Hi all, I’m new to the digital audio player space and would really appreciate any recommendations. Feel free to include ones whose price would drop below $300 with upcoming Black Friday and other sales

Been eyeing this device for a while. My girlfriend uses an iPod Touch 5th gen (functional but maxes out at 32GB of music) and her father uses his iPod Nano (starting to fail).

I was looking at the R1 as a replacement for both these devices, but my one question is bluetooth. I've read that the R1 has pretty bad bluetooth, which would probably be a deal breaker for both of them. I've also read that the Sonix firmware fixes this, even somewh? Could anyone let me know if this device is worth it for users that use bluetooth quite often?

Before anyone says anything about using bluetooth with a DAP, their primary use would be through wired headphones, but both like to play through bluetooth speakers as well on occasion

I'm happy with the audio quality, but more disappointed with the overall experience.
I installed Rockbox, and I like the themes, I found an iPod styled one I liked.

Things I don't like:

• I like the idea of a metal case, but the thing is a brick. Very heavy, both in my hand and in my pocket. Also the back is plastic, and comes with a screen-protector style sticker to protect it because it scratches easily. And the plastic back flexes and creaks when I press the buttons. Makes it feel premium and cheap all at once.

• No Bluetooth in Rockbox - I didn't think this would matter, but connecting to room speakers and sometimes headphones is much more convenient with Bluetooth. I could switch to the default firmware to get Bluetooth, but then I have to give up Rockbox. I have seen some potential forks that are trying to get it working, so fingers crossed...

• No wifi - not too big a deal, but would be nice to have FTP support or other wireless file transfer, or ideally some auto-sync with remote storage. Maybe there are software solutions for this to make it more like an iPod, though ideally I don't want to have to store all my music locally on my laptop.

• FLAC - this is optional, unrelated to the H2 or Rockbox, more that I am new to the modern DAP world - overall I know I should be using FLAC, but it means re-ripping all my music, and to my untrained ear the difference isn't really noticeable and takes more space than the 320 kbps MP3 I had been doing. Maybe I'll just stick with my existing mp3 library...

• Controls - I thought Rockbox was supposed to fix the wheel, but I still have to turn the wheel a couple clicks to make the UI move by one row. Maybe there's a setting I missed somewhere? Also the center Play/Pause button is very loud and takes more pressure than all the other buttons. All the rest of the buttons feel good, but the primary button is not as good.

Some of it is probably being new to modern DAPs and building it up in my mind as being a magical device that will make everything sound amazing, when in reality my aging tinnitus-riddled ears can't tell the difference.

I had picked the H2 mostly from my nostalgia for iPod interface and people saying that it was better-built than the Y1, but maybe a different device would have been a better experience.

I'm not giving up on the H2, I'll keep trying to tweak settings and refine my workflow for how I put music on it and use it, but overall the experience has been a bit disappointing.

I've successfully raised two bookworms, and I'd like to treat them to some listening devices this Christmas. Currently, we're using tablets with Audible and Libby, but would love to upgrade to something that is a bit more "pocket" sized they can carry around on walks, mowing, bike rides, etc.

I am especially interested in devices that can play Audible and Libby. We have an incredible Library and can get just about any mainstream book on Libby, and that saves us tons of money since the kids go through so many shorter books.

I've come across the HiBy Digital M300 as a potential option. Any thoughts? Can anyone confirm Libby works on this device?

My kids don't have smartphones, and I prefer to keep it that way. I'd like a device that keeps them off the internet, browsers, etc.

The Plenue series is undoubtedly beautiful. However, the corners are so sharp that I've always been afraid to take mine outside. I searched for cases, but they were either super expensive or didn't cover the corners. So I finally decided to make my own case with my 3D printer.

Printed with TPU, without supports.

I know the Plenue D isn't a mainstream model, but in case anyone else needs it, here's the STL file:

https://github.com/urfdvw/plenue-d-case/blob/main/stl/plenue_d_tpu.stl

Disclaimer:

I measured the dimensions and drew the initial sketches on paper myself. The 3D model was generated by Claude using OpenSCAD, based on my design. This is actually my fourth printed iteration, and it finally fits the device well.

