It’s time to sum up again. Despite the economic crisis around the world in 2021, a frightening shortage of chips and closed borders, the audiophile industry continued to develop rapidly. And today I have prepared for you a rating of the best Hi-Res audio players released recently. As always, the article is strictly subjective, all the devices in the selection are my personal favorites, the quality of which I vouch for. And I’m glad that I have the opportunity to recommend them to you.
But is a player really needed in modern realities, when smartphones and streaming services ideally close the issue of listening to music on the go? It seems to me that yes, and it will not be otherwise. Here it is worth drawing a classic parallel between audio and photography: for every day, a smartphone camera perfectly solves any tasks, but if you need really serious shooting, you will have to buy a special camera, choose an expensive lens, etc.
There is also a good analogy with literature: in general, it is easier for us to read e-books, including subscriptions, or listen to them, but none of these formats can replace a real paper book in a beautiful holiday edition. Accordingly, if you want to get adult Hi-Fi sound, you need to choose a separate player. Here we will look at many different options, from budget to top, from pocket to desktop, from lamp to customizable. It will be interesting. To business.
8. xDuoo X2S
The most affordable Hi-Fi player from a trusted brand.
Getting to know the model
Let’s start with xDuoo’s ultra-budget audio player , which is an update to the once- popular baby X2. Our price is about $70. This is a fairly powerful device in a compact case made of aircraft-grade aluminum, its weight is only 50 g, the use of such a device on the road will be as comfortable as possible.
The control here is purely push-button, which will appeal to those who do not like modern Hi-Fi players with touch screens. At the same time, the charging connector of the new generation X2S has been replaced with the current USB Type-C, which pleases.
Among the key features: OLED display with a diagonal of 0.96 inches, an AOP Rail-to-Rail RICORE RT6863 amplifier that provides serious power of 250 mW at 32 ohms, which allows you to listen to full-size headphones with the player , Actions Semiconductor ATJ2167 codec, support for PCM signal resolution up to 24 bits /192kHz and DSD128, customizable EQ, 10 hours battery life. The xDuoo X2S does not have internal memory, only a microSD card slot up to 128 GB. The work of the firmware is fast, switching on and off is instantaneous, now this is a rarity.
Sound
Of course, one should not expect audiophile crystallization or extreme detail from such a budget player, but good power provides the xDuoo X2S with the necessary dynamics, weight and the presence of a sweeping drive. As a result, the sound seems quite tasty and involving. The musical style itself is bright, solid and melodious, with very pleasant warm timbres.
Genre apparatus is omnivorous, it is not picky about the quality of the recording. Its basses are punchy, dense, with a basic transfer of relief and texture, mids are juicy and melodic, moderately informative, high frequencies are energetic and sonorous, not the most extended, but not cut off either.
And I note that the model is able to remember the position in the track when turned off, so it is suitable not only for music, but also for audiobooks.
Main advantages:
Price, compactness, metal body, fast operation, power, DSD support, autonomy.
Main disadvantages:
Small screen, button play, background noise with sensitive IEMs.
Who will be interested in xDuoo X2S?
For those new to audiophile, as well as for those who need to save money.
7. Shanling M3X
The best player of 2021 in the middle segment.
Getting to know the model
Choosing which device from the Shanling line to include in the final rating, I hesitated for a long time between my two favorites – the popular hit Shanling M3X and the insanely charming Shanling M6 (2021) . But there will still be enough expensive devices here, so let’s talk about the M3X.
For my money, the player is fire, I often recommend it for purchase. Our price is $400. By the way, just the other day the manufacturer presented the M3X in several new colors, which confirms that the model will be relevant for a long time to come.
The case of the device is stylish and elegant, it is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and tempered glass, the assembly is impeccable, the side edges are slightly narrowed. Shanling call their M3X a scaled-down copy of the flagship M8 . Well, thanks for not copying the M30 . The body weight is a modest 168 g, the device is perfect for the city.
Two ES9219C DACs are installed, signal resolution: 32 bit / 768 kHz and DSD256. Other high-quality components are also used: AVX tantalum capacitors, Japanese-made KDS Femto crystal oscillators with FPGA algorithm.
