What's the best sounding DAP on the market ???? - Page 2

well the best dap I ever had was the sony x series, best ive heard

As one said above, there can't be ONE choice reached by general consensus, simply because no-one has experienced ALL the players that have been made and preferences vary from one person to another like fingerprints. Yet, there can be a list of very good players made.

You have to spend a lot of money to reach a conclusion that is final. And that is for you and YOU only.

Haven't tried anything that's SanDisc (Sanza). The Cowons are INCREDIBLY good (not because they are cheaper than iPod's) but rather because of the great SQ they offer you. I'm using J3 lately and I'm blown away by it's SQ. (I only care for SQ in a player). iPod are not good in terms of SQ (my opinion and many many others who put SQ in the first place). Sony's latest ones are horrid compared to previous ones. They will release a few good ones soon. Can't vouch for Fiio, as I haven't tried them. My personal advice is to go for Cowon J3.

Apart from sanza and cowon. I might say a zune but I know alot of people will say other wise

The answer is going to be completely subjective. To some people, the best DAP would be one with the cleanest, flattest & most quiet output. In that case, I'd suggest the sansa fuze or clip to be the best. To others, the best DAP would be one with an excellent eq & 'sound enhancements. In that case, obviously a Cowon player would fit the bill. Something like the newer J3, S9, or C2 have less bass roll off than previous models like the D2. I used to be a Sansa guy, but I'm starting to come around to using BBE Viva on my Cowon C2. It really is the best sound enhancement I've heard.

Hmmm, here is my ranking of what I've owned in the past and currently own:

1. Cowon S9 with v useful sound enhancements(People say the J3 sounds the same)

2. Kenwood HD30GB9

3. Ipod 5G Roxboxed+LOD+amp(Rockbox greatly improves EQ customization, enhancing SQ)

4. Sony NWZ-A846

5. Iphone 3GS

6. Cowon X5/X5L

7. Ipod 5G stock

I'm going by memory on some of these since its been ages when I last heard them but I rank the S9 as the best I've heard from a portable DAP.

There are many myths when it comes to players in Headfi. The Ipods (newer ones at least) are really good and actually have overall better performance than Sonys and Cowons. What makes the Cowons appealing for some is the sound enhancements but outside of that their performance isn't outstanding. Sonys actually have poor performance, their soundstage and dynamic range are generally compressed and they have some roll-offs and humps. 

To me the best sounding DAP will be one with lots of power, wide soundstage and great dynamic range. Generally newer Ipods (3GS/IP4/Classic7G/Touch3-4G) are more linear, have greater dynamic range and stereo imaging than Cowons and Sonys. 

I've tried the J3 and it's no better than my old 4G nano without enhancements, generally average. Sony X was poor in my experience, it's very colored and it's soundstage is compressed. I think people like the X because it's "different" in sound and not because of it's performance and accuracy (I will also say this remark about the Hifiman DAPs).. 

Iphone 4 is the best sounding Ipod I've tried and it's clearly ahead the J3 and X imo. But the best sounding DAP I've tried via it's headphone out has been the S:Flo2 in my experience. 

Can somebody share Inks's opinion?

I am listening to a Touch 3G, but i find it quite bad. I hope the Cowons are (alot) clearer and have bigger soundstage. 

Is there any way you can actually test a Cowon in a store?

Not necessary most of the time IMO. Which IEMs are you using? (to both DreamThinker and DigitalFreak). 

I can't. My Touch 3G sounds unbearable compared to my J3. The touch has weak, bright, tinny sound. And I don't even like the J3 that much.

I am myself at a loss with the OP's question. After running in circles for a while, I gave up and settled down with the J3. I don't think any DAP can sound as good as stand alone DAC/good sound card. If one shows up, I'll be first in line to get it :)
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDreamthinker 

Can somebody share Inks's opinion?

 

I am listening to a Touch 3G, but i find it quite bad. I hope the Cowons are (alot) clearer and have bigger soundstage. 

Is there any way you can actually test a Cowon in a store?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inks 

There are many myths when it comes to players in Headfi. The Ipods (newer ones at least) are really good and actually have overall better performance than Sonys and Cowons. What makes the Cowons appealing for some is the sound enhancements but outside of that their performance isn't outstanding. Sonys actually have poor performance, their soundstage and dynamic range are generally compressed and they have some roll-offs and humps. 

 

To me the best sounding DAP will be one with lots of power, wide soundstage and great dynamic range. Generally newer Ipods (3GS/IP4/Classic7G/Touch3-4G) are more linear, have greater dynamic range and stereo imaging than Cowons and Sonys. 

 

I've tried the J3 and it's no better than my old 4G nano without enhancements, generally average. Sony X was poor in my experience, it's very colored and it's soundstage is compressed. I think people like the X because it's "different" in sound and not because of it's performance and accuracy (I will also say this remark about the Hifiman DAPs).. 

 

Iphone 4 is the best sounding Ipod I've tried and it's clearly ahead the J3 and X imo. But the best sounding DAP I've tried via it's headphone out has been the S:Flo2 in my experience. 

You work for Apple? :)