10 Best Hi-Res Audio Players of 2019

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Are you looking for the best Hi-Res audio players, but so far haven’t found anything you like in the marketplace? We have done the necessary research so you won’t have to and came up with ten brilliant audio players. Each product is carefully selected because we want to present the best to our customers.

Every Hi-Res audio player we list will have a mini-review that you can read to get an idea of what to expect upon purchasing. We have created three price categories based on the price, which means all customers will have options. Also, we have rated the audio players on a scale of 1 to 5, so you get an idea of their quality before reading.

Furthermore, if you’ve never bought a Hi-Res audio player before don’t worry because we have created a buying considerations section. There you will learn about multiple features a DAP can have, which will enlighten you on what to look for when purchasing. Even if you don’t buy from us at least you would have gained the necessary knowledge to purchase elsewhere. We hope you enjoy reading this buyer’s guide as much as we did writing it.

Budget
best-budget-hi-res-audio-player
HIDIZS AP60 Ⅱ
4.9/5.0
Weight: 6.7 Ounces
Battery life: 12 Hours
Supports up to 256 GB micro SD cards.
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Best Value
best-value-hi-res-audio-player
Sony NWZX300/S
4.9/5.0
Weight: 12.6 Ounces
Battery life: 30 Hours
64 GB internal storage and sensitive touch screen.
Check Amazon
Top Pick
top-value-hi-res-audio-player
Astell&Kern KANN Hi-Res Audio Player
4.9/5.0
Weight: 9.8 Ounces
Battery life: 15 Hours
Has built-in EQ and a 64 GB internal storage.
Check Amazon

Buying Considerations






Items by price:

Hi-Res Audio Players Comparison Table

Make and ModelWeightBattery lifePrice
HIDIZS AP60 ⅡHi-Res Audio Player6.7 Ounces12 HoursCheck Price
FiiO M3K Hi-Res Audio Player4 Ounces24 HoursCheck Price
iHaper HP1 High Res-Audio Player3.84 Ounces20 HoursCheck Price
HiBy R6 Hi-Res Audio Player6.9 Ounces12 HoursCheck Price
Pioneer hi-res digital audio player7 Ounces16 HoursCheck Price
Sony NW-A45/B Walkman7.2 Ounces45 HoursCheck Price
FiiO M7 Hi-Res Audio Player4.2 Ounces20 HoursCheck Price
Astell&Kern KANN Hi-Res Audio Player9.8 Ounces15 HoursCheck Price
Astell&Kern A&Norma SR15 Hi-Res Audio Player16 Ounces11 HoursCheck Price
Sony NWZX300/S Hi-Res Audio Player12.6 Ounces30 HoursCheck Price

Best Hi-Res Audio Player Under $100

Are you searching for the best Hi-Res audio players and only have a budget of $100? We have searched the marketplace for the best budget options that can deliver premium Hi-Res audio. You can connect to these audio players wirelessly because they have built-in Bluetooth with NFC pairing. Also, the devices are easy to use because they have buttons located on the side and the front of the screen.

1. Best Budget: HIDIZS AP60 ⅡHi-Res Audio Player

HIDIZS AP60 ⅡHi-Res Audio PlayerView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The HIDIZS AP60 ⅡHi-Res Audio Player is a great budget option because it can deliver supreme audio thanks to the many technologies used. The DAP supports multiple formats such as APE, DSD, FLAC, WAV, and MP3. Also, the Hi-Res device produces audio better than CD’s because it has high bit rates that extend to 192kHz/24bit.

The 2-inch screen is bright and easy to use because it features a simple interface. The interface lets you create playlists, shuffle between songs, and adjust the volume. The screen dimension is 320 x 240 pixels, which is more than enough to see all images and words. The DAP only weighs 6.7 ounces, so it’s easily portable.

The Hi-Res audio player supports Bluetooth technology, which means you can connect wirelessly. Also, there is built-in NFC tech that automatically connects your audio device to the DAP. The device supports micro SD cards up to 256 GB, which is more than enough to store thousands of songs.

However, the DAP doesn’t have built-in memory, so if you don’t have a micro SD card, you’ll need to purchase one separately. When connected with Bluetooth you only get 4-6 hours of playback time, whereas with cable you’ll receive up to 12 hours.

