In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore top contenders in the portable audio player market, including offerings from industry leaders like Sony, FiiO, and HiBy. We’ll dive into key features such as balanced outputs, support for high-resolution audio formats like DSD, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity, and expandable memory options. Whether you’re looking for the best digital music player for your audiophile needs, a versatile DAP that can handle streaming services or a budget travel companion, we’ve got you covered with our expert insights and recommendations.

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The Best Digital Audio Players (DAPs) of 2024

HiBy R4

Click to read my full review of the HiBy R4.

Design

The HiBy R4 has a unique cyberpunk-inspired design. It’s a conversation starter with its mecha-like esthetics, and LED lights on the front and back (which can be disabled in the settings). The chunky, angular shape sets it apart from other portable audio players. Despite its bold appearance, the R4 feels surprisingly lightweight at 231g, making it comfortable to carry.

Android Support

Running on Android 12, the R4 offers a smooth user experience. With 3GB of RAM and the Snapdragon 665 processor, it handles multitasking very well. The Google Play Store comes pre-installed, allowing easy access to streaming services and apps. HiBy’s custom UI includes themes that match the device’s color schemes, enhancing the overall esthetic.

Value for Money

At $249 USD, the R4 packs impressive features for its price point. It boasts a quad-DAC configuration and a Class A amplifier, delivering high-quality audio performance. The device supports various audio formats, including DSD and high-resolution PCM. With its unique design and robust feature set, the R4 stands out as one of, if not the, best budget DAP of 2024.

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Hidizs AP80 Pro-X

Portability

I’m always on the lookout for budget DAPs, and the Hidizs AP80 Pro-X has caught my attention. This pocket-sized music player is incredibly portable, with dimensions similar to a credit card. It’s perfect for those who want a compact device without sacrificing audio quality. The aluminum and glass body feels premium in hand, though it can be a bit slippery.

Features

The AP80 Pro-X is packed with features that make it a strong contender for the best digital music player. It supports both single-ended 3.5mm and balanced 2.5mm outputs, catering to various headphone setups. The device utilizes dual ESS9219C DAC chips, delivering impressive audio performance with low distortion. It supports high-resolution audio formats, including DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz PCM. The built-in FPGA chip enhances digital music reproduction accuracy and controls clock jitter effectively.

Audio Performance

When it comes to sound quality, I find the AP80 Pro-X to be surprisingly good for its size. It offers a wide soundstage and detailed presentation across various genres. The balanced output provides more power, resulting in improved dynamics and clarity. While it may not match the performance of higher-end portable audio players, it delivers a clean and engaging listening experience, especially with sensitive IEMs and earbuds.

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Fiio M11S

Design

The M11S’s design leans more industrial and utilitarian, yet still professional looking. Its CNC aluminum body feels premium, with a 5-inch 1080p touchscreen that’s responsive and vibrant. The button layout is user-friendly, with a customizable button for quick access to functions. The volume pad, while not supporting swipe control, offers precise adjustment with 120 steps. It’s one of the best DAPs of 2024 in terms of build quality.

Features

The M11S runs on Android 10, offering access to streaming services and apps. It supports high-resolution audio formats, including DSD512 and 32-bit/768kHz PCM. With 670mW of balanced output power, it’s a versatile portable audio player. The All To DSD function up-samples everything to DSD64, enhancing sound quality across all apps.

Performance

In my experience, the M11S delivers excellent audio quality. Its dual ES9038Q2M DACs provide a clean, detailed sound signature. The balanced outputs offer ample power for demanding headphones. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 14 hours on high gain. As one of the best mid-range DAPs of 2024, it offers great value for audiophiles seeking a feature-rich digital music player.

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FiiO M23

Features

The FiiO M23 is a standout contender for the best DAP of 2024, boasting impressive features that cater to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. This portable audio player comes equipped with balanced outputs, supporting both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced connections. Its versatility shines through with its ability to function as a USB DAC, Bluetooth receiver, and even support AirPlay, making it a versatile choice for various listening scenarios.

One of the M23’s most notable features is its Desktop Mode, which allows for enhanced performance when connected to external power. This mode enables the device to reach up to 1W of output power, making it capable of driving even demanding headphones. The M23 also supports a wide range of audio formats, including DSD and PCM, ensuring compatibility with high-resolution audio files.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the FiiO M23 doesn’t disappoint. It utilizes AKM’s latest DAC chips, the AK4191EQ and AK4499EX, in a two-chip solution that separates digital and analog signal processing. This design choice results in increased noise resistance and improved overall sound quality. The implementation of the THX AAA-78+ amplifier further enhances the audio performance, delivering clean, powerful output with minimal distortion.

