I was looking at dedicated audio players recently, which are apparently called DAP (Digital Audio Player). As far as I understood, they basically use a special chip for audio playback which gives you a high-quality audio output, so the only limiting factor would be the headphones you are going to use.
I am now wondering two things:
Does the TrimUI Brick actually have a special chip for „enhanced“ audio output, or what is it about this retro handheld out of many that makes it so special for audio playback?
Is going for a dedicated DAP like the Mechen M30 actually worth it (given good cable headphones), or wouldn’t I even notice a difference in audio quality compared to my TrimUI Brick?
The Brick Hammer does not have any DAC output, no. They’re wonderful to have as a retro handheld which also plays music, but as a device dedicated to high quality audio, you’re far, far better opting for a dedicated DAP.
The M30 you mentioned has:
AKM AK4376: the main DAC. It’s a 32-bit stereo DAC from Asahi Kasei Microdevices, with an integrated Class-G headphone amplifier and support for sample rates up to 384 kHz. Manuals+
JuLi2167: the DSP / audio decoding processor. Manuals+
WM8965 and TPA6530: “dual decoding” or “dual DAC” arrangement.
While they’re not like…industry leading, compared to the Brick Bro, it will sound like a Lamborghini! But as you say, this will depend on the earpods you get. I’d recommend some nice IEMs! Even Moondrop Chu II’s are reaaaally cheap but give you a great sound :)
I was looking at dedicated audio players recently, which are apparently called DAP (Digital Audio Player). As far as I understood, they basically use a special chip for audio playback which gives you a high-quality audio output, so the only limiting factor would be the headphones you are going to use.
I am now wondering two things:
Hi there!
The Brick Hammer does not have any DAC output, no. They’re wonderful to have as a retro handheld which also plays music, but as a device dedicated to high quality audio, you’re far, far better opting for a dedicated DAP.
The M30 you mentioned has:
While they’re not like…industry leading, compared to the Brick Bro, it will sound like a Lamborghini! But as you say, this will depend on the earpods you get. I’d recommend some nice IEMs! Even Moondrop Chu II’s are reaaaally cheap but give you a great sound :)