Best Music Players, Digital Audio Players (DAPs) of 2023 | Moon Audio

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➕ Focal Utopia 2022: www.moon-audio.com/focal-utop...
➕ Astell&Kern KANN Ultra: www.moon-audio.com/kann-ultra...
🎵🔊 Unveiling the Best DAPs of 2023: Chosen by You! 🌟✨ Get ready for our most anticipated video of the year-the ultimate guide to Digital Audio Players (DAPs). These hi-res music players redefine on-the-go listening, offering audiophile-grade DACs, headphone amps, music streaming, and more-all in the palm of your hand. Discover the top 5 DAPs of 2023, chosen by you, our incredible customers. Let the music journey begin!
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CHAPTERS
0:00 | It's here!
0:20 | Why Digital Audio Players
0:56 | 5: Astell&Kern KANN Max
3:50 | 4: Astell&Kern SR35
6:12 | 3: Sony WM1AM2
7:42 | 2: Sony WM1ZM2
10:09 | 1: Astell&Kern SP3000
13:13 | Dragon Cables
14:45 | Verdict
#best #digitalaudioplayers #musicplayer #audiophile #hifi #portable #daps #headphones #bestof2023 #bestof @AstellnKern @sonyelectronics @MezeAudio @Focalofficial

[@eddalton8530]

are these compatible for home audio use ? if not, what type of device would you recommend ? thanks !

[@gges1605]

When you consistently try to push cables people are less likely to trust this as an impartial review and realise its just an advert to sell them stuff. The value of any opinion expressed in the video then has to be viewed in that light. When you review them to simply inform people whats available and what they actually sound like without trying to make an advertisement you probably do better with sales as people might actually trust your review.

[@rohanindurkar6466]

Hey there looking forward to buy astell and kern sp3000 can you tell me if it supports apple music lossless

[@faremissound]

Hi! How would sr35 work with highly sensitive IEMs, such as Campfire Andromeda? Specifically I’m curious about the background noise often being an issue with these particular iems. Thanks!

[@o0julek0o]

Please explain to me how a $200 USB cable makes any kind of difference over a $3 one.

[@corkydukeII5898]

They're for 'audiophiles' who wanna impress their friends 😁🙃😆

[@ericstolze8925]

It contributes to quite a difference in your account balance.

[@wahid-lg1kk]

Well, you don't want a 3 dollar one, but a ten dollar one will be just as good.

[@mitchhifi9192]

Digital it doesn't matter, analogue there's some extremely small minute differences but it's all about impedance though

[@303808909ct]

it's a load of nonsense

[@JimmieJamOfTheDay]

Do you know which music players currently have software that will open up when you connect a device to your computer and allow you to create s 'most played' playlist? Thanks.

[@MYuee]

Thank you for this guide! I am looking for a dedicated audio player that doesn't sound like a tin can. This helps a lot. I used to have an iPod, and I'm kind of sad that they disappeared. Streaming/Subscription music is just not my thing and moving my large music collection onto my phone is just not possible, with the limited capacity.

[@moon-audio]

Glad to hear it was helpful! If we can assist further, please reach out to us here: www.moon-audio.com/contact-us 🙂

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

A 1Tb micro SD card cannot hold your collection? 🤔

[@MYuee]

@@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices It can, but I currently have an iPhone, so no sd card slots - sucks to be me I guess. Might be time for a new phone. Mine is dying anyway.

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

@@MYuee, I recommend Infinix with SD card slot. 📱

[@Whoosh12345]

How is the UI on all these DAPs? I have about 800 GB of music on the SD card in my smartphone so having an efficient UI for traversing large libraries is an important feature I'm looking for that doesn't get a lot of attention in reviews.

[@randyd.3429]

Question, are dap players compatible with connection to car stereos..

[@drewbaird8126]

Yes is the simple answer. How you connect it depends on our car. Most cars have Bluetooth, thus this is the simplest connection. But some have Android Auto Control via a USB interface. This will offer more flexibility and control and better sound than Bluetooth. If you have an aftermarket system with DSP now you can really dial up sound quality. Here you can use USB Audio, or a host of other digital connections depending on the DAP and DSP. Like Coax, Toslink digital interface, etc. Or given analog input, thus to use the high-level DAC in the DAP.

[@randyd.3429]

@drewbaird8126 Thx bud appreciate your knowledge here in Minnesota..👍🏾

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

My favorite video would be an in-depth critique of your amplifiers you have on your website!!!

