Portable audio players. Hi-Fi players with excellent sound: which ones and for whom?

Music is the creator of our mood! Going through life with music is easy and simple, the main thing is to choose a good digital player to play it. Some people listen to music through a mobile device, thereby reducing the phone’s battery life, some have a small player for jogging, and others prefer “all in one” - a player, radio, voice recorder, photo bank. But in all cases we need high-quality sound. Present to your attention best digital players— TOP 10 rating.

10. Colorfly C3 8Gb

Opening the top ten best digital players is Colorfly C3 8Gb, designed to play only music files with various extensions. For just 6 thousand rubles, the user will receive a stylish portable gadget in a metal case, while the player weighs only 100 grams. Touch control of Colorfly C3 8Gb minimizes the presence of unnecessary buttons on the device body, and an OLED screen with a diagonal of just under an inch (0.82″) will display the process of playing a particular composition. The player is equipped with a built-in memory of 8 GB, but for those who like to have an extended playlist, it is possible to increase the memory using an additional SD card.

9. Sony NWZ-E584

NWZ-E584 is a wonderful digital player from Sony with quite wide functionality: playback of audio, video and graphic files; radio with memory for 30 radio channels; Dictaphone; Noise canceling headphones included. An LCD display with a two-inch screen is capable of a lot, despite the fact that the device’s control buttons are located on the body and will not take up useful space on the display. Sony NWZ-E584 is a compact portable digital player in a metal case weighing only 49 grams. The cost for such a functional player is quite reasonable - 7 thousand rubles.

8. Cowon X9 8Gb

In 8th place among the best digital players is the Cowon X9 8Gb model. On a 4-inch color LCD screen with a built-in G-sensor, the device is able to display playable music tracks, video and photo files, text files, and even allow the user to while away the time by playing games built into the player’s firmware. A voice recorder and radio are a nice addition for the owner of Cowon X9 8Gb. 8 GB of internal memory and the ability to expand it using an SD card will allow the user to have a rich collection of files of any type. The cost of Cowon X9 8Gb is 11.5 thousand rubles.

7. Apple iPod nano 6 8Gb

Fans of Apple products will love the Apple iPod nano 6 8Gb player. Like any company's products, the player has a laconic design, where touch controls have completely replaced mechanical buttons. The 1.54-inch diagonal color screen is capable of displaying playing music tracks and photos, but completely excludes the possibility of playing video files. 8 GB of internal memory can accommodate an extensive playlist, but you can download it, again, using the notorious iTunes program. Apple knows how to surprise, and in the sixth generation of iPod they implemented the ability to use the Nike+iPod fitness application, which will appeal to athletes or users who lead a healthy lifestyle and want to track their physical performance. The cost of an Apple iPod nano 6 8Gb is about 12 thousand rubles.

6. Hidizs AP100

The Hidizs AP100 player is quite weighty (156 grams), but the high sound quality of songs played from the device puts the model in the top ten best digital players of 2016. This is due, first of all, to the built-in sound reverberation function and a high-quality digital-to-analog converter from Cirrus Logic. The advantage of Hidizs AP100 is the presence of a 2.4-inch color LCD screen, but there are slightly more disadvantages, since there is no playback of video and graphic files, as well as a voice recorder and radio. The cost of the device from Hidizs is 12.5 thousand rubles.

5. Apple iPod touch 5 64Gb

The top five players include another creation from Cupertino - the Apple iPod touch 5 64Gb. The fifth generation of iPod is better equipped than the sixth in the Nano series. Judge for yourself: the ability to reproduce photos, videos and sound files; built-in voice recorder and camera with photo and video recording functions; support for USB, Bluetooth and WiFi interfaces; Internet browser and large four-inch screen. Of course, such functionality will require more memory, because the video format and, even more so, a camera with recording capabilities require a lot of space for storing data. But even here the Apple iPod touch 5 is not far behind, as the device is equipped with 64 GB of built-in memory. The cost of the fifth generation Apple player is 20 thousand rubles.

4. iBasso DX80

The 3.2-inch color LCD screen of the iBasso DX80 and the high-quality sound of tracks using DAC technology from Cirrus Logic can surprise sophisticated users. The only disappointment is the lack of the ability to view photos and play video files, but this is compensated by the many readable audio file extensions. Two memory card slots provide an extensive library of audio tracks. iBasso DX80 with a metal case and a total device weight of 178 grams costs an average of 22 thousand rubles.

3. Fiio X5 II

Detailed and natural sound can be provided by the Fiio X5 II player, which opens the top three best digital portable players. The device has 2 slots for memory cards and can hold 128 GB of music tracks. With the Fiio X5 II, you should forget about viewing photo and video files, but their absence is completely compensated by the high-quality sound from the DAC from Burn Brown. The metal body of the device has a mechanical control panel; the player's headset is also surprising, which also allows for full control of the Fiio X5 II. The cost of the player is 23 thousand rubles.