To summarize, the HIDIZS AP60 ⅡHi-Res Audio Player is a great budget choice because it can deliver certified Hi-Res audio. The DAP supports most of the popular formats so you won’t have to worry about downloading the wrong files. You can put in a micro SD card with storage up to 256 GB, which means you can store thousands of songs. Also, the Hi-Res player features Bluetooth technology with NFC pairing that automatically connects both audio devices.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 6.7 Ounces
Battery life: 12 Hours
Brand: HIDIZS
The Pros
Supports up to 256 GB micro SD cards
Delivers supreme audio
Supports most popular apps
The Cons
Doesn’t have built-in memory
Only get 4-6 hours of playback time with Bluetooth

2. FiiO M3K Hi-Res Audio Player

FiiO M3K Hi-Res Audio PlayerView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The FiiO M3K Hi-Res Audio Player supports up to 2 TB of storage, which is more than enough to save all your favorite songs. The drivers produce playback times of 24 hours and have a standby time of 38 days. Therefore, if you don’t use the device for a while, you won’t need to recharge it. Also, the charging time isn’t that long compared to the amount of playback time you’ll get.

The FiiO M3K Hi-Res Audio Player is a master of coding having the ability to play files such as DSD, CUE files, and LRC files for displaying lyrics. The graphic equalizer is simple to use and comes with multiple presets. Each preset delivers supreme audio made for every genre, so if you like metal the DAP will increase the bass.

The cool UI features a stylish design that is easy to use. There are five sets of touch buttons to make getting around the UI easily. The buttons let you shuffle between songs, adjust the audio, and use the EQ. The build quality is brilliant as it uses an all-aluminum body, which ensures a long-lasting product.

The DAP can be tuned manually, but if you don’t know what you’re doing it can be tricky. Also, you can only choose between two color styles, which doesn’t give you much personalization.

In summary, the FiiO M3K Hi-Res Audio Player is a great choice that delivers supreme music thanks to the built-in EQ. The DAP can deliver up to 24 hours of playback time and has a standby time of 38 days. The device is a master of decoding and can play formats that display lyrics on screen. Finally, the audio player can support micro SD cards up to 2 TB when they become available.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 4 Ounces
Battery life: 24 Hours
Brand: FiiO
The Pros
Supports up to 2 TB micro SD cards
Stylish UI
Built-in EQ
The Cons
Tuning the drivers yourself can be tricky
Only two colors to choose from

3. iHaper HP1 High Res-Audio Player

iHaper HP1 High Res-Audio PlayerView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The iHaper HP1 High Res-Audio Player delivers up to 192kHz/24bit decoder rate, which is higher than Hi-Res standards. The device uses an A-class AK4376 DAC chip with MIPS+DSP dual-core processor that helps deliver smoother audio. The signal to noise ratio is up to 115 dB, providing an ultra-clear audio experience.

The IPS screen has less color difference in different viewing angles compared with other LCD screens. The response time is short, which makes the DAP fast to use. The OS is simple to use and lets you easily create playlists, tune the drivers, and adjust the volume. The overall design looks stylish thanks to its black color scheme.

The 900 mAh battery can deliver up to 20 hours of playback time, which is great for long road trips. The battery only takes 1.5 hours to charge so if you forget to power it up before a trip you can plug it in for a quick charge. Also, the DAP supports TF cards up to 128 GB, which is more than enough to store thousands of songs. Upon purchase you’ll get an 8 GB card, so you won’t have to purchase one separately.

The 2-inch IPS screen may be too small for some people, so you’ll need to look at other options with a bigger screen. Also, the built-in buttons feel cheap when compared to other budget options.