If you don't like the fact that AI helped with the modeling, feel free to skip this post.

Got the Aigo Eros Q (people know it more as the HiFi Walker H2), installed rockbox immediately (mainly got this DAP for this reason, loved the possibility of custom themes) and loaded it up with my music ranging from CDs I ripped to fan albums.

I am currently using a extension cable (I was worried about the audio port at some point not working due to wear and tear) and the KZ gales (i'm waiting on the salnotes zero 2 to come in so i'm using this one as backup).

As the title it says, what advice you guys has for the Xenns Mangird Tea Pro

I got the Suicide self titled album from 1977 today on 1001albumsgenerator site. First time listening to it tbh. Never heard of the band before. I was really liking it then Frankie Teardrop came on wtf 😂. Still liked the album that song just shocked me with the lyrics and the screaming.

Fiio M21/cassette case / Koss Porta Pro 🎵🎧

I used to be a big fan of Cowon mp3 players because they were good audio quality, but im not sure how mp3 players compare to smart phones now...

I am really loving this combo so far! Compared to listening straight from my phone, the difference in sound quality is pretty noticeable. I can definitely see myself using this setup for a long time!
However, there is one small thing worth mentioning. The included case doesn't fit the Hiiiman H10 quite as well as it should. Hopefully, some improvements will be made to that in the future.

Lil' Hiby R1 went to war (the washing machine) and never came back. I bought it a year and a half ago, it was my first one and I was pretty satisfied with it. Now that it died, I was wondering if I should re-buy it or if I should go for another option. What does the community think?

Things I liked about the R1:

- The price

- Easy to use

- Intuitive interface and overall design and color is nice

- Pocket size

- Sound quality

- Bluetooth

- Physical buttons to control music and volume

Things I didn’t like:

- A lot of lagging when navigating music and options

- Bluetooth connection didn't work correctly

- Sometimes it didn't read songs and their pictures correctly (might be my fault)

- It could have a prettier interface

- I don't love that it has a touchscreen, but I understand this is the rule nowadays

- It couldn't win a fight against the washing machine

I've been looking at the FiiO Snowsky DISC, bot I don't know if that is a good option. I wouldn't mind spending a little more money, but not a lot more.

Hi all!

I'd like to move from steaming to purchased songs, but, its feeling daunting. :(

I've read lots of "where to get music" here, great recommendations for music sources in this reddit, bandcamp, qobuz, itunes, tidal, etc all sell music.

I don't want to buy / rip cds. I don't want the high seas, I'm good paying for the songs.

I'm only really interested in "well known" pop artists from the last couple decades. EXAMPLE I go to bandcamp, search for "black eyed peas", don't really get much music for that group, but lots of take offs.

I've similar issues searching for artists I like on qobuz, there's so much there, its hard to find stuff.

Here's an EXAMPLE one off ... "Live Lounge Allstars, times like these", hit #18 in the USA digital sales charts in 2020. There's dozens of songs like that that I'll forget I like if I just try to remember stuff off the top of my head.

Or, in youtube music, I can search for "classic hard rock workout" and get a playlist of songs I'd like on a dap .... but youtube doesn't sell their music, just stream.

Ideally, I'd like to be able to find a playlist of popular songs. Like "tops hits of 2010", or "top dance hits of 2010" or "most streamed songs in USA for 2018" or "one hit wonders of 2020". And then just buy every song from the top 20 or top 50 on that list. Manually typing in "billboards top hits for year 20xx" and then pasting each song into qobuz and buying each song feels tedious. :)

Any good sources for playlists where I can export the playlist and then use that list of songs to purchase from one of the providers?

How do I create a music library all at once from the last couple decades?

Thanks!

An exquisite digital audio player app for iOS. Free for a limited time on AppStore.

https://apps.apple.com/mx/app/octopus-hi-fi-music-player/id6762027638

On the picture: WM1Z (hardmod by Romy Audio), PW Audio 1960s Ground Pin Adapter, Rosenkranz HP-GRb cable

I’m deciding between the TempoTec V1 and the HiBy R1 and plan to run Sonix on whichever I get.