2. HiFiMAN HM-901

High-quality digital players include HiFiMAN HM-901, which is the best and most advanced device in its line. The sound is fully consistent with a high-quality DAC. Support for memory cards up to 256 GB completely eliminates problems with lack of space. The weight of HiFiMAN HM-901 is about 250 grams, but this is justified by the presence of 2 capacious batteries, which contributes to long-term battery life. HiFiMAN HM-901's fine equalizer settings allow you to enjoy the perfect sound. The cost of the device is quite high - 65 thousand rubles, but this, apparently, is the cost of high-quality sound.

1. Astell&Kern AK100 32Gb

Portable Hi-Fi players have confidently taken their place as a full-fledged gadget for listening to high-resolution music. And if recently many looked at them with distrust, today they are not inferior in quality to full-size audio system components, and some are even superior. In the previous article we looked at “”, but now it’s time for specific models. The devices presented below belong to the most interesting mid-price segment, which already boasts impressive sound, but is not yet too expensive.

Astell&Kern AK 70

One of the most promising options in this category, which appeared on the market only at the end of last month. In general, Astell&Kern products need no introduction among lovers of high-quality sound, but, of course, not everyone can afford to pay 250,000 rubles for their flagship AK 380. AK 70 is another attempt by the company to enter the budget segment for its level, where the main competition is taking place. The previous AK Jr is also quite good, but the 70 definitely beats it in sound and superior in capabilities.

What can this light mint-colored aluminum beauty offer us? Or maybe it is almost everything that portable players are capable of, and even a little more. Thanks to the premium Cirrus Logic CS438 DAC found in all second-generation A&K products, you can listen to music in bitmap mode with resolutions up to 24-bit / 192 kHz or DSD 64/128, which, however, is converted to PCM 24-bit 176 kHz. To connect headphones, there is a 4-pin balanced 2.5 mm jack and a 3-pin unbalanced 3.5 mm jack. In addition, there is a USB port that allows you to use the AK 70 as a DAC paired with a laptop or PC, and the player was one of the first devices in the world with the ability to output sound through the same USB port, which allows direct connection to various portable amplifiers, and the signal can be broadcast both in PCM and in native DSD, but only if the receiver supports Do P technology.

The player is capable of playing music from various sources. First of all, this is the classic 64 GB of internal memory or microSD cards up to 128 GB. But that is not all. The presence of a Wi-Fi module and DLNA support will allow you to play content received from a NAS and PC or the Groovers online service. All this is complemented by the ability to directly connect to the AK CD-Ripper to digitize songs directly into the internal memory of the device, and another wireless Bluetooth module, naturally with the aptX codec, with which you can transmit the signal to wireless headphones or speakers.

For ease of control, there is a 3.3-inch touch screen, three side physical buttons and an analog volume control. The sound of the player is highly detailed and very natural with a slight bias towards analyticalness. The cost of AK 70 on the domestic market today is 47,000 rubles.

FiiO X7

Another new product released at the end of last year, but this time not from Korea, but from China. Unlike A&K, FiiO decided not to lower, but to raise the bar, moving from the budget segment to the mid-price segment, which they did very well. The main feature of the X7 is the replaceable amplifier modules, allowing for perfect matching with each specific headphone model. To be fair, it is worth noting that HiFiMAN was the first to implement this idea in its HM-801 and HM-901, but FiiO took a different path, inviting third-party developers to make their own modules, providing them with all the specifications, the opportunity to purchase a ready-made chassis, and even sales assistance through your dealer network. Today, there is a standard mid-power AM2 module on the MUSES02 chip and BUF634U buffers, a high-power AM5 on the same components, and a balanced AM3, created on six OPA1622 op-amps manufactured by Texas Instruments.

The player supports PCM playback with resolutions up to 64-bit and 384 kHz, as well as DSD64/128. The conversion is handled by one of the best DACs available on the market today - the ESS9018. A distinctive feature of the device is that it runs Android OS, which allows you not only to use a standard player, but also to install any other applications. Control is carried out using a 3.97-inch touch screen, complemented by a set of buttons symmetrically located on the sides of the body with the ability to assign various commands to them, which makes one-handed operation convenient for both right-handers and left-handers. Volume control is carried out by an analog microcircuit with digital control.

Files can be played from the built-in 32 GB memory and microSD cards, as well as online streaming services and NAS servers, for connection to which a Wi-Fi module is provided. There is also Bluetooth for working with wireless headphones.

The device is made in a neat aluminum case with a linear/coaxial 3.5 mm output on the top edge and a headphone jack on the bottom. There is also a microUSB port for connecting to a charger, docking station or PC. Available for use as a DAC or digital transport. The built-in battery lasts for 9 hours. FiiO's sound transmission is also at a very high level with excellent dynamics and excellent stage processing, but like the AK 70, it tends more toward maximum neutrality, without any coloration of its own. The price for the player varies from 46 to 50,000 rubles.

