[JiPod]

Which single DAP would you choose?
 
Feel free to elaborate on the reason(s) of your choice.

 

[EphemeralHope]

If money and size wasn't an issue the hifiman will obviously perform the best because it's closer to a home rig than the others which are just what they are - portable (though S-Flo:2 would win among the rest probably)

 

[Sonic 748i]

Quote:

If money and size wasn't an issue the hifiman will obviously perform the best because it's closer to a home rig than the others which are just what they are - portable (though S-Flo:2 would win among the rest probably)

+1

 

[tds101]

Sony - FTW!!!

 

[JiPod]

I'm actually comtemplating the purchase of a S:flo2.
 
Quote:

If money and size wasn't an issue the hifiman will obviously perform the best because it's closer to a home rig than the others which are just what they are - portable (though S-Flo:2 would win among the rest probably)

 

[JiPod]

My customs are scheduled to arrive at latest next week.  First two DAPs I'm anxious to try are the NW-X1060 and NW-A847.
 
Quote:

Sony - FTW!!!

 

[Townyj]

I chose Sony also! They make great players
 
With the price of the HiFi man... I would rather have a Sony player via Lineout to an amp such as the Arrow or Protector and be done...

 

[nc8000]

Voted for HiFiMan. Not because the amp part might be all that much better than the amp part of some of the other entrants but because what comes before the amp is clearly superior to just about anything else

 

[Head Injury]

Well, if it's free then the HM-801. Then if I don't like it I can sell it and buy one of all of the others.
 
If I have to pay for it, then for the time being I'd stick with a SanDisk or Cowon.

 

[shigzeo]

I voted (against my best judgement) Fuze. I don't think it sounds 'better' than my other players, but it has more to offer. The Apple and Sony sound 'better' in some ways: smoother, and in the case of the Apple, less hiss. But, the Fuze has one thing in its favour: rockbox. And, it performs much better with hard to drive iems than any Sony, Cowon, Apple, etc. I DO not like the Fuze without rockbox however. It is rubbish, has rubbish code support, stupid controls, a stupid light, and pretentious marketing.
 
The S:Flo also drives iems very nicely, but unless firmware is fixed, I'd stay away. Lacking gapless playback is huge.
 
With sensitive iems, a DAP that hisses is hard to manage. So, ixnay on the Sony (unless you don't mind the sound of wind). Cowon don't hiss too badly, but they have pretty shoddy lowΩ peformance, with compressed stereo images and audibly boomy bass. I sold mine because of those two reasons. 
 
If the Fuze was as 'smooth' as the iPod or Sony, I'd love it. As it is, it stays because of Rockbox. 

 

[JiPod]

Any Sony in particular?
 
Quote:

I chose Sony also! They make great players
 
With the price of the HiFi man... I would rather have a Sony player via Lineout to an amp such as the Arrow or Protector and be done...

 

I missed the opportunity to try the HiFiMan early May.  There were several units right in front of me at a show, but was suprised that no one took interest.
 
Quote:

Voted for HiFiMan. Not because the amp part might be all that much better than the amp part of some of the other entrants but because what comes before the amp is clearly superior to just about anything else

 
 
I think I like your train of thought.

 
Quote:

Well, if it's free then the HM-801. Then if I don't like it I can sell it and buy one of all of the others.

shigzeo,
I wish I had ears like you.  Sometimes I feel like I'm missing out (if I can't hear the hiss, then maybe I can't hear other things as well).
 
Quote:

I voted (against my best judgement) Fuze. I don't think it sounds 'better' than my other players, but it has more to offer. The Apple and Sony sound 'better' in some ways: smoother, and in the case of the Apple, less hiss. But, the Fuze has one thing in its favour: rockbox. And, it performs much better with hard to drive iems than any Sony, Cowon, Apple, etc. I DO not like the Fuze without rockbox however. It is rubbish, has rubbish code support, stupid controls, a stupid light, and pretentious marketing.
 
The S:Flo also drives iems very nicely, but unless firmware is fixed, I'd stay away. Lacking gapless playback is huge.
 
With sensitive iems, a DAP that hisses is hard to manage. So, ixnay on the Sony (unless you don't mind the sound of wind). Cowon don't hiss too badly, but they have pretty shoddy lowΩ peformance, with compressed stereo images and audibly boomy bass. I sold mine because of those two reasons. 
 
If the Fuze was as 'smooth' as the iPod or Sony, I'd love it. As it is, it stays because of Rockbox. 

 

[High_Q]

Quote:

Sony - FTW!!!

+1

I like the sound quality of Sony players with RE0.  Doesn't need an external amp.  Their internal amp seems to perform very well if used with IEMs.  Very compact in size, pretty amazing really.  Sound quality to size, its really great. 
 

 

[JiPod]

Any Sony in particular?
 
Quote:

+1

I like the sound quality of Sony players with RE0.  Doesn't need an external amp.  Their internal amp seems to perform very well if used with IEMs.  Very compact in size, pretty amazing really.  Sound quality to size, its really great. 
 

 

[High_Q]

Quote:

Any Sony in particular?
 

 

I have X1051, and I am satisfied with it.  Even S636F is outputs very good sound, but X1051 is slightly better interms of sound stage.  But, S636F is very compact, very portable.
 

 

[Young Spade]

I voted s:flo2 but thinking about it I would probably go with "not using a HO". Using the s:flo2's line out port to a great portable amplifier would yield better results.