[flinkenick]

I think for the most analogue sound the Hifiman 802 would be the strongest contender, and they are very cheap second hand. I haven't tried it myself though. I've heard it also has a very prominent lower end if you still like bass
 
I think the Lotoo Paw Gold should be one of the best sounding daps available, definitely better than the 901. But they are indeed pricey even second hand. You can get a 901 for around $600 with a good card I think. But it doesn't have a large stage per se, although it is not small either. It does have sufficient power. But I might recommend a second hand P1 over it, just based on usability.

 

[Mimouille]

I wouldnt say the LPG is what you need if you want analog. Tera player is more like it. And also I agree on the P1. Really analog and spacious. If by analog you mean smooth and slightly warm without losing detail.

 

[nofarewell]

Yes, "smooth and slightly warm without losing detail" is quite right, the closer it gets to cassettes but mostly classic tape sound is the best as I would like to listen to the best quality - in a way mimicking high end walkmans - as possible. The LPG is a bit too pricey but the P1-Hm-802 price range might be just OK.

 

[kkcc]

As much as I still love my 901 sound I hardly ever recommend the hifiman (or lotoo, questyle etc) DAPs to my friends. The DAP market had really evolved and it is really harder to recommend DAPs with limted features and primitive UIs to anyone except the most hardcore and experienced portable audiophile who know exactly what they want in SQ and don't care about anything else.

 

[flinkenick]

Mmm yes that's true, as important as sound is if it can be one dap only you can better get something that combines usability and SQ. I never take the 901S out of the house because its too impractical.

 

[nofarewell]

I see the point, and portability is quite important (not the most of course) - for me, SQ matters the most. It would not be bad if I could control it from my pocket/bag Iif I could as well, but I would like a dap that mostly has stellar SQ in the given price range ($700-900). I have a very nice earbud, the Aiwa HP-V99 amongst some other nice stuff, and I'd like a proper companion that can match it's outsanding features and can help the V99s to produce it's huge sound.

 

[Mimouille]

I think LPG is pretty easy and practical to use. But if he want analog, I think the P1 is the best overall package accounting UI, size, price, etc.

 

[Mimouille]

I tried the AK380cu briefly today. I didn't compares side by side with the 380,but those who are saying the different is huge are, as always, exaggerating quite a bit. It is a great sounding player of course, but like other AK players, when compared to the Lotoo Paw Gold, stage is more focused on reproducing width than depth.

Besides I find the case quite ugly, and it is quite crazy to sell a player that changes color so fast, especially at 4k.

 

[Kiats]

As much as I still love my 901 sound I hardly ever recommend the hifiman (or lotoo, questyle etc) DAPs to my friends. The DAP market had really evolved and it is really harder to recommend DAPs with limted features and primitive UIs to anyone except the most hardcore and experienced portable audiophile who know exactly what they want in SQ and don't care about anything else.

Agree with you, kkcc. Hifiman DAPs are for the hardcore. I will readily confess to being one...

 

[nofarewell]

What about the PAW GOLD's little brother, the 5000? Or is that an entirely different, downgraded option?

 

[Sound Eq]

just get the cowon-d slap on it a 5tx amp and u r done, analogue all the way, this stack is so small with huge sound
 
take it from an ak380 and amp owner

 

[nofarewell]

Thanks I guess below 40 OHMs impednce I don't even need the amp.

 

[Sound Eq]

  Thanks I guess below 40 OHMs impednce I don't even need the amp.

that amp is not because the cowon d lacks in power, its just to give that amazing soundstage and bass and treble control that the 5tx can add to the whole package, honestly if i went back in time that is the only thing i would have bought and the also mojo
 
also with the 5tx u can power full size heapdhones if u like as well

 

[nofarewell]

Really thanks for this

 

[Currawong]

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.