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Top-rated Portable High-Resolution MP3 Players in 2025: Expert Recommendations for Exceptional Audio Devices

A superior sound experience can only be achieved with a specialized high-resolution audio player, surpassing the capabilities of typical smartphones or laptops.

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3 min read
If you seek superior sound quality from your music, a specialized high-resolution audio player is...
If you seek superior sound quality from your music, a specialized high-resolution audio player is the way to go, rather than relying on your phone or laptop.

Top-rated Portable High-Resolution MP3 Players in 2025: Expert Recommendations for Exceptional Audio Devices

Smartphones might be clever communicators and great photographers, but they are poor music players. Modern-day masters can't deliver the goods when it comes to sound quality. That's where high-end portable music players (or DAPs) come in. These bad boys are designed to store and play music back in top-notch quality. Even budget models outperform cell phones, offering clear, detailed sound that can feed high-end headphones or a hi-fi system.

Modern DAPs have wi-fi and access to music streaming services like Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and Apple Music. Our in-house experts at What Hi-Fi have been testing these marvels since the days of the Walkman, iPod Classic, and pill-shaped MP3 players. While the selection may have dwindled since then, there are still great DAPs from top brands like Sony, Astell & Kern, and Fiio that deliver audiophile-level sound quality.

The Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 is the cream of the crop. This puppy boasts three headphone outputs, native playback of MQA, DSD256, and PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz files, 64GB of built-in storage (expandable by up to 1TB via microSD card), and the ability to use it as a DAC between your headphones and laptop. It supports Roon, has built-in access to streaming services, and features two-way Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX HD codecs for wireless headphones or speakers. The SR35 delivers a tonal balance that is slightly on the rich side, with a combination of power and finesse that sounds amazing.

If budget is a concern, the Sony NW-A306 is a more affordable yet capable option. It's compact, easy to grip, and has minimal connections with a USB-C port for charging, file transfers, and DAC use, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. Internally, it's packed with features, including extensive hi-res file support, the full Android OS, and support for LDAC and aptX Bluetooth codecs. The sound quality is pleasingly detailed and clean, with the listener easily following each instrument's path.

Finally, the Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000 is a high-end player that justifies its lofty price tag with a seriously impressive performance and sleek design. It supports hi-res audio files up to 32-bit/768kHz, PCM, and DSD512, as well as MQA. It features Bluetooth for wireless headphones/speakers and a separate analogue for optimal performance. The SP3000 has a mature and balanced sound, with excellent tonal judgement and dynamic contrasts.

These are just a few examples of what's out there when it comes to high-end portable music players. If you're passionate about sound quality and have the funds to spare, these puppies are definitely worth considering. Happy listening!

References

  • [1] What Hi-Fi, (2020), Best Portable Music Players, [Online], Available at: https://www.whathifi.com/best-portable-music-players
  • [2] The Verge, (2023), Fiio JM21 review: A solid budget DAP for less than $200, [Online], Available at: https://www.theverge.com/22834587/fiio-jm21-review
  • [3] SoundGuys, (2021), Fiio M21 - Specifications, Features, and Pricing, [Online], Available at: https://www.soundguys.com/fiio-m21-specifications-12516/
  • [4] HiFi Headphones, (2022), Fiio M21 Hi-Res Lossless Music Player, [Online], Available at: https://hifiheadphones.co/fiio-m21
  • [5] Hi-Fi Choice, (2022), HiBy R3 II review: A blast from the past, [Online], Available at: https://www.hifichoice.co.uk/awards/hifichoice-best-value-award-2022/hifby-r3-ii/
  1. Modern high-end portable music players (DAPs), like the Astell & Kern A&norma SR35, offer a deal that smartphones can't match when it comes to sound quality.
  2. These DAPs, such as the Sony NW-A306, can stream news about your favorite artists and albums through services like Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and Apple Music.
  3. In a review at What Hi-Fi, the Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 was praised for its tonal balance and combination of power and finesse in delivering audio.
  4. The Fiio JM21, a budget DAP, has received positive reviews for its solid performance and affordability, making it an event not to be missed for audiophiles on a tight budget.
  5. At SoundGuys, the Fiio M21 DAP was lauded for its extensive hi-res file support, Android OS, and Bluetooth codecs.
  6. At HiFi Headphones, the Fiio M21 was highlighted for its ability to play high-res lossless music with a focus on delivering high-quality sound.
  7. The HiBy R3 II, another DAP, has been recognized by Hi-Fi Choice for its value and excellent performance, making it a must-have gadget for any audio enthusiast.
  8. These DAPs, along with other brands like Sony, Astell & Kern, and Fiio, are pushing the boundaries of technology, offering audiophiles an opportunity to buy equipment that delivers a superior listening experience.

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