[Deferenz]

Excellent work. Thanks for the update.

 

[efftee]

Just took a closer look at the high-end chart. Let me just say AGAIN -- great work! Some points, if you care to use:
1. The Hifiman HM1000 and its variants (Red, Silver & Gold) are missing. These are the next-gen DAPS from the R2R2000 and use the PCM1702 (Red 2x) and PCM1904K (Silver x 2; Gold x4) DAC chips.
2. The Luxury & Precision LP6 variants uses the Analog Devices AD5790 chip. Gold (x2), 6Ti - 199 Ltd Ed (x4), while the 6Ti 7th Anniversary Edition - 99 Ltd Ed (4x), with the special Echizen varnish, also has an improved amp with more power.

 

[romekbono]

Sp3k is coming

 

[SGarfinkle]

Hugely helpful charts! For what it's worth, the iBasso DX240 is now updated to Android 11, and the iBasso DX170, Shanling M3 Ultra and M6 Ultra are significant additions.

 

[AmericanSpirit]

Thank you for waiting.
The latest "Hi-Res Portable Digital Audio Players(DAPs) comparison chart 2022" is available now.

Since the 2021 version below, thank you for many suggestions and contributions!
Although it still does not include all of the requests in that thread, I'll update continuously as possible.

Hi-Res Portable DAPs comparison chart 2022 (Updated May 20, 2022)​

• The models listed on this chart are based on the Japanese market (I'm Japanese) and some of the Global markets, sorted by order of USD price.
• The chart is divided into 4 pics by restrictions of the layout and roughly by price ranges.
• If you noticed incorrect description, value, or missing pieces of information you know, please mention it. Of course, your requests are welcome.
• Although in recent years, some large-sized "Trans-portable" or "Carryable" Players have appeared, they are not included for their size and category classification are uncertain.
• I'll update this article and the charts continuously till the end of 2022.

The first version was published as my blog entry (in Japanese) on Jan 8, 2022

In this blog entry, I discussed the market trend from my point of view. And moreover, it includes a "price to release date mapped graph" and 10K HD versions link.

1. Entry to Mid-range​

2. Mid-range to Premium class​

3. Premium to High-end class​

4. High-end class​

Last updated: May 20, 2022

10K HD version​

If you want more high-resolution PNG images, please visit the Dropbox folder link below.

• https://bit.ly/DAP2022H1

I hope you enjoy it and help you to choose your next DAP.

FYI:
Audio & Tech blog (in Japanese): "Azalush5" https://azalush5.hatenablog.com/
Twitter: @align_centre (mostly in Japanese, the latest update will be posted on Twitter)

One of most resourceful informative cross comparisons! Thanks for sharing!

This saves 100s of hours rather than salvaging wall-o-texts and flowery marketing words which basically tells “this sounds good, buy it now”.

 

[DynamicEars]

Just read this @alignJP you're amazing! Thank you for your time and effort. One of the best contribution here for our community!

 

[doctorjuggles]

Just read this @alignJP you're amazing! Thank you for your time and effort. One of the best contribution here for our community!

Agreed - this is stellar work @alignJP. A great resource.

 

[lordearl]

What new DAPs are we all expecting/anticipating in 2023?

 

[rush1]

Well, for me this one is what I am watching closely:
https://www.sony-asia.com/walkman/products/nw-zx707

 

[alignJP]

UPDATE !!

I finally updated to the 2022-12-31 version in March 2023!
Sorry for the very late update.

Prease refer Page 1.

This version is for 2022, so models released after January 2023, such as the Sony NW-ZX707 and NW-A300, are not listed.
Thank you for all the support and requests!

For the 2023 edition, the number of models has increased so much that I have to make major changes to the layout and have to remove the older models.
But some older models may also be current models, depending on the manufacturer, and this will be a distressing choice.

 

[flash2victory]

Thank you for the list! Very informative

What does everyone think of the mid-premium line up? Looking for something around that price range (pref the mid-range side)

 

[kjason427]

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing.

 

[yeowyap]

Any updates for DAP for 2023 chart? Thanks.

 

[alignJP]

Any updates for DAP for 2023 chart? Thanks.

At now, there are 2023 pre-released versions on my Twitter.
https://twitter.com/align_centre/status/1662702721802330112?s=20

In this chart, some issues are included and will be fixed soon. Stay tuned.

 

[SGarfinkle]

At now, there are 2023 pre-released versions on my Twitter.
https://twitter.com/align_centre/status/1662702721802330112?s=20

In this chart, some issues are included and will be fixed soon. Stay tuned.

Thank you for the preview! For what it's worth, I noticed the omission of the Shanling M6 Ultra (as far as I can tell).