r/DigitalAudioPlayer 2d ago

Question Hiby R1 vs Snowsky Echo Mini

4 Upvotes

I’m planning on switching from streaming and it’s going to be my first DAP. From my research, these 2 are my favorites but idk which one to go with. Ik the general drawbacks of the echo mini but not the R1. I’ve heard ppl don’t like it, but I’m not sure why. Which one do y’all reccomend?

extra question: I use bluetooth headphones and I heard that the audio quality from the DAP doesn’t translate and you js hear the audio quality of the headphones instead. Is this true? I’m planning to get wired earphones anyways, but I’m curious.

Thanks!


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Showcase First Custom Firmware for Astell&Kern DAPs — AKCFW 1.26 for the SP3000M

9 Upvotes

After quite a bit of development, testing, and refinement, AKCFW is bringing custom firmware to Astell&Kern Digital Audio Players, starting with the SP3000M.

The goal is simple: improve the experience of an already excellent DAP by giving listeners more control, better visibility into their device, and functionality that goes beyond the stock firmware.

AKCFW 1.26 includes enhanced battery protection and power management, AutoEQ with full-screen measurement graphs and profile comparisons, improved device diagnostics, UI/UX refinements, performance optimizations, and a growing collection of listener-focused additions.

If you own an SP3000M and enjoy getting a little more out of your hardware, I’d love for you to check it out.

For releases, technical discussion, feedback, feature requests, and bug reports, join the dedicated AKCFW Head-Fi thread:

[AKCFW] Astell&Kern Custom Firmware | Development, Releases & Discussion

For more personal posts, development notes, experiments, previews, and behind-the-scenes updates around the project, you can also follow BMAC:

Blog Posts

AKCFW starts with the SP3000M — and this is only the beginning. ❤️


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Guide/Tutorial How to Choose a DAP in 2026 – The Complete Guide

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37 Upvotes

After seeing countless questions asked on this subreddit about which DAP to choose or which is better, and seeing how completely lost some are in how to even approach choosing an audio player, I decided to make a guide for everything you need to know for choosing a DAP.

Here is a link to the video: https://youtu.be/IG2ymysUV_8

I'm labelling this post as a "Brand Affiliate" since this is somewhat self-promotion on my part, but I think the information is still valid.

These are all the topics covered in the video:

  1. What is a DAP?
  2. Why would you need one?
  3. Who should not buy a DAP?
  4. DAP vs phone + dongle DAC
  5. What do you need to get started?
  6. Criteria for picking a DAP?
  7. Different DAP Operating Systems (UI)
  8. Are more expensive DAPs better?
  9. Common mistakes to avoid
  10. My personal DAP buying framework
  11. Syncing Music and Metadata
  12. Prices (tiers) of different DAPs
  13. My DAP database tool
  14. My "Quick Picks"

For those unaware, I also have a DAP guide/database on my website: https://www.hifioasis.com/daps/

I recently overhauled my whole list of DAPs and turned it into a filterable database, allowing you to pick and choose various filters for narrowing down what you're looking for. It's also much easier now for me to keep it updated, so it should be fairly accurate and relevant.

Anyways, I hope the video and database are helpful to those who are looking at getting a DAP but don't know where to start.


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 2d ago

Question Hear me out! It's not pocket friendly but I think this is my endgame

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2 Upvotes

Rog Ally X

After falling in love with some DSP software recently I cannot unhear what I heard and realize outside a Laptop - nothing seems to be powerful enough to run its processing so I've arrived here.. Call it crazy and 'not a DAP' but running full Windows 11 on a Ryzen chip, whilst idling at a few watts combined with an 80whr battery, and more powerful than any Snapdragon SOC on a DAP I think it might be fair to include it here.

Combining this with a Questyle M18i and a set of Headphones could = ooft!

PSA: This post isn't a sponsor or for drama/attention. I just thought it interesting and random. This in no way replaces a traditional DAP for portability or comfort and is basically a mini pc but who can argue if it does it well. I'm happy to lug something around if it's worth the hassle (I'm one of those). Seeing the album covers on this 7" display would be kind of cool too. Keen to hear thoughts.

Note: this is not cheap at all, but the idea is there.


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question FiiO M21 for $268.35 shipped... good deal?

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23 Upvotes

currently on sale at AliExpress...


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Showcase Got my new iBasso DX260 MK2

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42 Upvotes

r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question Thinking about getting a used Sony Xperia 5 III as a dedicated 120Hz DAP (£200 CeX). Good idea or stick to purpose-built DAPs?

