Hi-Fi-players: The Rating Of The Best Portable Models For Audiophiles. How Is The Format Different From MP3? How To Choose?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

The range of high-quality and multifunctional players is constantly growing. Today you can find excellent Hi-Fi devices on sale. They are produced by a wide variety of brands - from well-known to relatively young. In today's article, we will find out what hi-fi players are and how to choose them correctly.

Peculiarities

Hi-Fi players are in crazy demand. This kind of musical technique is produced by many brands, so consumers have a lot to choose from.

Gadgets of this type are sold in many stores and are equipped with many useful options.

Let's consider what are the main features of these devices

• Hi-Fi players have excellent sound quality . Music lovers who appreciate good sound try to purchase only such devices, since they meet all their requirements.
• Modern gadgets of this type are very simple and straightforward to operate . Everyone can understand how to use a Hi-Fi player. If you have any questions, the instruction manual will always come to the rescue, which is accompanied with all devices of the specified format.
• Hi-Fi players currently in production boast a high level of functionality … Many copies contain useful interfaces, tuners, slots for memory cards of different sizes, and many other necessary components.
• Modern Hi-Fi players are characterized not only by high quality and rich functionality, but also by attractive design … Today's manufacturers care about the appearance of their products, so design has become another important criterion that makes sense to pay attention to when choosing the optimal player model.
• Hi-Fi players are presented in different price categories … In the store you can find both very cheap and quite expensive devices.
• Pleases a wide range of music gadgets, presented at the choice of consumers at the present time … Even the most demanding music lovers have the opportunity to choose their own player, which will definitely not disappoint them in anything.

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Model rating

You can find many high-quality and functional models of Hi-Fi players on sale. Below we take a look at a small top of the best specimens and consider the characteristics of each of them.

Fiio M3K

First, we will analyze a mini-review of the popular and inexpensive Fiio M3K player. This is a high-end audio device that has a USB connector and a 3.5mm mini Jack … However, there is no built-in memory in this model, it is necessary to install a memory card in it, the volume of which does not exceed 2000 GB.

There is a display with a diagonal of 2 inches. Touch control is provided. The kit comes with a lithium-ion battery, which allows the gadget to work for 26 hours in stand-alone mode.

Benjie M20

A budget hi-fi player with excellent quality and attractive design. The model is offered in black and silver. The case is made of high quality stainless steel, which has a positive effect on the strength and durability of the device. The player is compact and weighs only 35 grams, therefore it is very convenient to carry it with you.

The Benjie M20 has a micro USB port, as well as a 3.5mm micro Jack for connecting headphones . The gadget reads the following popular formats: MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, AAC, APE, WAV.

The volume of "own" memory is 8 GB, but the user can expand this figure by installing a memory card.

Cowon plenue d

An interesting model with an attractive and stylish design. It is a portable player with 32GB of internal memory, but you can also install a memory card up to 128GB. On the case there is an informative display with a diagonal of 2, 8 inches. Management can be either push-button or touch-sensitive.

Has a digital equalizer and its own battery, allowing the device to work for 100 hours autonomously . The body is made of sturdy metal. The device weighs only 94 g.

Sony NW-A55

A beautiful Hi-Fi player from a Japanese brand. Sound power per channel is 24 mW. Interfaces USB, WM-port are provided. The built-in memory here is 16 GB, memory expansion is possible. The following cards are supported: microSDHC, microSDXC, microSD up to 128 GB.

Headset function is not provided . The device is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that provides continuous operation in autonomous mode for 45 hours.

Fiio X5 III

High quality audiophile Hi-Fi player powered by a modified version of the Android 5.1 platform. (mobile version). This device was released specifically for music lovers who are demanding on sound quality and want to buy a really decent Hi-Fi audio player . The body of Fiio X5 III is made of metal. The total weight of the product reaches 186 g.