[@moon-audio]

Hey there, which amplifier(s) are you talking about? We can definitely consider it if you'd let us know. 🙂

[@JohnPooley-te9ei]

Nice1..Moon & thank u

[@KeyboardSavant]

I've had the Shanling M7 since it launched, but I think my next move will be the Sony ZM2. I've heard really good things about the player, and had the chance to listen for myself on a few occasions. Such a delightfully-unique sound.

[@SwordAndFern-mw3ke]

Got stuck with an iPhone so I can’t listen to my goddamn music. It’s times like these my brain goes back to mp3 players

[@wahid-lg1kk]

Get a dac amp dongle, Aune, Hiby, ibasso, Hidisz, choose one. Done and done.

[@cavb748]

Do any of the DAPs can output to two headphones at the same time? You are awesome guys!

[@mitchhifi9192]

No you're better off getting a Chord Mojo gen 1 Sounds amazing and outputs to two 3.5mm outputs

[@TheAshishDdaviddShow]

Bro the only problem with this review is that from beginning till end it sounds like you are reading the brochure. Try to change that if possible.

[@KS_1990]

I will stick to the hugo 2 until AK updates the power output to around 12vrms on SP4k or 5k lineup. To me, at this price point, it should have the power of the kann max.

[@eye1dry138]

Im trying to find one with tactile buttons, i dont want a touch screen😭

[@pistonburner6448]

I'd appreciate info on the country each company is from and also which country the device is manufactured.

[@mju135]

Sony is from Egypt and has all their devices manufactured in a shed in Essex. Astell&Kern is from a magical fantasy land and manufactures their products in whichever country you stereotype as being trustworthy to get you to pay the ignorance tax at $1,299 for a device that provably and objectively outputs the exact same audio as the $1 Realtek DAC in any smartphone because DAC is a mathematically deterministic process that has been fully solved and commoditized from an engineering standpoint.

[@DMTHOTH]

Sony is from Japan, while Astell & Kern (Dreamus) is from South Korea. Sony gained prominence in the 1980s by pioneering the Walkman, thereby popularizing portable media players. On the other hand, Astell & Kern, a subbrand of Dreamus, has a noteworthy history of manufacturing iRiver MP3 players-the inaugural form of Digital Audio Players (DAPs) to hit the commercial market in early 2000s. Both companies are also connected to record labels through their branches and parent companies.. so obviously they know what they are doing.

[@ZiiimZooon]

Very informative video! I've been looking at some DAPs for a while and quite hooked on either AK SP35 / Kann max, but I currently own a IFI XDSD Gryphon and wonder how much of an difference they would provide, if any?

[@moon-audio]

It really comes down to whether you want an all-in-one device as opposed to carrying around a separate DAC amp for your music listening. We LOVE the iFi Gryphon for a LOT of setups but opt for the DAP if you want a complete setup in one device. 🙂 + iFi xDSD Gryphon Headphone Amp DAC: www.moon-audio.com/xdsd-gryphon-amp-dac.html

[@ZiiimZooon]

@@moon-audio What I'm mostly looking for is the best solution, sound quality wise! 😁 If a dedicated DAP around the listed aboves price point would provide a better quality over the Gryphon, then I'd be down for it 🙌

[@moon-audio]

We get it! Drop us a line here and we'd be happy to discuss with you further: www.moon-audio.com/contact-us 🙂

[@NipseyHussle1]

Hey Ricky, where is the Cayin N8ii, and is the N8ii better than the 5 in this video in your opinion?

[@moon-audio]

The Cayin N8ii was #7 on our best-selling list! Check out the full list on our blog: www.moon-audio.com/blog/best-daps-music-players-2023 As to whether or not it's better than the others on this list, it depends on what you want out of your DAP. If you're looking for a sweet and organic ROHM DAC sound, amp switching, KORG Nutubes, then it's hard not to recommend the N8ii. It's a premium experience for sure! 🙂

[@NipseyHussle1]

@@moon-audio I will and thank you

[@Soy_Ferrari]

I have the Focal Utopia 2022… which one is the best DAP for it? (between the price range of 1000-2000USD)

[@moon-audio]

In that price range, we'd recommend the following for the Focal Utopia 2022: + Astell&Kern KANN Ultra: www.moon-audio.com/kann-ultra-music-player-dap.html + Sony WM1AM2: www.moon-audio.com/sony-nw-wm1a-high-resolution-walkmanr.html + Cayin N7: www.moon-audio.com/cayin-n7-hi-res-music-player-dap.html However, please reach out to us here so we can provide you with a more personalized recommendation: www.moon-audio.com/contact-us 🙂

[@wahid-lg1kk]

ibasso dx320max

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

m17 for me, its affordable and can do anything

[@wahid-lg1kk]

Where is the Tempotec V6? The Aune M1p? The ibasso dx170? And so on, like, the good stuff?