Other features: a 4.2-inch 1280×768 touchscreen IPS display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor and 2 GB of RAM, a 4.4 Pentaconn balanced headphone output, as well as a 3.5 standard output that can also work as a linear output, power 240 mW at 32 ohms through a symmetrical output and 101 mW at 32 ohms through normal, excellent autonomy up to 23 hours with an unbalanced connection and up to 19 hours with a balanced connection, fast charging QC3.0 and PD2.0, open Android 7.1 with the ability to install any applications, access to streaming, DLNA and Airplay, 16x MQA support, audio priority mode, bi-directional Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX, aptX HD, HWA and LDAC codecs, work as an external DAC or digital transport, 32 GB of internal memory, microSD card slot .
Sound
The musical style of Shanling M3X is sparkling, bright, cheerful and warm, it impresses with the study of contrasts, elastic texture of the acoustic picture, excellent dynamic range, wonderful liveliness. The trademark rich melodiousness is combined here with composure and spectacular drive, the sound is fast, it is not prone to lethargy at all. The tonalka is slightly brightened, but without excessive sharpness.
The basses of the player are soft, voluminous, velvety, not aggressive, the middle is fast, legible and colorful, the instruments have a natural weight, but the parts are very flexible and moving, the treble is detailed, clean and articulate, quite delineated, the length is also not bad. I won’t say that the model has an exemplary resolution, but its presentation is controlled and informative enough to enjoy listening.
Main advantages:
Design, compactness, functionality, balanced output, power, autonomy, sound, price.
Main disadvantages:
Outdated version of Android, outdated version of Bluetooth.
Who will be interested in Shanling M3X?
For audiophiles looking for the perfect mid-range Android player.
6. Cayin N3 Pro
Inexpensive compact Hi-Fi player with a tube amplifier.
Getting to know the model
Here we have a musical virtuoso, an accessible tube source of acoustic euphoria. Well, or just a hit player from the Cayin company , which for about $ 550 offers four completely different sound characters in one device at once. As you can see, the concept of modularity is still very much in demand.
The body of the Cayin N3 Pro is small, plump and heavy, it is made of glass and aluminum, its design is more brutal than sophisticated, although I liked the combination of black and copper colors.
Key features: IPS touch screen with a diagonal of 3.2 and a resolution of 480×360, balanced headphone output 4.4, unbalanced output 3.5 and line output 3.5, two AK4493EQ DACs, signal support up to 32 bit / 384 kHz and DSD256, Bluetooth 5.0 for reception and return with codecs aptX and LDAC, work as an external DAC or digital transport, the ability to control from a smartphone via HiBy Link, the power at the normal output in lamp mode is 130 mW at 32 Ohm, without lamps – 250 mW at 32 Ohm, at a balanced output – as much as 800 mW at 32 ohms, autonomy up to 11 hours on normal output and up to 9 hours on balance, silicone case included. There is no internal memory, there is only a microSD card slot.
Cayin N3 Pro works smartly and stably. This is understandable, it does not have Android and application installation, Wi-Fi is only for firmware updates. But the player uses a pair of vintage Raytheon JAN6418 lamps with shock-absorbing protection. There are several tube modes: Triode and Ultra linear, which are available only through the standard 3.5 output, you can also use the Solid-state lampless mode or listen to music on the Pentaconn balanced 4.4 output.
Sound
The character of the Cayin N3 Pro is warm, detailed and very atmospheric. The colored timbre palette with deep juicy shades creates the impression of analogy, noble vintage, such presentation can be called cozy and tasty. Velvet elastic lows, energetic mids and comfortable highs are combined quite harmoniously.
In Triode mode, we get the most soft and honeyed handwriting, it has a leisurely smoothness that can immediately immerse you in listening. The Ultra linear mode is high-speed, clear, well-coordinated, rather dry at high frequencies, highlighting small nuances, but with the same analog timbre scale. Solid-state transistor mode is the most driving, clear and confident, it gives the instruments density, weight and definition. Emotions player wins back assertively and recklessly. At the balanced output, the scene becomes airier and freer, saturation is added, and readability improves.
