General Information

The Shenzhen Benjie BJ-T6 / AGPtek Rocker is a full featured digital audio player that offers lossless (FLAC, DSD, etc.) file playback at one of the lowest retail price points in the global market (US$60/EUR50/JP¥6,890.) With a solid and compact metal case, a capable Bluetooth 4.0 CSR implementation, up to 256GB swappable microSD storage capacity and a relatively long lived battery life, the Rocker/T6 is an attractive option for the audiophile seeking an inexpensive portable player with but a few compromises.

Hardware

SoC: Ingenic X1000 w/32MB integrated LPDDR (http://www.ingenic.com/en/?product/id/9.html)
Bluetooth: CSR 8811 F1C81 AVRCP\A2DP\HID (http://www.csr.com/sites/default/files/csr8811.pdf)
Power Management: AXP192 (http://www.s-manuals.com/pdf/datasheet/a/x/axp192_x-powers.pdf)
Codec: Cirrus CS42L51_F2 (https://www.cirrus.com/en/pubs/proDatasheet/CS42L51_F2.pdf)
Flash: SPI NAND ATO25D1GA (http://www.atosolution.com/product/product01.html#con7)

Partial Performance Parameters for Headphone Output

Output Power 1: 25mW/32Ω
Output Power 2: 46mW/16Ω
Output Impedance: 16-32Ω
SNR: 97db
THD+N: 0.007%
MAX output voltage: 1V
MAX output current: 25mA

Features

1. All lossless audio formats decoding, including DSF, DFF, ISO, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, M4A, AAC, MP3, OGG
2. CUE sheets also supported
3. High precision decoding with 32 bit output, 64 bit float point and 128 bit internal calculating.
4. External USB DAC is supported with DXD/DoP output for Native DSD or 384KHZ 32 bit audio stream.
5. Gapless playing is supported.
6. 10 band graphic EQ supported.
7. 15,000 song capacity with 256GB memory card

Latest reviews

crabdog

Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: Price. Bidirectional Bluetooth. Snappy UI.
Cons: Sharp corners. Plastic screen cover.
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I've owned several Benjie DAPs and I'm not afraid to admit that I'm a bit of a fanboi when it comes to their music players. Not only do they sound good for such a low price item but I also have a respect for their longevity, implementing what I would consider standard functions (breakpoint resume etc) and solid battery life. Recently they released a new model the Benjie T6. This time around there's Bluetooth added along with low and high gain modes. Is it a worthy upgrade from their previous offerings? Hopefully this review can help you decide.

Disclaimer
This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. I have no affiliation with the company and all observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

The Benjie T6 costs $49.90 and is available from Penon Audio.

Packaging and accessories

First things first, there's another one of those black, textured cardboard boxes that have been popping up lately, a different approach from previous Benjie packaging. The box is bare except for the Benjie logo on the front.

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Opening it up we find the player nestled in a black foam cutout.

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Underneath the foam slab are the rest of the accessories which include a User Manual, USB to Micro USB cable and some earphones.

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The included earbuds are actually not just a throwaway addition. They're really quite good and you could do a lot worse than to be stuck with these.

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Build and functionality

A single CNC metal molding is used for the T6's chassis. The size and shape are almost identical to some of their previous models ie: K9 and X1, with and elongated shape and portrait oriented screen.

The player has a nice feel to it, with decent weight that feels good in your hand but the corners on the unit are excessively sharp which is a little annoying but not a deal breaker.

The back side of the player has what feels like a glass backing, which I find quite strange considering the screen is just a thin plastic.

On the front, just under the screen is a 4-directional D-Pad style control with an additional central button. I really like this method of navigating the menus but it would be so much better with an additional dedicated back/return button.

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Moving to the bottom edge, there's the Micro USB port for charging and data transfers and the 3.5 mm headphone out.

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The left side contains the power button which also acts as the screen lock and the Micro SD card slot.

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On the right side are the volume control buttons.

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Overall I like the button layout of the T6. Controlling volume is really simple, even when the player is in your pocket. I do wish that there was a dedicated lock switch though because it's easy to hit the volume and power buttons by accident when they're in a tight pocket.