To conclude, the iHaper HP1 High Res-Audio Player is a brilliant choice since it can deliver supreme audio quality. The device can deliver up to 20 hours of playback time and the charging time is only 1.5 hours. The IPS screen is highly responsive, which makes it easy to use the DAP. Also, upon purchasing you’ll get an 18-month warranty and an 8 GB memory card.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 3.84 Ounces
Battery life: 20 Hours
Brand: iHaper
The Pros
Comes with an 8 GB memory card
Comes with an 18-month warranty
Produces supreme audio
The Cons
2-inch IPS screen may be too small
Built-in buttons feel cheap

Best Hi-Res Audio Player Under $500

Are you searching for the best Hi-Res audio player, but with so many options you don’t know which one is best? We have searched for the best options so you won’t have to and found four that produce excellent Hi-Res audio. These options produce premium sounding acoustics because they use advanced technology that decodes formats easily. Also, the devices are easy to use because they feature simple interfaces with built-in buttons.

4. HiBy R6 Hi-Res Audio Player

HiBy R6 Hi-Res Audio PlayerView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The HiBy R6 Hi-Res Audio Player is ultra-fast because it uses a powerful lag free processor. The OS used is Snapdragon 425, which is an advanced Android software that has many features. The DAP has 3 GB of RAM, which means you can open multiple applications without lagging. Also, the software lets you create playlists, download audio apps, and watch videos.

The speaker design is super slim, so it fits nicely into your pocket. The world-class craftsmanship of the DAP has six buttons on the side of the device that can be used to pause/play music, shuffle between songs, and turn the device on or off. Moreover, you can connect to the device with wireless devices because it has built-in Bluetooth with apt-X technology.

The audio quality produced by this DAP is excellent because it uses dual-channels for low-pass filtering and amplification. The device offers great power output up to 300 mW, which means you can use most audio products with this Hi-Res audio player. Also, the DAP supports memory cards up to 2 TB and has 32 GB of internal storage.

The Hi-Res audio player only comes in 4 colors, so you don’t get much personalization. Also, the battery life is around 12 hours, which is a lot less than most audio devices.

In conclusion, the HiBy R6 Hi-Res Audio Player is a brilliant option because it will enhance the audio quality. The OS is Snapdragon 425 that is easy to use thanks to the simple interface. The 3 GB of RAM means that you can open multiple apps without any signs of lag. Also, you’ll get 32 GB of internal storage that will store thousands of songs.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 6.9 Ounces
Battery life: 12 Hours
Brand: HiBy
The Pros
32 GB internal storage
3 GB of RAM
Uses Snapdragon 425 OS
The Cons
Only comes in 4 colors
Battery life could be longer

5. Pioneer hi-res digital audio player

Pioneer hi-res digital audio playerView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Pioneer hi-res digital audio player comes with a built-in EQ, which you can use to tune the drivers to your preferences. The EQ has multiple presets that you can use if you don’t know how to tune the drivers yourself. Also, the DAC and amplifier enhance the audio to a whole new level that you’ve never experienced before.

The Hi-Res audio device supports multiple audio formats such as PCM, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, and MP3. The device has a 3.5mm port that you can use to connect your headphones or earbuds. Also, there is a 2.5mm port, which means the DAP is compatible with all devices.

The Hi-Res audio player has Android OS that makes the device easy to use. The touch screen is easy to navigate through, and when playing music it’s easy to shuffle between songs. The build quality is excellent because it uses long-lasting materials that ensure it’s durability. Also, the overall style looks great using a sleek silver color.

The Hi-Res audio player doesn’t come with built-in Bluetooth, which means you can’t connect wirelessly. Also, the 1630 mAh battery takes a long time to charge, so make sure to power it before long trips.

To summarize, the Pioneer hi-res digital audio player is an excellent mid-priced option because it can deliver supreme audio thanks to the technologies used. The DAP has a built-in EQ that comes with multiple presets. The build quality is excellent using premium materials to ensure its durability. Finally, the device supports multiple connection methods and a variety of audio formats.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 7 Ounces
Battery life: 16 Hours
Brand: Pioneer
The Pros
32 GB internal storage
Built-in EQ
Super reactive touch screen
The Cons
Doesn’t come with built-in Bluetooth
The battery takes a long time to charge

6. Sony NW-A45/B Walkman

Sony NW-A45/B WalkmanView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The Sony NW-A45/B Walkman delivers truly Hi-Res audio thanks to the multiple technologies used. The DAP delivers better audio than CD’s because it has more bits and KHz. Also, this means the audio will have more detail, which enhances the overall experience.

