[jwbrent]

OK, I’m bored, so I thought I’d create this thread to read everybody's view on what they feel is the most beautiful DAP ever made.

My vote is the AK240 Stainless Steel. This model was released in March of 2015 as a limited edition for $3,000. I bought mine that April, and I love the design, the sculptured chassis, and small size relative to most high end DAPs available today. Of course, the tech inside is dated, but it still sounds very good to me, a highly detailed sound with exceptional purity.

To my knowledge, this was the very first stainless steel chassis design ever made. Besides the chassis difference between the original AK240 and SS, the back used glass instead of plastic, and with better grounding inside, the SS is dead quiet which contributes to its superlative sound.

 

[Randy Myers]

I love my AK240! It works great with my Abyss Diana Phi's!

 

[musicday]

Lotoo Paw Gold Touch is the most beautiful , industrial design portable music player with a screen in my opinion.

 

[jwbrent]

Please post a picture of your favorites so those unfamiliar know what it looks like.

 

[musicday]

 

[jwbrent]

Surely, there must be more opinions ...

 

[dhc0329]

Hands down the best sounding dap among the smaller players. Simplistic design for ultimate portability.

 

[PopZeus]

I love Shanling’s industrial design. The wheel can be finicky but the build quality and design is otherwise excellent, aiming higher than the price tier usually does. Comfortable in hand and in the pocket. Screw-less construction. Curved glass body. None of the odd shapes that you so often see with the higher tier DAPSs.

 

[Doug2507]

I think my vote goes to the new n3 Pro! Think it looks the business for a 400 quid dap!

 

[ayres]

easy... no pic needed, the original iPod.

 

[jwbrent]

Thanks, guys, for your mentions, hopefully others will chime in with their favorites. Pictures are highly welcomed!

 

[gazzington]

Lotoo paw gold touch

 

[originalsnuffy]

This picture of the Cayin N5II is borrowed from an eBay listing. Its a nice clean design at a modest price. Kind of the original idea for the Volkswagen.

 

[smallcaps]

 

[Nostoi]

They're all vaguely dull and uninspiring to be honest, no matter the budget or the sound quality. I certainly don't admire any aesthetically as I do my Panasonic Walkman from 1991, granted nostalgia might be a bias.