The 1.8 inch TFT screen displays album art nicely but just like the Benjie K6 and X1 (same display) text gets truncated and makes it difficult to navigate folders because everything is so narrow. Also just like the aforementioned models the screen on the T6 is not glass but a thin plastic that get scratched very easily. I really hope to see Benjie upgrade their screens in future models.

Similar to previous models the T6 has a very good breakpoint resume function built in and it now also supports true gapless playback that worked flawlessly during testing. Even a lot of the much more expensive DAPs out there still can't get gapless right so it's a real achievement on Benjie's part that they've done it so well in a budget offering.

Navigating the menus has improved over the older models but it's still a little awkward because there's no "back" button. So for example if you are on the Now Playing screen and want to go to the previous screen you first need to press Down on the D-pad which takes you back to the menu and from there if you want to go back again you press Left on the D-Pad. It's not a deal breaker although it is a little frustrating but you get used to it fairly quickly once you start using the player on a regular basis.

The UI has Benjie's usual snappy responsiveness which is one of the things I've always loved about their DAPs. When you press a button the corresponding action triggers immediately, with no signs of sluggishness or delay.

There's a ten band equalizer which has several presets and a custom setting. I tend not to use EQ but I know many people do so it's always good to have.

There's no built in storage but it supports Micro SD cards up to at least 128 GB in size.

Let's have a quick look at the main menu screen before we move onto the sound.

Going clockwise from top to bottom there is:
  • Podcast
  • Bluetooth
  • Albums
  • Playlists
  • Music
  • Settings
  • Artists
  • Folder View
  • Now Playing
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Sound

DAC duties are handled by the Cirrus Logic CS42L51. The T6 sounds quite similar to many of the budget DAPs that I've reviewed with a bit of a warm tilt and a little extra bass bump. However it seems to be a little more resolving and adds a touch more air to treble notes than the competition. There are no pops or hissing in the sound in both low and high gain modes. For testing I mostly left the player on high gain even though I was predominantly pairing with low impedance IEMs.

Soundstage on this little player is impressive too as is separation and layering, with the end result being really impressive for such a low cost item.

Battery life
The 600mAh battery seems to last around 8-10 hours depending on playback volume and file format. If you're using the Bluetooth feature expect it to be a bit less again.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth on the T6 is bidirectional which is something I've only seen in higher priced DAPs previously. So you can connect the player to some Bluetooth headphones or you can alternatively connect to an external Bluetooth device like a smartphone and use the T6's DAC to play files from your phone.

Connecting is really simple and range is good with no noticeable cutouts or issues. Very solid.

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Comparisons

RUIZU A50 ($55 USD)

When it comes to build quality the RUIZU A50 wins hands down. The chassis is more complex with smoother, rounded edges and a real glass screen that's much harder to scratch. The UI is also superior on the A50, being a little clearer with easier to read text. Navigating the menus/folders is easier on the RUIZU too because of the dedicated Back button and scroll wheel/button.

For the best sound I would give that claim to the T6. Although both are fairly close in audio quality the T6 has better treble extension and because of this has a better sense of air and shimmer in the high frequencies. Then there's the Bluetooth feature which could be a major feature that users want depending on their intended use for the device.

There's no clear winner here, it really depends which features and characteristics are more important to you.

Mrobo C5 V2 ($49.90 USD)

This is a rather interesting comparison as the two players are priced exactly the same. Build quality is drastically better on the C5 with its finely crafted chassis but the screen has a very low resolution and album art is so small it's hardly worth even having. Navigation is slightly more intuitive on the C5 but the button layout makes it more cumbersome to use than the T6. The biggest and best feature of the C5, in my opinion is its massive battery life of over 50 hours of continuous playback time.

Sound quality is very similar between these players with no clear winner, so just like with the A50 the best choice for anyone choosing would likely come down to which features are more important to them.

Conclusion

Once again Benjie have produced a fantastic DAP with loads of features and great sound. Bidirectional Bluetooth in a $49 player - are you serious? The company's trademark snappy UI is present again, as is their superior support for varying album art formats. It has PCM: 24BIT/192KHZ and native DSD support...