Listeners can expect a well-balanced sound signature with the M23. It offers impressive dynamic range, particularly noticeable with high-end headphones. The bass response is robust and well-controlled, while the midrange remains clear and detailed. Highs are crisp without being harsh, contributing to an overall pleasant listening experience.

Battery Life

The FiiO M23 is equipped with a 5500mAh battery, offering respectable battery life for a feature-packed portable audio player. Users can expect around 9 hours of playtime when using the balanced output, and slightly longer when using the single-ended connection. The device supports fast charging, allowing for a quick 80% charge in about an hour, which is convenient for on-the-go use.

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Shanling M6 Ultra

Compact Design

The M6 Ultra has an impressive sleek design. At 127 x 77 x 18 mm and weighing 263g, it’s compact enough for daily use, while still looking and feeling premium. The 5-inch 1080p touchscreen makes navigation a breeze. Its aluminum and glass build, inspired by the M3X and M8, feels premium in hand. The new Emerald Green color option adds a touch of elegance to it.

Features

The M6 Ultra packs a punch with its Snapdragon 665 CPU and Android 10 OS. It boasts 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, expandable via microSD. The quad AKM AK4493SEQ DACs deliver exceptional sound quality. With support for 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512, and MQA 16X, it’s a versatile portable audio player. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC ensure seamless streaming and wireless connectivity.

Sound Quality

I find the M6 Ultra’s sound signature warm and musical. It offers a slightly boosted mid-bass and fuller lower-midrange, complementing brighter headphones well. The balanced output delivers up to 720mW@32Ohm, easily driving demanding headphones. Its holographic soundstage and excellent imaging make for an immersive listening experience. The M6 Ultra proves to be a worthy contender as one of the best midrange digital music players for 2024.

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Sony NW-WM1AM2

Click to read my full review of the Sony NW-WM1AM2.

Design

The Sony NW-WM1AM2 has a sleek body and aluminum alloy frame, which not only looks premium but also resists electrical noise, ensuring stable sound quality. The 5-inch HD touchscreen is a significant upgrade, offering smooth navigation and crisp album art display. The button layout is well-thought-out, with a redesigned hold switch and tactile playback controls. This best DAP of 2024 contender strikes a balance between esthetics and functionality.

Hi-Res Support

When it comes to hi-res audio, the NW-WM1AM2 really excels. It supports a wide range of formats, including DSD256and PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz. The S-Master HX digital amplifier chip reduces distortion across frequencies, delivering rich, full-bodied sound. With DSEE Ultimate, this portable audio player can even upscale compressed files to near CD quality, breathing new life into my old MP3 collection.

Sound Quality

The audio performance is exceptional, with a wide soundstage and precise instrument separation. The balanced output provides a clean and powerful signal, while the low output impedance ensures compatibility with a variety of headphones. Whether I’m listening to classical orchestras or heavy rock, the NW-WM1AM2 delivers a dynamic and immersive listening experience.

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iBasso DX320

Build Quality

I’ve been impressed by the iBasso DX320’s build quality. It’s a substantial device, measuring 162mm x 77mm x 17mm and weighing 310g. Despite its size, it feels comfortable in hand, thanks to its well-thought-out design. The 6.5-inch IPS screen is a standout feature, offering a crisp 1080×2340 resolution that makes navigating through your music collection a joy.

User Interface

The DX320 runs on Android 11, providing a smooth and responsive user experience. With 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, it handles multiple apps and large music libraries with ease. The Mango Player app is intuitive, offering various sorting options and a customizable EQ. For those who prefer a streamlined experience, the Mango OS mode provides a distraction-free environment focused solely on music playback.

Audio Output

When it comes to sound quality, the DX320 doesn’t disappoint. It supports a wide range of audio formats, including DSD512 and 32-bit/768kHz PCM. The dual ROHM BD34301EKV DAC chips deliver a neutral, detailed sound with excellent spatial characteristics. Whether I’m listening to complex orchestral pieces or intimate acoustic recordings, the DX320 reproduces them with stunning clarity and depth.

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Shanling M9 Plus

Design

The M9 Plus has an elegant, sleek design. It features a CNC aluminum body that’s 0.5cm shorter than its predecessor, making it more compact and portable. The device sports a beautiful 6-inch 2K screen, perfect for navigating through your music library or streaming services. What catches my eye is the intricate wave pattern on the sides, giving it a unique and premium look. The golden volume wheel adds a touch of elegance, reminiscent of classic Hi-Fi amplifiers. It’s clear that Shanling has put a lot of thought into making this one of the best DAPs of 2024.

