Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
No Result
View All Result

Best DAPs 2020

Hi-Res, Audiophile, Budget, Portable

by John
December 1, 2020
in Best Of
Home Best Of

Our pick of the 10 best digital audio players for all budgets and uses

We know how important it is to find the right player; whether it is for your mp3 collection, hi-res music or streaming apps such as Tidal or Spotify.

Whether you call them DAPs, players, music players, portable players, mp3 players or anything else, this is the post for you. We’ve gathered our picks for the best digital audio players that you can buy!

Best DAP under £100

1. Shanling M0 – £99

If you fancy getting better sound on the move, but don’t want to add a large device to your setup – the Shanling M0 could be just what you’re looking for. This tiny player delivers top quality Hi-Res audio and can be used in two different ways. The SD card slot allows you to store your own library of tunes, from mp3 to DSD – it can handle it all. The M0 can also act as a Bluetooth amp and DAC for your headphones. So, if you prefer using Spotify or Tidal on your phone, then wirelessly connect to the M0 to boost the audio quality while using an interface you are comfortable with.

2. Shanling UP4 – £99

Stepping up the game, Shanling UP4 builds on its acclaimed predecessor Bluetooth headphone amp UP2 with balanced output for better sound and more power. All the features of UP2 have been retained and improved upon in the UP4 extracting the best possible sound and listening experience from your pocket. Powerful, wireless high-resolution audio that supports all major codecs in a fully portable design.

Best DAP under £200

3. Shanling Q1 – £119

Shanling Q1 packs abundant audio performance into pocket-sized magnitude with this newest addition to their portable audio player range. Compelling features of the Q1 include aptX Bluetooth, lossless file playback and headphone amplifier and DAC functionality. Shanling Q1 is a highly advanced digital audio player with a multitude of features to make portable listening in high-fidelity effortless.

4. Shanling M2X – £199.99

Shanling’s impressive M2x is our choice for under £200. The impressive build quality and easy to use software makes the M2x an enjoyable experience. Sound quality is well balanced and clean, with superb detail retrieval. Then the addition of Tidal streaming via the app, opens up the listening possibilities.

Best DAP under £500

5. FiiO X5 3rd Gen – £287.93

Once again FiiO have taken the hailed X5 to the drawing board and upgraded key elements and design features to create the X5 3rd Gen digital audio player. Now equipped with two top-tier DAC chips, one for each channel. Part of a new generation of high-quality 32-bit DACs, they are able to supports all PCM and DSD audio formats with stunning accuracy and detail.

6. iBasso DX150 – £499

New realms of high-resolution portable listening are within reach with the iBasso Audio DX150 digital audio player. Armed with advanced dual USB chipset and driver, the DX150 audio player is a talented device that can act as a stand-alone high-performance USB DAC. Running on Android OS optimised for audio, the DX150 avoids the usual sample rate limitation and allows for installation of third-party applications.

7. Shanling M6 – £499

Shanling has long flexed its muscles in the portable audio player scene, and M6, the latest digital audio player offering takes its place at the top of Shanling’s Hi-Res audio player line-up. M6 is the first Shanling audio player to run Android OS and is armed with Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Wireless Audio certification taking your audio to the next level.

Best DAP under £1000

8. Astell & Kern A&norma SR15 – £599

A&norma sets the standard of Hi-Fi audio for novice listeners. The SR15, the first model of A&norma, is the beginning point of the Hi-Fi Audio experience that allows you to enjoy the philosophy and technologies of Astell&Kern, which is accoladed by audiophiles around the world. The A&norma SR15 uses two audio DAC chips for a Dual-DAC setup. These chips are known for their use in Home Hi-Fi systems which offer greater presence compared to the inferior DAC chips designed for mobile devices.

9. Shanling M6 Pro – £749

A step up from the successful M6 digital audio player, Shanling introduces the upgraded M6 Pro with improved design and audio elements. This new version has more power, more connections and more sleek design. Armed with Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Wireless Audio certification the M6 Pro audio player takes its place at the top of Shanling’s Hi-Res audio player line-up.