Granted, it's not perfect. The plastic screen cover is rubbish and the UI navigation is far from perfect. I've been waiting a long time for Benjie to make a new DAP with an upgraded display with a higher resolution and better text readability so it was disappointing to say the least when the T6 carried over the same old, tired one from their previous ultra-budget models. But you know what? I don't really care. This thing sounds good. Really darn good. And it costs $49.

If you've been wondering why people buy DAPs instead of just using their smartphones and have been interested but hesitant to spend big money to find out, then I suggest you go for a cheap little player like this. If you do, I doubt you'll ever want to play music from your phone again.

ngoshawk

Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: Affordable. Revised build, which makes it easy to handle. Slightly above average sound qualities. Portable. Fairly intuitive UI.
Cons: Longevity of buttons coming into question. Screen-while decent, not of the highest quality. No shortcut back to current playing song
AGPTEK Rocker v2-4.125 stars

A small DAP, which retails for $149, cut to $89. Given to me for an honest review. I would have it no other way.


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Intro:

I am older. I am happy that I have rediscovered the joy of music, through personal listening devices. Through this opportunity, I have become exposed to some wonderful kit. Much I now own, much I covet. Much I would never purchase, for various reasons.

My listening style has changed somewhat over the years…from old time Rock-n-Roll to the Blues to Reggae, to Bluegrass. I cut my teeth on Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Outlaws, The Who, Santana, Bob Marley, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, Bob Marley, and Pink Floyd. But the music I hold dearest and nearest my soul, is Stevie Ray Vaughan. I was lucky enough to see him perform four times…twice in open air venues, followed by (that evening each time!!!) smoky blues bars, where intimate would be an understatement. Each holds a very special place in my psyche, and I can almost remember the whole of each concert in their entirety…

I enjoy a warmer signature in my equipment, and listening, with a good bass line (but not basshead), complimented by outstanding vocals. Combine the sweetness of SRV’s guitar and Billy Holiday’s voice, and you get my musical grove.

A couple of strange happenings have occurred to me over the last month. I say strange, because they were unexpected, and quite good. Strange, because this has not happened to me before now. AGPTEK contacted me asking if I would be interested in testing one of their higher end DAP’s after reading one of my Head-Fi reviews. To say that I was humbled, would be an understatement. After conversing with the company regarding details of their updated Rocker v2 (that is what I am calling it…), I agreed to review the unit. Their only requests were that an honest review be posted on Head-Fi as well as their right to use all or parts of the review as they saw fit, including Amazon. I agreed, and the unit was ordered. A short two days later, and I had the unit in hand. I will say, that I was disappointed with the way the unit was packed via Amazon, and will be lodging a complaint. Thankfully, the unit did not suffer any harm. This was of no fault by AGPTEK.



Opening the device to assure myself that the unit was in working order, I was met with a tasteful textured hard cardboard box in all black. Lifting the lid, the DAP was well protected in a soft plastic sleeve, and foam insert. Underneath was the charging cable and instruction manual. Nothing else, but that was quite enough.

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Turning on the unit, the battery showed a full charge. But how close to full, I did not know. As a result, I ran the unit as is, garnering about six total hours, before the battery monitor went red. Charging the unit to full, I will run this round until the unit dies completely, to ascertain how long the unit will run (Approximately 7 hours, as advertised by AGPTEK, is what I found).



Sometimes I have a hard time getting a “felling” for a device I am testing. Other times I understand the device right away. And sometimes, it isn’t until I am writing the finale of my review, when I “get it.” I cannot quite understand this device right now. It is a hard critter to pin down…some of the time it sounds quite good (Trees from twenty one pilots Vessel, for instance). Sometimes it can sound middling at best (U2’s One Tree Hill). This could be due to the recording process, or possibly the synergy provided by the devices at hand…


After a brief search of Amazon, I did find out that 13 of AGPTEK’s lower priced DAP’s are on Amazon’s top 100 selling list, with the previous Rocker version clocking in at #71. Tall shoes to fill indeed, with this updated version. An excellent selling point is the 4.0 CSR Bluetooth connectivity, with which I successfully connected my Mixcder MS-301 (which has BT 4.2). Providing a pretty decent combination, this can be had for less than two Ben Franklin’s. I was starting to understand the appeal…at least monetarily.



