DAP with best headphone out?

[n0ah]

i'm sure this has been widely discussed but are there at least a few clear undisputed standouts? not sure which cans they'll be paired with yet. leaning towards esw9's. definitely fullsized/closed. price is not a concern though no imods, won't be using it nearly enough to justify one. no other requirements.

 

[penartur]

I believe that best are kenwood's hdd players (except for their hiss), until you will look at portable recorders (Kenwood MGR-A1, Korg MR1 etc).

 

[Philski]

I'll be impressed if you manage to find a Kenwood hdd, to be honest.

For more readily available products, I would suggest Cowon. I have their Q5W, but it's only borderline portable (about the size and weight of a brick) - but it does have stellar sound quality. I would say that the S9 is likely to be better still, as they have the newer version of the BBE/JetEffect sound settings, although I haven't yet had the pleasure of listening to one.

 

[n0ah]

i guess i should mention the smaller the better otherwise i'd just carry an amp. the cowon g9 looks nice but not interested in video or a big touchscreen. anything else out there?

 

[ericj]

The old Rio Karma has a pretty devoted following. 55mw/channel output, too.

 

[nsx_23]

iRiver H320? Refurb units are available for cheap atm as well.

 

[Barry]

Refurb 320? Can you tell us where?

 

[Punnisher]

WeeklyCloseOuts.com

There is a thread about it on the portable front page.

 

[The_X]

I'd have to agree with Cowon. I've owned both the X5 and A2 and both were excellent, better than the H120.

 

[shigzeo]

not sure what basis this is grounded on. most players have similar quality of outputs with small differences. the kenwood are decent but the thing that most people probably found to be great about them was the high level of THD - which adds a pleasing softer sound.

the cowon have low thd on most of their newer players but the old x5 has a lot - also making it a contender for a nice softer sound. however, if we are talking just what a hpo can do: neither the kenwood nor the cowon can actually power headphones very well: they have pretty severe bass roll off just like most players out there.

if you mean pleasing sound: that is up to the listener. others will prefer sony, creative, apple, rio, etc. that much is completely subjective. if you want just to know that a headphone out's quality is like: you look at graphs and do hardware tests. if you want to know its sound 'quality' as in what sort of sound it has or in other words, sound character, then this thread makes a bit more sense.

 

[VoLTaG3]

The newer Zune's have a very superb headphone out. Crystal clear sound with outstanding detail.

 

[n0ah]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shigzeo /img/forum/go_quote.gif not sure what basis this is grounded on. most players have similar quality of outputs with small differences. the kenwood are decent but the thing that most people probably found to be great about them was the high level of THD - which adds a pleasing softer sound. the cowon have low thd on most of their newer players but the old x5 has a lot - also making it a contender for a nice softer sound. however, if we are talking just what a hpo can do: neither the kenwood nor the cowon can actually power headphones very well: they have pretty severe bass roll off just like most players out there. if you mean pleasing sound: that is up to the listener. others will prefer sony, creative, apple, rio, etc. that much is completely subjective. if you want just to know that a headphone out's quality is like: you look at graphs and do hardware tests. if you want to know its sound 'quality' as in what sort of sound it has or in other words, sound character, then this thread makes a bit more sense.

i wasn't aware every dap had their own "signature sound", i'm just looking for something with a well regarded "clean sound" without the need for additional pocketware. i've got a cheapo sansa clip right now. headphone out is much cleaner than that of an old lenovo 3000 i have in that there's no noticeable background noise when music's off. i realize i'm comparing laptops to mp3 players but that's my definition of difference from unit to unit. the sansa is also pretty underpowered as i can go volume all the way up at 100% on some ksc75s and could still use just a little more.

voltag3: zunes are nice but again i'm looking for something strictly mp3 based and preferably compact.

 

[Papa Sun]

If you're looking for a DAP with a powerful headphone amp, nice enough sound quality, that won't cost you an arm and a leg, then I'm +1 on the Rio Karma. Considering the price/size/portability/sound/fun ratio, it's right up there. The sound quality is totally adequate for an enjoyable experience, many find it very pleasing, and the headphone amp sure packs some punch.

IMHO, if you want better sound quality and more power than that (without an amp), you need a considerably more expensive player (aforementioned Kenwoods, etc.), and, to be honest, the not-really-breathtaking increase in SQ might not justify the rather more hefty price tag.

 

[n0ah]

ebay my only option on the karma? would like to grab one new considering how old the unit is.

and damn ugly, aren't they? rio, you've done it again.