L&P W2 Impressions
The L&P W2 has been all the rage lately, with many claiming it to be superior to $1000 DAPs.
Usually I dismiss claims like this outright because of a simple reason: L&P themselves make $1000+ DAPs. Why would they jeopardize the sale of their own high-end models? That makes zero sense, and most of the claimed "superiority" is often just over-excitement.
Nonetheless, a bit about the dongle itself. It's not as large as I thought it would be. Larger than the likes of Questyle M12, but the weight is light enough. Also I liked the Carbon fiber pattern on the back. The buttons had good feedback. The OLED display is helpful in selecting EQ/Filter/Gain modes. All in all, UI navigation is simple and the feel in hand is good, though I wouldn't think it's a $300 dongle just by the build.
So, there comes the sound, and I have to say it does kind of render most DAPs under $500... pointless. Yes, the hype is partially true. If you're someone who uses their smartphone a lot and don't want to carry a separate device/isn't worried about battery life: the W2 is your best bet at a dongle that dethrones a number of DAPs along its way.
It sounds better than the following DAPs (to my ears): Hiby R6 Pro Saber, Fiio M11/M11 Pro, Shanling M6, Cowon Plenue D2, Sony ZX507, Cayin N3Pro....
Questyle QP1R has a sound on "similar" level but falls behind in terms of usability. Dethonray DTR-1 is a bit more dynamic but again: basic UI. Cowon Plenue R2, at ~$600, is one of those DAPs that has better microdynamics and resolves similarly. It does cost twice as much as the L&P W2 so there's that (it also has a good display and great battery life, so you're kinda paying for those extra stuff too).
In the end, if you're after sound quality alone, the L&P W2 delivers on that front. Claims that this powers planars well are, well, unfounded (to me). Maybe some of the efficient designs, but it won't drive the Hifiman Arya well, for example. Something like A&K Kann Alpha will do that job much better. Similarly, HD600/650 and such high impedance dynamic drivers that require high voltage swing to perform their best will sound lacking.
It also sounded noticeably soft and lacking in details vs my own Lotoo PAW 6000, and the iBasso DX300 had a similar but more refined signature (on the default amp card).
TL;DR: the best dongle I've tried thus far and it indeed sounds better than most DAPs under $500. Won't replace your TOTL DAP though and is far from a powerhouse.
Note: directly A/Bed against LP6K, A&K SE200, iBasso DX300, Questyle M12, Hidizs AP80Pro, Sony NW-A55. IEMs used: Campfire Audio Solaris 2020, ThieAudio Monarch, Shozy Pola39, Dunu Zen.