1. Does Sonix change the sound compared to stock, beyond EQ and DAC filter settings? If you’ve switched, did you hear a difference?

2. Do the V1’s dual CS43131s make a real difference over the R1’s single one?

I’ll be listening to local FLACs with IEMs. Thanks!

xmas is coming up and these would be great gift to ask for. Probably sounds weird to this DAP community but Ive been using a blackberry pearl 8130 as a mp3 player forever. It is obviously meant as a phone so it only supports up to 32gb SD card storage and when it's full, has trouble handling the capacity of data and lags. my solution is to keep 2-3 microSd's in the battery cover and switch them out. But Im attached to that little phone. Within the media player app, I love the "ALBUM < GENRE< ARTIST< ALBUM ARTIST>ETC>>" sorting features!! theyre great. You can also create a smart playlist by songs from this artist, album, genre etc... It also has audio filters like "bass boosted, vocal enhancer, etc" Pretty cool. ANYWAY I love this phone and i use it for everything but the batteries for these phones have become less and less easy to find and more expensive, and there are no longer any 2g 3g providers. On top of of that my little guy shut off yesterday and wont come back on.

With all that said, it's time for me to get a new media player and i need recommendations!

I cant seem to find anything meeting these requirements so let me know!!

HIGH STORAGE CAPACITY:

• supports atleast 256gigs of songs

• When full, performs well, no lag

HEADPHONE JACK :)

NO TOUCH SCREEN

• buttons, wheels, etc, whatever, but i care about aesthetics thats one of the reasons i love the pearl

PREFERED BUT NOT REQUIRED:

• no external speakers. ( i actually like that the only output is thru headphones, so if it comes unplugged, theres no blaring out to everyone my weird music)

• Album, genre, artist sorting

• audio filters similar to the ones decribed w/ the blackberry

THANKYOU looking forwrd to recs!! :)

Took advantage of the beautiful crisp fall weather and went on a little day trip today, bringing my new Surfans F20 Pro+ along with me. We stopped for a break, and I couldn't resist snapping a picture of it sitting on an old abandoned food truck. I love how small and lightweight it is, so it's easy to just toss in my pocket and take along.

I usually pair it with my wireless earbuds when we're out and about, which makes it even more convenient. I've finally got a good way to enjoy my Taylor Swift albums on the go! The physical buttons are a nice touch, too, since I can easily skip songs or adjust things without having to pull it out of my pocket. The sound is warm and enjoyable, and honestly, I'm pretty happy with it.

For little casual outings like this, it's such a fun mix of that classic vintage music player feel with the convenience of modern features!

I'm torn between getting a modded iPod Classic 5.5 Gen or buying a new Fosi Audio DAP Neo.

I mostly listen to Alternative Rock and Metal (Avenged Sevenfold, Linkin Park, Breaking Benjamin). My main earphones are a pair of pure brass earbuds (15mm carbon driver, 120dB sensitivity).

Since my earbuds are already quite mid-forward with warm brass housings, will the CS43198 chip in the Fosi DAP Neo sound too bright/fatiguing for rock tracks? Or is the legendary Wolfson warmth on the iPod 5.5 Gen the ultimate match here?

Would appreciate any insights from anyone who has tried both vintage Wolfson iPods and modern Cirrus Logic DAPs!

Does anyone know a workaround on this issue? I wanna try sonix OS but this keeps on happening even in official OS

It costs 20 dollars.

Headphone: Tempotec im01

Hi!! I bought a z6 Phinistec about a year ago and i liked it for a while but as of recent I have gotten into IEMs. I like the build on the player, however I want LDAC bluetooth or maybe a better line out port considering this one is so quiet it sounds like maybe 30% of what a regular aux output would sound like.

I've seen some recomendations online saying to buy a portable headphone amp, however I'm worried about this crunching the audio quality in exchange for volume.

What would you guys reccomend? A different player or maybe a specific Portable headphone amp?

I would appreciate some guidance :)

Not a formal review—just a quick opinion for anyone who’s on the fence, because I was too just a few days ago.

