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Convenience is key. The on-demand economy is in full boom. And though there is generally nothing wrong with that, it does mean that quality can take a hit sometimes. For audiophiles, this most often takes place with digital music files.
True audio enthusiasts know there are few greater feelings than listening to a clean vinyl, on a perfectly tuned system, to recreate a concert experience, or fantastically transport the listener to a recording studio as a giddy bystander. But when it comes time for the daily commute, those listening experiences are dulled. Maybe high-quality headphones will allow for some of the missing tonal experiences, but ultimately it comes down to the device playing the file, and what file that is.
Portable high-resolution music players store and play audio files the way other devices do, only they are suited to playing specifically high-resolution files – the bigger, denser, peers of typical MP3s or what’s found in standard streaming services. When tracks are recorded for broad distribution – MP3 or streaming – they are compressed, and a lot of the finer sound details are cut away to make for a smaller file. While that may free up space on your device, it also significantly lowers the quality of your listening experience.
If you want to maintain the best quality sound — which really, is the way the artists intended for you to hear their tracks — you’ll want to pick up a portable hi-res music player. As the name suggests, these devices are small enough to slip into your pocket or fit in the palm of your hand, and they run sans wires. Either charge them up or slip in a battery and you’re good to go.
The best portable hi-res music players will deliver a truer audio experience. Keep one on-hand to soundtrack your commute, pump up your workouts, and to give you a more fine-tuned, richly-detailed, intimate listening experience that you just can’t get from your phone alone. Here are some great options to consider.