ColorFly C4 Pro

Next in our review is a very shocking device produced by the Chinese company ColorFly. Its appearance is very different from the generally accepted canons and in style is more like tube amplifiers than portable players. Judge for yourself, a massive body made of solid walnut with a front panel made of artificially aged brass with rather extravagantly located controls that you don’t immediately get used to. The device was released more than 5 years ago, but has not lost its relevance today. Yes, it does not have wireless modules, the ability to work with streaming services and DSD support. But it copes with sound reproduction just fine, leaving many competitors far behind.

For connection, there are no less exotic connectors for its class, represented by a pair of linear outputs on RCA, which are combined with a digital coaxial input and output, as well as two headphone outputs: standard 3.5 mm and non-standard 6.3 mm. The latter is designed for the use of high-impedance models and has a more powerful signal. There is a USB port, but only for data exchange with a PC and recharging. As a DAC, the gadget can only operate via S/PDIF. The display is extremely simple and informative. Volume adjustment is carried out, again, by the uncharacteristic ALPS slider control. The internal memory capacity is 32 GB, expandable with microSD cards by another 64 GB.

The Cirrus Logic CS4398 chip is responsible for converting sound from digital to analog, and the ADI AD823 is responsible for amplification. The final path is built on expensive Elna capacitors, there is a high-precision clock generator and jitter suppressor, as well as a Cirrus Logic CS8422 SRC converter, which performs preliminary upsampling before feeding it to the DAC. Moreover, its bit depth and sampling frequency can be adjusted independently. The maximum supported input signal resolution is 32 bits and 192 kHz.

Among the minuses, it should be noted the short battery life, limited to 4 - 6 hours, the impressive dimensions of 72 x 124 mm with a thickness of as much as 20 mm and a weight of 259 grams. A significant plus is very high sound quality with a fairly assertive presentation, three-dimensional stage construction and excellent elaboration of all parts of the spectrum. The cost of C4 Pro in Russia starts from 46,000 rubles.

HiFiMAN HM-901

Another weighty “brick” created by one of the founders of portable Hi-Fi - the HiFiMAN company. The appearance of the device is reminiscent of gadgets from the 80s, which adds a certain charm to it. At the same time, in technical terms, the player is very advanced, and along with the use of a pair of first-class ESS ES9018 DACs (one for each channel, which completely eliminates their influence on each other), the output stage is built on audiophile op-amps OPA2107 and OPA627, volume control is not done with a potentiometer , and a multi-position switch with fixed resistors and, finally, separate power supply for the digital and analog parts is provided, which prevents interference from penetrating into the path.

All this is complemented by the ability to change amplifier modules, of which more than five have already been released: MINIBOX and MINIBOX Gold for working with full-size studio models, Balance, respectively, with balanced ones, IEM with in-channel amplifiers, Musical, simulating the sound of tube amplifiers, and others. The design also includes a sensitivity switch that allows you to coordinate work with high-impedance and low-impedance headphones, and an interesting filter that slightly mutes the high-frequency part of the spectrum in Vintage mode and leaves it unchanged when selecting HD.

To connect headphones, there is a balanced output on a 3.5 mm jack, equipped with a corresponding selector, as well as a non-standard port to which you can connect a charging adapter, a USB cable or a combination cable with linear analog output and digital coaxial input/output (all on RCA) . The idea of ​​using one multifunctional port may be interesting, but if the standard cord is lost, recharging the battery will be a serious problem, so its practicality is highly debatable.

The player is capable of working with resolutions of up to 24 bits and 192 kHz, as well as DSD in the .diff extension with conversion to PCM. There is no internal memory, but there is a slot for SD cards up to 128 GB. Can be used as a DAC both when supplying a signal via a USB port and a digital S/PDIF input. The device is equipped with a color display, five buttons for controlling playback and a data input wheel. The battery life is 7 - 9 hours. The sound of the HM-901 was very dynamic, with a wide stage and impressive bass development. In addition, when using different amplifier modules, its character can change significantly. True, you will have to pay for a player in the basic configuration from 42,000 rubles, and the cost of additional cards starts from 7,000 rubles.

Conclusion

If we compare devices with each other, then there will be no clear leader here, because each of the contenders has its own individual character, which, moreover, is revealed differently depending on the model of headphones and the musical material being listened to. Astell&Kern AK 70 and FiiO X7 have more accurate and analytical sound transmission, ColorFly C4 Pro is more voluminous and emotional, and HiFiMAN HM-901 is an ideal option for dynamic compositions. Of course, the selected price segment is not limited to these four models, and there are also very worthy Cayin N6 and Cowon Plenue P1, not to mention more expensive models, but each of them is interesting in its own way. Some with convenience and versatility, some with originality of execution, and some with extensive capabilities.

Even the most expensive smartphone is inferior in sound quality to a budget Hi-Fi player. Manufacturers offer different models: from carelessly made gadgets made in China to exclusive products made of wood and metal. Almost identical-looking devices can differ greatly in cost, so before purchasing a player, you should fully understand its capabilities and characteristics.

Why do you need a Hi-Fi player?

