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/pmp/ DAP guide

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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

[+]