Audiophilepure

https://www.hifinews.com/content/astellkern-aultima-sp4000-digital-audio-player

Like many of the 12 tracks on the album, this is a sophisticated production with subtle use of layers and overdubs that you might not notice when listening on a less insightful system. But that was not the case here, with the SP4000 providing a clear picture through the T+A amp and speakers, smartly lifting the xylophones from the main melody and brass backing. It’s a typical oddball composition from Byrne, and I didn’t feel shortchanged hearing it in this way.

There was again a palpable sense of resolution during the militaristic but cheerful ‘III.The March Of The English’ on Akademie Für Alte Musik Berlin’s Paul Wranitzky: Symphonies album [Deutsche Harmonia Mundi; 96kHz/24-bit]. The woodwinds appeared full of character, the flute particularly light and nimble. At the same time, the ‘cannon shot’ effect from the bass drum had real force and impact. Yes, the mighty power reserves of the PA 3100 HV amplifier were key to this dynamic highlight, but as a source A&K’s SP4000 certainly delivered the goods.

https://www.headfonia.com/questyle-m18i-max-review

While some might miss the extended functionality of PEQ, I appreciate that I don’t have to install another app on my phone and it just works. In terms of power output, the M18i Max targets IEMs, but these days most dynamic headphones will be fine too. Closed planars from Dan Clark will work nicely as well, as they’re quite easy to drive.

Overall, I don’t see anyone being disappointed by the whole package offered by Questyle here. There are no gotchas to keep in mind. Therefore, I’m awarding the M18i Max with the “Headfonia Recommended Buy” award. While our souls might long for the bigger Sigma Pro or other huge flagships, the M18i Max will be what we really need. We just need to listen to realize it!

Overall, the Shanling UA7 is capable of a formidable soundstage performance level that will upscale with headphones or IEMs that possess that sonic character, and performs leagues above what past dongles were capable of, including some older Shanling models.

The staging is wide enough to be considered ample with lots of real estate, but focused enough not to sound unnaturally sparse. Elements remain focused within the large sonic panorama.

Depth and layering are all presented in a modest amount since the UA7 is capable of frontal depth, strong imaging capabilities, and lots of separation, depending on the recording.

The SIGMA is a first-rate DAC/Amp that should make any audiophile happy. Having found the audio qualities excellent, I have a few reservations. As a portable system, there is no way to attach the device to your phone or music player, so you can carry them together. It’s awkward at best. Even worse, there is no case, and with the beautiful glass front and back pieces, I can sense an unhappy ending if the unit is dropped or the glass surfaces become scratched. I am surprised there was no case that comes with this device, and no thought given to how to carry it with a music source. I don’t think most people want to carry a music player or phone, with wires coming out to attach to the SIGMA in a loose configuration. Yes, Bluetooth will keep it wireless, but there’s still the SIGMA to carry around with a lot of exposed glass.

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.