PORTABLE MUSIC PLAYERS

TREAT YOUR TUNES TO A DEDICATED MUSIC PLAYER

Sony NW-A55L £160

Best portable music player under £250, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

Sony hasn’t carried out an update for the sake of it; the refresh is justified by squeezing more performance into a budget price than ever before.

Hi-res 32-bit/384khz, DSD Weight 99g Storage 16GB (plus microsd)

Cowon Plenue D3 £279

Best portable music player under £500, Awards 2021 ★★★★★

This is a talented player that betters its previous generation counterpart for detail, separation and transparency. An impressive, tiny box of tricks… Hi-res 24-bit/192khz, DSD 128 Weight 103g Storage 64GB

Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 £799

Best portable music player, Awards 2023 ★★★★★

The A&norma SR35 may not exactly be dressed for its not-insignificant price, but there’s no uncertainty over whether it performs to it.

Hi-res 32-bit/384khz, DSD256, MQA Weight 184g Storage 64GB

Astell & Kern Kann Alpha £1099

April 2021 ★★★★★

A powerful and talented machine, we cannot fault its sonic chops. The stylish, rock-solid build is (just) small enough to take with you on your travels Hi-res 32-bit/384khz, DSD256 Weight 316g Storage 64GB

Astell & Kern A&futura SE180 £1399

Best portable music player over £1000, Awards 2022 ★★★★★

If you’re looking for an excellent-sounding player without spending thousands, the A&futura SE180 is among the best we’ve come across. Hi-res 32-bit/384khz, DSD 256 Storage 256GB (plus 1TB via microsd)

Astell & Kern A&futura SE200 £1799

Best portable music player over £1000, Awards 2020 ★★★★★ Astell & Kern has managed to set a new performance benchmark for the price with the A&futura SE200.

Hi-res 32-bit/348khz, DSD 256, M QA Weight 274g Storage 256GB

“Subtle tweaks to picture and sound quality have added dynamism and refinement to a delivery that was already superb”

“Another example of Astell & Kern getting the performance balance between informing and entertaining spot on ”

“The SE200 delivers the music faultlessly. It captures fine details and dynamic fluctuations and conveys it on a crystal clear canvas”

“Listening to downloaded hi-res music on the Kann Alpha is truly a joy”

“Cowon has added Bluetooth, a volume wheel and a dual DAC to its player and released another class leader”

“It’s a very likeable presentation, with a tonal balance slightly on the rich side and a combination of power and finesse that feels mature”

“If you’re looking for a sonic upgrade over your phone, the Sony will offer it across the board”