Recommendations for a digital audio player

[Dat Ei]

Hey guys,

for nearly 11 years I'm using my iPod Classic with its 160 GB 1,8" internal microdrive. Even if its rechargeable battery is still ok, the disc space dimishs and the functionality is not up to date. It's time to explore the acutal alternatives.

What I want:

- Hi Res capable player
- at least 3.5mm headphone socket
- BT with aptX HD support
- playback time of at least 15 to 20h (with a wired headphone)
- gapless playback
- at least one microSD slot with a minimum support of 256 GB microSD cards
- UI with a database like functionality
- a good support of ID3 tags (including multivalue tags)
- support of ReplayGain
- option to playback "Recently Added" files
- price limit: about 500 US$

Did I miss any important features to look for? Any recommendations?

Unfortunately you can't find manuals to the models of manufactors like FiiO, Shanling etc. pp.


Thanks in advance for your input!


Dat Ei

[Wayne]

I currently use a Sansa Clip+ with Rockbox installed that allows me to use a microSD of 128GB. Rockbox can support a large number of audio formats.

[Dat Ei]

Hey Wayne,

thanks for your reply. I fear the Sansa Clip+ isn't the kind of dap I'm looking for. It is a bit outdated.


Dat Ei

[schmidj]

Well, I use my Samsung S7 Edge phone as a player, both with headphones and Bluetooth and various "apps" to control. (and yes, it also makes and receives phone calls if I wish, plus numerous other things.) My old Ipod is stored away somewhere, I don't even remember where. Just avoid the newest Apple phones which have no 3.5 mm phone jack...

[Dat Ei]

Hey schmidj,

I've spend some thoughts on using my mobile phone instead of a separate dap. Using my phone as a dap would shorten the battery run-times on top. So I prefer a separate device.

Would you be so kind and tell me, which music player apps you prefer?


Dat Ei

[Oggy]

Hi Dat Ei,

Trying to find what tags are supported on players seems to be incredibly difficult: manuals don't always make it clear, and often reviews are of no help regarding tags.

A player that runs on Android, allowing choice of apps is far more likely to give you the functionality you need, but I don't know how many players give the battery life you require.

[siriussurfer]

Hi Dat Ei!

I just bought the FiiO M7 (not to be confused with the X7). It seems to hit all your needs (ReplayGain came with firmware 1.03).
And the price is even less than a half of your budget. So you can purchase the Q5 with the savings :-)

Cheers
Derek