Main advantages:
Power, stable firmware, Bluetooth, autonomy, tube amplifier, different sound modes, balanced output, price.
Main disadvantages:
The thickness of the case, the inability to install applications.
Who will be interested in Cayin N3 Pro?
For Cayin fans and tube lovers.
5. Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII
Beautiful and most convenient for travel player in the selection.
Getting to know the model
In fact, we already know some of it. Here we have the second generation of the popular norma SR25 audio player from the Korean company Astell & Kern , a kind of work on the bugs. The creators of the novelty slightly changed its design, added a second balanced output and slightly improved the sound. The price tag has also grown, with us at the moment it is about $ 840. Although this is the initial model in the manufacturer’s lineup, Astell and its colleague Kern mainly specialize in premium expensive devices. So for fans of the brand, the new Norma is access to Astell quality for more or less adequate money.
The body of the player is compact, small, really beautiful and stylish. Production materials – silver milled aluminum and glass, there are recognizable chopped lines and sharp edges. The back panel received a holographic pattern. The model weighs 178 g, it is ideal for use on walks.
Of the characteristic features: three headphone outputs at once according to the 3.5, 2.5 and 4.4 Pentaconn standard, a 3.6-inch 720×1280 display, which is slightly tilted, the familiar carved volume wheel, thanks to which the player becomes like a chronometer, two CS43198 DACs, support for signal resolution up to 32 bits /384 kHz and DSD256, native firmware based on Android 9.0, Wi-Fi and Open APP Service for app installation, streaming, 64 GB internal memory and microSD card slot, bi-directional Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX, aptX HD and LDAC codecs, external mode DAC, power 2 Vrms on a standard output and 4 Vrms on a symmetrical output, smart autonomy up to 20 hours.
Sound
The handwriting of the model is solid, warm, comfortable and versatile. There is no escape either into audiophile technicality or massive drive pumping, all parts of the range are smoothly balanced to make the picture calm and harmonious. The level of detail and resolution could have been higher, but the laid-back ease with which the player plays compositions in any genre has an engaging beauty of its own. And if you love Astell’s trademark soft coloring, it’s here, and it’s executed extremely nicely.
The new version of the SR25 MKII features larger stage sizes, slightly longer treble, and slightly more clarity in the mids, resulting in slightly better readability of nuances. The bass is still non-aggressive, natural and voluminous, not fatiguing at all, the mids are weighty, unified and melodic, with characteristic sweet timbres, the treble is elegant and gentle, completely comfortable, devoid of sharpness.
Main advantages:
Compactness, autonomy, stylish design, balanced output, stable firmware, functionality, corporate sound color, status role of the device.
Main disadvantages:
Small display, outdated Bluetooth version, price.
Who will be interested in Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 MKII?
For those who want an Astell & Kern player with a relatively affordable price.
4. iBasso DX240
Favorite of the year and the best player in terms of price / quality ratio.
Getting to know the model
Here, according to the plan, there should have been an iBasso DX300 , but at the end of the year the DX240 broke into the market – and simply turned the game around, as it once happened in the younger segment with the advent of the DX160.
Honestly, I would give the new DX240 the first place. This is a player that clearly outperforms its price of $1000 in quality, easily competes with devices of a higher class and sets very bold standards. By the way, the model is jubilee, its release is dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the brand.
The body of the novelty is made of a single piece of metal on CNC, on the back there is a curved frosted glass with overflow, the frame is made of aluminum alloy, after sandblasting and anodizing its surface seems especially pleasant to the touch. The assembly is impeccable, the design is stylish and spectacular. The player weighs 240g, which amusingly matches its serial number, and I can still call it pocketable.
The DX240 is compatible with previous iBasso amplifier modules , from AMP1 to AMP8. They can be changed using special Face AMP installation panels, which are sold separately. The AMP1 MK3 stock amplifier has several outputs: 3.5 unbalanced, 2.5 balanced and 3.5 line.