[@ultraprimez]

There was a time we used to use rechargeable removable 2300mah battery's to listen to music. Even though the dap's are big enough for having space for old rechargable batteries but they wanna sell new daps every coming months and year. Will we see a replaceable double AA batteries for Dap's ? Bringing back the old removable battery system may reduce the cost and also less e-waste of materials will reduce and company can focus on audio quality rather than thinking on how to put non removable battery in sleek design. I would still love to hook up a cheap Dap over my jeans belt and put the iem headphones and enjoy music on the go as old days. I still have my old Sony walkman that's still works but no tapes to play.✌️

[@Broken_robot1986]

I been picking up good quality blanks when I find them at thrift stores and making my own mix tapes again. Such a fun way to listen to music that forces me to stop skipping around tracks so much. These things are way out of my price range. I was just hoping for something that plays CD quality, with replaceable battery, and easy to use. Guess I'll have to keep looking.

[@willdatsun]

you are so right. i use those batts in my sound recorder. the worst offenders these days are disposable vapes

[@PacisJusticia]

When are players showing up with 4tb drives?

[@moon-audio]

We've gotten most of these players to work with 2TB microSD card drives. But this makes us wonder if 4TB cards would work. We might give this a try! 🙂

[@Sheepy007]

It's 2024, i was on the lookout for a good cheap DAP from FiiO because I was not happy with solely using a Bluetooth Dongle and my phone, only to realize that they cancelled their entire entry level line of devices, and so did many of the more renowned china Hifi brands. Now, the cheapest FiiO Dap available to me starts at 500€. That sucked

[@wahid-lg1kk]

Get Hiby R3ii if budget is an issue.. Streams Tidal and Qobuz, plays all hi res files, $180.00. Fiio isn't what it used to be.

[@WhatsInAname5837]

wow that is a cool

[@seyley2901]

What type of music files should be used at this present time?

[@wahid-lg1kk]

Flac 24bit, try and get at least 24-96, and dsd128 (dff file)

[@mg-ThisHandleIsSoStupid]

No Questyle?

[@chucklanman3315]

They need to make DAP's that have NVME slots. I need a DAP that can handle over 2GB. My music library is huge.

[@luiscaraballo521]

Break it down in pieces, and put the slot of the card you plan on listenting that day. Or curate the list over to #1, #2, or else.

[@SeelanA-pu7ji]

❤

[@x32i77]

What about ibasso 320 max ti ?

[@moon-audio]

Amazing DAP! Didn't make our Top 5 best-selling list for 2023, but you can read more about it at the link below! 🙂 🔗 www.moon-audio.com/dx320-max-ti-music-player.html

[@notoriousk.o.b.a6508]

I'm currently using M11PLUS ESS, but I am planning to change to SR35.

[@JamesMincey]

Does anyone know if any of these have user replaceable batteries? I've always been hesitant to drop the cash on a high quality DAP because of their disposable nature (I'm still using an LG V20 as a DAP because of this, lol)

[@moon-audio]

They do not, but very easy and cost-effective to get them replaced via Astell&Kern directly. Just contact the dealer you purchased it from. 🙂

[@JonSands]

@@moon-audio what about Sony? Could that battery be replaced through you as well?

[@IdahoDoyle]

Still waiting on a video about listening to a DAP on Car audio

[@moon-audio]

We appreciate your patience! We've been working on this and we hope to get around to it soon. 🙂

[@Broken_robot1986]

Jeezus, they shouldn't even let poor people like me watch this video.