Best DAP over £1000

10. Astell & Kern KANN Cube – £1499

KANN CUBE is the second model of the KANN line, which focuses on high fidelity with powerful output and low noise. The newly designed powerful amplifier and audio circuitry have been strategically implemented to offer a very low noise floor, even with its massive power output, making it an Audio Powerhouse capable of driving the most power-hungry headphones.

Tags: A&Kbest dapdaphifiheadphonesportable playershanling
Previous Post

Best Speakers 2020: Bookshelf, Wireless, Active, HiFi, Audiophile

Next Post

Etymotic ER2XR Review

Related Posts

Top 5 sub £100 Portable Audio Devices
Best Of

Top 5 sub £100 Portable Audio Devices

by Oscar
May 10, 2022
HiFiHeadphones Best Buy list
Best Of

HiFiHeadphones Best Buy list

by Oscar
May 10, 2022
Christmas 2020 Gift Guide
Best Of

Best Headphones for Gaming 2021

by Oscar
December 24, 2020
Next Post
ER2XR

Etymotic ER2XR Review

Headphone Buying Guide – How to choose the right headphones

Headphone Buying Guide - How to choose the right headphones

Atom Stack

JDS Labs Atom DAC / Atom Amp Stack Review

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Featured Article

Our Recommendations

Recent Posts

  • Cleer Audio Release Arc True Wireless Earbuds
  • Westone MACH Series Release
  • JDS Labs Brand Story
  • JDS Labs Element III Video Review
  • Campfire Audio Release Supermoon Planar CIEM

Latest YouTube Videos

We often show off high end equipment, but here are our top 5 sub £100 bargains!

Blog Article: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/top-5-portable-audio-devices-for-under-100/

Periodic Audio Rhodium - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/collections/amps-dacs/products/periodic-audio-rhodium-portable-hi-res-usb-c-dac-headphone-amplifier

Final E500 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-e500-in-ear-isolating-earphones

SoundMAGIC E11c - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-e500-in-ear-isolating-earphones

Lypertek SoundFree S20 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/lypertek-soundfree-s20-true-wireless-in-ear-isolating-earphones-black

SoundMAGIC P23BT - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/soundmagic-p23bt-portable-wireless-headphones-black

0:00 - Intro
0:19 - Periodic Audio Rhodium
0:48 - Final E500
1:15 - SoundMAGIC E11c
1:41 - Lypertek SoundFree S20
2:08 - SoundMAGIC P23BT
2:33 - Conclusion

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
Top 5 Budget Headphone Audio Deals
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLklFSEUtUEh3aGFV
This little DAC/Amp is such an easy product to recommend, you get a crisp and clean sound for under £50 - what's not to love? 

Watch the video to find out why we love the Rhodium so much.

Buy Now: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/periodic-audio-rhodium-portable-hi-res-usb-c-dac-headphone-amplifier

0:00 - Intro
0:32 - Design and Features
1:52 - Technical features
2:08 - Sound Quality
3:06 - Conclusion

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
Periodic Audio Rhodium USB-C Dongle DAC/Amp Review
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLlhJWHJhMmlzZW5Z
JDS Labs decided to skip the Element II+ and designed the Element III from the ground up - around a different DAC Chip. They have added a digital volume attenuator along with optical input, and decided to implement changes that make an audible difference instead of chasing specs.

Buy here: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-element-iii-headphone-amplifier-usb-dac-copper-ring-uk-plug

Full blog review: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/jds-labs-element-iii-review/

JDS Labs Blog: https://blog.jdslabs.com/2022/01/jds-labs-element-iii-official-release-benchmarks/

0:00 - Intro
0:20 - development of Element III
0:51 - Design / Features
3:19 - Sound
5:06 - Conclusion

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
JDS Labs Element III DAC/Amp Review
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLjlXSVBfNUZiQkEw

Interested in a product?