Of the important characteristics: a 5-inch Full HD 1080p IPS touch display made by Sharp, 8-channel ES9038 Pro DAC with HyperStream II technology, a maximum resolution of 32 bit / 768 kHz and DSD512, open Android 9.0 with the ability to install any applications, as well as a proprietary Mango OS shell, MQA 16X decoding, high-speed USB 3.1, SPDIF port, dual-band WiFi, DLNA and Airplay functions, Bluetooth version 5.0 for receiving and sending with aptX, aptX Hd and LDAC codecs, sound card or digital transport mode, Snapdragon 660 processor SoC 14nm and 4GB RAM, 64GB internal memory and microSD card slot up to 2TB, two independent NDK femtosecond crystal oscillators and FPGA Master technology, an impressive output of 878mW into 32 ohms through a balanced output of 2.5 and 281mW into 32 ohms through the usual 3.5, autonomy up to 11 hours,fast charging Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, Power Delivery 2.0 and MTK PE Plus Quick Charge, silicone case included.
Sound
The presentation of the iBasso DX240 is weighty, emotional, expressive and clear, with an unusually holographic panorama and confidentially gentle processing of complex note overflows. There is a lot of whipping, dynamics and drive here, the three-dimensionality of the picture also captivates, the instruments have a realistic volume and physicality.
The basses of the model are very textural, articulated, booming and percussive, with a good outline of the relief, added mass and a moderate tactile response of the subwoofer. The middle is rich, melodious, while it has excellent detail and accurate separation of parts. The timbre palette is warm and natural. The scene is quite wide and deep, the resolution is better than expected for this class. High frequencies are plastic, natural, extended, not sharp, but rather musical, with enough beautiful overtones. There are no complaints about technicality and control, the coherence and transparency of the sound make the DX240 genre omnivorous.
Main advantages:
Design, compactness, functionality, sound, replaceable amplification modules, power, autonomy, price.
Main disadvantages:
There are almost none. Just a little bit of flavor.
Who will be interested in iBasso DX240?
For those who are looking for a top level audio player under $1000 budget.
3. Astell&Kern A&futura SE180
The company’s first player with interchangeable DACs.
Getting to know the model
Bronze goes to a new product in the Futura line from Astell&Kern . Perhaps, personally, the sound signature of the SE180 player is less close to me than that of the luxurious SE200 , my favorite, but the possibility of freer customization requires that the new product be given its due. Here, the technology of universal replaceable All-in-One audio modules is implemented, including a DAC and an amplifier, while in the SE200 the owner can only choose between two built-in DACs. Accordingly, when the company releases many replacement boards for the SE180, it will be easy for everyone to find their ideal option. An excellent base for subsequent audiophile experiments. We have already seen something similar with Cayin N6II , and it is not in vain that it has so many fans. The price tag of the model we have is $ 1700, if without discounts.
The glossy case of Astell&Kern A&futura SE180 is made of aluminum, stainless steel and glass, the assembly is excellent, we have recognizable smooth lines and clear edges. Of the features – there is only one physical playback control button, it is responsible for pause / start, by double and triple clicking on it you can switch tracks. Also note that the weight of the device is 380 g, and its size is quite large. But the replacement of audio cards is simple and fast, the design uses a convenient double locking mechanism, rather than screws for fastening. Well, it’s Astell’s handwriting.
The SEM1 module is installed in the sink, it offers a top stationary 8-channel ESS ES9038 Pro chip, PCM signal resolution 32bit / 384kHz and DSD256, headphone outputs 3.5, 2.5 and 4.4, power 3 Vrms with a standard connection and 6 Vrms with balance. In addition, the company has already introduced a second SEM2 module equipped with two Asahi Kasei AK4497EQ DACs, here the resolution is already 32-bit / 768 kHz and DSD512.
Other features: 5-inch 1920×1080 FHD touchscreen display, 256 GB of internal memory and a microSD slot, Wi-Fi, Tidal support, MQA decoding, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX, aptX HD and LDAC codecs, TERATON ALPHA proprietary technologies, AK File Drop and BT Sink, 3800 mAh battery and up to 10 hours of autonomy.
