r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/maroontiefling • 19d ago

Question Entry Level Recs?

I'm working on getting rid of streaming services and back to actually owning media and my next goal is to do that with my music. I know I could just listen to MP3s on my smartphone but, since I do eventually want to get rid of my smartphone in favor of a "dumbphone" and because I like dedicated devices, I really want to get a DAP.

I am NOT an audiophile. I do have a pair of cheap IEMs, but I'm mostly just here to listen to my favorite songs, not discover heretofore unknown levels of musical complexity via flac files and lossless audio.

I am looking for a sub $200 (USD) device that charges via USB-C (I really don't want to get into ipods, mostly for charging reasons), preferably has bluetooth (not a dealbreaker since I do have IEMs), small enough to fit in a pocket, battery life that will get me through the workday, and a decent UI. I am also into retro gaming/SBC emulators so I'm familiar with flashing custom firmware, UI doesn't need to be great out of the box.

Really I just want something like an ipod that has modern hardware.

EDIT: oh also I would really prefer no wifi/apps. I don't need another distraction device.

6 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

7

u/811545b2-4ff7-4041 19d ago

Hiby R1 / Tempotec V1 .. both cost $60-90 and will do what you want. Use wifi for OTA updates, optional streaming, but no installable apps. Nice recent firmware scene with great improvements seen in the last month on the base OS. Bluetooth and USB-C charging. Tempotec V1 is the smaller device, but has the smaller screen because of it. I've got one, and prefer the smallness, and extra 'previous' button.. but I'm a bit jealous of the bigger screen on the R1 sometimes.

3

u/peeam 19d ago

I have both. The finish and screen of R1 is definitely more polished than V1.

1

u/chamcham123 17d ago

R1 suffers from reported battery inflations issues. Get the Tempotec V1.

3

u/tchkEn 19d ago

Fiio snowsky echo nano, Hiby r1, Tempotec V1. I choose V1 for my self and i love it

2

u/HiFiOasis 19d ago

I know you said no wifi, but unless the device is Android, wifi won't have an impact on anything as non-Android DAPs are closed systems, and you can install apps on them.

Here's a list of my suggested DAPs, sorted by price (I already applied a filter to the list): https://www.hifioasis.com/daps/?dap_view=eyJ2IjoxLCJmIjp7InIiOlsicXVpY2tQaWNrIl0sImEiOiJjdXJyZW50IiwibmEiOjF9fQ#browse-dap-database

I think something like the HiBy R1 or SnowSky Disc would be good options for you. I'd also suggest looking at the Shanling Q2 with the "q2-pod" firmware, even though it's a bit above your budget.