Rating of the best portable HI-FI players in 2022

HI-FI player is a device that reproduces high fidelity sound close to the original sound. Equipment with a similar abbreviation is manufactured according to the standard of acoustic systems. The cheapest product reproduces good sound better than an expensive smartphone. Among the players there are Chinese devices - fakes of expensive companies, premium models made of metal and wood, devices of medium cost with high sound. To purchase portable acoustics, you need to know the technical characteristics and functionality. Let's try to understand the players - new in 2022, make the right choice and rank high-quality devices, according to descriptions and customer reviews.

How to choose a HI-FI device

The human ear perceives live sound with a wide range of tones. Audio recordings do not transmit phonemes, so live music is digitized, recorded on electronic media and released in circulation. Then the reverse process occurs: the electronic sound is converted to analog. The process is helped by the main component - the DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and the additional one - the amplifier. To convey the depth of detail, powerful spare parts are installed in the player, with large batteries and high energy consumption.

Criteria for choosing a quality player:

• power and model of the DAC;
• amplifier type;
• reproducible frequency range;
• audio file formats supported by the gadget;
• operating time outside the standby mode;
• connectors;
• the amount of built-in memory;
• the likelihood of its expansion;
• management method;
• device weight;
• additional functions.

DAC - amplifier

The cost of the device and the quality of music directly depends on the model and power of the DAC and amplifier. Global manufacturers produce goods with specific tones: some focus on bass, others catch mid and high frequencies. To give preference to the player, you need to listen to your favorite music. The ideal sound will appear if 2 DACs are installed in the device.

Frequencies

The sound quality depends on the width of the reproducible frequency ranges. The range of maximum frequencies in the player ranges from 20 to 60 kHz. Devices of different price categories and quality operate in the range of 20 - 20,000 Hz.

File formats

There are special programs and applications that help compress live sound in order to save disk space. When a file is compressed, the quality remains the same as the original recording, or is somewhat lost with a decrease in the range. File extensions that remain unchanged: ALAC, FLAC, APE, PCM, ADPCM. File extensions that are perfectly compressed but of lower quality: MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA. Large quality files have the following extensions: WAV, AIFF. The maximum size and highest sound quality will work with the extension: DSD, DSF, DFF, ISO, DXD. The latest formats are intended for music lovers, installed on expensive professional devices.

Player operating time

Typically, portable devices operate within 24 hours. If the product sounds longer than a day, it uses a weak DAC and amplifier, the quality of the music is greatly lost.

Audio connectors

To connect to other devices and when charging, the player must be equipped with inputs and outputs. The line input transmits an acoustic analog signal without processing. The coaxial output connects the player to any device in the house, transmitting the signal digitally. The balance jack transmits clear sound and eliminates interference. The optical connector controls the digital and eliminates electrical interference. Modern models have a USB socket, micro USB for transferring files with any extension.

Memory and expandability

The higher the quality of the audio file, the larger its size.As an example, when compressed to 192 kB, the main frequencies are left, throwing out a variety of additional noise. 320 kB compression gives more musical nuances. Large ranges of files must fit in a large amount of memory. Therefore, the player in which there is a lot of free space is more valued. The average memory size of most sold devices ranges from 4 to 256 GB. If necessary, on the market you can buy a device with one or two slots for a memory card. Installing cards increases the amount of memory. These models use microSD cards.

Control type

There are buttons and touch controls. The ideal option is mixed management, when everything is involved. Certain types are inconvenient. When analyzing models, budget devices are controlled by buttons. The mixed type is welcome in expensive devices.

Device severity

Compact models weigh 40 grams, the most powerful reach 200 grams. The severity is due to the metal case - protection against falls, the capacity of the built-in battery, the severity of the amplifier.