Specs (from the company website and Amazon):

Firmware Version 1.2

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  • SHUFFLE&FAST FORWARD/BACKWARD WITH BLUETOOTH 4.0 CSR, Compatible with most Bluetooth output device, support playlist under Bluetooth status, enjoy your high-fidelity stereo music with your wireless earphone. For better compatibility, please use AGPTEK Bluetooth earphone (Not included).
  • THE SMALLEST AUDIOPHILE PLAYER IN THE WORLD: SUPPORT ALL MAJOR LOSSLESS MUSIC FORMATS: AAC/ Aif/ Apple lossless/ Ape/ Flac/ Ogg/ Wave/ Wma lossless/ M4a/ MP3/ WMA, at up to 192kHz/32bit( Not support Audible and DRM WMA, more details please check the last image on this page.)
  • GAPLESS PLAYBACK CONTROL&AUDIO GAIN SETTING, retaining all the benefits of portable Hi-Fi audio. Great for listening to live albums, classical works, or anything that sounds best when it is played continuously.
  • EQUIPPED WITH A HIGH-QUALITY CIRRUS LOGIC CS42L51 STEREO DAC, faithfully reproduce 24bit high-resolution original studio-quality audio without distortion or loss of sound.
  • EXPANDABLE UP TO 256GB SD CARD (Not included), maximum hold 15000 songs. Please note that the player do not have internal storage.


Package include:

  • 1x AGPTEK ROCKER Player
  • 1x English Manual
  • 1x USB Cable
  • Note: Earphone is not included.


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Devices compared/tested:



Hidizs AP-60 ($89)

Shanling M1 ($149)



Audioquest Nightowl

Unique Melody Martian

Mixcder MS-301 (Bluetooth)

thinksound ON-2

Vibro Labs Aria

Lend Me UR ears FLC8S

Tennmak Pro



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Functionality:



As a small touch-button based DAP, the AGPTEK functions reasonably well. Quick to start, and turn off, there is virtually no lag either way. When turned on, the AGPTEK logo comes on, fades then comes on again, to be quickly replaced by the main operating screen. No big deal, it opens quickly. With nine widgets with which to choose, one is presented with everything from a Podcast option (not tested), to the Bluetooth functions, to Albums, Artists, Settings and Music (not in that order). Clicking on the Now Playing widget, takes you to the current song playing (if already in operation), and as far as I can tell there is no shortcut back to that menu, if you are in say the Settings menu. An unfortunate but minor annoyance.



Clicking the “up” arrow, when in the current playing screen, will bring you back a screen where you can quickly adjust music settings such as EQ, Play Mode and Add to Favorites, My Likes or Bookmark if you wish. Be careful, though as there is a delete button at the bottom of this menu. I wish that the Low/High Gain setting was also listed on this screen, as a quick “burst” of volume would be handy with two clicks, as opposed to using the volume buttons. Again, not really a big deal, and one you can easily learn to manipulate around.

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Many other functions are derived from the various widgets, almost too numerous to mention here, but easily found either by trial or from the pretty detailed instruction manual included with your purchase. For a full demo, see my video. I demonstrate all nine screens and basic functions within those screens.


Below the screen, is a four-arrowed circle, with the main play/pause circular button in the center. Going back a screen from the playing screen is accomplished utilizing the up arrow, and then the center button. Not that bad to be honest. From that menu, one CAN quickly return to the playing screen by clicking on the LEFT ARROW. A nice shortcut back to the play screen. Using the four arrows and the center circle, one can control the entire functionality of the DAP, save volume. The +/- volume buttons grace the right side. There are no other buttons on that side, which to me is a nice isolating feature making my decisions easy…and sometimes I just need that!


The left side houses the power button up top, with the micro SD slot below. Capable of 256gb cards, one can bring along a good bit of music. Capable of reading up to 15,000 songs, there are limits; but using more than one SD card really isn’t that big of a deal to me. There is no internal memory, so when using a card for the first time (as in you changed cards), it must be scanned again. You do not need to do that, if the card is the same from your last visit. Scanning quickly, you are happily listening within a minute, unless you have a very large library.