The Hi-Res audio device is easy to connect to because it features Bluetooth with NFC technology. The NFC pairing means that you won’t need to manually connect the DAP to your audio device every time you turn it on. However, if you don’t have a Bluetooth device you can connect with an AUX wire, which is a great alternative.

Taking this audio player on long trips is ideal because it has an extremely long battery life of 45 hours. The DAP features 16 GB of internal storage, which is more than enough to save thousands of songs. Also, don’t worry about downloading the wrong audio formats because the DAP is compatible with most files.

The Hi-Res audio player only comes in 2 colors, so you don’t get much personalization. Furthermore, due to the long battery life the charging times are insanely long.

To summarize, the Sony NW-A45/B Walkman is a brilliant choice that delivers Hi-Res audio. You get multiple methods of connection such as Bluetooth and AUX. The NFC pairing automatically connects the DAP to your audio device, which makes it convenient to use. Also, battery life is insanely long lasting up to 45 hours.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 7.2 Ounces
Battery life: 45 Hours
Brand: Sony
The Pros
16 GB internal storage
Built-in NFC technology
Ultra-long battery life
The Cons
Only two colors to choose from
Charging times are long

7. FiiO M7 Hi-Res Audio Player

FiiO M7 Hi-Res Audio PlayerView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Enjoy high fidelity audio with the FiiO M7 Hi-Res Audio Player thanks to the aptX, aptX- HD and LDAC Bluetooth technology. The DSD decoding technology helps provide smoother audio and adds more detail. The Exynos 7270 SoC chipset delivers higher power and longer battery life that extends to 20 hours.

The touch screen is easy to use because you only need to swipe in certain directions to skip through songs and adjust the volume. Located on the side of the DAP are buttons, which can be used to customize the audio. Also, the Hi-Res audio player supports micro SD cards up to 512 GB, which is enough to store thousands of songs.

The audio device is long lasting because it uses an aluminum case that protects the chipsets inside. The touch screen is hard to scratch, but we still recommend to use a screen protector. The DAP comes in 4 color designs, which offers you more personalization.

Charging the battery takes a long time, so make sure that you power the device before long trips. Also, if you go out of the Bluetooth connection range you’ll start to hear the audio quality go down, which can get annoying if you don’t want to keep the DAP on you.

To conclude, the FiiO M7 Hi-Res Audio Player delivers premium audio because it uses multiple advanced technologies. The DAP supports micro SD cards up to 512 GB of storage, which is more than enough for most people. Also, the battery life is extremely long lasting 20 hours with 40 days of standby time.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 4.2 Ounces
Battery life: 20 Hours
Brand: FiiO
The Pros
Durable design
Supports up to 512 GB of storage
Easy to use
The Cons
Long charging times
Must stay within the connecting range to keep audio quality high

Best Hi-Res Audio Player Under $1000

Are you looking for the best Hi-Res audio players that can deliver supreme audio, but so far not had any luck finding the most suitable option. We have done the research and found three audio players that deliver great audio, practicality, and durability. Also, these options offer a variety of connection methods. Therefore, you can use Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth devices with the DAP.

8. Top Pick: Astell&Kern KANN Hi-Res Audio Player

Astell&Kern KANN Hi-Res Audio PlayerView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Astell&Kern KANN Hi-Res Audio Player has a 6200 mAh battery that brings up to 15 hours of playback time. The DAP features 64 GB of internal storage so that you can store all your favorite songs into the device. Also, there are 2 SD card slots if you need more storage, which can come in handy when storing films.

The Astell&Kern KANN Hi-Res Audio Player has a built-in amp that helps provide clearer audio by handling the power. Compared to other DAP’s this one provides greater detail in the audio because the decoder uses advanced technology. When using the device there is no lag because it uses a quad-core CPU.

The device is easy to use because it features an ultra-responsive touch screen. You can easily navigate through the screen due to its simple interface. The built-in EQ comes with multiple presets, and you can tune them yourself by adjusting the bass or treble. Also, the build quality is excellent because it uses premium materials, which are highly durable.

