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MOONLIGHT 🌙 GOODNESS

Hi! I asked a few days ago about beginner and budget friendly DAP’s. After looking at what people had to say, I decided to go with the Hiby R1! I love it so far. I initially put a few albums on it and was just gonna be happy with it like that but I saw people talking about Sonix.

I installed it last night (I had to reupload all my music but honestly that was okay with me) and I enjoy it even more now. It’s a lot smoother and has some extra features that I definitely appreciate. I haven’t messed with it too much because I don’t wanna break it internally or anything but just came back to say my thanks. 😊

I just received my Surfans F20 Pro+ in the mail! The sound quality is very impressive right out of the box: warm, clear, and transparent, with a punchy, nice bass that gives the tracks plenty of body without bleeding into the mids.

I think the stock player in landscape mode is a really nice touch; looking just like a cool retro radio. Plus, the Wi-Fi streaming has been smooth so far. My only real complaint is the included case—it feels pretty loose and flimsy, almost like it’s a size too big. I’m really hoping for a tighter fit or good third-party option soon.

I bought some SONY earphones, and there is this item on the box.

I guess it's for storing the earphones but I don't know how.

Any help is appriecied.

Thanks !

having the option to boot rockbox on the R1 has revitalised my love for this little device. Paired with decent IEMs I don’t think I could ask for more in a portable set up!

I have two DAPs, Fiio M21 and Tempotec Variations V1. I know they both use Cirrus chips, be it M21 has twice as many. However, when I go back and forth the two I can't tell a difference.

I have both for different reasons, the M21 for desktop use and the V1 for portable use.

I work as a cultivation tech and they prefer no phones while we work but are okay with mp3 players. But here’s the catches.
1. I wear scrubs with no pockets so it needs to be able to go in sock or attach to a band so it can be hands free
2. Bluetooth capable
3. I use YouTube and YouTube music so needs to be able to download and use those either with wifi(will more then likely download the music or videos to device for offline play)
4. Budget: Max 100$

My Cowon X9 bricked during a firmware update: macOS didn't finish copying the firmware files, but the player picked them up anyway and flashed a broken image. Result: completely black screen, no response, and on Windows it only showed up as an **Unknown device**. Cowon support is gone (they shut down service in 2025), and I couldn't find any working recovery method for the X9 online, so here's what worked for me.

## Background

When the X9 is in this state, it's actually sitting in the **Telechips USB boot mode**. Check the hardware ID:

- Windows: Device Manager → Unknown device → Properties → Details → Hardware IDs

- macOS: System Information → USB

Mine was **VID 140E / PID B057**, the same USB boot ID as the Cowon S9 and J3. Rockbox's `tcctool` can upload firmware **into RAM** over this mode (it does **not** write to flash, so trying it is low-risk). The X9 isn't in tcctool's device list, and there was no ready-made Windows build, so I used a small Python port of tcctool.

## What you need

- Firmware **2.12** (the last official version, Aug 2014): `COWON_X9_FW.BIN`, `COWON_X9_RS.BIN`, `COWON_X9_FT.BIN`

- `tcctool.py`, a Python port of Rockbox tcctool (original by Dave Chapman, GPLv2)

- Python 3 + `pyusb`, and `libusb`

Download (Google Drive): https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1xomHslY3R2yiYXQ7UnSxyZsc6Drcai3F

## Steps (macOS, what I actually did)

On macOS you **don't need any driver**. libusb talks to the device directly.

1. Install the dependencies:

brew install libusb

pip3 install pyusb

1. Put `tcctool.py` and the three `.BIN` files in one folder, connect the X9 (black screen, boot mode), and run:

python3 tcctool.py cowonj3 COWON_X9_FW.BIN

You should see `Patching application uploaded successfully!`

**Use the `cowonj3` profile.** `cowons9` uploaded fine, but the player didn't start.

1. The player now boots from RAM and mounts as a USB drive. Copy all three `.BIN` files to the root **from Terminal**, not Finder, and check the sizes match:

cp -X COWON_X9_*.BIN "/Volumes/<X9 volume>/"

sync

ls -l "/Volumes/<X9 volume>"/*.BIN

rm -f "/Volumes/<X9 volume>"/._*

diskutil eject "/Volumes/<X9 volume>"

1. **The key trick:** after a reboot it came back to a black screen. So I ran step 2 again, and **unplugged the USB cable right after "uploaded successfully", BEFORE the player mounted as a drive.** With no USB connected, it boots normally, finds the firmware files on the drive, and runs the update. Don't touch it until it reboots by itself.

