Tag: Digital Audio Player

  • Astell & Kern PD20: Portable Audio Player with Built-In Hearing Test

    Astell & Kern PD20: Portable Audio Player with Built-In Hearing Test

    Key Takeaways

    1. Integrated Hearing Test: The Astell & Kern PD20 features an integrated hearing test that customizes sound for each listener using Audiodo technology.

    2. High-Quality Audio Performance: Equipped with quad-DAC, the player offers a frequency response of 20 Hz to 70 kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of 127dB.

    3. Customizable Listening Modes: The device has a triple mode amplifier and various settings for equalization, amplifier, and surround sound, allowing users to personalize their audio experience.

    4. User-Friendly Interface: The PD20 includes a 6-inch touchscreen with high resolution and physical buttons for easy operation, along with 256 GB of built-in storage expandable via microSD.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The PD20 is set to launch in March 2026, with a price of $1,970 in the USA and $1,800 in other regions.

    Astell & Kern has unveiled the PD20 digital audio player, marking its first device equipped with an integrated hearing test that customizes sound for each listener, utilizing technology from Audiodo. This quad-DAC player is capable of lossless music playback from both local sources and streaming platforms like Tidal, and it works with both balanced and unbalanced headphones.

    Advanced Audio Features

    The PD20 incorporates technology from the brand’s leading DAPs, offering a frequency response of 20 Hz to 70 kHz (±0.020dB), along with a signal-to-noise ratio of 127dB and total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) of 0.0004% when utilizing balanced headphones.

    Customizable Listening Experience

    With a triple mode amplifier, the DAP can power headphones in Class A, Class AB, and hybrid modes, featuring a three-step current adjustment to refine sound output. Users can also personalize their audio experience with various equalizer, amplifier, and surround sound settings.

    User-Friendly Design

    The PD20 is operated via a 6-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 2,160 x 1,080, along with several physical buttons and dials. It includes 256 GB of built-in storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card that supports up to 2 TB.

    The A&K PD20 is set to launch in March 2026, with a suggested retail price of $1,970 in the USA and $1,800 in other regions. For those who are eager to acquire a high-end DAP sooner, they can explore the other products available in the A&K store on Amazon.

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  • Fiio Snowsky Disc DAP: Hi-Res Audio & Balanced Headphone Support

    Fiio Snowsky Disc DAP: Hi-Res Audio & Balanced Headphone Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. Compact and Lightweight Design: The Fiio Snowsky Disc measures 68 × 68 × 12.9 mm and weighs 77.2 g, making it portable and easy to carry.

    2. Versatile Connectivity: It supports both 3.5 mm unbalanced and 4.4 mm balanced wired headphones, along with Bluetooth wireless headphones, allowing for high-resolution audio playback.

    3. High-Quality Audio Performance: Offers impressive specifications with a signal-to-noise ratio over 129 dB and total harmonic distortion below 0.0003%, supporting Hi-Res Audio, DSD128, and PCM playback at 32-bit 768 kHz.

    4. Additional Functionality: Features a USB-C port for connecting to computers and DACs, along with a coaxial output for home audio systems, and supports AirPlay and Roon for wireless streaming.

    5. User-Friendly Interface: Equipped with a 1.8-inch touchscreen that displays album covers and provides up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, available for $87.99 in multiple colors.

    Fiio has introduced the Snowsky Disc, a digital audio player designed for those who love high-resolution music and have balanced headphones. This compact player measures 68 × 68 × 12.9 mm (2.7 x 2.7 x 0.5) and has a lightweight of 77.2 g (2.7 oz.).

    Versatile Connectivity Options

    Users can connect either 3.5 mm unbalanced or 4.4 mm balanced wired headphones, in addition to Bluetooth wireless headphones, to the Snowsky Disc. This allows for an immersive listening experience with support for Hi-Res Audio, DSD128, and PCM music playback at 32-bit 768 kHz. The wired outputs are impressive, boasting a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 129 dB and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of below 0.0003%.

    Additional Features and Functionality

    The USB-C port enables users to link the Snowsky Disc to a computer, functioning as an external sound card or connecting to DACs and headphone amplifiers. Furthermore, it includes a coaxial output for linking to home audio systems and supports both AirPlay and Roon for wireless streaming to home speakers.

    User-Friendly Experience

    Controlling the DAP is easy with its 1.8-inch touchscreen, which showcases a rotating album cover during playback, mimicking the appearance of a spinning vinyl record. Fiio states that the device can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, thanks to its 1,450 mAh battery.

    For those interested, the Fiio Snowsky Disc DAP is available for $87.99 on Amazon in colors such as black, blue, or pink.

