Digital Audio Player to replace iPod Classic in the car

[Dr.Funk]

Hi Guys,

I am thinking of replacing my iPod Classic 16gb player, which I use in the car, via the headphone jack, to left and right audio in of my car's auxiliary input.

I know that there are many high end players available, Astell&Kern and Fiio to name a couple. I can't afford to spend that kind of money, so I am looking for an alternative.

Whilst looking through reviews of DAP's I stumble upon this player, Surfans F20, which seems to get good reviews for sound but bad reviews for functionality.

It is currently discounted by 43% on Amazon at $143 and I am wondering if anyone on SNA has experience of this player.

 

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07TZJVQ4Q/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07TZJVQ4Q&pd_rd_w=2Tj8z&content-id=amzn1.sym.1466049c-a1d9-4b3d-b57f-ad4194b25db8&pf_rd_p=1466049c-a1d9-4b3d-b57f-ad4194b25db8&pf_rd_r=2R8J4SWJFAW0J6BDBF3H&pd_rd_wg=k5Nll&pd_rd_r=b41cfd10-c28b-4c4e-87dc-989b9c04c83b&s=electronics&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw

 

I am looking to utilise 24/96 files and some 40 odd DSD64 files that I have.

My plan was to spend up to $450, so this was originally $250 and therefore fell in to my range. But I have found very little else in this bracket.

Today I noticed this on Addicted to Audio;

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/collections/daps-digital-audio-players/products/astell-kern-a-norma-sr25-digital-audio-player

 

It is discounted by $400 to $599, which is well over my budget, but I am sure this $999 player would be worth selling a kidney for, what do you guys think?

Cheers

Andy

 

 

[metal beat]

For the car I find Spotify does the job nicely.   YMMV 

[Dr.Funk]

@metal beat Thanks for your reply.

 

I don't have Spotify and my car is too old (2011), it has a CD stacker and basic Bluetooth for the phone.. I can't change the Audio head unit because it is the main brain of the car (GPS, Audio, Phone and climate control). We have very zealous police around my area, if you touch your phone to access music or GPS, you're done. I have a separate GPs so I cannot be accused of touching my phone at all.

I usually put my iPod on shuffle before I leave the driveway and don't touch it until journey's end.

[GregWormald]

My car music 'server' is my previous iPhone—although I'm not fussy about car audio.

I just record hours of Radio Paradise and play that unless I'm in the mood for something specific.

[Marc]

On 12/06/2023 at 10:12 PM, Dr.Funk said:

I can't change the Audio head unit because it is the main brain of the car (GPS, Audio, Phone and climate control).

 

What's the vehicle? There's not many that can't be altered/changed or upgraded via aftermarket specialists these days. That said, it depends on your intentions with the life of the vehicle, it's value, and what this exercise is worth to you. 

[Dr.Funk]

Hi Marc,

It is a 2011 Nissan Murano Ti.

I think that route would be expensive, if possible at all, I inquired a few years ago and it was not possible then. As they stopped importing them to Oz in 2016, supply and demand takes effect. Although they are still made and sold in the USA in big numbers.

Thanks for your interest.

Andy

[Marc]

It looks like it might actually be able to be done.  https://stingeraustralia.com.au/what-fits-my-ride/?wfmrmake=NISSAN&wfmrmodel=MURANO&wfmryear=2009 - 2011 (Z51)

 

There's a fascia kit ($55) allowing for the installation of an aftermarket headunit (which would have Bluetooth, and spending more would get you CarPlay too). You'd need a few other accessories too such as the Canbus interface, and Steering Wheel controls adaptor. Looks like around $500 of parts, plus the head unit you choose and installation.

 

Again, it comes down to how long you intend on keeping the vehicle and whether the cost is worth it to you.

 

With Carplay, aside from Spotify/Qobuz etc. you can even run Roon Arc (playing my own local library from home stored on NAS) which is fantastic.