Functionality

Any player has a structure with a narrow specialization. A node can be convenient if additional features are present. Among the useful features are: a waterproof frame that extends the life of the product; equalizers - regulate wave amplitudes, help to get the necessary sound in terms of frequencies and bass; Bluetooth - synchronizes the gadget with a computer and wireless headphones; clip - to attach the player to clothing; tuner - listen to the radio; Wi-Fi is used when downloading files from the Internet; video viewing mode, digital video camera; Dictaphone; electronic book; camera, etc.Players are used to listen to high-quality music. Other functions and modes are not considered necessary.

Product price

Budget devices can be bought for 2 - 4 thousand rubles. They have weak DACs and amplifiers, poor music quality, small power consumption memory, and light weight. Quality converters are more expensive. Players of average cost (20 - 50 thousand rubles) work with built-in memory of 16 GB, during the day. Performance premium DACs work with a cache of 32 - 64 GB, support additional volume and most audio formats. The price of the product is more than 50 thousand rubles.

Rating of models in 2022

New models of equipment appear on the market every month. Manufacturers do not bypass portable players. Fans of just listening to music are released budget gadgets that can be purchased even on Internet sites, for example, on AliExpress. Music lovers are offered more expensive and worthy models of players in the middle price range with high-quality sound. New products with prohibitively high prices, corresponding high-quality sound and the necessary menu functionality are designed for professionals. Today, Sony, Cayin, Astell & Kern, Fiio models are popular. Most manufacturing companies are located in East Asia: Korea, China, Japan. For the last 10 years, it has been the east that has occupied a leading position in the acoustic systems market.

TOP - 3 budget devices costing up to 10,000 rubles

3rd place - Cayin N3

Memory - 256 GB microSD slot.
Working time - 12 hours.
Weight - 100 gr.
The cost is 9,590 rubles.

32/384 sample rate device without internal memory. Inside there is a cell for a card with a capacity of 256 GB.Graphic, video files, voice recorder mode are not supported. The player plays the main formats: MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC, FLAC, APE, Apple Lossless, WAV, PCM, AIFF, DSD, DFF, DSF, SACD ISO. The player connects to the computer using USB 3.0 generation. Music can be listened to wirelessly via Bluetooth, A2DP. There are also linear and coaxial output, USB-Host. The display has a diagonal of 2.4 inches, a resolution of 360x400. The body cover is metal, the gadget is controlled by a touch panel. The menu provides a sleep timer, which is convenient for those who like to listen to music while lying in bed. In the process of listening, you can delete unnecessary tracks, clean albums. The package contains a cheap silicone case and a spare film for the screen (the film is also pasted on the player itself).

• high-quality sound;
• excellent assembly;
• light;
• ergonomic;
• functional;
• external DAC;
• wide range of volume;
• battery lasts for 12 hours, as stated;
• successful equipment;
• Russified menu.

• uncomfortably small touchpad;
• the sensor does not respond well;
• cheap button material.

2nd place - Shanling M0

CACHE - 512 GB microSD slot.
Working time - 15 hours.
Weight - 38 gr.
The price is 6,490 rubles.

Low cost hi-fi player with high quality music. The skeleton is metal, the screen is touch, color, the connection is wireless via Bluetooth. The display is square, size 1.54 inches, resolution 240x240. The maximum bit depth of files is 32/384. The unit is suitable for listening to music, there are no video, graphics, text, voice recorder modes. The clock works in the menu, there is the possibility of firmware and updates. Own battery works autonomously up to 15 hours. The camera can install a card with a memory capacity of 512 GB.The choice of colors on the market is interesting: black and bright juicy colors. The mechanical button is configured for single-double-triple clicks.

• light;
• stylish;
• compact;
• beautiful clear sound;
• a large selection of colors;
• capacious battery;
• autonomy;
• bright display;
• the sensor responds quickly;
• great price.

• inconvenient button control.

1st place - Flang P5

Memory - 128 GB microSD cell.
Working time - 12 hours.
Weight - 165 gr.
Price - 6 490 rubles.