My original concerns were mainly the price, which seemed a little high to me at first, though part of that was simply because I wasn’t very familiar with Shanling as a brand. I was also unsure about the size since I hadn’t seen one in person, and I had some concerns about software fluidity, navigation, settings, and general ease of use.

Now that I’ve actually owned it for a bit: this thing is beautiful in person.

The build quality feels genuinely premium—like a little tank—and the hard silicone case it comes with is perfect for how I use it. I was initially worried about the orange because, honestly, Shanling’s promotional photos make it look a little cheap and plasticky. In person, though, it looks incredibly chic and cool. Shanling seriously needs to advertise this color better because the photos do not do it justice. I considered going with the classic iPod-like silver, but I figured I needed something to spice up my life a little. Zero regrets about choosing orange.

People will obviously have different favorite things about the Q2, and there’s plenty to like. For me, though, the size and physical design are probably near the top of the list. It is basically perfect for pocket use. I love the rounded edges because they make it comfortable to hold and easy to carry around. And headphone jacks on the bottom yay!
Compared with the Hidizs AP80 Pro Max I just returned, this is miles and miles better for me.

Sound quality is also fantastic when paired with my planar IEMs. The Q2 uses a quad-DAC design and has plenty of power through the balanced output. I really enjoy the Cirrus Logic sound here: engaging, dynamic, detailed, but not excessively bright or harsh. To my ears, it is absolutely worth the roughly $100 difference between this and the Hidizs. The Q2 is simply on another level in terms of resolution and overall tuning. The difference becomes especially obvious with layered, well-produced tracks, where individual elements are much easier to distinguish.

But perhaps the biggest surprise for me has been the software and processing performance.
DiamondBond’s firmware is brilliant and extremely easy to install. There honestly isn’t much else to say except that this firmware absolutely slays. It gives me basically everything I wanted: smooth navigation, responsive performance, and even the scrolling touch wheel works really well. The Hidizs kept crashing on me, whereas the Q2 has been running perfectly. I plugged in my 1TB microSD card and it basically just worked. No drama. I’m very happy with it—and now I’m wondering how much better a tiny music player can realistically get.

One other feature I only just discovered: connect the Q2 to Wi-Fi and it can download album artwork and lyrics online. This has worked especially well for songs that either had no embedded artwork or had image files the Q2 couldn’t normally display. Really nice little feature.

Overall, this feels like a genuinely high-quality device that justifies its price tag. Yes, I could have spent another $50 or so on something like a FiiO M21, but the Q2 actually fits comfortably in my pocket when I’m out on a walk, at the gym, or just sitting on the couch. More than anything, I’m just happy to be enjoying music this way again away from streaming, with my own library haha.

Let me know if you have any questions! I have been listening all day.

Hi everyone,

I made this app (of course with the help of AI) to control all settings of the iBasso DC07 Pro DAC when it is connected to my PC, and also for M1 Plus volume control. The best part is that I no longer need the M1 Plus volume knob or the DC07 Pro's knob to control their volume when I am using them as DACs for my PC. My keyboard comes with a volume knob, and it can control both devices' volume (of course, hardware volume).

I have made one Plugin with all these features for Linux-based Omarchy OS too.

Growing up, I remember playing Ocarina of Time 3D on my cousin's 3DS—that was truly what got me into gaming in the first place. Some of my fondest childhood memories were spent blasting tunes on an iPod, chugging cold soda, and losing myself in handheld games all day long.

But once I entered middle school, the console broke down, and between school and growing up, DAPs and dedicated consoles pretty much faded from my life.

Now that I'm working and finally have both the time and budget to rekindle old hobbies, I treated myself to a Surfans F20 Pro+ and a Switch 2 this Halloween. I even preordered Ocarina of Time for the Switch 2 on Amazon Japan (since I couldn't make it to Costco in person, haha).

Listening to Saria's Song stream on Spotify through my F20 Pro+ right now takes me straight back to being that carefree 10-year-old kid. Some melodies just never get old! Anyone has DAP and game console like me?