Audiophilepure

There is always something I wish were improved regarding the sound of sub-$300 DAPs, mostly the perceived lack of resolution, transparency, and warm or cold coloration, as well as the occasional veil in the treble and lack of bass impact.

I’m pleased to report that the Hidizs AP80 PRO MAX does not introduce an obvious warmth to the sound, and the treble remains clear.

When I listen to the AP80 PRO MAX, I’m greeted with a neutral tonality characterized by a flat perceived frequency response and a transparent sound without obvious colorations, with an above-average soundstage size.

The bass is neutral with a small amount of added boominess in the sound; it goes deep and rumbly without losing too much control. There are acceptable details and articulation in the sound.

Lower midrange is clear and tight; there is no artificial warmth or bloom. It sounds colorless yet not clinical, as the overall sound is never thin or light in note weight; the vocals never lack body

https://www.headfonia.com/astell-kern-sp4000-review/

If streaming isn’t your thing, you can always use the 256 GB of internal NAND memory for storing digital audio libraries. In addition to this built-in storage, the SP4000 also supports external microSD cards with a capacity of up to 1.5 TB

Honestly though, it’s really easy and intuitive to work with the software and the menu structure and hidden menus are logic and what we’re used to from Android devices.

Of course the SP4000 sports many different features that make your audio listening life easier, or let you tune the sound and performance. Think Dac Filters (6), EQ, High Driving Mode, DAR, Gapless, Replay Gain, RTI LED, Crossfeed, Speaker effects, Roon Ready, External DAC use, DAC use, BT (aptX™ Adaptive and LDAC™), BT Sink, XLR Settings, AK File Drop, Airplay, Qobuz Connect, S/PDIF Conversion, and so much more.

I personally found the modern tube mode to strike the best balance, especially when paired with my Shanling HW600 – awesome headphone by the way- but more on that later.

Even better, the signal path remains powered by premium components at every step: JRC NJW1195A volume controller, dual LDOs (TPS7A4901 + LP5907), and a low-ripple LT8334 DC/DC converter – the kind of layout that screams no-compromise engineering.

The result? A circuit that not only handles high-resolution files with ease, but delivers them with finesse – whether you’re plugged into the balanced 4.4mm out or the regular 3.5mm jack. An outstanding foundation for the RU9’s dual-amp topology, and one that clearly sets it apart from mid-range competitors – despite the relatively low price of the DAC.

I would love it if the screen protector were factory-installed, because I had to install it myself. Of course, I butchered it, leaving some dust and bubbles underneath.

The packaging also included a perfectly fitting, magnetized door and purple leather case; unfortunately, it doesn’t match the mocha color on the M3 Plus body. It would be nice if it were available in dark brown or black

The HiBy R6 III 2025 switched to Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs from ESS 9038Q2M found in the previous R6 III. The new Cirrus Logic DACs are technically superior on paper. HiBy must’ve thought this new DAC change justified the release of a refreshed model. The R6 III was already an outstanding performer for the money, and now, with the updated DACs and slightly lower launch price, the R6 III 2025 looks like a solid deal as well. However, seeing a complete audio circuit upgrade, including the amplification stage, would be nice. Nevertheless, the Class A/AB amplification has a proven track record.

Of course, you can go the extra mile and send the data from your phone to the DAP via Bluetooth or Lotoo’s lossless transmission protocol, given you also bought an LTTP transmitter. More on that a little later.

The PGT2 can also be used as a USB DAC, using its USB C (3.1) input. It features two sets of outputs, with a 3.5mm single ended and a 4.4mm balanced connector. Exactly like the original. However, this time Lotoo has given both outputs different output power ratings.

The second gen PAW Gold Touch now has a rated output power of 1,000mW per channel balanced and 460mW single-ended. This is quite a lot, but we know that output power can bring us only so far, but when it comes to driving headphones more values have to be factored in. So, don’t throw out your desktop amps just yet.

I suppose these decisions result from the goal of keeping the DAP small. The previous generation, N6II, had the power button integrated on the volume wheel, but not in the N6III. This is not to say that it is difficult to operate the DAP in any way, but it is still strange when you start using it. 

The DAP is built from aluminium alloy and feels fantastic in hand. None of the buttons or sockets feel cheap, and the back glass looks nice. The modular motherboard sits tightly in the DAP, and there’s no wobble. The overall design and build quality are evident when you first handle the player.

The screen looks sharp and has good pixel density, which is enough for a Hi-Fi player. The album covers and videos look good. The screen-to-body ratio is more admirable than the N6II since the screen is enlarged and looks very aesthetic.

The DAP is built from aluminium alloy and feels fantastic in hand. None of the buttons or sockets feel cheap, and the back glass looks nice. The modular motherboard sits tightly in the DAP, and there’s no wobble. The overall design and build quality are evident when you first handle the player.

The screen looks sharp and has good pixel density, which is enough for a Hi-Fi player. The album covers and videos look good. The screen-to-body ratio is more admirable than the N6II since the screen is enlarged and looks very aesthetic.

I don’t think you’ll have trouble using the player in that respect. The market has more larger players, even more so than in the past, but I liked the N6III for its form factor.

When I reviewed the TempoTec V6 for my blog, I found it to carry very good levels of detail and clarity, without much coloration.

The same can be said of the V3, with very good extension up top. The low end carries on with aplomb and fairly good control. Reaching fairly deep as well, the V3 provided an overall level of detail that should be appreciated by most listeners.

I appreciated the sound signature with its ability to portray a natural, realistic signature that portrayed the intent without coloration or any false sense of sound heard throughout the testing.