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  • Fiio Launches Slim JM21 DAP/DAC with Balanced Output for Audiophiles

    Fiio Launches Slim JM21 DAP/DAC with Balanced Output for Audiophiles

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Fiio JM21 2026 is a digital audio player and converter that supports high-resolution music files, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 SoC and 4 GB of RAM.
    2. It includes 64 GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2 TB via microSD, and runs on a customized version of Android 13.
    3. The device offers superior audio performance with dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips, achieving a signal-to-noise ratio over 130 dB and THD+N below 0.0006%.
    4. It has a 3,100 mAh battery providing up to 700 mW of output power, with customizable three-way gain settings for various headphone requirements.
    5. The JM21 2026 will launch on January 23, 2026, priced at approximately $250, available in black or blue.

    Fiio has revealed the sleek JM21 2026, a device that combines a digital audio player (DAP) and a digital audio converter (DAC), designed for high-resolution music files.

    Specifications and Features

    The JM21 2026 is driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 SoC, a processor you typically find in mid-range smartphones. It features 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of ROM, all running on a customized version of Android 13. Users can expand storage thanks to a microSD slot that supports cards up to 2 TB.

    This audio player excels in delivering balanced headphone output, owing to its dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips and separate left and right circuitry. This setup achieves a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 130 dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) below 0.0006%. It is capable of playing high-resolution audio files up to 32-bit and 384 kHz and holds Hi-Res Audio certification. The device also supports streaming codecs like LDAC, LHDC, and aptX HD, as well as DSD512.

    Battery Life and Power

    Equipped with a 3,100 mAh battery, the JM21 2026 can deliver up to 700 mW of output power, making it suitable for more demanding headphones. A three-way gain setting, along with an adjustable volume curve, allows users to fine-tune the device to cater to the impedance and power needs of different headphones.

    The Fiio JM21 2026 DAP/DAC will be available in black or blue starting on January 23, 2026, with a suggested retail price of 39,600 yen (around $250). Its dimensions are 120.7 × 68 × 13 mm (4.8 x 2.7 x 0.5 in.), and it weighs 156 g (5.5 oz.). Customers can expect to find the JM21 2026 at the Fiio store on Amazon.

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  • Onix Tocata XM2: New Digital Audio Player with OLED & 2TB Storage

    Onix Tocata XM2: New Digital Audio Player with OLED & 2TB Storage

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Onix Tocata XM2 digital audio player will be released in December 2025, priced at $439.
    2. It features a 3-inch OLED touch screen, physical playback buttons, and supports MicroSD storage expansion up to 2TB.
    3. The player delivers high audio performance with a Cirrus Logic CS4308P DAC and supports both single-ended and balanced headphone outputs.
    4. It has a 3000 mAh battery for up to 8.5 hours of playback and charges via USB-C, with remote control available through the Eddict Player app.
    5. The Tocata XM2 supports various streaming capabilities, including Tidal, DLNA, AirPlay, and Bluetooth 5.2 for two-way connectivity.

    Onix has just revealed its latest digital audio player, the Tocata XM2. This small Hi-Fi gadget is set to hit the market in December 2025, and it comes with a price tag of $439. It operates on the Ingenic X2000 processor and features an operating system developed by Onix itself.

    Display and Build

    The Tocata XM2 is equipped with a square 3-inch OLED touch screen that has a resolution of 720p. It also includes physical buttons for playback and a handy volume wheel. The device weighs 140 grams and has dimensions of 82 × 65 × 18 mm. Users can expand storage with MicroSD cards, supporting up to 2TB. Additionally, it has Tidal streaming capabilities and supports Wi-Fi connections at both 2.4 and 5 GHz, along with DLNA and AirPlay. Bluetooth 5.2 is included for two-way connectivity, and it supports various codecs, such as LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, SBC, and AAC. As a bonus, it can also work as a USB DAC, providing USB digital audio output.

    Audio Performance

    For audio performance, the player is equipped with Cirrus Logic’s CS4308P DAC, which features an 8-channel design that enables a fully balanced hardware circuit. Output options consist of 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced headphone ports. The balanced output can reach up to 800 mW at 32 ohms in high gain, while it offers 200 mW at 32 ohms in low gain settings. The total harmonic distortion plus noise is an impressive 0.0005% (A-weighted), with a signal-to-noise ratio of 121 dB and a noise level of 114 dB (A-weighted). The output impedance is quite low at 0.7 ohms, and the 3.5 mm port can deliver up to 204 mW at 32 ohms when in high gain mode.