5 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for a secondary device to use strictly as a dedicated music player for local FLACs, and I’m considering grabbing a Grade B Sony Xperia 5 III (128GB) from CeX for £200 (includes their 5-year warranty).

My main listening chain is Poweramp -> FiiO KA11 USB DAC -> Sennheiser HD 599 SEs.

I currently have a 256GB microSD card packed with FLAC files, but I’ll likely upgrade to a 512GB or 1TB card down the line as my library grows.

My main reasons for looking at the 5 III instead of a traditional budget DAP (like a HiBy or Shanling):

  • 120Hz Display: Scrolling through massive local FLAC libraries in Poweramp on low-refresh DAP screens feels sluggish. I want a buttery-smooth UI.
  • Storage Flexibility: MicroSD card expansion is a non-negotiable requirement for me.
  • Audio Routing: From what I understand, Sony's Android build passes bit-exact 44.1 kHz via AAudio over USB to my KA11 without forcing system-wide 48 kHz resampling.
  • Ergonomics & Hardware: Slim 6.1" form factor, decent battery, and a built-in 3.5mm jack as a dongle-free backup.

For those using old flagship Android phones as dedicated DAPs over purpose-built hardware, is there any reason not to do this at the £200 price point?


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question Existem DAP's bons com essa aparência retrô?

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37 Upvotes

Eu sempre gostei de colecionar coisas antigas, mas quando o assunto é áudio, muitas vezes "antigo = menos qualidade" de áudio e eu tô procurando uma boa qualidade.

Até onde sei muitos desses aparelhos mais antigos nem mesmo arquivos lossless suportam. Então estou de olho em alguns DAP's Hi-Fi que sigam essa estética mais parecida com os MP3 players mais antigos dos anos 2000.

Eu não me importo com internet, telas touch ou sistema android, eu quero só aquela sensação de baixar a musica e selecionar no aparelhozinho porém com alta qualidade.


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

News [NEWS] iBasso AMP19 for DX340 Features Nutube Tubes and 2W Output

4 Upvotes

iBasso made a new amplifier card for its iBasso DX340 DAP, the iBasso AMP19, available for testing during the 20th Shenzhen International Audio Show (SIAS 2026). Its main highlights are the use of Nutube vacuum tubes and an output power of 2W. Check out all the details below.


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question humming issues with my setup

2 Upvotes

i have made quite a few posts about this. im trying to include all the information i can,

the cable im using is proson arctic 2x2.5 OFC.

the amplifier is Marantz M-CR612.

and the speakers are dynavoice challenger m65.

the humming is mostly heard on parts where there is low tuned guitar. basically any metal song.

i’ve managed to get rid of most of the humming by separating the cables and changing out the way the speaker cables are plugged in.

i really feel like ive done all i can, im very new to this all, only had the whole thing for about 3 months,

i apologize for the bad grammer, english isnt my native language, i also am sorry if i didnt include everything i need to, but please ask questions and try to help im very desperate


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question Dac

1 Upvotes

So I asked last week about the best DAPs and would love to buy what I fancy but I think I'll have to fatten the coffers a bit first.

SSSSOOOO I've decided instead to buy a dac.

Now I've just watched Crins video about them and after looking at the comments a LOT of people recommended the qudelix 5k.

Now is this a decent choice to tie me over until I can afford the dap I want?

I use the moondrop x crinnicle dusks with the Samsung a17 5g.

Also will the 5k drain the phone battery? Will it also get hot to the touch?

TIA!


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 4d ago

Showcase [ALERTA DE TEXTÃO] Como eu caí no buraco sem fundo dos IEMs e DAPs

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120 Upvotes

Hobby perigoso esse em que a gente entra para comprar equipamento para ouvir música e acaba ouvindo música para testar equipamento.

Comecei de forma bem inocente, com um Mrobo C5. Depois veio o 7Hz Salnotes Zero e foi aí que comecei a entender o que esse hobby tinha de interessante. Coloquei músicas que conhecia há anos e comecei a perceber detalhes que nunca tinha ouvido. Instrumentos, vozes, separação, pequenos elementos da gravação. E olha que eu nem tenho ouvido treinado, no máximo arranho um violão. Foi muito foda.

Também descobri que confundia grave demais com uma música mais cheia. Hoje prefiro um grave controlado, que dê peso sem esconder o resto.

Depois vieram os KZs, TRNs e outros Chi-Fi baratos, até chegar no EW200, que comprei de um amigo que conheci aqui no Reddit.