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Made of an aluminum alloy frame with plastic front and back, the fit and finish is quite good. A high-gloss back does smudge quite easily, but adds a nice touch to the all-black motif. A protective plastic cover overlays the screen, and can push a bit. Not the most rigid, but not really a worry. Some mentioned the sharp corners as a downgrading aspect, but I found the corners to be rounded and of good help in the grip area. This does offset the somewhat slippery glossy-back. But for this price, one cannot be entirely picky, nor judgmental. A pleasantly nice shape and handling experience, overall.



I found manipulating the buttons, and screens fairly easy. A bit dated, and clunky compared to more expensive, more advanced DAP’s, but functionality is not what this DAP is really all about. A lack of backlit arrow/center-buttons does make it somewhat difficult to operate in low light (unlike the Hidizs AP-60, which has a backlit function button area), but again I’m not really interested in how the critter works. I will say, that as nice as it is to have that backlit button area on the Hidizs, it is an extremely small area with which to work. Even with my average-sized hands, I often found myself pushing the wrong buttons repeatedly…a real annoyance.

No such problem existed with the Rocker v2, and I was thankful. Speaking of these two equally priced DAP’s, several things stand out to differentiate them (most of which I will detail below…). Size is a bragging point for the Rocker v2, stating that it is the “Smallest Audiophile Player in the World.” As you can see, the Hidizs is in fact smaller, and does play music…so…I do welcome that extra length when using the AGPTEK though, as it makes in-hand use easier.

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The second function that stands out between the two is the screen. Slightly smaller than the Hidizs, the AGPTEK has a MUCH better viewing angle. If you are off direct viewing at all with the Hidizs, then forget about it! You cannot make out anything…While the color does change a bit with the AGPTEK, you can still read the screen, and determine what you need. A definite plus for the Rocker v2. Neither screen will win resolution awards, but the whole idea is to be able to SEE the screen, quite often in less than ideal circumstances…Advantage to the AGPTEK, here.


Something, which may eventually make it into this sector (and would be nice) is the ability to control more than the volume, when the screen is off. To pause, one needs click the power button to “wake” the DAP, then hit the center circle to pause. A minor annoyance, but addressed in higher DAP’s with the functionality to do that when the screen is off. Again, not that important at this price point, but a technology, which will eventually trickle down to this level.

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As for the Shanling M1 functionality, a rolling wheel with clicks functions as the manipulating “tool” used to maneuver around the DAP. At almost twice the price of both, one would expect it to function much better, and be of an easier to use aspect. Mostly, it does. The UI is more intuitive to use than either, while the screen is LEAGUES better than the cheaper alternatives. As it should be. As for sound, I will admit up front, that the M1 is the standard by which I gauge a low-fi (lower priced) DAP. And rightly so, in my mind (OK, M2s, N3 lovers can throw either of those in, but the M1 was around before either of those…so…).


Bluetooth:

The Bluetooth of all three functioned perfectly. No glitches at all with connection, other than with the Mixcder MS301 functionality. I had to “clear” the search for connectivity in each menu, but once this was accomplished, connecting was quick and easy. And, this was due to maneuvering between DAP’s and my iPhone 6+. If I stayed with one DAP., then Bluetooth connected immediately upon turning that function on.

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Once one learns the tricks, trials and shortcomings of the Rocker v2, you move on the important item…the sound!

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Sound:

One has a certain obligation when called upon to do a review, regardless of whether it is a tour, an audition or at the request of a company. Those obligations are to be thorough, honest and did I mention thorough? Some will go out of their way to gush over devices, which may or may not deserve those accolades. I think those that might, do a tremendous disservice to what others write. Thankfully, that is not a common occurrence, and one, which does not apply here. This is a very decent little device. One that should be considered for those who are looking at either their first portable DAP, first foray away from a Smartphone, first commuting DAP, or one that can be used at the gym without fear of sacrificing not only sound but portability and loss. The last in case you drop the device, etc…



As experience would have it recently, I dropped the Rocker v2 twice today on the treadmill…both times thinking you DOLT! Watch what you are doing!!!


