As promised to Michael, I am sharing my thoughts about the Lotoo Paw Gold, with a comparison to the LPGT. Note that I sold the LPGT before I got the LPG, so I am not able to do a side-by-side comparison; hopefully, this is still useful.
LPG in 2020 - A wonderful "trimmed-down" version of the LPGT?
I want to start with my conclusion - the LPG delivers the same level of, if not better, sound quality compared to the LPGT.
Today I have been mainly testing it with female vocals and orchestra and with two IEMs - JVC FW10000 and Sony IER-Z1R. I think most people are familiar with the Z1R. For the FW10000, it is incredibly popular among Asian users and has been regarded as the best pairing with the LPG, with the strength in classical music and in particular with orchestras. Both of them work great with the LPG. Since I used to own the LP6K, I can definitely say that the LPG better drives both IEMs compared to the LP6K and almost to their full potentials.
So, how does the LPG different from the LPGT? Viewing from the angle of 2020 and considering the fact that the price of a used LPG has dropped significantly, I think it can be considered as a "trimmed-down" version of the LPGT, not in terms of music quality but in terms of usability/functionality. Specifically, the LPG:
- Only has 3.5 mm output;
- Lacks the touch screen and beautiful album cover display;
- Cannot be used as a USB DAC/Bluetooth DAC;
- The way it operates reminds me of the MP3 in early 2000s...
However, there is something incredibly appealing about it, even in 2020:
- The sound quality is TOTL.
- Its small form factors. This is in fact my favorite part - It is about half the size and weight compared to the LPGT, making it truly portable. I have attached two pictures using the same iPhone as the size comparison benchmark.
When we put the three products of LP6K, LPG, and LPGT together, I am coming to this conclusion about their product line in 2020.
- LPG - offers the sound quality of LPGT in a small form factor; its interface and useability, however, are somewhat outdated.
- LP6k - excellent overall usability; has all the "modern" features of a top DAP. Its sound quality, however, is not as impressive as the LPG or the LPGT.
- LPGT - best of both worlds: sound quality and usability. Its only possible weakness, in my mind, is the lack of streaming services, which is in principle solvable by using its USB DAC function.