Some users use iTunes for listening to music while others prefer Groove Music or Windows Media Player. While Microsoft's operating system has always offered built-in options like Windows Media Player or the now-defunct Groove Music, Windows users are more likely to search for their own preferred music player.The best hi res audio player software allows you to turn your PC into a powerful music system. While many Mac users just opt to use iTunes, things are different on Windows. Here are the best hi-res music player apps for Windows.FiiO recently released an upgraded version, the M11 Pro, which is around $200 more expensive and offers minor upgrades. Those issues aside, the M11 is a remarkable DAP which we think everyone needs to hear at least once. The Bluetooth is only 4.2, which is relatively low, and there's only USB 2.0 charging available, which can get mighty slow. The 18-million-color screen is just superb, and the sheer number of options the player gives you easily beats models from HiBy and iBasso.This DAP does have its flaws.It starts with file support and sample rates. Hidizs AP80 ($140)File Types: DSD, FLAC, APE, WMA, WAV, ALAC, DSF, DFFWhat We Like: Incredible value for what you get.What We Don't: Sensitive headphones can be a little noisy with this DAP.The quality at the budget end of the DAP market is just remarkable, and the Hidizs AP80 is a great example of that. Read our in-depth reviewBest Budget DAP Under $200 2.If you're in the market for a budget DAP, we'd strongly recommend checking this one out. Regardless of this issue, we had tremendous fun with this little beauty. We were tempted to put the cute little Shanling Q1 here, but in a world where the AP80 exists, we know exactly which one we pick.That being said, you should probably reconsider the AP80 if you have sensitive headphones or IEMs – we picked up some noise in our testing that feels like a hangover from the AP60. In our opinion, it's an improvement on the original AP60, and although it isn't a complete overhaul, it definitely ticks the right boxes. While the FiiO M9 is a better overall pick, the Hidizs AP80 is a genuine winner at this price point.
Best Hi Res Music Player Mac Users JustThe audio quality is tremendous, and comparable to other players in this price range, like the iBasso DX220. The SA700 is their latest creation: a player with a distinctive, eye-catching design and terrific sound. They release DAPs at a rate that puts other companies to shame. Astell&Kern SA700 ($1,299)File Types: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQAWhat We Like: Stellar design, excellent audio quality.What We Don't: The SA700 can get hot during playback, and it's very heavy.We have never - and we mean never - come across a company as prolific as Astell&Kern. Kodi download for apple macSony Walkman NW-ZX507 ($828)File Types: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD, MQAWhat We Like: Great sound with some unusual features.What We Don't: Doesn’t offer enough to justify the high price.The Tidal streaming service uses MQA files on its high-res audio content. If you're looking for a high-end player to take with you, try the sleek Lotoo PAW 6000, below, which is actually a little less expensive.Best DAP for Tidal 4. It also has a tendency to get very hot, meaning it may be a better option for those who prefer to do their listening at a desk or on the couch. It may not be as weighty as the KANN Alpha, below, but it's still sizeable enough to be noticeable when slipped into a pocket. Download winrar for mac os x freeFor only a little more, you can have the excellent iBasso DX220, which sounds equally excellent. It’s fun to have around, and we do like the easy-going sound that Sony are good at this sort of thing and we have yet to hear a product from them that misses the mark.The biggest problem with the NW-ZX507 is that you’re paying a lot for nostalgia. One of the most interesting things about this DAP is that it echoes the original Walkman, with a digital tape graphic that appears whenever you play music. The audio quality never feels fatiguing, and also offers rich and dynamic detail. Given that those who listen to Spotify probably don’t demand superhigh in sound, we think the best solution is a small, well-built DAP with Bluetooth like the Hiby R2. Hiby R2 ($89)File Types: MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, DSF, DFF, ISO, CUE, WMA, OGG, AAC, OPUS, AIFFWhat We Like: Tiny body and great sound, with a super-simple operating system.What We Don't: Won’t satisfy those who demand high-end sound quality.Most DAPs aren’t geared for Spotify, and the ones that do include it are often prohibitively expensive. The high price here may turn off some people, but we still think the NW-ZX507 is one of the best DAPs around right now.Simple Spotify Listening 5. Astell&Kern A&futura SE200 ($1,799)What We Like: Versatile and fully-featured, with great sound.What We Don't: Far too many output options.Sensitive in-ear headphones often suffer when coupled with inferior sources. But if all you are doing is listening to Spotify, and you want a simple device that will allow you to leave your phone in your pocket or backpack, then check out the R2.A Great DAP for Sensitive IEMs 6. If you’re looking for something with better audio at around the same price, we recommend the Hidizs AP80, above. While the sound of the Hiby R2 is good, it pales in comparison to other DAPs here. For this, it’s a better option than something like the Hiby R2, which does not have Bluetooth.You need to be aware of what you are getting, however, as there are some downsides. Given that you are paying for the twin DACs, it makes the SE200 first choice only for those with sensitive IEM’s.File Types: MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV, AAC, HE-AAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF, DSD, DSF, DFF, APE, MQAWhat We Like: Smooth operating system and clean, dynamic sound.What We Don't: Outdated data port, and we encountered some issues with album art.A well-built operating system can make using a DAP a real pleasure, and if that sounds good to you, then you need to try the Sony NW-A55. Honestly, the ESS one struck us as overly sterile, and we steered clear of it. The setup here is interesting, with two DACs (one from ESS and one from AKM) that each feed their own twin set of outputs. While it might be good to have a range of output options— there are four here— we just don’t think the sound quality is equal on all of them. It helps that the SE200 has a huge range of features, and sounds terrific.It’s not all plain sailing. In our tests, we found that it was the quietest DAP around, even with earbuds but had a reputation for being overly sensitive, like those from Campfire Audio. If ease-of-use is important to you, and you’re looking to spend under $300, then the NW-A55 is worth looking at.The NW-A55 not without its frustrations. The NW-A55 is an upgrade on the A45, and although not much has changed—the design has been reworked, but that’s it—the price remains the same as the old model. It compares favorably to the $450 FiiO M11, and while it doesn’t sound quite as good as the FiiO, it still manages to hold its own while delivering a slick user experience.
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