If you have questions about a product please contact us directly through our contact form

Contact our Experts

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

  • Check out our top picks for under £100 over on our YouTube channel!

https://youtu.be/IEHE-PHwhaU

#final #soundmagic #periodicaudio #lypertek
  • Looking to upgrade your portable listening rig on a budget? You cannot go wrong with the @periodicaudio Rhodium - for under £50 you get a clean and crisp USB-C DAC/Amp!

#periodicaudio #periodicaudiorhodium #periodicrhodium #rhodiumdacamp #audiophile #hifiheadphones #headphones #portableaudio #earphones #budgetaudio #dacamp #portabledacamp
  • @westoneaudio have just released a new range of earphones - the MACH series - ideal for professionals and audiophiles alike!

#westone #westoneaudio #westonemachseries #earphones #headphones #hifiheadphones #headfi #proaudio #audiophile #highend #highendaudio #inears #iems #musician #stagemonitoring
  • We still have a limited number of @campfireaudio Sabers in stock -  limited to 1000 units worldwide make sure to grab a pair before they are gone!

#campfireaudio #campfiresaber #saberearphones #campfireaudiosaber #dynamicdriver #earphones #headphones #audiophile #portableaudio #inears #iems #headfi #hifiheadphones
  • This little combo comes in at under £100, and sounds incredible!

@periodicaudio Rhodium + @soundmagiceurope E11c

#portableaudio #periodicaudio #periodicrhodium #soundmagic #e11c #rhodiumdac #dac #headamp #hifiheadphones #audiophile
  • Our video review of the excellent @jdslabs Element III is now live!

#jdslabs #jdslabselement3 #element3 #headphones #headamp #headphoneamp #dacamp #headfi #earphones #headfi
  • @campfireaudio are known for doing things differently - their new custom IEM uses a single planar magnetic driver. These are really interesting, and sound incredible too - check out the announcement on our blog.

#campfireaudio #campfiresupermoon #supermoon #ciem #customiem #customearphone #campfireaudiosupermoon #planarmagnetic #planarearphone #earphones #headfi #hifiheadphones
  • When did you last clean your earphones?

Do you know how to clean your headphones?

Check out our handy guide on how to look after your portable audio gear - over on the blog

#cleaning #audiohygiene #headphonecleaning #earbudcleaning #earbuds #earphones #earphonecleaning
  • Looking for audio on a budget, head to the blog to see our top 5 under £100 audio products to give you better audio on-the-go. 

#lypertek #periodicaudio #soundmagic #headphones #earphones #audio #hifiheadphones #bestbuys #bestheadphones #bestearphones #budgetaudio #budgetheadphones #budgetearphones
  • Following up from our blog post on our favourite products across various budgets and ranges, we decided to make a video based on the same list.  Go check it out and let us know if you own, or have tried any of the products listed!

@lypertek 
@campfireaudio
@periodicaudio
@64audio
@bursonaudio
@jdslabs
@audeze_official
@final_audio
@soundmagiceurope
@sennheiser

#audeze #lypertek #oriveti #soundmagic #jdslabs #bursonaudio #finalaudio #campfireaudio #64audio #64fam #etymotic #sennheiser #periodicaudio #iem #earphones #headphones #anc #bestearphones #bestheadphones #bestanc #wireless #truewireless #headfi #audiophile #headamp #dac #headphoneamp
Instagram Youtube Facebook
hifi headphones

Join Our Newsletter


Categories

  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop

About Hifiheadphones

  • About Us
  • Product Reviews
  • Demo Facility
  • Buying Guides
  • Login

© 2020 Hifiheadphones. All rights reserved. Hifieadphones is a trading name of K&S Technology Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Company number: 5631601 A4 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 6NZ, United Kingdom

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop

© 2020 Hifiheadphones. All rights reserved. Hifieadphones is a trading name of K&S Technology Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Company number: 5631601 A4 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 6NZ, United Kingdom

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.