Sound
With the regular module Astell&Kern A&futura SE180 plays gracefully, coolly and voluminously, beautifully conveying macro dynamics and emotions. The timbres of the player are uncolored, the disposition is calm and friendly. The dimensions of the stage are impressive for its class, the separation of instruments is precise, although without deliberate chiselling. There is no accentuation of micronuances, but there is no additional weight either, due to this the presentation seems more biting, fast and sensitive to the turns of the melody.
The high frequencies of the model are extended, expressive, sparkling, I liked them the most. The middle is airy, free and melodic, not exemplarily detailed, but effectively highlighting the coherence of the parts. The basses are deep, obedient, well readable, with accentuated and dense lower layers. And let me remind you – if you get tired of this musical character, it is possible to replace audio cards.
Main advantages:
Design, stable firmware, power, functionality, replaceable modules, status role of the device.
Main disadvantages:
Heavy and large body, only one physical playback control button.
Who will be interested in Astell&Kern A&futura SE180?
For fans of customizing their Hi-Fi devices.
2. FiiO M17
Portable player with hospital capabilities.
Getting to know the model
I give silver in the ranking to a new major player in the audiophile industry. And big in every sense. FiiO M17 is a portable desktop audio player that offers a combination of huge power, modern features, versatile connection options and a built-in battery. The solution, of course, is not pocket-sized, but it is quite possible to take this device with you on long trips. And he just fell in love with me with his sound, although when I started reviewing it, I didn’t expect anything special. The first representative of the M-line FiiO , which absolutely won my heart.
The body of the device is made of aluminum, it is large and heavy, weight – 610 g.
The M17 has a lot to offer in a double copy: 2 volume control modes (either using an analog wheel or buttons), 2 power ports (via Type-C or from a bundled power adapter), 2 USB-C connectors (USB 3.0 for charging / transferring data, USB 2.0 for connection to an external DAC / hard drive), 2 mechanical toggle switches (lock mode, battery or mains power selection), 2 flagship ESS ES9038 Pro DACs.
Other features: 5.99 inch IPS touch screen display with 2160×1080 resolution, gyroscope for automatic screen rotation, 3.5, 4.4, 2.5 and 6.3 headphone outputs, the first two are also linear, RCA coaxial input/output, PCM signal support 32bit/768kHz and DSD512, 8X MQA decoding, open Android 10 with the ability to install any applications, Wi-Fi, DLNA and AirPlay, Bluetooth 5.0 reception and return with a Qualcomm QCC5124 chip, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, aptX HD and LDAC codecs, work as external DAC, XMOS XUF208 for USB, Snapdragon 660 processor and 4 GB RAM, Pure Music mode, 64 GB of internal memory and a microSD card slot up to 2 TB, exclusive Dual THX AAA-788+ amplifiers, OPA2211 operational amplifiers, DMF 470 supercapacitors mF, NDK femtosecond crystal oscillators,ultra-low noise linear voltage regulators LT3045 LDO, balanced power 3 W at 32 ohms, 5 gain modes, 9200 mAh battery, autonomy up to 10 hours via standard output and up to 8 hours via symmetrical output, case included.
Sound
FiiO M17 builds a huge, very large-scale and holographic panorama, while serving music naturally, naturally, weightily and densely, without synthetics. The character of the player is extremely energetic, assertive, confident, but excellent transparency is preserved throughout the spectrum, so the effective saturation of the sound with emotions does not interfere with the readability of details, textures and contours. I also note the careful separation of plans, the picture is very multi-layered and technical, the instruments feel solid, elastic and voluminous. Another advantage is expressive, rich in overtones, convincing and lively vocals.
The basses of the model are massive, punchy, embossed and solid, the range is played out thoroughly, resoundingly, on a grand scale, but there is no loss of control. The middle is clean, open, neutral, with large images, good separation and a scattering of nuances neatly woven into the melody. High frequencies are reliable, fast, smooth, rather extended, not overly iridescent, but honest and flawlessly readable. Due to the size of the scene and the level of resolution, the M17’s handwriting is closer to a stationary than a portable one.
Main advantages:
Power, functionality, sound, design, fast operation, a wide range of connection interfaces, control variability, autonomy, delivery set.
