Best sound quality in an unmodified, stand-alone DAP?

[Surfrider]

The forums contain many end-user reviews of various DAPs, but many (most) of the reviews pair the units with various amps, signal processors, and et cetera. This leads my newbie mind to wonder: of all the DAPs available today (both currently-produced models like the iPod and Zune, and discontinued units such as the iRiver IHP-1* series), which unit provides the best overall sound quality when unaided by internal modifications (a la Red Wine), or external components (amplifiers, DACs, and so forth)?

Of course I do realize that the question is somewhat complex as, for example, the onboard amp of most DAPs is unable to drive some of the more power-hungry but better-sounding cans. But overall (and with all other non-SQ considerations aside), for YOUR buck, what unit is the on-the-go audiophile's best choice for high-quality sound reproduction?

-Surfrider

 

[Surfrider]

Further searching revealed a thread similar to this one that, apparently, I missed the first time around. Sorry; my bad.

 

[Quaddy]

sony nw-hd5 gives a nice warm full silky sound

great SQ - one of the best in stock daps.

 

[frozncore]

The Kenwood Kegs.

 

[mwallace573]

If software modifications such as Rockbox are allowed then I'll throw a vote in for the iAudio X5. Gapless playback plus great SQ and a good equalizer (which I never use). Heck, it even has Sudoku.

 

[shigzeo]

you will never get a straight answer about sq - it is impossible to judge. we all have different approaches for judging sq

 

[Seufari]

my vote goes to Rio Karma... All the Equalizer you could possibly want...

 

[sigsegv0x0B]

Out of the box I would vote:

Most Sony DAPs (I have NW-A1000 and NWZ-S616F) Both sound amazing
Sansa Express
Sansa Clip

These players all sound very good. If you are making a choice make sure to at least audition the super cheap Sansa Clip before shelling out $$$ for a much more expensive player.

 

[fatman711]

either kenwood hd30gb9 or the 60gb version hands down.

 

[kaushama]

If you are into flashing the player with ROCKBOX, either iRiver H140, if you can find one, or iAudio X5 are very good players. But I think the best portable player is new KENWOOD MEDIAPEG 60 GB EC version!

 

[Lil' Knight]

Sony HD5 for warmth ; Cowon D2 for cold ; Kenwood for best sound, most money

 

[sigsegv0x0B]

Does anyone have a loaded RMAA test for a Kenwood? It would be interesting to see if the claimed good sound of kenwood due to EQ/DSP or excellent analog audio pipeline?

 

[aluren]

i would love to see that also...

 

[DJ Mauler]

H320/40

 

[abitdeef]

Yes please! I would also love to see RMMA results for a kenwood, also iaudio 7 and cowon D2 results would be most appriciated.