A modern Hi-Fi player with high-quality headphones and downloaded music in lossless formats is capable of reproducing the finest nuances of sound in the voice of the lead singer and backing vocalists, the quietest sigh and a light touch on the cymbals. If you are not interested in this and need a device to play music of the same quality as on your phone, then buy a regular inexpensive MP3 player.

Hi-Fi player device

Not a single audio recording can convey the variety of musical shades that are perceived by the human ear when listening to live sound. Not everyone can afford to enjoy their favorite compositions live. It is for this purpose that sound waves are converted into digital format, recorded on electronic media and replicated. When playing audio files, the reverse process occurs: the sound is converted from electronic format to analog. For such a transformation, 2 devices are needed: a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and an audio amplifier.

Smartphones and miniature MP3 players are equipped with small budget DACs and amplifiers, the task of which is to transform the sound, and not to show its depth. Because of this, the quality of playback of songs is much inferior to that of Hi-Fi players. Only powerful DACs and amplifiers, which consume a lot of energy and require large batteries, can convey all shades of sound.

Choosing a Hi-Fi player

You can only experience all the nuances of sound in practice, but the first impression of sound quality can be made by studying the technical characteristics: DAC model, amplifier type, reproduced frequency range. It is also worth paying attention to such parameters as supported audio file formats, types of audio connectors, control method, amount of built-in memory, operating time and the presence of additional functions.

Specifications

DAC and amplifier.

The quality of playback of audio files and the price of the device itself directly depend on which DAC and amplifier are installed in the player.

Each manufacturer has its own specifics: some companies produce players that convey bass better, while others provide ideal reproduction of mid and high tones.

Different types of amplifiers can be installed in the Hi-Fi player: 2xAD8032+2xAD8534, ISL28291, OP275+OPA2604, OPA1642, OPA426, OPA2322+ISL28291, etc.

You can determine which DAC and amplifier are right for you personally only by listening to your favorite songs on a specific device. And here it’s not so much about the quality of the player, but about your preferences. There are devices that reproduce any type of sounds equally well and the quality in them can be adjusted to suit your needs, but such models are very expensive. If you are planning to buy a Hi-Fi player to enjoy a certain type of music, then you can find a cheaper device.
Some models have 2 DACs and an amplifier, although this design is expensive, it allows you to achieve maximum sound quality.

Minimum and maximum reproduced frequencies. The wider this range, the higher quality sound the device can provide.

The minimum frequency ranges from -20 Hz.

The range of maximum frequencies is much wider: in different models they can range from up to Hz. There are few devices on the market that reach the highest threshold.

Most of both budget and expensive players are designed to reproduce sound within the range of 20-20000 Hz.

Built-in memory capacity.

High quality audio files take up a lot of space, so the player should have as many gigabytes of built-in memory as possible. Devices for playing music can have from up to 256 GB.

If this is not enough, you should choose a model with memory card slots. Some Hi-Fi players have 2 microSD card slots.

Audio file formats.

Live audio can be converted to digital format with or without compression. In the latter case, the quality of the music recording will be much higher, but the file size will also be impressive. To save disk space, sound recordings are compressed using special programs. In this case, the quality may be lost or remain high: in this case, the sound will be comparable to the compositions recorded on the original CD.

Files compressed without loss of quality have extensions APE, FLAC, ALAC, PCM, ADPCM.

Songs in AAC, MP2, MP3, WMA and OGG formats take up less space, but their quality is lower.

But files with the WAV and AIFF extensions have the maximum size and excellent quality, since the sound is not compressed at all during recording.

Music in DSD, DSF, DFF, ISO and DXD formats even surpasses the sound quality of tracks on CDs. Such compositions convey the slightest nuances of sound and are intended for true music lovers. Budget models usually do not play such files: this is the prerogative of expensive devices. In any case, if you are buying a Hi-Fi sound device, do not allow yourself to be caught up in price and choose a model without the ability to play lossless formats (FLAC, ALAC, etc.).

Audio connectors.

The Hi-Fi player can be connected to other devices using various connectors and cables. Thus, the linear input is used to transmit an analog acoustic signal without additional processing. The balanced connector is a more advanced design: it suppresses interference and provides clear sound. The coaxial output allows you to transmit a digital signal, connecting the player to a home theater, stationary audio system and other modern devices. The optical input allows you to drive a digital signal while eliminating electrical noise completely. Modern Hi-Fi players are usually connected to a computer using USB or microUSB connectors. This connection ensures fast transfer of audio files even of large sizes.

Control method.

Controlling sound using only buttons or a sensor is quite inconvenient. Fast and high-quality setup is possible with a mixed control method, when one part of the functions is controlled by sensors or buttons, and the second is configured using mechanical switches (wheels, sliders, etc.).
As a rule, budget devices are controlled by buttons, while expensive products have a mixed control method.

Working hours.

For most models, battery life does not exceed a day. There are devices on sale that play music for 100 hours or more, but they cannot provide high sound quality due to low-performance DACs and amplifiers.

Different models of players can vary greatly in weight: from compact 40 g to devices weighing 200 g or more. A reliable steel case, a large battery and DACs with amplifiers separately for each channel will weigh quite a lot, so models that provide exceptional sound quality are often massive.

