5. Shanling M0 Pro
Just launched at the end of 2022, M0 Pro is the latest low-cost music player from the Shanling brand. As an upgraded version of the previous M0 model, the Shanling M0 Pro possesses many improvements in hardware and sound. Using a pair of ES9219C DAC chips, M0 Pro easily handles high-quality hires music files such as PCM 32bit/384kHz or DSD128.
Shanling M0 Pro is also the most powerful music player that supports streaming in the price range of $130. With two famous music streaming platforms integrated, Spotify and Tidal, users can easily access a huge high-quality music store. To use these two services, users need to register for a Spotify or Tidal account. The music player also supports playing music via a memory card or Bluetooth wireless connection. Bluetooth 5.0 standard and LDAC codec allow M0 Pro to easily play music wirelessly.
The music player runs on the company’s self-developed MTouch operating system. Ingenic x1000 processor chip for smoother performance.
4. HiBy R5 II
Located in a higher segment than M0 Pro, HiBy R5 II is a mid-range music player launched by HiBy Music last year. In addition to the pair of ES9219C DAC chips, HiBy also equips the R5 II with a Class A amplifier circuit that provides outstanding audio performance. In addition to hires music files such as PCM 32bit/768kHz and DSD256 Native, R5 II also supports 16x MQA decoding for a better music listening experience.
HiBy R5 II’s music streaming ability is not inferior to any high-end music player. Using the Android 8.1 operating system, Snapdragon 425 processor, and dual-band WiFi connectivity, the R5 II easily accesses all current music streaming applications from Spotify, and Apple Music to Tidal and Qobuz. The music player also supports Bluetooth 4.2 connection and is compatible with many different codecs such as UAT, LDAC, aptX, …
3. iBasso DX170
Not letting itself fall behind other competitors, iBasso also launched the mid-range music player DX170. As the successor of the DX160, the iBasso DX170 has a new, more beautiful design language and more eye-catching colors. Taking on the decoding task on the DX170 is a pair of dual DAC chips CS43131 capable of decoding PCM 32bit/384kHz music files, DSD256 Native and supports MQA 8x. To enhance user experience, iBasso has integrated the new generation RK4566 4-core SoC chip into the DX170 to improve the performance of the music player.
Not only that, the iBasso DX170 is also integrated with the Android 11 operating system, allowing users to easily access online music applications such as Spotify or Tidal. With Bluetooth 5.0 connection and LDAC/aptX codec pair, users can play music wirelessly easily.
iBasso DX170 High-Performance Digital Audio Player, Hi-Res Audio Player with Android 11 OS, Bluetooth LDAC, and 2G RAM, Blue: Buy it now
2. Shanling M3 Ultra
As a shortened version of the M6 Ultra, the Shanling M3 Ultra inherits many of the highlights of its predecessor but has a smaller and more compact size. Thanks to the pair of ES9219C DAC chips, the player can decode hires music files such as PCM 32bit/384kHz, DSD256 and it even supports MQA 16x. With the RT6863 amp chipset, the M3 Ultra has an extremely strong output power of up to 260mW@32Ohm when installing High Gain at the Bal port.
Shanling M3 Ultra runs on the Android 10 operating system and is powered by the Snapdragon 665 processor chip for an extremely smooth experience. With the powerful Android platform, users can install any third-party software to expand their music listening experience from Spotify, YouTube, ZingMP3, TIDAL, Deezer, Amazon Music… or even some entertainment games. In addition to dual-band WiFi connectivity, the music player also supports Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and is compatible with the LDAC/aptX HD/aptX/UHDC/SBC codec series.
1. HiBy R6 III
As the 3rd generation of the R6 model, HiBy R6 III is currently one of the best music players in the mid-range segment of $800. In addition to its luxurious and high-end design, the R6 III also fully integrates the most advanced technology of a music player. With the ES9038Q2M dual DAC chip at its heart, the R6 III supports 16x MQA decoding and easily handles high-quality hires music formats such as PCM 32bit/768kHz or DSD512 Native.
HiBy R6 III runs on the Android 12 platform powered by the Snapdragon 665 chip with up to 4GB of RAM. You can also install any of your favorite streaming apps on the R6 III like TIDAL, Spotify, or Qobuz. The music player is also supported by Hopox with a dual-band WiFi connection and two-way Bluetooth 5.0 connection along with compatibility with UAT/LDAC/…