The Hi-Fi player has no built-in memory, all recordings are stored on a memory card up to 128 MB. The card is purchased separately. The device reads 6 kinds of formats. There is a Bluetooth wireless interface, a line-out for connecting to a computer. Little is noted about the screen, only the type is indicated - OLED. Inside, its own Li-Ion battery is built in, charging takes place via a USB type C socket. The power of the sound channel is 125 mW, the noise reaches 95 dB. The player is reflashed, the volume is adjusted by a digital equalizer. Controlled by buttons.

• brutal design;
• reliable and convenient;
• clear sound;
• good noise reduction;
• availability of wireless technology.

• not detected.

Final table 1:

Options	Flang P5	Shanling M0	Cayin N3
Memory, GB	No	No	No
Slot	1	1	1
Memory card, GB	128	512	256
Working time, h	12	15	12
Charging connector	USB Type-C	USB Type-C	USB Type-C
Screen, inch	Yes	1.54	2.4
Permission		240x240	360x400
View video, graphics, text	No	No	No
Dictaphone	No	No	No
FM tuner	No	No	No
Interfaces	Bluetooth	Bluetooth	Bluetooth, A2DP, line out, USB-Host, coaxial out
Signal level, dB	95	118	108
Formats	MP3, WMA, FLAC, APE, WAV, PCM	MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC, FLAC, APE, Apple Lossless, AC3, WAV, PCM, AIFF, DSD, DFF, DSF, DXD, SACD ISO	MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC, FLAC, APE, Apple Lossless, WAV, PCM, AIFF, DSD, DFF, DSF, SACD ISO
Additionally	digital equalizer firmware	clock, firmware	touch panel, sleep timer, metal case
Dimensions, mm	73x123x30	40x45x13.5	54x100x13
Weight, gr	165	38	100
Cost, t.rub	6.49	6.49	9.59

TOP-3 mid-range players

3rd place - Cowon PLENUE J

Memory - 64 GB + microSD camera.
Working time - 53 hours.
Value - 78 gr.
The cost is 17,990 rubles.

Stylish unusual design of the player is made in strict straight lines of the body. The model is presented in classic black, bluish silver and rose gold. A 2.8-inch LCD touch screen with a resolution of 240x320 displays the most necessary information. The sound is detailed, smooth, suitable for listening to music of any genre. The gadget reads most lossness formats. When buying a memory card, you need to pay attention to the file system - the player accepts only FAT32. The built-in battery is charged by connecting to the microUSB socket. The device has been working for more than two days. With constant use of 3-4 hours a day, the battery lasts for a week.

• strict design;
• light, compact;
• build quality;
• autonomy of work up to two days;
• the amount of memory with expansion;
• the best ratio of cost and sound quality;
• rational quick menu;
• reads most formats;
• work stability;
• large volume range:
• durable metal body.

• no wireless connection;
• long switching to a memory card, even a small amount;
• there is no case included;
• there are defective copies.

2nd place - Sony NW-A55HN

CASH - 16 GB + microSD slot.
Working time - 45 hours.
Gravity - 99 gr.
Price - 19 990 rubles.

The 16 GB Hi-Fi node has a 128 MB expansion slot. A 3.1-inch touchscreen display is built into the metal frame. The resolution of the color LCD display is 480x800. The player does not allow you to watch graphic and video files, there is no voice recorder. The model is suitable for lovers of audio recordings and radio. The case is assembled clearly, a little rough to the touch. Markets and venues represent different colors of the model. File sampling rate: 24/192. The player reads all possible audio formats. The connection to the computer is via USB 2.0, the battery can be charged using its own proprietary port. Upon opening the package, the user will see headphones with a noise reduction system. Additional features include flashing capability, 35mW channel audio power, adjustable digital equalizer.

• stylish appearance;
• quality assembly;
• convenient dimensions;
• metal body;
• good sound;
• headphones included;
• reads all formats;
• good autonomy;
• Bluetooth receiver and external DAC functions;
• convenient menu.

