchscreen DAP with full-size SD slot. WM8985 DAC. Rockbox port
- exists, but is not stable. The D2+ has similar hardware but
- updated software.
- Cowon has a ton more of worthy DAPs. Just Google it if you come
- across one.
- [+] iRiver
- Another Korean company, formed by ex Samsung employees. Also made
- many good DAPs in the past.
- (-) H10
- Rockbox support. WM8731 codec.
- (-) H340
- Hard drive based, which can be upgraded. Rockbox support.
- There are many other models.
- [+] Creative
- Maker of high-end PC soundcards, and other things. They also happen
- to make PMPs as well.
- (-) Zen X-Fi
- Has Wi-Fi on 16GB and 32GB models, which can be used for media
- streaming. Rockbox support.
- (-) Zen X-Fi 2
- Touchscreen & keys. Supports custom programs written in Lua.
- Rockbox support, but needs an external SD card.
- (-) Zen X-Fi 3
- Touch keys and Bluetooth aptX. Rockbox support.
- (-) Zen X-Fi Style
- Rockbox support.
- (-) Zen Portable Media Center
- One of the few things that run Microsoft's PMC software. Only
- worth getting for the novelty.
- (-) Zen Vision M
- HDD based player. Apparently popular during its time.
- [+] Sansa (SanDisk)
- They've discontinued the good models. Unless you can find one for
- cheap, these aren't really worth it.
- (-) Clip+ / Clip Zip
- Once the Official /g/ DAP, these players have since been
- discontinued (due to the SoC EOL) and their price jacked up.
- They were /g/ DAP of choice due to availability, expandable
- storage, Rockbox support and low cost. The audio output is also
- surprisingly powerful for such a small device.
- Some Clip+ have started to show defects, such as failling OLEDs
- or loose/broken headphone jacks. Some also have failling flash
- storage (also affects Clip Zip).
- The Clip Zip is the same as the Clip+, but has a color OLED.
- Yes you can play Pokemon and Doom on these.
- (-) Fuze+
- A PMP with larger screen than the Clips. Touchpad navigation,
- expandable storage.
- Rockbox port exists, but is unstable/has issues.
- (-) Fuze (v1/v2)
- Earlier verions of the Fuze, uses a wheel instead. Exandable
- storage. Rockbox support.
- There are other models as well. If you're interested in Rockbox
- support, read the Rockbox wiki carefully.
- ============================== New DAPs ================================
- DAPs made in the past few years.
- ////////////////////// Cheap shit //////////////////////
- [+] ATJ players
- There are trillions of these out there, quality ranging from
- "why even bother" to "hey it actually works". If it advertises
- ebook support, it's probably a ATJ player. It's the cheap Chinese
- player you might have as a kid, also known as s1mp3.
- One advantage they have over new, high-end player is runtime, these
- can last 20+ hours.
- Most support microSD card.
- ATJ automatically means no Rockbox. Doesn't help that the stock
- firmware is usually terrible.
- (-) AGPTek/Ruizu
- Wide range of players, some have bluetooth.
- (-) Benjie
- Nice design, often made of aluminum.
- [+] xDuoo
- (-) X2
- ATJ player, but with respectable amp circuitry.
- Expandable storage. No internal storage.
- [+] Zishan/Walnut
- Sacrifice usability for sound quality. These don't have a screen and
- play few formats. Don't look very nice either.
- Most have replaceable opamp.
- (-) Zishan Z2
- USB DAC + basic DAP. This one has native DSD support.
- AK4490 DAC.
- (-) Walnut V2/V2S
- Headamp + basic DAP. V2S supports more formats along with other
- software improvements.
- Fancy stuff for $25.
- [+] Sony
- (!) E39x
- Chink shit in Sony packaging. Avoid.
- Get the older E series.
- [+] SanDisk
- (!) Clip Sport (Plus)/ Clip Jam
- ATJ players, but twice the price. Avoid.
- [+] Benjie
- (-) T6
- Bluetooth support, works as a client too. 24 bit 192kHz playback
- Works with external USB DACs with DSD support.
- CS42L51 codec. Expandable storage. No internal storage.
- The AGPTek Rocker is a rebrand of this.
- May get Rockbox support.
- (-) T1
- Affordable hires player. WM8740 DAC.
- ////////////////////// Fancy shit //////////////////////
- Fancy players with fancy specs, priced anywhere from $80 to $3000.
- Most of them are from China, meaning poor to acceptable firmware, poor
- battery life and no internal storage. They have very good sound quality
- for the price though.
- Unless specified, players listed here don't have integrated storage.