[@chucklanman3315]

should of added the Hidizs AP80 PRO-X to the list

[@judeobi242]

Wm1zm2 💪

[@clydesharman2053]

A&K Daps don’t design dacs they buy off the shelf dacs and add them to their players Sony is the only one who designs portable players from the ground up A way better consideration is the Fiio m17 player that has the only esssabre9038pro dac x2

[@Underhills]

"fit in your pocket". Yeah, if you have really large pockets. Where did all the compact mp3 players go? No point in owning a phone size player. Then I might as well use the phone 😂

[@willyko]

Just wondering what you guys think about Shanling M9 Plus and Cayin N8ii. To be honest, I don't think both of the Sony DAPs and the AK SR35 are that good to be elected as the best DAPs of 2023. There is one Astell & Kern DAP I personally think should be one of the best DAPs for 2023 which is AK CA1000T

[@moon-audio]

These are our Top 5 best-selling DAPs of 2023. The Cayin N8ii didn't crack the Top 5, but you can learn more about our thoughts on the N8ii here: www.moon-audio.com/blog/best-daps-music-players-2023 🙂

[@x32i77]

Dear moon audio team : i am searching for a dap that can drive the DCA Stealth . Price doesnt matter.

[@moon-audio]

Hi there, please reach out to us at the link below and we'd be happy to help! 🙂 🔗 www.moon-audio.com/contact-us

[@masterazlan6999]

Naa.. Ibasso dx320MAX with quad Rohm.. Just numero uno dap sonically. Peace!

[@moon-audio]

That's a BEAST of a DAP! It didn't crack our Top 5 best-selling list this year, but for anyone interested you can learn more about it here: www.moon-audio.com/dx320-max-ti-music-player.html 🙂

[@masterazlan6999]

Ha3 I did u homework anyway..at least a thx..Peace!

[@jecans1033]

Would be wonderful if all DAPs offered an App store. Going to a website, downloading, ect.... is aggravating.

[@moon-audio]

All of the DAPs in this video use a version of Android OS, so all you have to do is connect to Wi-Fi and download the apps you want directly to the device! We find it fairly easy on these Sony DAPs. Astell&Kern's process is similar, and you can read more about that here: www.moon-audio.com/astell-kern-support. Hope this helps! 🙂

[@user-gv2qx1je1m]

The production of this Chinese blown egg costs maybe $50 and they are sold to us for the same price as European products. Where have gone the big brands like Philips, Panasonic and Grundig? They allowed Chinese brands to enter Europe and they are no longer cheap.

[@pierrefornallaz364]

Not a reliable review ! Do you only know Astell & Kern and Sony DAPs ? Or is it only because that's the brands you are selling ? They are so many other excellent brands with much better price/quality ratios, starting with the FiiO, etc. I will never again see your review, because of your lack of honesty.

[@natevirtual]

Ah, man, I was expecting to see Cayin N8ii and Hiby RS8 make it to the list 😞

[@moon-audio]

The Cayin N8ii made our list! It just wasn't one of our Top 5 best-selling DAPs featured in this video. Check out the full list here: www.moon-audio.com/blog/best-daps-music-players-2023 🙂

[@portugasanwa]

Best bang for the buck Hiby R6 Iii, this video is a joke, so many oprions cheaper and better.

[@mikeb.7845]

Fiio X5ii transport coaxically to Modi3+ forever! :)

[@DoctorObjection]

why is every DAP on this list like over a grand? Are there just no affordable daps?

[@moon-audio]

Hi there, these are our Top 5 best-selling DAPs of 2023. We have some more affordable options, like the Sony NW-A306 and iBasso DX170, available here: www.moon-audio.com/blog/best-daps-music-players-2023 🙂

[@1974Imperium]

Funny thing is, it's all BS. There's no difference between a $200 DAP and a $2000 except suckers getting parted with their cash. All the talk of Soundstage, etc. Psuedo science audio. Warmth in digital. 😅 Vinyl, sure. But Digital?! Suckers. Audiophiles = suckers with cash to burn.

[@seanpuello]

Literall in nobodies price range

[@spetnazcccp]

200 dollars for a cable? lol

[@noth606]

recommending a USB cable as a hifi thing makes it completely clear you don't understand the most simple of things relating to signal transport and by extension hifi tech. Disliked.

[@has6145]

AYE-F**KEN-MEN! The only thing i can probably say about a "good USB cable", it's made out of robust hard wearing design, shielding is standard (cause standard is actually good enough so long as it meets the EMI design guidelines for USB etc) . Other than that, when people recommend such things for audio quality etc then i just laugh and lose respect. + 1 Dislike for video + 1 like for you!

[@catedoge3206]

real. if only i wasnt broke. T.T

[@libertine2273]

I'm too poor for this LOL

[@MrFat.]