Features

The M9 Plus is packed with features that make it a strong contender for the best digital music player. It runs on Android 10 with a Snapdragon 665 octa-core CPU and 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance even when multitasking. With 256GB of internal storage and support for up to 2TB via microSD, I have plenty of space for my high-resolution audio files. The device offers both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, catering to different headphone setups. What sets it apart is its quad DAC design, utilizing four AKM AK4499EX DACs for improved dynamics and lower noise.

Audio Performance

When it comes to sound quality, the M9 Plus doesn’t disappoint. The quad DAC setup, combined with two AKM AK4191 Delta-Sigma modulators, delivers exceptional audio performance. I’ve noticed improved dynamics and a lower noise floor compared to other portable audio players. The device supports a wide range of audio formats, including DSD1024 and PCM up to 32-bit/1536kHz. With its powerful amplifier section, featuring MUSES 8920 J-FET and BUF634 combination, I can drive even demanding headphones with ease. The M9 Plus offers a warm, smooth sound signature that’s characteristic of Shanling’s house sound, making it a joy to listen to across various genres.

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HiBy RS8

R2R Architecture

I’m always impressed by innovative audio technology, and the HiBy RS8 doesn’t disappoint. At its core lies the Darwin II architecture, HiBy’s in-house developed digital signal processing system. This R2R DAC design uses 184 high-precision resistors and 12 high-speed switches, doubling the components from its predecessor. The result? A significant boost in dynamic range and low-level signal fidelity.

Versatility

What sets the RS8 apart is its adaptability. It supports an impressive range of audio formats, including DSD1024 and PCM up to 32-bit/1536kHz. The device offers both oversampling and non-oversampling modes, catering to different listening preferences. With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage (expandable up to 2TB), it’s a powerhouse for both local playback and streaming services.

Sound Quality

In my experience, the RS8 delivers a warm, musical sound without sacrificing clarity. Its Class A amplification provides ample power, driving even demanding headphones with ease. The soundstage is impressively wide and deep, with excellent instrument separation. What truly stands out is the RS8’s ability to render a pitch-black background, enhancing the overall listening experience. It’s undoubtedly a top contender for the best DAP of 2024.

Astell&Kern SP3000

Design

I’m always impressed by the craftsmanship of high-end digital audio players, and the Astell&Kern SP3000 takes it to a whole new level. This flagship DAP boasts a stunning 904L stainless steel chassis, a material known for its exceptional corrosion resistance and ability to accept a high polish. It’s the same grade of steel used in luxury watches, giving the SP3000 a premium feel that’s unmatched in the portable audio world.

The SP3000’s design is a perfect blend of form and function. Its 5.46-inch full HD touchscreen is responsive and vibrant, making navigation a breeze. The device features balanced outputs, including 2.5mm and 4.4mm jacks, catering to audiophiles who demand the best sound quality. The iconic volume wheel, a hallmark of Astell&Kern players, is not just visually striking but also incredibly tactile.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the SP3000 is a powerhouse. It’s equipped with a Snapdragon 6125 Octa-Core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, ensuring swift system response and smooth operation. This best DAP 2024 contender supports a wide range of audio formats, including native DSD512 and PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, making it a versatile choice for any music collection.

The SP3000’s audio circuitry is where it truly shines. It features the world’s first quad AK4499EX DAC implementation, coupled with dual AK4191EQ digital signal processors. This HEXA-Audio Circuitry structure allows for separate processing of digital and analog signals, resulting in an unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio of 130dB.

Sound Signature

In my experience, the SP3000’s sound signature is nothing short of exceptional. It strikes a perfect balance between analytical precision and musical enjoyment. The soundstage is expansive, with excellent instrument separation and positioning. Bass is tight and controlled, while the midrange is rich and detailed. The high frequencies are crisp without being harsh, allowing for long listening sessions without fatigue.

What sets the SP3000 apart is its ability to adapt to different genres and headphones. Whether I’m listening to classical, jazz, or rock, the player maintains its composure and delivers a captivating performance. The inclusion of six different DAC filters allows for fine-tuning the sound to personal preferences.

It supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, including aptX HD and LDAC codecs, ensuring high-quality wireless playback. The 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD, provides ample space for offline listening.

The Astell&Kern SP3000 stands as a testament to what’s possible when no compromises are made. It’s undoubtedly one of the best digital music players available, offering a level of sound quality and build that justifies its premium price tag. For audiophiles seeking the ultimate portable listening experience, the SP3000 is a dream come true.

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FAQs

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