- [+] FiiO
- Probably the most popular brand in this category. Product ranges
- from entry level to high end. Cost a bit more than several other
- brands. Do yearly releases of their products.
- Most of their players control with a scrolling wheel. Also support
- inline headset controls.
- Also they have very nice looking designs.
- (+) X1
- Entry level product. Line-out shared with headphone output.
- (-) 1st gen
- PCM5142 DAC. OPA2322 opamp.
- (-) 2nd gen (X1 II)
- Adds Bluetooth and a touch scrolling wheel. Neither work too
- well.
- PCM5242 DAC. OPA2322 opamp.
- (+) X3
- Mid range product. Adds USB DAC feature and dedicated line-out
- with COAX support.
- (-) 2nd gen (X3II aka. X3K)
- Native DSD playback. Had USB OTG support before an update
- removed it.
- CS4398 DAC.
- (+) X5
- High end product. Uses high end components. Dual mSD slots.
- (-) 1st gen
- PCM 1792 DAC.
- (-) 2nd gen (X5 II)
- PCM 1792 DAC. Improved audio architecture.
- (-) 3rd gen (X5 III)
- Now Android-based. 32GB internal storage. Balanced output.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth aptX.
- Dual AK4490 DACs.
- (-) X7
- Top end. Android-based. Supports exchangable amplifier modules.
- ES9018 DAC.
- [+] xDuoo
- Same fancy components, but cheaper. Of course, corners were cut, but
- it's nothing too significant.
- (-) X3
- Very similar components to the FiiO X3 II, but no USB DAC mode.
- Monochromatic screen and a strange button layout. Dual mSD slots
- Has an unofficial Rockbox port. You will need it.
- Some people reported poor battery life.
- (-) X10
- Scrolling wheel controls. Optical output. Dual mSD slots.
- AK4490 DAC. MUSES8920 opamp.
- [+] Shanling
- Nice-looking, featureful DAPs.
- (-) M1
- Entry DAP. Bluetooth with aptX, which can also works as a
- receiver. USB DAC and USB transport mode. Converted DSD playback
- USB-C. Controls with a clickable scroll wheel.
- AK4452 DAC. MAX 97220 opamp.
- (-) M2
- USB DAC mode. Dedicated line-out with COAX support. Controls
- with a scroll wheel. Native DSD playback.
- CS4398 DAC. MUSES8920 opamp.
- Gets hot during operation.
- (-) M2s
- Upgraded M2. Controls with a clickable turning wheel. Basically
- M2 with features from M1.
- AK4490 DAC. MUSES8920 opamp.
- (-) M3
- Shanling's first DAP. The M2 already offers most of this player.
- CS4398 DAC.
- (-) M5
- Litle reason to get this, as it is not much better than the
- newer M2s.
- [+] Sony
- They went full audiophile meme mode. That said the products are
- still good, though more costly than Chinese players. Feature
- many proprietary audio technologies. They also use in-house amps.
- In exchange, you get usable software and runtime.
- Doesn't support some formats like vorbis or opus.
- The HN models come with earphones.
- Another thing to notice is that they use the proprietary WM-PORT,
- even on Android models. Cables can be found online easily.
- Some special editions are available in Asia.
- (-) A1x/A2x
- Solid entry DAPs. Small and pocketable. Expandable storage.
- Bluetooth and NFC (to pair with Sony speakers).
- A2x adds Bluetooth LDAC and support for Sony ANC earphones.
- (-) A3x
- Upgrade to the A2x. Adds converted DSD playback and larger
- battery.
- Replaces buttons on A1x/A2x with a touchscreen, which doesn't
- work well until after an update.
- (-) ZX100
- Right below the top end ZX models. Smaller and doesn't run
- Android.
- NFC and Bluetooth LDAC. Converted DSD playback. 128GB storage,
- expandable with mSD.
- (-) ZX1
- High end Android-based DAP.
- 128GB storage, expandable with mSD. NFC, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
- Converted DSD playback.
- (-) ZX2
- Upgrade to the ZX1. Adds Bluetooth LDAC and upgraded audio.
- (-) WM1A
- Though an upgrade to ZX2, these do not run Android. Native DSD
- playback. Bluetooth LDAC. Balanced output.
- 128GB storage, expandable with mSD.
- (-) WM1Z
- COPPER BODY FOR PREMIUM AUDIO
- WM1A but with fancy components and 256GB storage.
- [+] Cowon
- The newer models still support UCIs, but no one is making them
- anymore.
- They still have JetEffect.
- (-) M2
- Cowon D2 rebrand.
- (-) Plenue (Plenue 1)
- The original Plenue. Native DSD playback. 128GB storage,
- expandable with mSD. 3.7" AMOLED touchscreen. Optical Line-out.