    Battery and Connectivity

    In terms of file handling, the Tocata XM2 supports PCM up to 768 kHz / 32-bit and DSD512 formats. It is powered by a 3000 mAh battery that charges via USB-C, offering a playback time of up to 8.5 hours from either output. Users can control the device remotely using the Eddict Player smartphone app.

    The XM2 also supports magnetic mounting cases (which are sold separately), allowing the DAP to attach to smartphones for easy portability, making it convenient for use with wireless headphones or external DACs.

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  • HiBy RS8 II Portable DAP Offers Premium Audio for Music Lovers

    HiBy RS8 II Portable DAP Offers Premium Audio for Music Lovers

    Key Takeaways

    1. High Price and Availability: The HiBy RS8 II is priced at $3,899 and can be ordered directly from HiBy, with availability on Amazon’s HiBy store soon.

    2. Advanced Specifications: It features a Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS8550 SoC, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage, operating on HiByOS based on Android 13.

    3. Superior Audio Performance: Equipped with Darwin III R2R DAC, it achieves THD under 0.0008% and supports a wide frequency range from 20 Hz to 50 kHz.

    4. Versatile Connectivity: The DAP supports both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm headphone connections, as well as Bluetooth 5.3 with high-quality audio codecs, and includes a unique AI tonality feature.

    5. Impressive Battery Life: The RS8 II has a 6,000 mAh battery offering over 10.9 hours of playback and supports fast charging with PD 3.0, fully recharging in under two hours.

    HiBy has introduced the RS8 II, a top-tier digital audio player (DAP) with a suggested retail price of $3,899, offered in black or gold. You can order it directly from HiBy, and it should soon be available on Amazon’s HiBy store.

    Power and Design

    The RS8 II runs on a Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS8550 system-on-chip (SoC), comes equipped with 16 GB of RAM, and boasts 512 GB of storage, all while operating on HiByOS, a specialized version of Android 13. It is crafted from machined monoblock aluminum alloy and features a 5.5-inch 1080p LCD screen.

    Audio Performance

    This HiBy player utilizes the newest Darwin III R2R digital-to-analog converter (DAC), achieving a total harmonic distortion (THD) under 0.0008%. It delivers high-resolution audio with a frequency range spanning from 20 Hz to 50 kHz, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) exceeding 121.6 dB, a dynamic range over 115.2 dB, and channel separation greater than 94.2 dB, depending on the output connector used. The RS8 II features both Class A/B and high-powered Class A amplifiers, which can be used individually or can switch adaptively based on playback needs.

    Connectivity and Features

    The DAP allows for both 3.5 mm unbalanced and 4.4 mm balanced headphone connections, making it compatible with DSD1024, MQA16X, and 32-bit, 1,536 kHz PCM lossless audio formats. Additionally, it supports wireless headphones through Bluetooth 5.3, utilizing the Sony Hi-Res Audio LDAC and aptX Lossless codecs. Users can take advantage of the Sankofa AI tonality feature, which mimics the sound of playback from vintage devices, like record and tape players.

    Battery Life and Charging

    According to HiBy, the RS8 II is powered by a 6,000 mAh battery, providing over 10.9 hours of operation time, depending on the amplifier mode selected. It also supports 80-watt PD 3.0 fast charging, allowing it to recharge in under two hours.

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    HiBy RS8 II Portable DAP Offers Premium Audio for Music LoversHiBy RS8 II Portable DAP Offers Premium Audio for Music LoversHiBy RS8 II Portable DAP Offers Premium Audio for Music Lovers

     

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  • HiBy R3Pro II DAP: Compact Design, Dual DACs, Quad Amps, LDAC

    HiBy R3Pro II DAP: Compact Design, Dual DACs, Quad Amps, LDAC

    Key Takeaways

    1. Advanced Audio Technology: The HiBy R3Pro II features dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs and four OPA1622 amplifiers, delivering high power output and excellent audio quality.

    2. Bluetooth Streaming and Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth 5.1 with various codecs, allowing users to stream music wirelessly and transmit audio to both wired and wireless headphones.

    3. Home Audio Integration: Compatible with DLNA, Apple Airplay, and various output options, the device supports multiple audio formats including DSD256 and MQA 8x.

    4. User-Friendly Controls: Equipped with a 3.3-inch LCD touchscreen for audio adjustments, it runs on Linux-based HiByOS with over-the-air update support.

    5. Stylish Design Options: Available in multiple colors with a choice of materials, the R3Pro II is compact, lightweight, and priced at $199.

    HiBy has introduced the R3Pro II digital audio player, aimed at fans of high-resolution music who desire a compact device that’s easy to transport.