Additional features

A Hi-Fi player is a highly specialized device, and it does not need versatility. However, some manufacturers equip their devices with additional functions. The most useful of them are:

Digital equalizer – the user adjusts the sound by changing the amplitude of the waves;
waterproof case - allows you to use the device even in extreme situations, and also extends its service life;
Wi-Fi – designed for downloading firmware, music and videos from the Internet;
Bluetooth – used to synchronize the player with wireless headphones and computers.

A clip for attaching the player to clothing can also be a useful accessory. As for the presence of an FM tuner, a digital camera, a voice recorder and the ability to view video, these functions increase the cost of the device, but are unlikely to be in demand.

Music lovers would never think of using the player as an e-reader, camera or device for watching movies, and besides, all these functions are successfully implemented in modern smartphones. Connoisseurs of high-quality sound perceive the ability to view video and text rather as an annoying source of interference. Therefore, expensive devices that provide high quality playback are not equipped with such functions.

Cost of Hi-Fi players

For 4-10 thousand rubles. devices with higher quality digital audio file converters are sold. As a rule, they weigh up to 100 g, have a built-in memory capacity of about 16 GB, and their battery life does not exceed 12 hours.

Prices for products from well-known brands with high-performance DACs and amplifiers start from 20 thousand rubles. Their built-in memory is 32-64 GB, expandable, and supports most audio formats. Designs with two DACs cost at least 35 thousand rubles.

Models for 50-300 thousand rubles. are equipped with premium transducers and amplifiers, making the design heavier but delivering amazingly clear sound. Almost all expensive Hi-Fi players, along with touch screens, are equipped with mechanical wheels for adjusting sound, and some devices support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. However, they may not have built-in memory and work offline for up to 10 hours.

Music is an integral part of the lives of millions of people. Many people listen to their favorite songs on smartphones, others from their computers. But the vast majority choose specialized electronic gadgets - players. It is these devices that will be discussed in this review. Let's look at the TOP 5 best MP3 players released in 2017.

MP3 player Cowon Plenue 1

This model can hardly be called an ordinary player - it is, rather, a full-fledged speaker system: portable, powerful, ideal-sounding. Did the Korean company Cowon manage to create a Hi-Fi masterpiece based on almost 20 years of experience in creating players? Let’s look at it below:

1. Delivery contents not quite standard. In addition to the device itself, the box contains a leather case, a USB cable and documentation. What is missing? Correct adapter for socket. Thus, the manufacturer hints that the easiest way to charge the player is from a computer, and the trick is that both the existing wire and the device itself are synchronized with any power supply that has a USB port and is designed for a current of 2A.
2. Design remarkable and worth dwelling on in more detail. The case is metal, available in black, gold and silver. The entire front surface is covered with protective glass Gorilla Glass 3. On the right side there are mechanical keys for power, volume control and track switching, which also perform the functions of rewinding by time intervals. These buttons are illuminated in different colors, the hue and intensity of which depends on the state of the player itself. The body shape is rectangular with pronounced corners. All connectors are on the bottom edge. It looks stylish and expensive, completely justifying its cost. Dimensions are 116.4x64.5x13.4 mm and weighs 173 g.
3. Technical part capable of much, because it runs on a Cortex A9 processor with 2 cores with a frequency of 1.2 GHz running its own operating system based on Linux. The performance is quite enough for decoding and playing any formats. The display is touchscreen, with a 3.7-inch AMOLED matrix and a resolution of 800x480 pixels. Built-in physical memory 128 GB expandable with SD card. The interface is extremely informative and intuitive - there are several hundred settings, but understanding them is not a problem. The only negative is the absence of an oleophobic coating on the protective glass.
4. Battery represented by a 3000 mAh lithium-ion module. This is quite enough for a device whose only active part is the screen. A full battery charge is enough to operate at maximum volume with the display always on for 6 hours. Using a more gentle mode, you can easily achieve 8–9 hours of autonomous music playback. A full charge takes about 4 hours.

The price of Cowon Plenue 1 in Russia is 55,000 rubles. A video presentation of the device is presented below:

MP3 player Astell & Kern AK Jr

1. Contents of delivery standard. It includes documentation, a USB cable for charging and transferring data from a computer. Please note that the box does not contain a disc with drivers or other software. This is due to the automatic synchronization of the player with any devices - additional programs or applications are simply not needed. There is also a plastic cover to cover the USB port. A pleasant surprise will be the 2 screen protectors included in the kit.
2. Design can easily be called minimalistic. There are no decorations on the body, and it itself is made of a rectangular shape with beveled corners. The screen occupies 2/3 of the front panel and is the main element of the board. Despite this, there is a volume control in the form of a wheel and mechanical buttons for switching tracks and time stamps. The body is made of aluminum with different coatings - the side edges are matte, and the back and front covers are glossy. The player's dimensions are 117x53x9 mm and weighs 93 g. This gadget is one of the smallest representatives of mobile Hi-Fi equipment.
3. Technical features The player cannot boast - everything is extremely simple. The basis of the device is the Wolfson WM8740 chipset, powerful enough to be installed in large stereo systems and subwoofers. The second module is BlueTooth 4.0, used to connect to wireless headphones. There is also a regular 3.5 mm audio output. The player is equipped with a 3.1-inch touch screen with a resolution of 400x300 pixels. The display itself, of course, does not show a fantastic picture, but this is not required. The main thing is that the image is clear, individual pixels are not visible, and the sensor has high sensitivity. The disadvantage is that there is no protective glass and you have to use regular film. The built-in memory is 64 GB, and it is possible to expand it by another 64 GB maximum by installing a microSDXC card.
4. Battery 1450 mAh capacity provides continuous music playback for up to 8 hours. If you turn off the player periodically, then the result of 10 or even 12 hours is easily achieved. Energy efficiency is affected by its small size and relatively simple filling. Although these battery indicators are quite enough.

The price of Astell & Kern AK Jr in Russia is 24,000 rubles. Watch the video review below:

MP3 player Sony Walkman NW-ZX2

1. Equipment contains the usual set in such cases: the player itself, a leather case, a USB cable and technical documentation. The absence of a power supply has become commonplace. Charging is performed directly from the computer or using any adapter for smartphones and tablets.
2. Design, although quite familiar, immediately attracts attention. Rectangular shape with rounded corners. The base of the case is the side edges made of aluminum, and the back cover is plastic, but with the texture of genuine leather. This coating also performs an ergonomic function, preventing the device from slipping in the hand. The entire right side panel is strewn with control buttons, while the left one is completely empty. The headphone jack is highlighted not only by its shape (a cylinder that stands out on the body), but also by color - the space around the 3.5 mm input is painted yellow. Next to it (on the bottom edge) are slots for a memory card and a WM class port for charging and recording music from a computer. Dimensions are 131x65x18 mm, and weight is 235 g.
3. Specifications extremely high for a player. Only a full-fledged ARMv7 processor with 2 cores and its own PowerVR SGX 540 graphics card are already worth a lot, turning an ordinary player into a full-fledged multimedia platform. You can play games and watch movies here, especially given the universal Android operating system. Moreover, in AnTuTu testing the device scored almost 12,000 points. Extremely unexpected for a player. The screen is, of course, touch-sensitive. It is built on the basis of a TFT matrix with a diagonal of 4 inches and a working resolution of 854x480 pixels. This is not the ultimate dream, but quite decent indicators for devices of this class. The player also plays music at a high level - all known formats, with dozens of equalizer settings and preset modes. The main feature of this model is its support for the latest LDAC codec, and in general all audio formats in Hi-Res Audio. This player is designed to provide perfect sound. Although, you will also have to select headphones for it from the premium segment in order to enjoy all the capabilities of the device. The built-in physical memory is 128 GB, and expansion with an SD card is provided. There is also a built-in browser and even an organizer.
4. Battery provides the ability to operate autonomously for 30 hours. This is in normal use mode. If you load the player to the maximum, the battery will last for 10 hours of continuous operation. Such indicators of autonomy are unique not only for players, but also for most modern technology in general.

The price of Sony Walkman NW-ZX2 in Russia is 60,000 rubles. Watch the video review below:

MP3 player PonoPlayer

1. Contents of delivery Frankly pleased. In addition to the player itself and a standard USB cord with documents, a protective film for the screen and a gift SD card with a capacity of 64 GB await the user in the box. A nice addition no matter how you look at it.
2. Design extremely unusual. Although the player is positioned as a pocket device, its shape does not contribute to this - in the side section it is a triangle, and the shape of the front surface is rectangular with the screen on the left. Control keys are located next to the display. It’s not clear how to comfortably fit such a design in a pocket. On the left side there are 2 audio outputs: for headphones and a linear one, through which you can connect an additional amplifier. On the opposite side there is a microUSB port and an SD card slot. Basic control is carried out using the active screen. Dimensions are 127x51x25 mm with a weight of 130g. The dimensions can be called compact at a stretch, which only increases the confusion about the “pocket” purpose of the device.
3. Technically There is nothing to please with the device. No separate processor, no RAM. In fact, it's just a player for listening to music. But this is its peculiarity. In addition to the main audio file formats (MP3, WAV, ALAC and AIFF), the device reads FLAC music, which means it guarantees the original sound of the composition in any case. Moreover, the manufacturer offers access to a special store (via a computer) where you can buy records in this format. Another feature is the variability of encodings. There are 4 of them in total: CD lossless, high-resolution, higher-resolution, ultra-high resolution. They all differ in the bitrate of the reproduced audio and the frequency ranges that the codec covers. Despite the elementary “stuffing”, the gadget demonstrates the broadest playback capabilities, surpassing similar parameters of its competitors. 64 GB of built-in physical memory is provided for storing recordings.
4. Battery holds a charge for 8–9 hours with constant listening. The operating time can be extended by periodically turning off the device. This way you can gain another 2-3 hours. Overall, a good indicator for the player.

