Digital Audio Players
Hi-res digital audio players (DAPs) from FiiO, Shanling and Astell&Kern: dedicated music players that sound better than a phone and keep your library off it.
Pair one with wired headphones or IEMs, stream from Tidal, Qobuz or Spotify on the Android models, or use it as a USB DAC at your desk. UK stock with fast delivery from Nottingham.
Best Seller FiiO M21 DAP Portable Hi-Res Digital Audio Music Player Bluetooth 5.0 Dark Blue £339.00 /In stock
Best Seller FiiO M21 DAP Portable Hi-Res Digital Audio Music Player Bluetooth Titanium Gold £339.00 /In stock
Factory Order Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP3000 Portable Hi Res Audio Player Quad DAC 256GB Silver £3,799.00 /Special Order
Factory Order Astell&Kern Kann Max Portable DAP High Res Audio Player 64GB Brown Mud £1,199.00 /Special Order
Factory Order Astell&Kern A&Ultima SP3000 Portable Hi Res Audio Player Quad DAC 256GB Black £3,799.00 /Special Order
Factory Order Astell&Kern Kann Max Portable DAP High Res Audio Player 64GB Anthracite Grey £1,199.00 /Special Order
Out of stock Shanling M0 Pura Portable Digital Audio Player Black £129.00 / Out of stockOut of stock
Out of stock Shanling M0 Pura Portable Digital Audio Player Purple £129.00 / Out of stockOut of stock
Choosing a digital audio player
A DAP does one job: play music as well as possible. The main choices are how you will listen, whether you want to stream, and how much power your headphones need.
For everyday listening and streaming
The FiiO M21 runs Android, so streaming apps install as they would on a phone, and it has both 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm outputs with enough power for most full-size headphones.
For R2R sound
The FiiO M33 R2R uses a resistor-ladder DAC rather than a standard chip, a design many listeners describe as smoother and more natural. If you are curious about R2R, see our DACs for desktop versions of the same idea.
For pocket size
The Shanling M0 Pura is a tiny player for the gym, commuting or anywhere a phone is overkill.
Flagship players
Astell&Kern players such as the A&Ultima SP3000 and Kann Max are built for demanding headphones and listeners who want the best a portable can do.
What to pair it with
A DAP is only as good as what you plug into it. Browse headphones, or add a portable amp for hard-to-drive planar headphones.
Digital Audio Players FAQs
Q: What is a digital audio player?
A: A digital audio player, or DAP, is a dedicated music player built around a better DAC and headphone amplifier than a phone has. It plays high-resolution files and streams, and keeps your music separate from your phone's battery and storage.
Q: Is a DAP better than using my phone?
A: With good wired headphones or IEMs, usually yes. A DAP has a cleaner, more powerful headphone output, balanced 4.4mm sockets on most models, and no calls or notifications interrupting playback.
Q: Can I stream Spotify, Tidal or Qobuz on a DAP?
A: On Android-based players such as the FiiO M21 and M33 R2R, yes: you install the apps as you would on a phone. Smaller players like the Shanling M0 Pura play stored files and work as Bluetooth receivers or transmitters instead.
Q: What is the difference between 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs?
A: 3.5mm is the standard single-ended headphone socket. 4.4mm is a balanced output, which usually gives more power and better channel separation with headphones that have a balanced cable.
Q: Can a DAP be used as a DAC for my computer?
A: Most of the players we stock can work as a USB DAC, so the same device improves the sound from your laptop at your desk.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Straightforward advice and the latest news from our Nottingham team.
All Guides and News →