    Advanced Audio Technology

    The HiBy R3Pro II features dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs along with four 4x OPA1622 high-fidelity headphone amplifiers. This setup allows it to drive high-impedance headphones via both 3.5 mm stereo and 4.4 mm balanced headphone jacks. It delivers a maximum power output of 121 mW at 2 Vrms for 3.5 mm headphones and 480 mW at 3.91 Vrms for 4.4 mm headphones. The device’s frequency response spans from 20 Hz to 90 kHz, showcasing a total harmonic distortion (THD) of 0.0005%, a dynamic range of 128 dB, and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 126 dB when using balanced headphones.

    Bluetooth Streaming and Connectivity

    Users can stream music to their headphones via Bluetooth 5.1, supporting standard SBC, AAC, or aptX codecs, as well as the Hi-Res Audio-compatible LDAC codec. Additionally, the DAP can transmit streamed music received through Bluetooth or USB from other audio sources to both wired and wireless headphones connected to it.

    Home Audio Integration

    For those looking to integrate with home audio equipment, the R3Pro II can receive music from DLNA, Apple Airplay, and Bluetooth sources, outputting through USB-C audio out, USB-to-S/PDIF, and line out options.

    The DAP is compatible with a variety of popular audio file formats, such as MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, and OPUS, along with supporting DSD256, MQA 8x, and 32-bit 384 kHz PCM streaming audio over Wi-Fi from services like Tidal and Qobuz. With a microSD card slot, users can expand storage for thousands of songs on cards up to 2 TB.

    User-Friendly Controls

    Users interact with the R3Pro II through a 3.3-inch LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 740 x 480 pixels. This allows access to detailed MSEB audio controls, offering options for adjusting sibilance and tonal warmth, features that are not commonly found in other DAPs. The Linux-based HiByOS supports over-the-air updates.

    The DAP’s dimensions are 3.4 x 2.4 x 0.9 in. (86.9 x 60.6 x 21.6 mm), and it weighs 5.6 oz. (160 g). It comes with a 4,000 mAh battery that provides a runtime of 21 hours and can fast-charge in just 2 hours using a USB-C power source.

    Stylish Design Options

    The R3Pro II is available in black and silver models featuring a matte glass back, while the green and orange variants sport an Ultrasuede polyester-covered back. Interested buyers can acquire a HiBy R3Pro II for $199 from the HiBy website today or soon from the HiBy store on Amazon.

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    HiBy R3Pro II DAP: Compact Design, Dual DACs, Quad Amps, LDAC
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  • Fiio JM21 Digital Audio Player with Dual DACs & High-Res Bluetooth

    Fiio JM21 Digital Audio Player with Dual DACs & High-Res Bluetooth

    Fiio JM21 Digital Audio Player is designed for serious music lovers and audiophiles who want high-resolution sound while they are on the move. It comes packed with features such as dual DACs, top-notch amplification, many connectivity options, and a sharp display. This device really stands out in terms of both sound quality and usability. You can purchase the Fiio JM21 Digital Audio Player for $179.99 at Geekwills.

    Stunning 4.7-Inch Screen

    The Fiio JM21 features a 4.7-inch IPS screen that has a resolution of 750×1334 pixels, ensuring clear images and straightforward navigation. This high-res display makes it enjoyable to browse through album covers, tweak settings, or organize your playlists.

    Dual DACs for Exceptional Sound

    At the core of the Fiio JM21 lies its robust audio processing capabilities. It includes dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs paired with SGM8262 amplification. This setup minimizes cross-talk and delivers clean, detailed audio, making it perfect for those who want a high-fidelity sound experience. The dual DAC configuration is a major highlight for a DAP at this price point, delivering quality comparable to much pricier players.

    Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Processor

    The Fiio JM21 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, which is an 8-core processor built on a 6nm process. This ensures that the device runs smoothly without lag and has enough power to operate its Android 13 system effortlessly. The Snapdragon 680 allows the Fiio JM21 to manage high-quality audio files and multitasking without losing performance.

    USB DAC Functionality for PCs

    One of the standout aspects of the Fiio JM21 is its capability to serve as a USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) for computers. When plugged into a computer, it operates as a high-quality sound card and headphone amplifier, supporting sampling rates up to 384kHz/32bit. This feature is perfect for anyone looking to improve their computer’s audio performance with a high-quality DAC and amplifier.

    Advanced Wireless Features

    For audiophiles who enjoy wireless sound, the Fiio JM21 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0. This modern Bluetooth chip supports various codecs like SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LHDC, and LDAC, ensuring top-notch audio quality even when streaming wirelessly. The JM21 can function as both a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, offering flexibility in connecting to many audio devices.

