nonc
New Head-Fier
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- Sep 14, 2013
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Hi guys, I am looking for new portable music player. Which one is better in term of sound quality?
Nothing at $300 is going to be 'much' better than the Studio. Bias is showing.
How do you know? I mean, that counter bias (which I like BTW) should have its limits. never say never kind of philosophy is a good one in this case...
I own both Studio V (non 3rd anv) and DX50.
They're rather different beasts especially where tonality is concerned, The Studio V leans a touch cooler in tonality exhibiting more aggressive detail extension. it's in your face and kind of thrown at you the way Studio V expresses detail, where as DX50 you'll really be required to pump the amp section (volume) to gain similar (but still below imo) overall detail. Studio is also highly transparent which allows you to almost see through the music and pick out all the layers, some might call it on the thin side of the spectrum. (but very crisp and clean)
Although DX50 is said to be neutral to slightly bright I can still hear a hint of warmth from the DAC beneath the amp section and that's where you'll find an advantage. Where the Studio V to me can sound a touch sterile or raw as I put it you can hear the rhythm and PRaT coming out of the Wolfson DAC on DX50, this makes for a good listening experience, one you can foot tap along with. I can hear good swing to the music and good resolution. On a technical level however I still find Studio V superior, especially in instrument separation and soundstage width and of course the detail we mentioned.
I think DX50 is a good player, has great PRaT and resolution but it's missing something my Studio has, and that's the Hisound house sound, the timbre and technical ability all pushing what makes a " true audiophile DAP" I think DX50 is just sneaking out of mainstream territory. it sounds great to my ears and does enough but when I switch between it's missing that something, that special edge or essence of 'audiophile' the Studio offers where it takes technical areas like transparency and separation to another level.
It was explained clearly enough. You obviously want your DX50 to be better than everything. I also own and personally prefer an AK120 but can understand others preferring a Tera or 901. Big deal. It's hard enough to find musically involving DAPs that can relate an emotional message. At under $500 it's rare and once you do, 'much' better becomes a relative overstatement even if something else is personally preferred.