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None the worse for the wear, the AGPTEK simply allowed me to pick it back up, and reconnect my IEM’s of the moment, the fine Tennmak Pro. A nice bouncy-bassy combination; the two played well together for my “vigorous” treadmill workout. Better than I handling the Rocker…

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What can be heard from the Rocker v2 is a fairly even sound; with no one range crowding out the other. None perform well above the other, nor do they suffer too much from each other. Even is how I would describe the overall sound, with a definite rolling off of the treble (even to my tired, treble-hearing-loss ears…). This can be a good thing, as sometimes (from my experience) the trebles are pushed in lower priced DAP’s, giving that false sense of “quality sound.” Thankfully, AGPTEK did not take that approach, letting the overall unobtrusive qualities take center stage. A very nice, pleasant approach and sound was heard through everything I played. Whether it was my UM Martian’s, the Vibro Aria’s, the FLC8S, or yes the Audioquest Nightowl one could describe the sound as pleasant.


Only with the Nightowl, did the sound suffer from not being as full as one might expect. Rather thin and weak, the sound while tolerant was not what I would have liked. That said how often would one use that combination? Not very often. Not bad, mind you, but not the set up one would expect here.


Conversely, when I hooked up my Martian’s, the sound was much better. More full, deeper reach of bass and a good slightly forward vocal presentation. I did find this combination more intimate. While the excellent sound stage of the NO really sings, the Martian intimacy is simply superb. A very good combination, this setup was my first choice most of the time during this review.

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My favorite setup though, was when I hooked the Tennmak Pro’s up. “Better” bass than the Martian or the Nightowl, the Tennmak is simply put, a stunning IEM for $21 USD. When you think that this combination can happily be your commuter combo, and for less than $115, you just have to smile and appreciate how far audio has come. The last three or four reviews I have done, I do mention the marvel I hold at how devices of such humble prices can provide a very good listening pleasure. And I amongst the many, who already know this, am happy. I am happy to share those thoughts with you, too. The Tennmak is known for its bass reach and quality, and in this combination it does not disappoint. I found myself working that little bit harder, that little bit extra to the thump of Ziggy Marley’s bass through the two. That little bit extra loft in my step so to speak, because of this combination. I would happily keep this set up for the gym, knowing it is a good sound, and worthy of gym-bag-abuse. Rugged and versatile.



Using the Bluetooth capabilities of the Mixcder MS-301 was also easy to do. Other than the minor hiccups of connectivity, the two functioned without a glitch. Once I figured out that with each use of a DAP, sprinkled between my iPhone 6+; I had to clear the known devices on each DAP (the Rocker and the Hidizs), hooking up to BT was quick and painless. With nary a glitch, hiccup or bump the Bluetooth combination worked seamlessly. With an even near-neutral sound signature, the Mixcder provided a good wide sound stage to compliment the AGPTEK’s sound. With near-Nightowl sound stage qualities, you are presented with a nice fairly open sounding listening involvement. This too, would be an excellent commuting combination, and with a price south of $200 USD (for both), one could easily purchase a micro-SD card and be content.



Of all the combinations, the Rocker/FLC8S combination presented me with the best bass. Running the black, red, gunmetal filters the bass is stunning coming from the FLC8S. A sound I do not listen to enough, what with my other options. I will often sub in the FLC’s into my workout queue, simply so I can listen to them! Not the best way to treat a $300 IEM, but so far they have responded well. But that is another story. The focus of the Rocker/FLC combo is definitely bass-oriented. Vocals are also pushed quite forward yielding another good option for commuting and general “in your face” listening. Not shouting, but a good jump-up-and-move type of sound combination. This would be my “clean the house” set up, and in fact was during the review period. Tucking the Rocker neatly into a front pocket, with the IEM cable close to your chest, you could happily clean to your desires content!

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If I had to boil the sound signature of the v2 down, I would consider it a worthy alternative to your Smartphone music apps. With a near-neutral sound, pushing the mids and vocal “up” above the centerline, the sound is almost intimate. Having one of the smaller sound stages of anything I have heard, I found myself listening song after song to make sure it was not an illusion. It was not. I do not fault the DAP for that higher-than-center sound, but I was not really used to it.



With a somewhat quirky UI, I would downgrade the lack of a “quick touch back to the song playing” option. While on many DAP’s, including the Hidizs one can long press and be back to the song playing (or twice in the case of the Hidizs), you cannot do that with the v2. There is an almost Blackberry-esque feeling to its UI. Logical to use, but arcane. You are presented with the nine widgets on the home screen with which to manipulate and maneuver, but it takes effort. One I cannot really fault due to the price point. And, one while I find acceptable since most of my listening is in full on shuffle mode a minor quirk non-the-less.