The price of PonoPlayer in Russia is 400 USD.

MP3 player Sony NWZ-A17

1. Contents of delivery includes a minimum set - documentation and USB cable. Unfortunately, there are no nice little things like protective films, memory cards and protective cases. Although they definitely wouldn't hurt. On the other hand, this made it possible to reduce the overall cost of the device.
2. Design quite strict, but not devoid of style and beauty. The body is made of plastic. The front surface area is equally divided between the screen and mechanical control keys. It is worth highlighting that the display is not touch-sensitive and all actions are performed using the function panel. The solutions for modern technology are unusual. Fortunately, it is implemented at a high level, and there are no problems with control. Overall dimensions: 109x44x9 mm with a weight of 66 g.
3. Technical specifications are limited only by the built-in amplifier S-Master HX, which also has a built-in microprocessor. It is he who does all the work of processing data and playing music files. For communication with peripheral equipment, in addition to microUSB, NFC and BlueTooth 2.1 technologies are used. The equalizer settings are quite varied and provide several dozen items with which the user can configure the most comfortable level of effects. The supported file formats include not only audio (FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, MP3, AAC, HE-AAC, WMA, L-PCM), but also video (MPEG-4, AVCHD (H.264/AVC), WMV 9) . Yes, you were right, and this device plays video, even despite the 2.2-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 320x240 pixels. The expediency of such a decision is extremely doubtful.
4. Battery has a capacity of 960 mAh. The indicator is not impressive, but you need to take into account the power and size of the device itself. They are just minimal, which affects energy consumption. So, a full charge will last for about 2 days of continuous listening to music in a regular format, and for 25 hours of playing HD sounds. The figure is not just unexpected, but stunning. It seems this model is designed specifically for travelers.

The price of Sony NWZ-A17 in Russia is 12,000 rubles. A video review of the model is presented below:

This year has become a fruitful period for music lovers. The TOP 5 best MP3 players of 2017 will easily replace smartphones as players, removing the lion's share of the load from them and delighting users with high-quality sound. And most importantly, the price range allows you to choose a model for any budget.

If we try to formulate the motto of developers of digital audio players at the present stage, it will sound something like this: “More functions in smaller dimensions.”

Although this formulation does not fully reflect the current state of affairs, there is still a considerable amount of truth in it. Combining a wide variety of functionality in one device is one of the most current trends in the development of not only digital players, but also the market of portable electronic devices as a whole. You don’t have to look far for examples: just look at modern mobile phone models. An inexperienced person may have the feeling that voice communication has long ceased to be the main function of these electronic monsters, stuffed with games, polyphonic melodies, color pictures, built-in cameras and other multimedia “additives”.

The development of digital audio players in this direction has led to the fact that they are gradually turning into much more versatile devices. An important factor was the introduction of color displays, which made it possible to implement functions for viewing video and graphic files. Currently, the structure of the market for portable digital players is undergoing significant changes: the share of universal media players is rapidly increasing, while the volume of production of “pure” audio players is steadily declining.

However, this global trend has only slightly affected the domestic consumer market. As sales statistics show, Russians still prefer to purchase audio players, while the demand for more expensive universal media players remains low.

MP3 discmen: a dead end of evolution?

One of the features of the current stage of development of portable digital audio players is the gradual reduction in the share of devices using CDs as media. The qualitative development of this type of player has actually stopped: manufacturers have already reached the maximum possible limit of miniaturization, determined mainly by the size of the media used. In addition, drives for playing CDs consume quite a lot of energy, which places increased demands on the capacity of the power supplies used. Other important factors that had a negative impact on the popularity of portable disk players were a significant reduction in the price level in the segments of devices based on flash memory and hard drives.

One of the alternative directions could be the development of disc players designed to use 80 mm media (“minions”). However, due to a number of objective reasons, such devices have not taken root in the mass market and are practically not produced to date.

Over the past two years, the number of new models of disc players has noticeably decreased. Having exhausted the potential opportunities in the portable equipment market, many manufacturers of disc players have focused their efforts on developing the very promising segment of car audio components.

Players on flash memory

One of the most important factors in the growing popularity of portable digital players based on flash memory has been the significant reduction in prices for these devices. Nowadays, a compact player with a display and 256 MB of built-in memory can be purchased for about 3 thousand rubles, and the lower price limit for devices equipped with 1 GB of built-in memory is already close to 5 thousand rubles.

However, this is quite natural. It's no secret that the price of players of this type is determined mainly by the cost of the memory modules installed in them. Over the past year, flash memory prices have dropped by about half, and analysts predict that this trend will continue next year.

To date, devices equipped with 64 and 128 MB of internal memory are practically no longer produced. Entry-level players are equipped with at least 256 MB of memory; The share of devices equipped with 512 MB and 1 GB memory has increased significantly. Manufacturers continue to focus on the use of built-in memory: the proportion of models that have a slot for connecting removable memory cards remains insignificant.