This Hi-Res audio device doesn’t come with built-in Bluetooth, which means you won’t get wireless freedom. Also, the DAP is the most expensive option on this list, so make sure you have the money to invest. However, for the specs you’ll get your money worth in return.

To summarize, the Astell&Kern KANN Hi-Res Audio Player is one of the best choices available since it can deliver premium sounding audio. The built-in EQ is easy to use and comes with multiple presets. When using the DAP, there is no lag because of the quad-core CPU. Also, the Hi-Res audio player is long-lasting because of the ultra-durable materials.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 9.8 Ounces
Battery life: 15 Hours
Brand: Astell&Kern
The Pros
Built-in EQ
64 GB internal storage
Excellent build quality
The Cons
No built-in Bluetooth adapter
Not a budget option

9. Astell&Kern A&Norma SR15 Hi-Res Audio Player

Astell&Kern A&Norma SR15 Hi-Res Audio PlayerView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Astell&Kern A&Norma SR15 Hi-Res Audio Player delivers detailed sounds thanks to the advanced decoding technology. The DAP supports 24bit 192kHz, which means the audio experience is a lot better compared to other options. Also, the dual DAC chipset and quad-core CPU provide zero lag when in use.

The Hi-Res audio player has built-in Wi-Fi, which means you can connect to your home network to stream audio from your favorite apps. The DAP has a built-in Bluetooth so you can connect your wireless headphones or earbuds. On the other hand, for non-Bluetooth devices you can connect a 3.5mm AUX.

The Hi-Res audio player is easy to use because it features a highly responsive touch screen. Located on the right side is a wheel that you can turn to adjust the audio. The design of DAP is super durable because it uses premium materials. Also, the audio device features 64 GB of internal storage and a micro SD slot.

The DAP doesn’t come cheap, so you’ll need to make sure you have the money to invest in this device and a headphone/earbud that will utilize the technology of the music player. Also, when putting the Hi-Res audio device in your pocket the audio wheel can turn, which can be frustrating.

To conclude, the Astell&Kern A&Norma SR15 Hi-Res Audio Player is a brilliant choice because it can deliver detailed audio. The device features built-in Bluetooth, which means you can connect your wireless headphones or earbuds. The DAP has 64 GB of internal storage, and if you need more there is a micro SD slot. Also, the music player doesn’t lag thanks to the quad-core CPU.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 16 Ounces
Battery life: 11 Hours
Brand: Astell&Kern
The Pros
Doesn’t lag
64 GB internal storage
Supports most popular formats
The Cons
Expensive
Volume wheel can turn by itself when in your pocket

10. Best Value: Sony NWZX300/S Hi-Res Audio Player

Sony NWZX300/S Hi-Res Audio PlayerView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Sony NWZX300/S Audio Player can play Hi-Res audio better than CD’s thanks to its higher bit rate. The audio is not compromised and plays the way the artist intended it to, which means you’ll get a lifelike feel. The DSD technology operates at a far higher frequency range than conventional PCM digital audio. Therefore, you’re guaranteed a premium audio experience.

The built-in Bluetooth technology has a maximum data transfer rate of 990 kbps, which is approximately three times more than other audio profiles. On the other hand, you can connect with an AUX wire. It saves you battery power since you won’t need to use Bluetooth. Also, the battery life lasts for 30 hours.

The touch sensitive matte glass screen provides smooth control, which makes the DAP feel premium. The interface is easy to navigate through because it features a straightforward design. Located on the side of the Hi-Res audio player are buttons that can be used to adjust the audio, skip between tracks, and pause when you need to.

The battery is super long, but this means the charging times are quite long. Therefore, you should make sure that you charge the device before trips. Also, the screen is prone to cracks when dropped.

To summarize, the Sony NWZX300/S Hi-Res Audio Player is a brilliant choice because it can deliver premium audio. Multiple technologies are used to ensure that the audio sounds lifelike and the way the artist intended. The DAP features a touch-sensitive screen for smooth control, plus the interface is easy to use.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 12.6 Ounces
Battery life: 30 Hours
Brand: Sony
The Pros
Uses advanced Bluetooth technology
64 GB internal storage
Sensitive touch screen
The Cons
Expensive
Volume wheel can turn by itself when in your pocket
5/51 rating