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Comparisons:



AGPTEK Rocker v2 ($89) v Hidizs AP-60 ($89)



This is the most logical comparison to me (and besides the fact it is all I have at this price point!!), but others have compared the v1 to a Rockboxed SanDisk. I have no experience with the SanDisk, though. Touted as the “Smallest Audiophile DAP” in the world, the AGPTEK is in fact taller than the Hidizs. Thinner and narrower though, it does also tout a smaller (but better overall) screen.



As mentioned above, the screen of the v2 is better, with more viewing angles. Functionally, the two approach their respective UI’s quite differently. With only four options, which to choose on the home menu screen; you are presented with fewer menus. Packing more into each widget, the Hidizs is harder to tailor to ones musical needs. I do appreciate the fewer sub-menu items on the v2 widgets, even if it means manipulating through more widgets. And while I do appreciate the backlit toggle “switches,” I cannot operate them smoothly. Even after a full two weeks, I still have trouble pushing the correct area of the Hidizs. Frustrating would be a polite way to put it…



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Sound wise, the Hidizs provides a darker signature with a more rolled off treble. It is almost like Hidizs wanted a darker signature, but didn’t want it to show any distortion. I garnered a more full sound signature, too and one with less detail. One with a bit better bass reach, and vocals more towards that imaginary midline; exhibited a mild high-gain distortion on some songs. Instrument separation suffered as a result of trying to please all those sound characteristics, though. Not congested by any means, but one where most of the sound was competing to be heard. All could be heard, but there wasn’t much support. Almost resembling a shouting match, like a fifth grade band class at the beginning of the hour, with all playing at the same time…just to be heard. That said, songs such as twenty one pilots Car Radio complimented that sound, and complimented it well. A very busy song, which benefits from that “all-together” sound.



Conversely, the v2 separates each tone and instrument better. One can clearly hear Josh’s cymbal taps, and snare punches. Tyler’s vocals are clearly defined. A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s, Love Struck Baby, sung by Robert Cray defines that separation nicely. His vocals are very forward anyway, almost punching through your ears, but I do believe the Sound Engineer got this one right, toning it back a bit so that the support instrumentation could be heard. Much more cleanly, than the Hidizs, in my opinion. Don’t get me too wrong, though. The AP-60 has its merits, but is overshadowed by the AGPTEK’s detail, separation and instrumentation in my mind.

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AGPTEK Rocker v2 ($89) v Shanling M1 ($149)



Almost an unfair fight, this is…but one in which I thought valid. Valid, because one should evaluate not only the level at which you are looking, but what one-step (or a couple) up might be like. Kind of like going car shopping… You look at the Toyota Corolla, but also might take a Camry out for a test drive just to make sure you get the one you want. The AGPTEK would be the base Corolla, and the M1 a midline Camry. Nothing wrong with either vehicle, just different classes and tastes.



I will admit up front, that the Shanling house sound has me. I am enveloped by it. I almost dream of it, when listening to other DAP’s. I judge by it. I like others, too but it is that Shanling house sound by which I judge all comers. And the M1 is better. Unabashedly better. Better detail, better sound stage, better separation. But, not a complete smashing, though. As quirky (again, Blackberry quirky) as the v2’s UI is, in some ways it is easier to operate. While I like the Shanling signature wheel operation, it can be quite cumbersome to operate on the go. This is where the AGPTEK manipulates better. But, as I said I mainly listen in shuffle mode, so this is a draw.



Where the Rocker v2 is brighter of signature, the M1 is more “mature.” The M1 is also more detailed, with better bass punch, and vocal representation. With less treble roll off, the M1 also does a better job up top. Mids, in conjunction with the vocals is simply superb for this price level.


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What I found with the Rocker v2 was a versatile affordable DAP, with a few quirks. One that was and is not afraid to come along for the ride, and as such the v2 is worth a look. A small portable DAP, which while inexpensive, sounds like a good upgrade to your Smartphone music. Using the IEM/buds/headphone of your choice, you could surely find a satisfactory sound signature. Using the EQ you could then tailor the sound to your personal preference, and be content.