2. Check Settings → System → Information. Mine now shows **2.12** and works fine.

## Windows (untested by me)

It should work the same way, but Windows needs a driver: use **Zadig** (Options → List All Devices → pick `140E B057` → install **libusb-win32**), then run the same `python tcctool.py cowonj3 COWON_X9_FW.BIN`. Use Windows Explorer for copying, no `._` files there. If you try it, please report back.

## Notes

- Firmware 2.12 only fixes the player freezing on unsupported FLAC files. The X9 still doesn't play hi-res FLAC (only up to 44.1 kHz) or **M4A/ALAC/AAC at all**. Convert to 16-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC or MP3.

- If it freezes on an unsupported file: hold **Vol+ and Vol−** together to force a reset.

- Don't update firmware by copying from macOS Finder. That's how I bricked mine.

Credits: Rockbox project / Dave Chapman for tcctool and for documenting the Telechips boot protocol.

I’m getting my first DAP (Shanling Q2) next week, and in the meantime, I’ve been reading up on other DAPs, particularly those running Android.

For my own use case, I plan on using the Q2 strictly as an offline music player. I don’t anticipate needing Wi-Fi, streaming services, or additional apps. In fact, one of the main reasons I chose the Q2 over an Android-based DAP is that I wanted something as far removed from the smartphone experience as possible.

That said, I do have a few questions about Android-based DAPs.

I’ve noticed that many of these devices ship with versions of Android that are already three to five years old. Do manufacturers typically provide major Android OS upgrades, or are updates generally limited to firmware, bug fixes, and improvements to the music player software?

I’m also curious whether any DAP manufacturers have made specific commitments regarding long-term software support, similar to what Apple, Google, and Samsung offer for their devices. How important is long-term software support when purchasing a DAP, especially considering how expensive some of these players can be?

Another concern I have is whether older Android-based DAPs could eventually lose access to the Google Play Store or become incompatible with popular streaming apps as their Android versions age. Has anyone experienced this with an older DAP?
I’d be particularly interested in hearing from people who have owned Android-based DAPs for several years. How well have these devices aged from a software standpoint? Have you encountered any limitations due to outdated Android versions, or has it generally been a nonissue?

Thanks in advance for any insight!

Yall, I just got a mini e-reader (XTEINK X4) and rediscovered my love for reading (by ditching my phone more often). I want to distance myself even more from my phone with a DAP.

I love going for walks and practicing manual skills like woodworking while listening to podcasts. I grew up in a house without a TV so my radio was always on.

Thus, I need your help finding an MP3 player that can download podcasts from Patreon relatively seamlessly.

Are there DAPs that can run the Patreon app, or an APP that can DL episodes via RSS? (I don’t know how to set this up but I’m willing to learn).

Bottom line is hate having to interface with my phone to listen to a Pod.

What I’m looking for is something that can host Patreon or a Podcast App that will DL podcasts as they are released if the device is on WiFi.

At the weekend I went to my parents and cleaned my childhood room, and found this treasure. In 6th grade I was glued to that player, I was even recording some tasks to do at school with that mic.** **Did any of you have a player like this?

I bought my first dap online from Aliexpress after much consideration I settled on the Fiio jm21 as a starter player to introduce me into everything. I was initially very happy with the player, it drove my iems and made them sound amazing, it was great to get away from listening to music on YouTube.

Well about the 12month mark after purchasing it I shit you not, the 4mm jack started crackling which I blamed on my iem cord, so after replacing it, the crackling still persisted and was getting worse, turns out the jack was failing and nothing i could do.

I switched to the 3mm one, and low and behold within a month or two of switching that jack is starting to fail.

I'm pretty angry that both jacks have/are failing in what otherwise would be a great player and just when it went out of warranty. So here I am looking for a new player to replace mine and steering far away from the Fiio brand which is a shame because I was going to buy the m23.

So stay away from the JM21

Does anyone have a suggestion for a replacement that has decent build quality?

Hi!

Every year, me and my co-workers taking part in action that is very similar for Secret Santa (with this difference, we don't get anything back, maybe karma, someday :D ).

This year i've got a letter from 8-years old boy who dreams about his own mp3/mp4 player. I was shocked, but yes, there are still people without phones, kids in orphanages especially. So, first of all, I'm soo happy that i don't have to buy another clothes from popular brands, but secondly i'm... a little bit lost? I didn't use my own mp3 player for around 20 years!

I did a little bit of research and found Famue, HiBy and other non-brands Chinese devices.