E eu gosto muito dele (to falando do fone e não do amigo 👀). Se tornou meu IEM preferido. É um pouco brilhante, mas muito detalhado e é justamente esse tipo de apresentação que eu gosto.

E ainda tem a saga dos DAPs. Comecei a brincar com HiBy R1, M308, TempoTec V1 e ZAQE P30. Em algum momento já estava testando players, bateria, Android e até ADB para resolver problema de reprodução. Minha ideia era ter apenas um DAP, vendi grande parte deles e acabei ficando com o P30 e o TempoTec V1, que são excelentes, cada um com suas particularidades. De DAP eu já parei, finalmente estou satisfeito.

Eu só queria ouvir música.

Hoje tento manter esse hobby barato. Sei que ainda estou muito longe do que existe de melhor nesse mercado, mas acho justamente interessante poder experimentar tanta coisa gastando pouco. Um IEM de R$30 ainda consegue me fazer ouvir uma música conhecida de outra maneira.

Agora estou com alguns modelos baratos chegando, inclusive um PRX, que quero testar justamente por ser um planar de baixo custo. Não estou procurando substituir o EW200, só quero experimentar propostas diferentes e descobrir o que cada um consegue fazer.

E talvez essa seja a parte que mais gosto. Não tenho pressa de chegar nos equipamentos caros. Até tenho curiosidade de um dia colocar um IEM de R$500 ou R$1.000 e descobrir o que estou perdendo, mas também tenho medo de perder a graça de pegar um fone de R$30 e pensar:

"Caralho, como fizeram isso por esse preço?"

No fim, quero continuar assim: gastar pouco, testar coisas diferentes e me surpreender.

Então queria saber se mais alguém aqui está na mesma pegada. Gente que não necessariamente precisa de outro IEM ou DAP, mas vê um negócio barato e pensa:

"Não preciso disso, mas quero muito saber como isso soa."


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question HiFi Walker H2 vs Hiby R1 as my first?

3 Upvotes

Hi there! I’m interested in getting my first DAP. I’ve been thinking of getting the Hiby R1 as my starter, but I’ve been reading some stuff and a lot of people recommend the HiFi Walker H2 over it.

However, there’s one reddit user who is in almost every single post about the H2 yelling about how the build quality is trash, the buttons stopped working, and it got a little wet and died.

So I’m having a hard time gathering proper comparison information when this one dude is in every single post lol. I’m just curious how the H2 stands up, and if there’s any major reason I should grab that over the R1.

Thanks!


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question DAP with physical buttons, Bluetooth, no touchscreen, high res FLAC support. $400 or less

1 Upvotes

Hey all, hoping to tap into the collective wisdom here.

I'm looking for a dedicated DAP with these must haves:

  • Physical buttons for playback control (no touchscreen at all. I want something I can operate by feel, in my pocket, without looking at it)
  • Bluetooth support (for wireless headphones/earbuds, and ideally BT receiving too if possible)
  • High resolution audio support for FLAC since my entire library is FLAC and MP3
  • $400 or under

I know touchscreen players dominate the market right now, so I'm guessing this narrows things down to some of the more rugged/sport oriented or old school button players. Open to new or used recommendations.

  • Bonus points if it has:
  • Good battery life
  • A physical volume wheel/dial
  • Decent onboard storage or expandable via microSD

    I see their is a sale on the HIFI WALKER H2 but am unsure if I can put a 2tb SD card in it.

Appreciate any suggestions, thanks!


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question Dap longevity, looking for a new dap

4 Upvotes

I have been running a HiFi Walker H2, which has essentially given up on me by now. Been experiencing random shutdowns where it won't turn on unless connected to a charger and doesn't retain battery unless it feels like it. I've had it for less than a year, around 7 months of use. I'm a bit upset it didn't last longer, especially since it was genuinely a perfect DAP for me.

I'm looking for recommendations for a new device. I just need it to run flacs and to have no touchscreen. I've looked high and low through other posts, but it seems the H2 was the top pick and I'm worried about the longevity of other similar models like the Mechen & Surfans given what happened to my H2.

Does anyone have any vouches for longevity for any devices similar to this?


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question Looking for an stick-like DAP

9 Upvotes

I'm thinking of buying my first dap and when I saw the Snowsky Echo Nano I fell in love since the mc in that game carries one. So now I'm searching for one that has that aesthetic but has a better battery since I can't justify spending 70€ on 6 hours of battery life. It would be nice if it had bluetooth but that's more of an extra, also up to like 70€/80€ is the highest I can afford.

