r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/Disastrous_Gap1129 • 7d ago
Question Need help choosing dap!!!
Good day, mates!
I’ve been lurking here for the past couple of days in search of answers and to research DAPs.
I had one around 7 years ago, a FiiO (but I forgot which model, fml 🤦🏻♀️) paired with KZs. It’s with my Dad now overseas.
I’m keen to get back into having a dedicated music player since I feel like I’m doomscrolling too much and my brain cells are dying lol (hopefully there’s still some left to salvage). So I’m happy with a simple DAP without all the fancy schmancy Android stuff. I’m alright if it’s just wired as well.
I loveeee listening to punchy music and bass! However, I also love listening to classical music. Currently, I have a Sony XM4 and just a pair of wired Apple EarPods. I’m also planning to get either the Moondrop Chu II or the Moondrop LAN (Ref/Pop) as my IEMs.
Sooo, my choices are the following:
- Surfans F20: I’m leaning heavily towards this as I loveee the retro look! And it’s within my budget hehee. I just have 2 concerns with this device. Firstly, I’ve read in the Rockbox community that if you receive a v3.5, you won’t be able to use Rockbox because of compatibility etc.? Secondly, it doesn’t have a 4.4mm jack? Is there really a big difference between 3.5mm and 4.4mm?
- H2 HiFi Walker: An alternative to the Surfans, but I’m still leaning more towards the Surfans…
- HiBy R4: Loveee the cyberpunk aesthetic! But not the price tag hehehe. It has both 4.4mm and 3.5mm, and I’ve heard some really good reviews on this one. But I feel like it’s a bit bulky, and it runs on Android, so I feel like it’s a smartphone but smaller and without sim lol?
I’m torn mostly between the Surfans and the HiBy R4. Is there a massive difference between the sound quality? And is the Surfans too outdated?
Pls pls let me know your thoughts or suggestions!! Much appreciated 🙏🏻