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DAP-off! Astell&Kern, Sony, HiFiMan, Chord, FiiO, Lotoo, Soundaware, Hiby, Cayin & others
Mar 23, 2016 at 5:02 AM Post #1,786 of 2,125
currawong said:
  The most "analog"-sounding DAP I'd agree is either the old 901 with the balanced card, or the Soundaware M1 Analog version. There is also the M1 Pro which people who've heard both reckon has more detail, but I've yet to try that one. Both have at one time or another made me enjoy listening, despite the limited UI of each.
Click to expand...


I got first HM-802U, and than had a chance to get for a good price"the old 901". I must say HM-802U sounds more analog to me. 901 is more impressive technically, lot of details and clarity but 802u with stock Power II Amp card, sounds more relaxed with more colorful midrange. Makes old 70's rock sounding more authentic, or nostalgic.
 
Apr 5, 2016 at 11:59 AM Post #1,788 of 2,125
wirefriend said:
Does anyone have any thoughts on:
- Sony NW-ZX2
- Questyle QP1R 
- Onkyo DP-X1
- Teac HA-P90SD
Click to expand...


The Questyle QP1R has a scroll wheel that is frustrating to use because there is no grip or traction. While the Onkyo seems to have a 2.5mm balanced output socket that is falling apart at an alarming rate, if the reports in the Onkyo thread are anything to go by. :frowning2:
 
Apr 6, 2016 at 7:10 PM Post #1,790 of 2,125
I have the Luxury and Precision L3 in the house. It's a bit dry-sounding and may be a bit challenged with the lack of a second card slot and the $399 price tag. I think I'll have to try and do a big comparison with all the players here. 
 
Apr 6, 2016 at 7:34 PM Post #1,791 of 2,125
wirefriend said:
  Does anyone have any thoughts on:
- Sony NW-ZX2
- Questyle QP1R 
- Onkyo DP-X1
- Teac HA-P90SD
Click to expand...

They all have their strong points and caveats not talking necessarily about sound but also ergonomics,battery,power and signature preference.Here is a review of DP-X1 http://www.head-fi.org/products/onkyo-hi-res-sound-source-corresponding-digital-audio-player-32gb-dp-x1/reviews/15089 and as whitigir said,you really need TRRS and disabling sound adjustment in app menu to get full potential of ZX2.Personally i thought ZX2 sounded like a $400 dap and was ready to sell it before doing those requirements.
 
QP1R is high on clarity,detail,big soundstage although some say that it is a bit too clinical/neutral vs ZX2 which is more musical,euphoric,warmer but yeah,output sucks especially if you buy from Europe(DON'T).Don't know about the forth.
 
Apr 7, 2016 at 10:26 AM Post #1,792 of 2,125
mimouille said:
I am honestly very very impressed by the Hisoundaudio S6. This guy is an amping genius. How do you get 30 hours of battery and such grunt? One of the most enjoyable DAPs I have owned.
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Mim, is the S6 comparable to Aune M2S or Cowon P1 regardless of price? Also is the back button working properly? The old Studio V does not have one.
 
Apr 11, 2016 at 7:44 PM Post #1,795 of 2,125
eke2k6 said:
  How would you guys rank the AK320 in the A&K sound hierarchy? Including the AK240.
Click to expand...

http://www.head-fi.org/newsearch/?search=ak380&resultSortingPreference=recency&byuser=&output=posts&sdate=0&newer=1&type=all&containingthread%5B0%5D=788296&advanced=1
http://www.head-fi.org/newsearch/?advanced=1&byuser=&containingthread%5B0%5D=763752&newer=1&output=posts&resultSortingPreference=recency&sdate=0&search=ak320&type=all&start=25
http://www.head-fi.org/newsearch/?search=ak240&resultSortingPreference=recency&byuser=&output=posts&sdate=0&newer=1&type=all&containingthread%5B0%5D=788296&advanced=1
 
The AK320 should sound the exact same as the AK380 on PCM due to using the same hardware.  Only difference between the AK320 and AK380 seems to be the inclusion of an XMOS chip to allow for native DSD playback on the AK380, similar to the relationship between the AK240 and AK120II.
 
Apr 11, 2016 at 11:14 PM Post #1,796 of 2,125
eke2k6 said:
  How would you guys rank the AK320 in the A&K sound hierarchy? Including the AK240.
Click to expand...

I've not heard the AK380, but I've compared AK240 and AK 120 II at the store and I preferred the AK 120 II.
 
Currently I've the AK320 and I absolutely love it. For the price difference between AK380 and AK320 if you don't care about DSD, I would get the AK320 every time.
 
This is how I (personally) would rank them:
 
AK 320 > AK 120 II >> AK 240 > ...
 
Again it's just preference, YMMV. 
 
Apr 12, 2016 at 2:06 AM Post #1,797 of 2,125
I'm auditioning the Paw Gold and I'm in agreement with most of you guys that the sound quality is totally awesome.  Low bass details are very textured and the depth and layered soundstage are pretty much unheard of from a portable audio device.  Also love the fat that I can use 512 GB full-sized SD card in the player.  Very very happy with the sound but I'm not sure if I can live with just a generic UI.  It actually reminds me of the IHP140 that I used have in term of UI.  For the price, I also wish that it will come with some sort of digital output so it can be used as a digital transport.
 
Apr 12, 2016 at 2:42 AM Post #1,799 of 2,125
warrior1975 said:
@purk how would you compare to the zx2? IIRC you were a big fan of Sony
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I would have to say the Paw Gold win for sure.  The ZX2 is very very good in TRRS but the PG just has so much more driving power and it really show.  I sure wish Sony would beef up their S-Master MX module to at least pump out 50 mw per channel.  The depth and layered soundstage and sense of effortless are something that is so tough to get right on any setup and the Paw Gold did manage to pull it off to a degree.  The PG actually compete with the top-end portable amp/dac segment such as the Mojo & PHA-3 (Balanced) if you ask me.  I hope to borrow a friend's QP1R but I don't recalling hearing low bass details and sense of depth the way that the Paw Gold can pull it off.  The only question is can you live with a basic file browsing structure and the lack of any digital output feature.  I personally want to own one but can't justify its pricetag.  Maybe I should sell the ZX2 & PHA3 and get the Paw Gold.  
 
Apr 12, 2016 at 8:14 PM Post #1,800 of 2,125
purk said:
 
warrior1975 said:
@purk how would you compare to the zx2? IIRC you were a big fan of Sony
Click to expand...

I would have to say the Paw Gold win for sure.  The ZX2 is very very good in TRRS but the PG just has so much more driving power and it really show.  I sure wish Sony would beef up their S-Master MX module to at least pump out 50 mw per channel.  The depth and layered soundstage and sense of effortless are something that is so tough to get right on any setup and the Paw Gold did manage to pull it off to a degree.  The PG actually compete with the top-end portable amp/dac segment such as the Mojo & PHA-3 (Balanced) if you ask me.  I hope to borrow a friend's QP1R but I don't recalling hearing low bass details and sense of depth the way that the Paw Gold can pull it off.  The only question is can you live with a basic file browsing structure and the lack of any digital output feature.  I personally want to own one but can't justify its pricetag.  Maybe I should sell the ZX2 & PHA3 and get the Paw Gold.  
Click to expand...

 
My impression agrees with yours. LPG wins over ZX2 mostly in soundstage depth and ultra-high frequencies. LPG wins over QP1R (quite obvious) in sub-bass reproduction. I lost lots of rumble in the low end going from LPG to QP1R.
 
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