- PCM1792 DAC.
- (-) Plenue M
- Similar to the original Plenue. Adds USB DAC mode. 64GB storage,
- expandable with mSD.
- PCM1795 DAC.
- (-) Plenue D
- Entry Plenue model. 32GB storage, expandable with mSD. 2.8"
- touchscreen.
- (-) Plenue S
- Native DSD playback. Balanced output & Optical Line-out. USB DAC
- 128GB storage, expandable with mSD.
- PCM1792 DAC.
- (-) Plenue M2
- Similar to Plenue M. Adds DSD playback.
- PCM1795 DAC.
- (-) Plenue 2
- Native DSD playback. Balanced output & Optical Line-out. USB DAC
- 128GB storage, expandable with mSD.
- AK4497EQ DAC.
- [+] Astell&Kern
- Actually iRiver after they stop making players for normal people.
- Specs aren't impressive compared to cheaper Chinese players, but
- you're getting a better overall package.
- They put discontinued models on sale.
- Also have several special edition products.
- *** Details may be incorrect. It's hard to find detailed specs ***
- (-) AK Jr.
- Entry A&K player. 3.1" touchscreen. 64GB storage, expandable
- with mSD. Converted DSD playback. USB DAC mode. Bluetooth.
- WM8740 DAC.
- It's been on sale for $269 for a while, much more reasonable
- than the original $499.
- (-) AK100/AK100 MkII
- 2.4" touchscreen. Bluetooth support. 32GB storage, expandable
- with dual mSD slots. USB DAC mode. Optical line-out/line-in.
- Mk II adds converted DSD playback.
- WM8740 DAC.
- (-) AK120/AK120 TITAN
- Dual DAC version. Adds converted DSD playback. 64GB instead
- of 32GB.
- TITAN version is 128GB.
- (-) AK100II
- 3.3" OLED touchscreen. Balanced output. Converted DSD playback.
- USB DAC mode. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. 64GB storage, expandable with
- mSD.
- CS4398 DAC.
- (-) AK100II けいおん!エディション
- Comes with a leather case and a preload of the OST in hi-res
- (-) AK120II
- Dual DAC version. 128GB.
- (-) AK70
- Balanced output, optical line-out. Converted DSD playback.
- USB DAC & USB transport mode. Wi-Fi. 64GB storage, expandable
- with mSD.
- CS4398 DAC.
- (-) AK240
- 3.3" OLED touchscreen. Balanced output. Native DSD playback.
- USB DAC mode. Wi-Fi & Bluetooth. 256GB storage, expandable with
- mSD.
- Dual CS4398 DACs.
- (-) KANN
- 4" touchscreen. Balanced output. Native DSD playback. USB DAC
- & USB transport mode. Wi-Fi & Bluetooth. 64GB storage expandable
- with SD & mSD slots. USB-C & micro USB ports. Large (6200mAh)
- battery.
- AK4490 DAC.
- (-) AK380
- Often seen memed around for its $3.499 MSRP.
- 4" touchscreen. Balanced output. Native DSD playback. USB DAC
- mode. Wi-Fi & Bluetooth. 256GB storage expandable with mSD.
- Parametric EQ.
- Dual AK4490 DACs.
- (-) SP1000
- Actually this is even more expensive.
- 5" touchscreen. Balanced output. Native DSD playback. USB DAC
- mode. Wi-Fi & Bluetooth. 256GB storage expandable with mSD.
- USB-C port. Parametric EQ.
- Dual AK4497EQ DACs.
- [+] HIFIMAN
- [+] iBasso
- (-) DX50
- Entry DAP. Buttons and touchscreen controls. Replaceable battery
- (Samsung Galaxy S3 battery). 8GB storage, expandable with mSD.
- Dedicated lineout with COAX support.
- WM8740 DAC.
- (-) DX90
- Similar to DX50. Dual ES9018 DACs.
- (-) DX80
- Upgrade to the DX90. Larger touchscreen, buttons are kept.
- USB DAC mode. Dual mSD slots. Native DSD playback.
- Dual CS4398 DACs.
- (-) DX100
- Android 2.3 with touchscreen. 64GB storage, expandable with mSD.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.
- ES9018 DAC. 8V amplifier.
- (-) DX200
- Upgrade to DX100. Android 6 with touchscreen and buttons. 64GB
- storage, expandable with mSD. USB DAC mode. Native DSD playback.
- Replaceable amp modules.
- Dual ES9028 DACs.
- [+] Xuelin
- [+] Lotoo
- [+] Cayin
- [+] Aune
- [+]
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