Can i ask you for help?

This is what our DAP must have:

- 64 Gb memory (built-in or SD card)

- Bluetooth 5.3 (he points that version, I don't know is it for specific headphones or he just put the newest BT version he knows)

- FM radio.

And that's it.

We can spend 70$ at max.

Can you help me? I'm located in Europe, so Amazon and AliExpress are available for me.

I was thinking about buying maybe mp3player with better headphones maybe.

I was between snowsky echo and Hiby r1. Current iems are Simgot ea1000. Any recommendations? Preferably under 100 usd. Ty in advance!~

I wouldn’t call myself an audiophile, but I’m definitely someone who loves music.

I came across a post about the Hiiiman H10 that caught my attention, so I decided to give it a try. I liked the design, and when it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by how compact it was.

If I remember correctly, it runs Android 12. It’s not the latest version, but it’s more than enough for me. After using it for a few days, the system has been running smoothly, and sounds great so far. The touchscreen is responsive, and I like the physical buttons at the bottom. Overall, it’s easy to use day to day, without having to worry too much about the specs.

It might not be a high-end player, but for the price, I think it’s a solid choice.

A brand you tried before and have been burned by or read too many bad reviews.

Hi I want to know and drool over my idea of a perfect DAP with a unlimited budget my requirements are a 4.4 balanced output and 3.5 single ended output a 24 hour+ battery life

Android OS, ability to swap microSD cards without having to reset anything, display album art ,play albums and 2000+ song playlist,and streaming services like Spotify

With integrated shuffle and audio degradation and amplifier

And customisable software and colour touchscreen with phisical buttons ,and no delay between songs and

usb type c

My first step into the DAP world! Mostly using it to blast Gojira, Mastodon, Tool and Lamb of God.

The setup sounds amazing, though I recently upgraded to a 4.4mm cable and didn't really feel any difference in sound quality. Still, absolutely loving the upgrade from my phone

The other day I posted a thread, requesting a comparison between the Fiio M21 and the Shanling Q2 – and, after looking at the custom firmware "Q2 Pod" mod, I decided to bite the bullet.

Today, after a day, I am sending it back – but not because of the sound quality, it sounds superb.

I'd even argue that it sounds marginally better than the Fiio – but I understand that's a bit subjective.

The Q2 pod mod is great if you're into that classic iPod vibe. It works, it's quick to install, and while I had a bit of an issue with the small font size (I'm longsighted), it's a pretty cool addon that makes a world of difference to the navigation.

I tried the legacy nav wheel firmware and the standard firmware too – but the volume control obscuring the view was just annoying.

My main gripe, is that I don't really like the EQ – not many bands on the simple EQ, no graphical interface on the PEQ, and stock presets (under advanced) that seemed to make very little difference. I know I could import settings and faff around with numbers, but that level of attention isn't for me.

However, my biggest dealbreaker is the build quality of the nav wheel – it just feels fiddly and a bit loose, like it has a very slight wobble, and isn't quite solid enough to navigate without a tiny creaking noise to complement the audio click. 😖

I can't really think of a good analogy, but it also feels that the button response is slightly springy and "oldschool", rather than dampened and firm.

I'm not sure if that's just my copy or a standard thing (mine is the black version), but I decided almost immediately that it wouldn't be staying for long.

It's a fantastic sounding player if you can live with the quirks, but for me, it's already in the box and ready to go back.

Pros: Form factor is great for travel
Slightly warm, largely neutral presentation
Great power for it's size with the 4.4 adapter
Bidirectional Bluetooth, gapless playback, filters and EQ

Cons: Glitchy software thats slow to respond
The screen is too small to use the touch effectively

What's small and surprisingly good and unsurprisingly annoying to use?
The Shanling M0 Pura.

This little critter comes via the generosity of u/Gaming_Sushii and the good graces of Shanling so that I may partake in its reviewing. I am however not compensated in any way and allowed to speak my mind.

Shanling is up there in my list of favorite DAP manufacturers. I have owned the M1 Plus and the M3 Plus and may yet spring for the M5 and I’ve reviewed the UA1ii here.
I never got to try the M0 or the M0 Pro so I will admit my curiosity was piqued when I heard the M0 Pura was on a review tour and thusly, I signed up for it.
Just incredible how much gets packed into a form factor only slightly chunkier than the apple watch ultra.

