Audio Players: What Are They? Stationary Digital Audio Player With Speaker And Other Models. How To Choose Them? Characteristics

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

Recently, smartphones have become very popular, which, due to their versatility, act not only as a means of communication, but also as a device for listening to music. Despite this, there is still a wide range of audio players on the market.

Their modern models allow you to listen to both tracks loaded into memory and music from the radio, from the Internet, in addition, they have a convenient interface.

What it is?

The audio player is a portable a device designed to store and play music files that are stored digitally on a memory card or flash memory.

It can also be considered an improved type of cassette recorder, which, thanks to technological innovations, has acquired a compact form and the ability to play music files of various formats.

All audio players have distinctive features, namely:

• their design has minimal dimensions and weight;
• the device consumes little electricity, as it is equipped with built-in rechargeable batteries or replaceable galvanic batteries;
• the design of audio players is resistant to temperature extremes, high humidity, solar radiation and shock loads;
• this device is easy to operate, all adjustments are made by pressing buttons.

The main storage medium of audio players is either flash memory or hard disk. The first option allows you to store up to 32 GB of information, and the second - up to 320 GB. Therefore, for those who love to constantly listen to music, experts recommend choosing models that have both flash memory and hard drive, which will allow you to download many songs.

What are they?

Today the market is represented by a huge selection of audio players that differ from each other not only in the set of functions, but also in the features of the hardware. Manufacturers produce these devices in three types.

MP3 player … This is the simplest and most budgetary option for audio players. The functional characteristics of such models are narrow, they are mainly intended for playing music. Some manufacturers additionally equip players with a voice recorder and a radio receiver.

Models with displays are very popular: they are convenient to use, since the user can see information about the file being played.

Multimedia players … This type of device has more extensive options, they are considered to be digital technology. Most models come with a powerful battery and a loud speaker. They can be used both stationary (desktop) and portable.

Hi-Fi player . It is a multi-channel music player that allows you to listen to files in high quality. The main disadvantage of the devices is considered to be a rather high price.

Besides, all audio players differ in the type of power supply, in this regard, they are of two types: powered by AA batteries or with a built-in powerful battery . The first type is characterized by ease of use, since the batteries do not need to be recharged (they are replaced with new ones).

Rechargeable audio players are lightweight and compact, but to recharge the built-in battery you need to have either a computer or a power supply on hand at all times. Without recharging, they can work from 5 to 60 hours.

Review of the best models

Despite the huge range of audio players, it is difficult to make the right choice in favor of this or that model, since there are many nuances to be taken into account. The trademark of the product and reviews about it play a huge role.

FiiO X5 2

This is a specialized portable audio equipment that is inexpensive and great for the aspiring audiophile. This model comes in an aluminum case that looks stylish . The device plays almost all popular formats, ranging from mp3 and ending with DSD, FLAC . In standalone mode, the audio player is capable of working without recharging until 10 o'clock.

The package additionally includes a screen protector, an anti-slip silicone case, an adapter with a coaxial digital output and two microSD slots. The main advantages of the model: operational reliability, a huge selection of supporting audio file formats, good quality-price ratio. As for the disadvantages, they include ascetic functional equipment.

Colorfly C4 Pro

It is a stationary digital audio player with a 6, 3 mm headphone jack. The device has an attractive design: the gadget is packed in a wooden case with an original engraving and is complemented by a golden front panel. The manufacturer releases this model with built-in memory of 32 GB, microSD card is not included.

The weight of the audio player is 250 grams, in stand-alone mode it works up to 5 hours . The device also has an excellent level of comfort in use and a wide dynamic range. The advantages of the model include: good compatibility with various types of headphones, chic design, high quality. Cons: awkward user interface.

HiFiman HM 901

The manufacturers did a good job of creating the design of this model and complemented it with an expensive leather insert on the panel. The product looks like a Walkman cassette recorder, but unlike it, it has a compact size. The design of the device includes a large volume control drum, many different buttons for interface settings. The audio player provides rich dynamic range with crisp and embossed stereo panorama.

The advantages of the device include: original interface, simple modification, excellent sound. Disadvantages: small amount of permanent memory (does not exceed 32 GB).

Astell & Kern AK 380

This model can be considered exotic, since it is produced in an asymmetric faceted case, made of aircraft-grade aluminum. In addition, the manufacturer tried to complete the device, supplementing it with a drum-type volume control, a touch screen (there is Russian in the graphical menu), Bluetooth 4.0, as well as Wi-Fi. Thanks to the "digital stuffing", the audio player provides an excellent sound path. This stationary model with digital file playback works well with a balanced headset and is suitable for listening to studio quality audio files but is too expensive.

How to choose?

Today, almost every music lover has an audio player that allows you to cheerfully while away your leisure and everyday life. If this device is purchased for the first time, then it is necessary to take into account many nuances on which its further service life and sound quality will depend.

• In advance, you need to decide on the type of device memory . Each type of memory (built-in or microSD) has its pros and cons. Players with Flash memory are compact and lightweight, which cannot be said about devices equipped with HDDs and DVDs. At the same time, players with hard drives are able to hold more information, are cheap, but they are considered obsolete and weigh a lot. It is inconvenient to carry audio players from CDs, so if you plan to listen to music not only at home, but also on the road, then it is better to choose modern MP3 models with built-in memory.
• A huge role is played by the duration of the device on one battery charge . If the device is capable of functioning for less than 15 hours, then its purchase is considered impractical.
• Additionally, it is necessary to clarify whether it is possible to view the video on the player . It is best to buy media players with a large display and a large hard drive of 1 GB or more. This will allow you to simultaneously listen to audio files and watch your favorite video clips.
• The ability to listen to the radio and record voice notes are also considered important . Such models are more expensive, but they are more functional and convenient to use.
• Headphones are one of the main attributes of an audio player .… Therefore, preference should be given to those models that are equipped with branded "ears". If you buy a device without them, then there may be problems with their further selection. It will also incur additional costs.
• Models with an equalizer are very popular, since they allow you to conveniently adjust the frequency level and correct the fidelity of music reproduction . Therefore, when choosing an audio player, you must definitely ask a consultant about the presence of an equalizer, put on headphones and check the sound.
• Special attention should be paid to the material from which the body of the device is made .… It must be strong and made of metal. Many manufacturers offer players with a plastic case, they are much cheaper, but less resistant to mechanical damage. As for the metal box, it will ensure long-term use of audio equipment and protect it from various damages, including scratches. Additionally, it is necessary to clarify the level of water permeability of the case, modern models are equipped with a special design that protects the device from water penetration inside, they can be used when swimming in the sea, pool or while taking a shower.

In addition to all of the above, you need to pay attention to the type of blocking . It can be installed either independently by pressing a button or a special lever, or by software. Thanks to the lock, the main buttons are in a disabled state, and the player does not switch when moving. For sports, you need to choose such models that do not allow you to experience inconvenience during classes. Such options differ miniature appearance and are often equipped with special clips for fixing on clothes.

When choosing an audio player with high-quality sound, you should pay attention to the ratio between pure sound and extraneous noise. It directly depends on the quality of the amplifier built into the structure. In addition, it will not hurt if the player is supplemented with Wi-Fi technology.