1) The Sony Walkman 1Z
Came out (in 2016) when many members were experiencing puberty in high school. A lifetime ago (in DAP years).....no streaming, no video? Strange proprietary cable, not even used by Sony anymore! Gets pretty loud but not the most powerful?
Yet even now-a-days it offers a special tone and soul separating itself from the pack. Listenable and fun. Simply taking any digital coldness and adding accessible warmth and detail. Smooth and easy operation along with a giant software base custom tuned by the Walkman Enthusiast Community. How many firmwares do you want? How many different tones and personalities do you want to explore? Did you want bigger soundstage, more treble? Custom fan-made firmware offers a world of different experiences to explore. There is no right or wrong except what you want and what fits with your personal sound signature preferences and IEMs.
A complete aftermarket enthusiast commercial community offering physical capacitor and wiring change outs. Home brew enthusiasts changing capacitors in their bedroom. Companies offering a professional level of aftermarket modifications bringing the Walkman 1Z or 1A to a completely different level.
Firmware DSEE HX, Vinyl playback emulation, direct DSD in 4.4mm balanced. 4.4mm balanced offering a more ergonomic handling of plug insertion. A stronger unbendable plug offering better contact area.
And the list goes on and on.
Cheers!
2) Sony Walkman 1A both stock and modded.
A different tune than the 1Z. Less treble and less bass tone. A complementary experience that can add contrast and character to 1Z ownership. It’s own style of bass and soundstage.
3) FiiO M11
4) Sony ZX300
5) Various Shanling DAPs....models not noted?
6) Also varieties of downline Sony DAPs, models not noted?