After iPod

The iPod might be practically dead, but audiophiles and music fans still love a good standalone music player, preferably one playing Hi-Res Audio (which the current iPod touch also supports). That delivers truly extraordinary sound quality, with devices such as Cowon’s Plenue D3 also offering iPod-esque convenience with their own distinctive style.

We’re big fans of Astell & Kern’s Kann hi-res audio players, which look and feel amazing and deliver something close to a religious experience, and of Sony’s Network Walkmans, which are at the more affordable end of the market.