Agreed. I'll stick with my shitty iPhone, until I hit the lottery. 🤣

[@bottomburp]

Very Interesting video, Its a real shame that all these DAP's use Android as their OS's, I was looking for something to replace my iPod 7 touch, But I would never consider owning anything with an Android OS, so I guess I'm out of luck.

[@thunderstar254]

Why did you choose that diction? Why not just say you'll only ever consider buying anything with an apple on it? 😂😂

[@bottomburp]

@@thunderstar254 Simply because I didn't say I would only buy Apple products. I only bought my iPod 7 because it was the only alternative to an Android device. I was merely saying that I think it's a shame that there's still no decent alternative to Android OS, now that Apple is out of the music player game. If A&K for example, made a player without an Android OS and made their own in house OS, I would buy it in a heartbeat. But I'm guessing it's just cheaper for these companies to licence Android OS for their devices, which is understandable, but is a shame, as it narrows customer choice, So it still seems like if you'd like to get a DAP, but don't like Android OS you're basically screwed.

[@thunderstar254]

@@bottomburp The extreme irony and complete lack of self-awareness here makes this painful to read and try to respond to, the product you're hypothesizing is plenty real and exists but good luck lol

[@bottomburp]

@@thunderstar254 Oh right, I would appreciate your information about such devices, if you could do it without such a sarcastic tone would be great, thanks.

[@arupian666]

Just out of interest, what's your beef with Android ? I mean, it's just a means to an end. I personally would never use an Apple product. Horrendous working conditions for their workers in China, paid a pittance for an expected 85+ hour work week, suicide nets because dying is better than working for Apple etc... The ONLY good thing about Apple is Steve Woz, a talented, genius engineer. Steve Jobs (thank god he's dead, am I right ??) was an insufferable bully, a real asshole, but the absolute worst are people who use Apple. I had so many conversations with people that get that pretentious "our shit doesn't stink, cos we use Mac's" air about them, my biggest fear is that I'd become one of them, if I even touched an Apple product. Well designed (albeit WAY overpriced) product, ruined by the "Apple culture". Anyway, that's my aversion to Apple, what's your story with Android ?

[@ThePigeonStoop]

ipod still sweeps these devices 20 years later. kinda nuts.

[@margaperex7059]

worst video I have ever seen; moon audio is disappointing and sold to sony and A&k ; They are not even kidding, those are the best daps; Cayin has the best daps; ibasso and hibby in sound quality

[@alexanderdavidson7837]

100% agree with you. This was clearly funded by the big brands. It’s a load of BS

[@suvodas7440]

Exactly. Couldn't agree more

[@D4rkBlack22]

Just because you disagree with the reviewer didn't mean that they are being paid. I personally think AK are overpriced but I do agree that Sony is untouched. Yes, specs are shit but the SQ can't be matched

[@RainbowCrewPeople]

Is Fiio any good?

[@chronometa]

Not sure why you guys are complaining. They are presenting what they sell. Why would they review what they don't sell?

[@jonathancristole6074]

It’s funny how you take down peoples comments, those warning people about buying a Astell & Kern. Avoid their players and this company selling their junk and censoring comments.

[@moon-audio]

We only delete comments that violate our guidelines: be civil and respectful, no spam, and friendly discussions only! You are more than welcome to post your opinion on Astell&Kern here, as long as you do so respectfully. 🙂

[@anthonydiviolla1944]

ak daps are quality. i dont know what youre getting butthurt about

[@force330]

This list is so random. Only AK and Sony in the list! Kann Max? Ultra is out and better. SR35? No power and with this price, so many China bands are better. Sony? Agree with the gold one, but so many DAP better then the black one again. AK3000, a very good DAP, agree with your choice.

[@CLaudiusClemensJimmy]

my guess is they banned Chinese 😂

[@moon-audio]

Not random at all. These are our company's 5 top-selling DAPs of 2023. 🙂 See more of our top sellers here: www.moon-audio.com/blog/best-daps-music-players-2023

[@anthonydiviolla1944]

lol they literally say in the video its their top sellers....

[@CLaudiusClemensJimmy]

this is just like hi-fi magazine which is always choosing A&K & Sony daps for their choices. politics sentiment?

[@moon-audio]

No politics here. These are our company's 5 top-selling DAPs of 2023. 🙂 See more of our top sellers here: www.moon-audio.com/blog/best-daps-music-players-2023