    Powerful Output and Flexible Connectivity

    With an impressive output of 700mW + 700mW, the Fiio JM21 has a dedicated power supply system to empower its amplifier, enabling it to drive even the most demanding headphones. It includes both a 4.4mm balanced headphone jack and a 3.5mm single-ended headphone jack, making it compatible with a wide range of headphones. Additionally, it supports SPDIF and USB audio output for varied connectivity options.

    Extended Battery Life

    Featuring a battery that enables up to 12.5 hours of playback on single-ended output and about 9.5 hours using the balanced output, the Fiio JM21 is an excellent choice for those who require a DAP capable of long listening sessions without needing frequent recharges.

    Key Specifications:

    • Display: 4.7-inch IPS, 750×1334 pixels
    • DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs
    • Processor: 6nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, 8-core
    • Memory: 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM
    • Amplification: 700mW + 700mW output power
    • Battery Life: 12.5 hours (single-ended), 9.5 hours (balanced)
    • Operating System: Android 13
    • Audio Outputs: 4.4mm balanced + 3.5mm single-ended jacks
    • Connectivity: SPDIF, USB audio output
    • Bluetooth: Version 5.0, supports SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX HD/LHDC/LDAC

    The Fiio JM21 Digital Audio Player merges high-end audio technology with versatile functionality and a user-friendly design. Whether it’s used as a portable DAP, a USB DAC for computers, or a Bluetooth receiver, the Fiio JM21 offers amazing audio quality, making it a superb choice for music lovers wanting top sound while on the go.

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  • HiBy R4 EVANGELION Music Player: Quad DAC & 16x MQA Unfolding

    HiBy R4 EVANGELION Music Player: Quad DAC & 16x MQA Unfolding

    The HiBy R4 EVANGELION Music Player is a top-tier digital audio player crafted for those who desire a genuine and immersive listening journey. Featuring cutting-edge technology such as quad DAC chipsets, MQA unfolding, and robust hardware, this device guarantees exceptional sound quality and smooth functionality. You can purchase this player for just $399.99 exclusively on Geekwills.

    Stunning Display for Enhanced Experience

    Equipped with a 4.6” Hi-Res IPS display boasting a resolution of 1334x750p, the HiBy R4 EVANGELION allows for clear visibility of album art, track details, and settings, thereby enhancing the overall experience for users. The responsive touchscreen ensures easy and smooth navigation.

    Exceptional Sound with Quad DAC Technology

    At the core of the HiBy R4 EVANGELION are four ES9018C2M DAC chips, known for their excellence in handling high-resolution audio. This music player supports native DSD256 and PCM decoding up to 32-bit/768kHz, enabling listeners to appreciate every nuance in their music. The advanced DAC technology delivers pristine sound with rich details and powerful bass.

    Enhanced Listening with 16x MQA Unfolding

    The HiBy R4 EVANGELION elevates your audio experience with 16x MQA unfolding technology, allowing users to enjoy sound quality that matches the artist’s original intent. MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is a premium audio format that maintains the integrity of the original master recording, providing a truly authentic high-resolution audio experience.

    Performance Powered by Snapdragon 665

    To provide seamless performance, the HiBy R4 EVANGELION runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 665 processor. With 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, it ensures quick loading times for apps and a smooth user interface. Operating on Android 12, it grants users access to a variety of applications from the Play Store, making it versatile beyond just a music player.

    Versatile Output Options

    The HiBy R4 EVANGELION offers various headphone output ports, including balanced 3.5mm and 4.4mm, along with a single-ended 3.5mm output. This versatility allows users to connect their favorite headphones for a superior listening experience. Whether you opt for standard or balanced headphones, the HiBy R4 EVANGELION ensures optimal sound quality.

    Long-Lasting Battery for Extended Playback

    With a 4500mAh battery, the HiBy R4 EVANGELION provides up to 11 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge. For those who desire prolonged listening sessions without breaks, the player can last up to 35 hours in standby mode. This makes it an ideal choice for long journeys or commutes.

    Key Features:

    • 4.6” Hi-Res IPS display with 1334x750p resolution
    • Quad ES9018C2M DAC chipsets for enhanced sound quality
    • Supports native DSD256 and PCM 32-bit/768kHz decoding
    • 16x MQA unfolding for studio-quality audio
    • Powered by Snapdragon 665 SoC with 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM
    • Android 12 operating system supporting Android applications
    • Multiple output options: Balanced 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and single-ended 3.5mm
    • 4500mAh battery offering up to 11 hours of playback
    • Capable of up to 35 hours of continuous playback
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