Finale:



The Rocker received mixed reviews on Amazon, as I read; but an underlying theme was present in most reviews…that this was a very good priced DAP, which functioned well and had enough pleasing sound characteristics to offset any flaws those reviewers saw/heard/felt. I would agree, but I would go one step further; this is not only a very good replacement for your Smartphone music, but a good first step into the world of DAP’s. Competing with the Hidizs AP-60, the two present their versions of what a lower-priced DAP should be; but for the same price. One has a backlit button area, good UI which is fairly easy to manipulate and the possibility to be used OTG or as a stand alone DAC (Hidizs). The other has better sound characteristics (to me), slightly more power and a MUCH better screen-viewing-angle (AGPTEK). While the actual screen quality of the AP-60 is better than the Rocker v2, you can only view it head-on. Otherwise, it becomes like those old original digital TV’s, where viewing angle was an actual thought in your purchase. Personally, I would take a variety of viewing angles to a “better quality” screen all day long. Especially since portability is an advertised aspect of both…

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Much of the criticism of the Rocker was aimed at the internal ability to read music, low battery life and not crash. From my readings, a larger libraried micro-SD card would bog down, or crash the device. I’m happy to say that this concern has been addressed. I had no problem loading my 8000-song card, although it did take a bit of time (which is to be expected at many levels…). The Rocker v2 functioned flawlessly, and with nary a hiccup. Lately though, it has taken a bit sometimes to push the center wheel to either start/select/pause whatever you are doing. Longevity of the device may come into play in that regard. If I should develop a problem, I will update as needed. But as I said, I had and continue to have no problems with this fine, affordable little device….and isn’t that one of the main things we ask of our devices? That they function so that we can enjoy our music? It is certainly one of my main priorities and AGPTEK has succeeded. Give it a listen, it is worth it.

My video review will be up tomorrow.

I thank AGPTEK for the wonderful opportunity they presented to me. This is a nice affordable first DAP, or replacement to Smartphone music. Well done!

laevi

100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Solid build, expandable storage, FLAC support, Unicode support, fast charge, easy navigation
Cons: Minor quirks in the interface, poor quality LCD display, mediocre audio quality
Disclosure: I received a free AGPTek Rocker audio player at the DC area Head-Fi meet.
 
I used my Koss KSC-75 ear clip headphones to review this audio player. I compared it against the audio output of my Samsung Galaxy S7 audio output using USB Audio Player Pro and my venerable Sony Walkman NWZ-S736F audio player. I used FLAC files for my S7 and the AGPTek Rocker that were ripped from CD. My Sony doesn't support FLAC, so 320kbps CBR MP3 files were used instead. No equalization was used during the review. I only had a free 8GB microSD card on hand, so I wasn't able to test the Rocker with a large library of songs.
 
PRO's of the AGPTek Rocker:
-very solid block of metal
-buttons provide good tactile response
-user interface is adequately responsive
-easy song navigation by artists, albums, genres, folders, etc
-10 band equalizer
-supports album art
-supports Unicode in the metadata tags
 
CON's:
-high noise floor, resulting in grainy/coarse audio quality, especially in female vocals and lack of background blackness.
-difficult to hear into the recording because audio sounded congested or unclear
-only volume buttons function after screen turns off. To turn on screen while music is playing, you need to press the power button. As a result, you cannot pause, rewind, fast forward, skip next/previous after screen has shut off.
-if the player is inactive (not playing music), the player will enter standby mode. Resume from standby mode IS NOT instantaneous. This is very inconvenient.
-English language in the user manual and user interface lack the polish required for mass distribution in the US.
-LCD resolution is disappointingly low, leading to grainy album art. LCD color is also washed out. Text displaying song information while playing is obviously blurry due to low resolution.
 
I did not test the Bluetooth function of the AGPTek Rocker. Hopefully, RockBox will come to the Rocker with full source-code available. I feel uncomfortable syncing unfamiliar foreign devices to my car or mobile devices for fear of malware/spyware.
 
If I had to rank the audio quality of the devices used in this review, it would be:
Sony Walkman = Samsung S7 > AGPTek Rocker
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hqssui
Thanks for the review.

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