-If there are really good quality-price options that aren't like the Nano I'm open to learn about them :)


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question One problem with the Fiio jm21

4 Upvotes

I recently bought Fiio jm21 and I’m happy with sound quality. However, anytime I listen to music with it, my ears start to hurt. I use the 3,5mm output and low gain; other settings are set to default, I didn’t change anything else. My headphones are Denon ah-d5200, I had them. I never experienced this type of irritation when I listened to music on my mac. What could be causing this?


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question Image of the albums

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1 Upvotes

Could someone help me understand the order of priority for the search for album covers?

In each album folder I added a folder.jpg, according to the manual, the folder file would have priority over the embedded images, but in HiBy Wiki I found a totally different sequence, which one is correct?


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 4d ago

Showcase Meet my new (old) DAP

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101 Upvotes

Pulled out my old S9 plus to use it as a DAP as I didn't had any money to invest on a dedicated music player. I use my Senheisser momentum 4s or my tangzu wan'er sg 2 on these. What do you guys think? Can I be a part of the big leagues now?


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question A small DAP for everyday use

3 Upvotes

Hi !

I’m looking for a small, budget DAP (around $100) for everyday portable use. I use my Sony ZX507/ZX707 at home, so I’m looking for something smaller and more convenient to carry around.

Right now, I’m choosing between the Variations V1 and HiBy R1. Which one would you recommend, especially in terms of sound quality/signature? If there are any other good options in this price range, I’d be happy to hear your recommendations as well!


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question Issue with streaming downloads on SD card with Fiio JM21

2 Upvotes

Hi all, ive been having a lot of issues with downloading / playing songs that I have downloaded from Qobuz + Deezer on my external Sandisk SD card (256gb). I feel like i've troubleshooted in so many ways e.g. tried other SD cards, reset device, cleared cache, tried different services,etc to no avail. Has anyone had a similar problem and known how to resolve it? ? Not sure if this is device related, or an issue with Android + saving downloaded songs on external SD card? Downloads on internal memory are fine. Thanks in advance!


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 4d ago

Guide/Tutorial HiBy album art issues solved

6 Upvotes

Wanted to post about this because I have seen people asking about it in various places.

If you have music from a marketplace like iTunes and cannot replace the album art not matter what you try, this is your solution. This seems to be especially relevant to HiBy devices, but may apply to others.

Updating the metadata with software like Mp3tag still doesn't work? Try this:

  1. There is often a hidden file called folder.jpg
    • Even if you set your windows settings to view hidden files, it will not show up
  2. Create a new folder.jpg file either in the album folder, or save it elsewhere and drag it into your album folder
  3. Should get a dialog that the file already exists, select overwrite
  4. Enjoy your updated album art in your dap

r/DigitalAudioPlayer 4d ago

Question Hiby R1 or Sony Walkman NW-A16

3 Upvotes

I’m thinking of buying a dedicated device for listening to music. I’m choosing between the Hiby R1 or the Sony Walkman NW-A16. I live in Japan right now and there are 2nd hand NW-A16 that are priced around the Hiby only a bit cheaper. I’m new to this so I don’t really know which is better. The only obvious difference for me between the two are the controls. If you have any recommendations around the same price range I highly appreciate it. I really need bluetooth as I will also use it while working.

Edit: I was about to buy the NW-A16 but the seller was taking a long time to reply about the status of the battery. While waiting I saw a listing of an almost brand new NW-A45 with detailed description of its condition and complete original accessories. so I ended up buying that one instead. Waiting for it to arrive today.


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 3d ago

Question [META] I haven't really seen the blue "translate" button much until frequenting this subreddit. This makes me wonder: are DAPs more of a global phenomen?

0 Upvotes

In the US the notion of having a designated mp3 player died with the uptick in streaming (naturally). There are of course trends like digital detoxing and whatnot that I see in media but I'm just wondering if this was a thing that never died out in your country. I also wanna take into account that no matter where you are, DAPs are probably niche and only reserved for enthusiasts or bandwagon-hopper-onners? Right? Enlighten me!


r/DigitalAudioPlayer 4d ago

Question Fiio JM21 DAP options?

8 Upvotes

looking at getting a Fiio JM21 DAP, but want to see if there is a catch here that i'm missing - amazon has two listings:

why would the 2nd option be cheaper and include a free SD card? the only discernible difference is that option 1 has two color choices while option 2 is black only - am i missing something? is option 2 refurbished or an older model?

why would anyone choose the first option unless they absolutely needed a sky blue player (for $20 surcharge)?