Main disadvantages:
Large body, heating during operation.
Who will be interested in FiiO M17?
For those who are ready to sacrifice the compactness of the device for the sake of power, functionality and adult sound.
1. Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP2000T
Warm lamp version of the flagship SP2000.
Getting to know the model
Regarding the winner, I doubted for a long time who to choose, SP2000T or DX300 MAX. But since my favorite current top from iBasso is a limited edition, I settled on a new one from Astell.
The warm tube version of the flagship SP2000 has an aluminum and glass body with a reduced weight of 309g that fits comfortably in the hand, a traditionally stylish design, a few interesting features that make it stand out from the competition, and a relatively more affordable price tag, we have about $2700.
The model uses QUAD-DAC technology, the player has 4 DACs ES9068AS at once, 2 per channel. Also used tube amplifiers, dual triodes KORG Nutube 6P1. The new Triple Amp System layout allows you to choose between TUBE AMP, OP AMP and HYBRID AMP modes. Taking into account the different hybrid mode options, there are 5 types of sound settings in total, they are available from any of the outputs: 3.5, 2.5 and 4.4 Pentaconn.
Another of the features: a 5-inch IPS touch display with a resolution of 1920×1080, proprietary firmware with smooth and stable operation, 256 GB of internal memory and a microSD card slot, Bluetooth with aptX, aptX HD and LDAC codecs, Hi-Fi signal transmission technology from any device to BT Sink, wireless file transfer with AK File Drop, dual-band Wi-Fi, access to Roon, Tidal and other streaming services, 8X MQA support, DAC mode operation, patented TERATON ALPHA system to minimize distortion, Replay Gain for leveling volume of all tracks, autonomy up to 9 hours, case included.
Sound
Of course, the most tempting here is the lamp mode. I think due to its impact on the character of the presentation, some audiophiles may indeed prefer the new SP2000T over the older SP2000.
So, in the understanding of Astell engineers, tube sound should be fast, surprisingly transparent, resilient, weighty and colorful. The picture of the SP2000T received additional three-dimensionality, physicality and volume, it seems multi-layered, lively and holographic, without “digital” dryness. There is a contrasting outline of the parts, combined with a beautiful dark background, this more strongly emphasizes the texture of the tonality of different instruments and the soft warmth of timbres.
At the same time, the player plays moderately driving, smoothly and confidently, knows how to set the rhythm, effectively and beautifully reveal emotions. Its basses are strong, percussive, the mid has a delicious velvety, the sub goes very deep, its relief and variability are very good. The middle is the trump card of the model, in lamp mode it is luxurious, juicy, with perfect separation of planes, with excellent flexibility, and extended and melodious high frequencies make the overall style more engaging. Small nuances are slightly emphasized, the acoustic pattern is filled with details enough to speak of a flagship level. In the tubeless mode, the mids become somewhat more technical and restrained, but their colorful energy is preserved. The upper frequencies are noble, gentle, delicate, iridescent, they are also served naturally, without harshness. Signature crystalness is slightly smoothed to make the sound more comfortable,
As for the differences between the regular version and the new one: the older Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP2000 player has a larger stage, plays more neutral, more analytical, thinner and lighter, it has slightly better resolution, so the micro-details are more pronounced, the positioning of the instruments is free, with a characteristic distancing from the listener, the timbres are slightly less bright and sweet, but at high frequencies there is more airiness, complex overtones and sparkling saturation, they are reference here, the model works great on the upper HF layers.
However, as I already wrote, some users will probably choose the SP2000T, it sounds more driving and dynamic, it has its own unique color, while the presentation of the SP2000 may seem more boring in comparison. If you like the SP2000T’s hybrid or tube mode, you won’t be disappointed. And I draw your attention to the fact that the difference in quality between these models is less than in price. Although for fastidious gourmets, of course, I still recommend the flagship.
Main advantages:
Design, functionality, stable firmware, autonomy, tube amplification, availability of different sound modes, delivery set, status role of the device.
Main disadvantages:
Heating during operation, flavoring, price.
Who will be interested in Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP2000T?
For those who are looking for a top portable player with a tube amplifier.