Once you’ve taken up a hobby and you are serious about it, you discover there’s no end to the things you may need. For example, audio enthusiasts are tempted to upgrade not just their headphones, but the music source such as their digital music players (DAPs). However, with the wide range of choices in different price ranges, which one should you get? Find out with this guide.

Why would you want to spend extra to listen to music on the go when you can listen to music on your smartphone? There are a few obvious disadvantages with listening to music on a mobile phone.

1. Poor compression

Mobile phones support a wide range of functions and read music files with poor compression during decoding which distorts the music. Although some phones are able to perform better in this area, there are still other problems.

2. Interference

The multiple functions of a mobile phone and its non-music output channels (internal network, phone, etc.) often interfere with song playback, reducing the clarity and quality of the sound.

3. Not enough memory

At 44.1 kHz /16 bit which is a common sampling frequency for music recordings, a 4-minute song uses up to 42MB of memory. This soon fills up the mobile phone's memory especially if it also comes with a camera.

4. Insufficient power

With the functions it supports, the battery of a mobile phone needs to last half a day to be considered acceptable. Many phones are not capable of playing high quality music continuously for this long.

The DAP is the answer to this. It focuses on playing music consistently with less interference, uses a higher-end digital converter to decode and supports lossless music files. It has a large memory for better performance. Now check the shopping tips below.

1. Sound quality

To enjoy superior audio quality, the first consideration is of course, the sound. Apart from selecting a model with Hi-Res certification from the Japan Audio Association, you also need to consider:

● Digital conversion chip：In simple terms, digital conversion refers to the conversion of the digital signals back to physical signals such as vibrations in music recordings. The higher the quality of the chip, the greater the decoding power, the less distortion and the more detail is preserved. Chips of different brands do not have the same algorithm, just like cameras and therefore they offer varying audio experiences. Choose one that suits the type of music you listen to.

○ Some chips offer a balanced three-band performance and are easy on the ears, and suitable for those who listen to a wide variety of music.

○ Some are designed mainly for the middle and high frequencies, with warmer vocals, suitable for pop music, and new audio fans.

○ Some focus on the low and mid frequencies, with rich and thick details, suitable for those who love to listen to orchestral music or bands.

● Headphone jack：The basic is the 3.5mm unbalanced jack. Some come with 2.5mm or 4.4mm balanced jacks, with separate left and right channels for a wider soundstage (live feel). If you have a variety of headphones or are interested in upgrading your audio equipment in the near future, consider getting a DAP with all three jacks for prolonged enjoyment.

2. Storage capacity

Find out the internal capacity of the DAP and whether it has a memory card slot, as this will directly affect how many songs you can play and whether you need to replace the memory card often.

3. System and features

DAP operating systems are broadly divided into two types: Android open systems and closed systems. The open system allows users to install their own applications, including various music streaming platforms, while the closed system is purely for music. As mentioned earlier, there is more interference with mobile phones because of their versatility and this applies here too, so a DAP with a closed system will sound better. However, with streaming platforms such as Spotify offering lossless music, the DAP open play system becomes more attractive. Some models also offer recording, radio, Bluetooth, AirPlay and other features.

4. User experience

Size and weight determine whether a DAP is convenient for music on the go. Other factors include look, material, shape, weight, panel design, button design, grip, battery life, system fluency and the ability to power up. Before deciding, check the specifications of each brand. In the past, Japanese and Korean DAPs were superior in terms of overall experience. In recent years DAPs made in China have taken great strides and are now a good value-for-money choice for many people.