The device has the following outputs: 3.5 jack for headphones, 2.5 jack balanced, 3.5 jack - line. The gadget reads audio files of the following current formats: DXD, MP2, DSD, MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, AAC, APE, WAV, AIFF, ALAC. The internal memory is 32 GB, but it can be expanded by installing a microSD memory card, the volume of which does not exceed 256 GB. The player is complemented by a high-quality 3.97-inch touchscreen display. This model can be controlled both with the help of the sensor and with the help of buttons.

Hidizs AP200 32G

This is multifunctional model with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The operating system is Android. There is a high-quality and clear display with a diagonal of 3.54 inches. On this gadget you can watch the video . It is possible to install a microSD memory card.

In standalone mode, Hidizs AP200 32G can work up to 10 hours. The body is made of metal. This player can view graphics and text files. Charging connector - Type-C.

How is it different from MP3?

The main difference between modern Hi-Fi-players and standard MP3-models is that the former has a richer, deeper and more effective sound. Using this musical technique, a music lover can feel the fullness of the colors of the playing of various instruments and the vocalist's voice . But the listed effects are not of interest to all users. If such trifles and nuances (which seem very serious to many) are not so important to you, then instead of hi-fi, you can buy a simple MP3 player.

It is also worth noting that in modern MP3 players, small and cheap amplifiers and DACs are installed, which are responsible for converting the reproduced sound. But these components do not in any way affect its depth and do not demonstrate it. This is one of the main reasons why MP3 players sound inferior to Hi-Fi models.

The device can transmit all sound shades only if it contains high-quality DACs and amplifiers.

Criterias of choice

Choosing a suitable high-quality Hi-Fi player is worth starting from a number of basic criteria. Let's get acquainted with their list and understand each point.

• Functional . Before going to the store, think about what options you will need in this music device. Initially, knowing what you need from the player, you will buy the optimal model, and not spend extra money on a gadget, the functions of which will turn out to be completely useless for you.
• Specifications … Carefully consider the technical parameters of the selected device. It is advisable to choose models with a high-quality display, a capacious battery and a large amount of internal memory. Check out the frequency and power parameters of the Hi-Fi player that you liked. It is advisable to make sure of the reliability of the declared characteristics by reading the technical documentation that comes with the equipment. But don't be scared off by the small internal memory of the model you like - this shortcoming can be easily filled.
• Design … Pay some attention to the look and feel of your music gadget. First of all, you should like its design. Then it will be more pleasant to use it.
• Player condition and sound quality . Do not rush to pay for your favorite Hi-Fi player - first carefully and meticulously inspect it. Look at the case - there should be no scratches, chips, scuffs, cracked areas. The assembly of the device must be flawless, without loose elements and "walking" spare parts. Do not be lazy to check if the player is working properly, check its sound quality (a sales consultant should help you with this). The sound should be clear, rich - without crunch, noise or distortion.
• Convenience level . While examining the selected player, check how convenient it seems to you. Pay attention to how the product fits in your hand. Try pushing the control buttons. If at the same time you experience some inconvenience or the device as a whole does not seem very ergonomic to you, it is better to refuse the purchase and choose another option. Music equipment that is not convenient for you should not be bought - it is unlikely that it will delight you later and give you pleasure from operation.
• Manufacturer . Try to choose branded products from well-known brands. Do not be afraid that such devices are always prohibitively expensive. Many popular and world famous manufacturers produce high-quality and practical, but cheap equipment. Do not rush to buy Chinese consumer goods for a colossally low cost - most likely, its quality will not please you.

It is strongly discouraged to buy Hi-Fi players of any modification in questionable stores, in the market or in supermarkets where literally everything is sold - from groceries to toys.

In such places, original and high-quality equipment is extremely rare. It is usually not guaranteed. It is in such outlets that cheap fakes or devices that have already been repaired or have been used are most often found. Don't risk your money, even if the amount is small.

If you want to buy a really high-quality and original product, it makes sense to go to a specialized store of audio or household appliances. Here you will be given a detailed inspection of the player before purchasing, and will also be issued a warranty card. If you notice a defect in the device or it suddenly breaks down, you can exchange it for a new one. In cheap and dubious retail outlets, you are unlikely to achieve a replacement for a low-quality product.

The following is a review of the Fiio M3K Hi-Fi player.