• in the bundled headphones, the sound quality is poor;
• little memory;
• inconvenient touch control;
• own socket.

1st place - Fiio M6

Memory - 4 GB + microSD slot.
Opening hours - 13 hours.
Weight - 83 gr.
The price is 14,890 rubles.

Hi-Fi player with 4 GB of built-in memory works on the Android system, via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules. Inside there is one slot - internal memory can be increased by installing a microSD memory card up to 2000 GB.The model has a 3.2-inch color touch screen with a resolution of 480 x 800. The ESS ES9018 DAC is used, the noise is set at 118 dB. In addition to music, the device plays videos, graphics and text files. 24/192 files are supported. There is no voice recorder. Own battery is charged from USB Type-C. Additionally, the menu has a clock, AirPlay support, there is the possibility of updates and firmware. Case dimensions are 53x93x12 mm. The package includes a case and a film for the display.

• Beautiful design;
• quality assembly;
• comfortable dimensions;
• good sound;
• convenient menu;
• high brightness;
• fast sensor;
• universal connector;
• equipment;
• fast Bluetooth module;
• the possibility of firmware.

• slow processor;
• takes a long time to load and slows down in work;
• the screen is too small for gesture control;
• battery life up to 7 hours.

Final table 2:

Options	Fiio M6	Sony NW-A55HN	Cowon PLENUE J
Memory, GB	4	16	64
Slot	1	1	1
Memory card, GB	2000	128	128
OS	Android
Working time, h	13	45	53
Charging connector	USB Type-C	USB proprietary	microUSB
Screen, inch	3,2	3.1	2.8
Permission	480x800	480x800	240x320
View video, graphics, text	Yes	No	No
Dictaphone	Yes	No	No
FM tuner	No	Yes	No
Interfaces	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, line-out	Bluetooth, A2DP, NFC	USB 2.0
Signal level, dB	118		123
Formats	MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC, FLAC, APE, Apple Lossless, WAV, PCM, AIFF, DSD, DFF, DSF, SACD ISO	MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, APE, Apple Lossless, WAV, PCM, AIFF, DSD, DFF, DSF	MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, APE, Apple Lossless, WAV, PCM, AIFF
Additionally	clock, firmware, AirPlay support	digital equalizer, firmware, headphones, metal case	digital equalizer, firmware, clock, metal case
Dimensions, mm	53x93x12	55.7x97.3x10.8	53.2x102x9.2
Weight, gr	83	99	78
Cost, t.rub	14.89	19.99	17.99

TOP professional premium devices

3rd place - Astell&Kern A&norma SR15

Memory - 64 GB + microSD cell.
Working time - 8 hours.
Weight - 154 gr.
The cost is 54,990 rubles.

The product from Astell is equipped with its own memory of 64 GB and a cell for installing an additional 400 GB card. The large screen supports millions of colors like a smartphone display. Resolution 480x800 with a display size of 3.3 inches. There is an automatic shutdown timer. The installation is charged in a couple of hours, the battery lasts for 7-8 hours of full listening. Turning on and loading works quickly, in about 15 seconds, there are no delays when switching tracks. The package includes a set of two films. Wireless technologies, Li-Pol-battery are installed inside. With medium dimensions, the thickness of the player can be noted as high - 16.1 mm. Weight has nothing to do with it. Music can be adjusted with the digital equalizer. If necessary, and updates the player can be re-flashed.

• quality manufacturing;
• stylish;
• excellent display brightness;
• light, compact;
• high-quality sound with special proprietary filters.

• does not support CUE;
• The device is made with sharp corners.

2nd place - Fiio X7 II

CACHE - 64 GB + 2 microSD cameras.
Working time - 8 hours.
Bulkyness - 212 gr.
The average price is 41,990 rubles.