With the increase in the amount of built-in memory, the requirements for the bandwidth of the interface used to connect the player to the PC have increased. Most modern players use high-speed USB 2.0, while USB 1.1 is found only in the cheapest models.

The use of flash memory gives developers greater freedom in choosing the shape and size of the case. However, from a practical point of view, further miniaturization of players is hardly advisable. After all, as the size of the case decreases, the area available for placing controls and the built-in display screen decreases. Agree that a microscopic display combined with small buttons concentrated on a cramped control panel can hardly be considered an example of ergonomics. In addition, the dimensions of the case also limit the maximum size of the power source, which, in turn, affects the maximum battery life of the player.

The ability to use a case of almost any shape and size allows us to produce players stylized to resemble various objects. As experience in the development of other segments of portable devices (in particular, mobile phones or compact digital cameras) shows, turning an electronic device into a stylish accessory is very effective in attracting buyers. For example, a number of players are now being produced that are built into the body of a wristwatch, and last year the Creative company introduced the MuVo C100 model, stylized as a sports chronometer. There are more and more models made in the form of jewelry (brooches, pendants, etc.). Some players come with a set of front panel stickers so that the user can change the appearance of the device at will.

Another direction in the development of portable audio players is the expansion of their functionality. It would seem that modern models are already saturated with various functions to the limit. In addition to the basic functions (playing sound files and creating playlists), a radio receiver, voice recorder, clock with alarm, line-in recorder, etc. are usually provided. Software update functions and portable storage mode have become common features of portable audio players. Nevertheless, thanks to the efforts of developers, every year the list of capabilities of these devices is replenished with more and more new functions. Let's look at just a few interesting examples.

The OBH-0100 player, manufactured by the Korean company Sonorix, is built into headphones and equipped with a Bluetooth wireless adapter. This device allows you to play MP3 and WMA audio files from the built-in memory and can work as wireless headphones for a PC or laptop equipped with Bluetooth interface (range: about 10 m). The wireless interface can also be used to download files to the player’s built-in memory.

In addition, thanks to the built-in microphone, the OBH-0100 can function as a wireless headset for a mobile phone. When you receive a call, music playback pauses and the player switches to headset mode. At the end of the conversation, playback of the sound fragment resumes from the point where it was interrupted. When used with a PC or laptop, the OBH-0100 player can be used as a wireless headset when working with IP telephony and voice chat applications.

The Oregon Scientific MP120 model is addressed to those who like to listen to music on the beach; it is made in a waterproof case and is equipped with waterproof headphones. This player is equipped with 256 MB of built-in flash memory, a USB 2.0 interface for connecting to a PC and can play MP3 and WMA audio files. A backlit display is provided to display information about the files being played and the player’s operating modes.

Oregon Scientific MP120 player in a waterproof case

The MURO MR-100 model has an unusual feature: it is equipped with a built-in transmitter that allows you to broadcast playback files in stereo to a nearby FM receiver (88.1-107.9 MHz). This function allows, in particular, to easily connect the player to the car audio system: just find a free frequency on the air, tune the car radio receiver to it and you can enjoy your favorite tunes with the whole group!

Especially for fans of outdoor activities, Samsung has released the YP-60V player. This device, equipped with an OLED display, is made in a shock-resistant metal case, and the ability to play sound files and receive radio programs is complemented by a number of “sports” functions calorie counter, heart rate meter and stopwatch. The YP-60V comes with a strap to securely attach the player to your hand.

Hard drive-based players

The segment of portable digital players based on hard drives is currently developing at a very fast pace. The transition to the use of 1.8- and 1-inch form factor drives has made it possible to create small-sized players that can accommodate an entire music library. Now on the market there are mainly models based on one-inch hard drives with a capacity of 5-6 GB and 1.8-inch hard drives with a capacity of 20-40 GB.

In terms of their dimensions, the most compact models of players based on hard drives are already approaching devices with flash memory. For example, the body dimensions of the Archos Gmini XS 100 player, equipped with a 3 GB hard drive and a 1.5-inch LCD display, are 91x43x14 mm, and the weight is 80 g. The Archos line also includes the surprisingly compact Gmini XS 202 model based on 20- gigabyte hard drive its dimensions are 76x59x19.5 mm, and weight 120 g.

Even with prices gradually falling, hard drive-based players remain the most expensive type of portable audio players, which stops many potential buyers who ultimately prefer to purchase more affordable devices with flash memory. At the same time, in terms of the ratio of device price to built-in storage capacity, players based on hard drives are confidently ahead of models based on flash memory.

Conclusion

So, let’s summarize the main results of the first half of this year. There is a gradual decline in the share of disc players and the departure of many leading manufacturers from this segment. The competition between devices based on flash memory and those based on hard drives has noticeably intensified. In just a year, players based on flash memory have fallen in price by almost half. In turn, devices based on hard drives have become much smaller and lighter, and in addition, they have a more attractive price-to-capacity ratio of the built-in storage. Apparently, these trends will continue at least into the next year.