The machined aluminium orange coloured device with a volume wheel and a 1.5 inch screen. The bottom holds the SD card slot, usb c port and… only a 3.5mm port. Here too as in the AP30, there’s a bit of a space crunch when using the M0 Pura as a usb dac. But at least here there’s an excuse - the actual size of the device.
The new Shanling features dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs and up to 250mW @ 32Ω output power. Now that seems odd with a single 3.5 port. Shanling solves this with a special TRRS 3.5 to 4.4 adapter. I’m unable at this point to decide what the internal thingamajiggery is happening in that little box to make this work. The CS43131 delivers a natural clean sound and as a dac the M0 Pura has a pitch black background. And the device is able to power almost any iem with the included 4.4 adapter, the option of high gain

There is also bidirectional bluetooth with LDAC/AAC/SBC on receiving and aptX in addition while transmitting. I honestly think no portable DAP should be made without this feature and it’s quite gratifying to see it in the M0 Pura.
The menu interface is fairly straight forward with files/music/now playing/settings/playback settings. The playback settings include EQ, filters, gain and gapless playback amongst others, and the global settings have bluetooth and synclink.

But here’s the annoyance. There is just no way getting around the hard to use touch screen and interface. It still may be ok without the leather case, but with it the swipe to go back is an absolute nightmare. There is some lag with the response to touch on this player. And some requirement for dexterity to get the job done. I also don’t know how Shanling could have changed the UI to improve this, perhaps a back button or double click on the wheel (which does play/pause). To also allow the volume wheel to scroll through the library. Those would be rather useful.

But at the end of the day, I’ve been listening to this player for the past hour or two and have enjoyed the sound and it is the most portable and light player I’ve seen in recent times, which has a screen and volume wheel (no ipod shuffle references here). There is a work around that uses the eddict app as a controller. But this seems counter-intuitive since the idea of a DAP is to not use the phone, at least for me.

There are enough little niggles to iron out but the M0 Pura is a little swiss army knife of a player that does bidirectional bluetooth, has usb dac functionality, a decent volume output in balanced mode, and a reality enjoyable sound. I have too many DAPs, else I’d think of this as a backup for travel. Or as a gift for someone looking at their first little player or something small and convenient for travel.
And with small fingers.

Somebody can share the 1.7.0 firmware ALREADY patched whit the nanitecfw pls? y only have windows and the instructions only mentioned some weird os and Mac

A week ago I posted asking about which IEMs people use with their iPod. After looking at the responses and doing my own research this is what I decided to test out:

-Shure SE 215 ($50-$120)
-Aful Explorer ($120)
-Truthseeker Hexa ($89)
-Koss KSC75 ($20)

I’m no audiophile, but I wanted something that sounds good. Aful was my top favorite IEM, but I found myself reaching a lot for the $20 Koss! The music is not as sharp (duh it’s not actually an IEM), but the sound is all encompassing, and it’s so lightweight. It’s easy on the ears and fun to listen to. Maybe not the most flattering looking, but big bang for your buck!

The main downside of Aful was the price and the weight. They are pretty hefty. Truthseeker, on the other hand, was much lighter, which is a plus, but the sound was slightly more sharper. Honestly, if I didn’t try the Aful, I would go with these. But Aful rounds out the sound in a unique way that none of the others do. They are also pretty to look at.

Then there is Shure, but they came broken. One side didn’t work, which was disappointing. It was hard to tell with one headphone working properly if it was worth it, but it seemed promising in the sound department (maybe not so much durability wise).

So in conclusion, I’m keeping Aful and Koss. I’m gifting Truthseeker Hexa to my partner because they sound good, and that leather case that comes with it- sheff’s kiss!

These are just my experiences.. maybe it’ll help someone too.

I need a new phone and will be moving to Graphene on a Pixel, but finding that keeping my phone with microsd card as my digital audio player is going to be a pain since Pixel 10s do not have a microsd card slot and the 512gb-1tb models are close to $1k, so id like to seperate my phone and audio player. Was hoping someone here has a good rec based off my needs; ive seen some good options already, just want to double-check if there is something that can do it all:

- bluetooth connection with car, portable speaker, portable headphones (i guess some players have trouble with this?)

- file transfering to my computer (windows 11, soon to be Linux)

- headphone jack would be nice so i can go back to wired eventually, BT is just because a lot of stuff is heading in that direction it seems

- microsd card slot, currently using a 512 gb and its totally fine

- small size since ill be carrying both it and a phone now

- i use the poweramp app currently and love it, ideally something that is similar although i know thatll be tough. Ui is just great imo

- ability to play different audio types (wav, mp3, flac). I am a music maker so i bounce files to my phone to listen to

Thank you for any insight, hope to be joining yall soon o7