Best value DAP for SQ no bling just pure sound

[Vruksha]

Hey guys, looking for a DAP that can play music at its best. Looking for a brand that puts all the money on r&d to get the best SQ and that's all, not the fastest streaming, fastest UI, smooth touch screen, bluetooth, wifi and all that stuff. I don't care about any of that. I just want a simple player that can deliver the best sound quality. Doesn't matter if it's old model, physical buttons, industrial design. I am just here for the sound, also it will be a plus to have good battery life.
I am hoping some of you guys can help me out suggesting few or even one. Thank you for your time.

 

[originalsnuffy]

The HiBy R5 goes on sale all the time for $300 or so. For what it offers I think its a bargain.

 

[Vruksha]

The HiBy R5 goes on sale all the time for $300 or so. For what it offers I think its a bargain.

Thank you for the suggestion but I am strictly looking for an non android/ non streaming music player which is purely dedicated to give the best sound. I have an R3pro, thers not much difference sonically just that R5 gives more power. But yes for $300 it's a steal!

 

[quimbo]

Thank you for the suggestion but I am strictly looking for an non android/ non streaming music player which is purely dedicated to give the best sound. I have an R3pro, thers not much difference sonically just that R5 gives more power. But yes for $300 it's a steal!

I just picked up a cowan Plenue mk ii when they were on sale. Just plays music. 256 gb internal, supports 1 256 external. Just plays music. Jet effects are an added bonus. Replaced an Fiio X7 which has been relegated to my yard work DAP.

 

[Vruksha]

I just picked up a cowan Plenue mk ii when they were on sale. Just plays music. 256 gb internal, supports 1 256 external. Just plays music. Jet effects are an added bonus. Replaced an Fiio X7 which has been relegated to my yard work DAP.

Lucky you. I missed out on that sale by few seconds. Regret not jumping in right away. How do they sound?

 

[quimbo]

Lucky you. I missed out on that sale by few seconds. Regret not jumping in right away. How do they sound?

Better every day. 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm out, Optical out, right size, simple to navigate

I go to the office one day a week and use this now with my Schiit stack via optical. That replaced an external drive via laptop to Schiit Stack

the volume has 140 adjustments. lots of simple to make sound adjustments options, fun to explore , sound is very clear at the lowest volumes, been falling asleep with them every night.

Can update both the internal and external chips directly from my computer,

 

[Vruksha]

Better every day. 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm out, Optical out, right size, simple to navigate

I go to the office one day a week and use this now with my Schiit stack via optical. That replaced an external drive via laptop to Schiit Stack

the volume has 140 adjustments. lots of simple to make sound adjustments options, fun to explore , sound is very clear at the lowest volumes, been falling asleep with them every night.

Can update both the internal and external chips directly from my computer,

Great! Is the sound more warm and smooth or bright and detailed?

 

[quimbo]

Great! Is the sound more warm and smooth or bright and detailed?

so hard to tell, 62 year old ears, listening to mostl

Great! Is the sound more warm and smooth or bright and detailed?

I don't analyze sound like that but i would have to say warm and smooth, using IEMs (Westone B50) that are light on the treble side, i listen to a lot of live music so sometimes a frequency is lacking, thats where the Jet Effects come in, i have 4 presets in addition to all the built in settings

 

[marku1350]

I have a Astell&Kern AK120ii used for sale. Killer sq in my opinion... And its cheap now

 

[Vruksha]

I have a Astell&Kern AK120ii used for sale. Killer sq in my opinion... And its cheap now

I dont stream, so would prefer something with more storage space but none the less AK120ii looks really good.

 

[alterndog]

I missed out on the P Mkii sale, but got the original P2. I use it with my Futuresonic G10, Hifiman RE-262, and RHA T20i. I love the sound using iems, but it couldn’t drive my HD6XX near as well as my desktop setup so be aware if you want to use hard to power headphones. All my headphones are SE so not sure if the balance out is better, but considering it has the same output as the SE I doubt it. It’s simple interface is great and the preset Jeteffects are awesome. It has a solid build too.

 

[maira]

For me it´s still the PONO Player.... BAL out is just great.

 

[quimbo]

From the Deals Thread

AK SR15 $349 at B&H Deal on until Oct 27 Midnight Eastern.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...3pps117c_cmgmn1_a_norma_sr15_player_dark.html

 

[snapandslide]

The Dethonray Dtr1 is high up on my list for pure DAP. That looks fab, though a bit more expensive than some of the suggestions.

 

[WilcoRoger]

Look at the Sony WM-A50 - sub-150 price. No streaming, no android, very good size, long battery life and a great hacked firmware available on head-fi, bringing it close to the DMP-1Z SQ levels.