[Elegiac]

Is there any point in upgrading the Cowon, though, do you think?

Well, yeah. Much as I loathe the consumer cycle, within reason, things do improve over time. And it's been a long time since 2010. Any of the options you were looking at will definitely sound better than the J3. Just be careful not to end up paying extra for features and connectivity you don't need.

 

[leo5111]

if you like the Cowon sound get a Plenue 2 or if you dont mind used a Plenue S

 

[b000merang]

Even though the thread is a bit dusty, I have to add one DAP: QLS QA361, operated with WAV-only firmware. Great masterpiece of technology with a focus on pure sound quality. For some reason it fly under the radar in most western audio discussion boards. On eastern boards (e.g. player.ru) it is well known and a prestigious gadget.
On head-fi only a small impression thread ...
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/qls-qa361-impression-thread.866536/