[ipaddy]

Yes, we have lots of very high end DAPs, ranging from SP3000, to Cayins, and I won't even mention the huge M17.

But for smaller, if one wants as good as one can get subject to size, what is the current best *small* (although ok if heavy) DAP?

I am thinking maybe the Kann Max? Anyone else have thoughts for other players?

 

[InvisibleInk]

High Quality has no definition. Would you say the Shanling M0 Pro is high quality?

 

[ipaddy]

High Quality has no definition. Would you say the Shanling M0 Pro is high quality?

Absolutely. However, as one goes up the price scale, there is a certain loose correlation between price and quality.

No one will compare the M0 Pro to an SP3000 and say that they are approximately the same. And I am sure that the Kann Max is better than the M0 Pro.

 

[InvisibleInk]

Absolutely. However, as one goes up the price scale, there is a certain loose correlation between price and quality.

No one will compare the M0 Pro to an SP3000 and say that they are approximately the same. And I am sure that the Kann Max is better than the M0 Pro.

Undoubtedly. The M0 Pro is about as small as they come, though. If android is a requirement, then the Shanling M3 Ultra is the smallest and lightest android DAP yet. Could be considered "entry level." No one would say it it can compete in technical prowess with the A&futura SE300. But if size is the primary consideration it will be "good enough."

 

[ipaddy]

Undoubtedly. The M0 Pro is about as small as they come, though. If android is a requirement, then the Shanling M3 Ultra is the smallest and lightest android DAP yet. Could be considered "entry level." No one would say it it can compete in technical prowess with the A&futura SE300. But if size is the primary consideration it will be "good enough."

You are right.

It would be “good enough.”

But let’s say we slide the size/quality pointer towards larger sizes, with say Kann Max as a size limit.

 

[InvisibleInk]

You are right.

It would be “good enough.”

But let’s say we slide the size/quality pointer towards larger sizes, with say Kann Max as a size limit.

The new Shanling M9 Plus. Jeeze, I'm starting to look like a Shanling fanboi... But they do make excellent DAPs, and it's hard to find a more svelte competitor to their offerings in any given price bracket.

 

[nioh]

Honestly all of the pocketable ones like Sony Zx707, Hiby R6 Pro II, FiiO M15s etc. are good.
I would say it is a matter of preference of mainly sound signature (flat, warm, bright etc.) and features.

For Software, I can say Hiby makes one of the best.
DAPs I would avoid (since you said small size) are the flagship ones like SP3000, RS8, DX320, M9 Plus, WM1A. They are all huge and heavy.
"Objects in pictures are bigger than they appear" !

 

[ipaddy]

The new Shanling M9 Plus. Jeeze, I'm starting to look like a Shanling fanboi... But they do make excellent DAPs, and it's hard to find a more svelte competitor to their offerings in any given price bracket.

Ok. I'm not a fanboy, but you think the M9 plus sounds better than the Kann Max?

 

[ipaddy]

Honestly all of the pocketable ones like Sony Zx707, Hiby R6 Pro II, FiiO M15s etc. are good.
I would say it is a matter of preference of mainly sound signature (flat, warm, bright etc.) and features.

For Software, I can say Hiby makes one of the best.
DAPs I would avoid (since you said small size) are the flagship ones like SP3000, RS8, DX320, M9 Plus, WM1A. They are all huge and heavy.
"Objects in pictures are bigger than they appear" !

The 707 is slow as molasses, and much bigger than the Kann Max. The Hiby is much cheaper, probably not as good. And the M15s, all that much better than the original M15?

 

[whitefang]

The 707 is slow as molasses, and much bigger than the Kann Max. The Hiby is much cheaper, probably not as good. And the M15s, all that much better than the original M15?

dimensions in mm:

ZX707: 72.5 x 132.3 x 16.9
KANN Max: 68.3 x 117 x 23.6
R6 Pro: 75.2 x 147.45 x 15
M15s: 80 x 140 x 18.9

ZX707 is the smallest among the four, even if you ignore the depth it is still the second smallest.

 

[ipaddy]

dimensions in mm:

ZX707: 72.5 x 132.3 x 16.9
KANN Max: 68.3 x 117 x 23.6
R6 Pro: 75.2 x 147.45 x 15
M15s: 80 x 140 x 18.9

ZX707 is the smallest among the four, even if you ignore the depth it is still the second smallest.

Looks like the Kann is thicker by 6+ mm, but smaller in the other dimensions.

 

[whitefang]

Looks like the Kann is thicker by 6+ mm, but smaller in the other dimensions.

TBH there isnt much to choose from for the size of KANN Max. Unless you would consider old models like the AK240.
But the UI is even more sluggish than the 707 and has no feature.

 

[ipaddy]

TBH there isnt much to choose from for the size of KANN Max. Unless you would consider old models like the AK240.
But the UI is even more sluggish than the 707 and has no feature.

There’s also the DX170, but I am sure it does not sound anywhere as good as the Kann Max, or even the Hiby R6 gen 3.

 

[Zantazanta]

hifiman r2r2000 portable dap

 

[Tomm11]

Looks like the Kann is thicker by 6+ mm, but smaller in the other dimensions.

That thickness is a big deal if you plan on pocketing it. I have the Alpha. The Max is the same size other than being 1.4mm thinner. That - 1.4mm may help a little bit but It's still a brick in the pocket.