The device serves to listen to music files of most formats, view graphic, text and video files, it has its own browser with Internet access and 2 slots for memory cards, with its own capacity of 64 GB. The Android operating system was equipped inside. The LCD screen distinguishes 16.7 million colors like a standard smartphone. The diagonal is quite large - almost 4 inches, the resolution is high - 480x800. The model provides various outputs and wireless technologies Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The volume button turns easily, a slight change is not felt a couple of divisions.

• detailed light sound;
• build quality;
• Beautiful design;
• metal case;
• the possibility of replacing the amplifier;
• picking;
• OS;
• speed DAC;
• 2 cells for cards;
• excellent display;
• two covers included.

• large dimensions;
• firmware glitches - a distinctive feature of the manufacturer's devices;
• short working time;
• not a capacious battery;
• charger sold separately;
• low frequencies are missing.

1st place - Cayin N8

Memory - 128 GB + microSD camera.
Working time - 8 hours.
Weight - 380 gr.
Price category - 238,000 rubles.

The most expensive Flash player with Hi-Fi functions has a solid steel frame, a 3.2-inch LCD color touch screen with a resolution of 360x480. The gadget is designed without a single sharp corner, the appearance of platinum color, golden buttons betray luxury and vintage style. With all external solidity, the unit has the usual technical parameters. Built-in memory of 128 GB can be expanded with a card with a capacity of 512 GB.The kit contains a branded leather case, coaxial adapters from USB type C to a mini-jack with a diameter of 3.5 mm and RCA, adapters 4.4 mm to 2.5 mm, 2 XLR. The installation reproduces almost all formats, the sampling rate of files corresponds to 32/384. The watch is a feature. If headphones are connected to an unbalanced output, you can choose between a tube and solid state amplifier. A feature of the model is the watch.

• looks solid;
• luxurious appearance;
• functionality;
• large amount of memory;
• steel shock-resistant case;
• high quality sound;
• plays almost all formats;
• completeness;
• additional features.

• massive and heavy;
• high price with standard features;
• autonomy.

Final table 3:

Options	Cayin N8	Fiio X7 II	Astell&Kern A&norma SR15
Memory, GB	128	64	64
Slot	1	2	1
Memory card, GB	512	256	400
OS		Android
Working time, h	8	8
Charging connector	USB Type-C	microUSB	microUSB
Screen, inch	3,2	3.97	3.3
Permission	360x480	480x800	480x800
View video, graphics, text	No	Yes	No
Dictaphone	No	No	No
FM tuner	No	No	No
Interfaces	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, line-out, USB-Host, coaxial output	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, A2DP, line out, optical out, coaxial out	WiFi, Bluetooth, A2DP
Signal level, dB	122	119	122
Formats	MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC, FLAC, APE, Apple Lossless, WAV, PCM, AIFF, DSD, DFF, DSF, SACD ISO	MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC, FLAC, APE, Apple Lossless, WAV, PCM, AIFF, DSD, DXD	MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC, FLAC, APE, Apple Lossless, WAV, PCM, AIFF, DSD, DFF, DSF
Additionally	clock, external DAC, metal case, amplifier selection when connecting headphones	digital equalizer, internet browser, clock, metal case	digital equalizer, firmware, clock, metal case
Dimensions, mm	74x128x21	67.2x128.7x15.5	57.5x99.7x16.1
Weight, gr	380	212	154
Cost, t.rub	238	41.99	54.99

Conclusion

Hi-Fi players of premium class are equipped with a massive body, a powerful DAC, a large screen and low autonomy. Basically, their parameters are similar to cheaper devices. Budget devices are made with a card slot, do not have their own memory, and sometimes a display and a wireless connection can work for a long time. Devices of the middle price category are designed universally: they have expandable memory, touch screen, dual control. If we consider the general characteristics, most models play audio files of various extensions, have high-quality sound and additional solutions. Which model to choose? It is up to the user to decide, based on their own preferences and high-quality music.