The sound of a cheap high -resolution player is the same as the top model!? Enjoy a small discrete amplifier

　USB DAC, which was sparked by PC audio boom, a portable amplifier market that has grown with the popularity of earphones/headphones.As you know, there are many products with these two functions.DAC -equipped models that support high -resolution music data are no longer a matter of course.

　While these "USB DAC and portable amplifiers" are becoming saturated, there are genres that are attracting attention again, such as returning to the origin.That is a "pure portable headphone amplifier" without a USB DAC.

　なぜシンプルな単体ポータブルアンプが注目を集めているのか。理由は大きく3つある。1つは、iriverのAstell&Kern(AK)やソニーのウォークマンなど、高音質なポータブルハイレゾプレーヤーが増加した事。これらは高性能なDACを搭載し、ハイレゾ再生も可能。アナログ出力も高品質だ。

　Until now, it was a scheme that said, "The sound of smartphones and portable players can not play high -resolution, so we can do something with a DAC -equipped amplifier."However, if a good sound comes out of the source side, the idea is that it is only necessary to use it as it is and increase the driving force by adding an amplifier.

　The other is ease of use, such as size and battery duration, and low prices.With no USB DAC, the size is compact, the power consumption is reduced, the battery duration is long, and the price is cheaper.

　The last one is the most important thing, but the single amplifier tends to "have a lot of special amplifiers."Although it is covered with the second point, there are fewer size and cost restrictions, and it is possible to make more free products.As a result, there are many "interesting amplifiers".

　The keyword common to these products is the "discrete".Rather than using ready -made operational amplifiers, an amplifier is composed by each manufacturer freely.Therefore, the degree of freedom is high and the ideal sound can be pursued.In other words, it is a "highlight of the arm".Not only the quality of the sound, but also a unique product is born.It may be said that there are many products that seem to be "audio hobbies" in a sense that enjoys the change of sound with a combination of components.

　If you write like this, it may sound like "a hobby of a mania who has used many potaan", but that is not the case.For example, combining high -resolution players entry model and small amplifier, you may be able to approach the sound of a luxury player that costs over 100,000 yen.Ants are to add a single amplifier to the first step up.

　This time, two models were prepared: Cypher Labs's "Algorhythm Picollo" (open price/actual sale around 54,600 yen) and Alo Audio's "The National+" (around 63,600 yen).The price is lower than the "Algorhythm Picollo DAC" (around 80,000 yen) and "RX MK3-B+" (around 96,000 yen), respectively, respectively.