A hi-res label on a track does not guarantee hi-res playback. Before changing services or buying equipment, check the track’s quality setting, your device’s output limit, whether that device needs an external DAC for your target quality, and whether the listening path is wired.
What do you need to listen to hi-res audio?
You need a compatible source and a complete playback path that can handle the quality you want: the track, music app, device output, any required DAC, connection, and headphones or speakers. One weak link can limit the signal. You may already own everything needed for wired lossless playback; whether you need extra hardware depends on your device and target sample rate.
- Check the track and app. Confirm that the track is available in lossless or hi-res quality, then enable the appropriate quality setting for streaming or downloads. Availability and labels can vary by service, track, and region.
- Check the device’s output ceiling. For Apple Music, Apple documents Lossless up to 24-bit/48 kHz and Hi-Res Lossless up to 24-bit/192 kHz. These are format maxima, not a promise that every track is offered at the highest setting. Apple’s lossless audio guidance explains the device-specific requirements.
- Use a wired path for lossless playback. Connect wired headphones, a receiver, or powered speakers directly, or route audio through an external DAC to an analog listening device. Apple and Sony both describe compatible equipment as part of the chain. Sony’s Hi-Res FAQ recommends Hi-Res-compatible equipment throughout its system.
- Choose headphones or speakers you can use comfortably. Compatibility matters for the intended format, but a Hi-Res logo or a high maximum-frequency specification by itself does not establish that equipment will sound better to you.
- Account for data and storage. Apple notes that lossless streaming and downloads can use more data and storage than lower-quality audio. Consider your data plan and available device space before setting everything to maximum.
Do you need a DAC for hi-res audio?
Only if your source device cannot output the sample rate you want without one. A DAC converts digital audio into an analog signal for headphones or speakers; many devices already include one. Apple’s guidance is specific to Apple Music and its listed devices, so do not treat it as a rule for every phone or computer.
iPhone and iPad
Apple says an external DAC is required to listen to Apple Music songs above 48 kHz on iPhone or iPad. If your goal is Apple Music Lossless up to 48 kHz, that threshold alone does not require an external DAC. To use a rate above 48 kHz, connect a compatible external DAC using an adapter or connection that fits your device. Check the DAC’s supported formats and the device connector before buying.
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- A Brand-New Processor That Surpasses Competing Products — Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Built on a 6nm process, it delivers superior performance and enhanced power efficiency. With 4GB+64GB storage and Android 13, it ensures smooth and seamless operation for all major music apps.
- Patented Desktop Mode with 950mW High Power Output: When Desktop Mode is activated, the M21 operates entirely on external power, with the built-in battery neither charging nor discharging—effectively extending battery lifespan.
- Quad CS43198 Matrix DACs, Fully Balanced 2-Stage Amplification: Featuring a 4-channel, 8-path fully differential output design, it unleashes its full potential with exceptional dynamic range and high noise immunity. The headphone amp adopts a 2-stage circuit design—the first stage handles voltage amplification while the second stage boosts current—ensuring pristine sound quality and rich detail.
- Versatile Ports, High-Performance Output: Supports dual 3.5mm + 4.4mm headphone/LO outputs, equipped with independent line amplification circuits. Also supports SPDIF and USB Audio output, with SPDIF performance rivaling professional digital transports—reducing jitter by 70%.
Mac
Apple says 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models support native playback up to 96 kHz. Other Mac computers need an external DAC for sample rates above 48 kHz. Model-specific capabilities can differ, so check Apple’s current guidance for your exact Mac and macOS configuration. The Apple Music guide for Mac also explains that ALAC compresses files while preserving the original data.
Other phones and computers
The Apple thresholds above do not establish the requirements for Android, Windows, other streaming services, or every device configuration. Check the relevant device and app documentation for output limits and USB audio support rather than assuming that a particular connector or built-in headphone jack guarantees a specific sample rate.
Rank #2
- [Hi-Res Sound with ESS DAC] Built with the ESS ES9018K2M DAC, the H2 delivers clear, detailed sound for serious music listening. It supports DSD128, FLAC, WAV, APE, ALAC and other high-resolution formats, with 107dB SNR and low distortion for a richer experience than standard phone audio.
- [Bluetooth 5.2 Transmitter & Receiver] Enjoy flexible wireless listening with Bluetooth 5.2. The H2 can send music to Bluetooth headphones or work as a receiver for phone audio, with aptX support for cleaner wireless playback. Ideal for commuting, travel, office listening and home audio use.
- [64GB Card Included, Supports up to 512GB] The H2 comes with a 64GB microSD card, so you can start loading your music right away. It supports microSD cards up to 512GB and can read up to about 14,999 songs, making it suitable for large local music collections.
- [USB DAC, Line Out & Headphone Out] Use the H2 as more than a portable MP3 player. Connect it to your computer as a USB DAC, plug in wired headphones through the 3.5mm headphone jack, or use the dedicated line out with car AUX, powered speakers or home audio systems.
- [Zinc Alloy Body with Physical Controls] The solid zinc alloy chassis gives the H2 a premium, durable feel, while the physical buttons and scroll wheel make music control simple without relying on a touchscreen. Up to 10 hours of playback supports daily listening at home, work or on the go.
How do you turn on lossless audio in Apple Music?
Apple’s documented settings let you choose separate quality levels for streaming and downloads. The available labels and paths can vary with operating-system and app versions.
On iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings > Apps > Music > Audio Quality.
- Turn on Lossless Audio.
- Choose the quality for streaming and downloads. Select Hi-Res Lossless only if you intend to use it and your playback path supports the required rate.
On Mac
- Open the Music app and choose Music > Settings (or Preferences on some versions).
- Open Playback and enable the lossless-audio option.
- Set the streaming and download quality separately.
For Apple Music’s format limits and device requirements, see Apple’s lossless audio support page. Settings for other music services are not covered by these Apple instructions; follow the service’s own help documentation.
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- 【HIFI lossless sound quality】 The DAP lossless music player adopts professional DSP audio lC + imported DAC double decoding, which can effectively restore the real scene. The DAC hard decoding chip adopts the new WM8965 and Ti company's TPA6530 high power. Supported audio formats: MP3（8-48kHz,8-320kbps）、WMA（8-48kHz,5-384kbps,STD 8-96kHz）、WAV（8-192kHz）、APE（8-96kHz,high; 8-192kHz,fast）、FLAC（8-192kHz,LO-L10）、AAC（8-48kHz，8-320kbps,LC）、OGG（8-48kHz）、DSD 128（5.6MHz）
- 【High-resolution music player】 The player adopts a 2.0-inch display with a resolution of 320*240, LCD display, intuitive and concise UI interface, user-friendly software operation is clear at a glance, the display has high color saturation, and can display lyrics and music. song title
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- 【Portability and Service】The size of the player is: 2.2*0.6*3.5 inches, and the weight is about 176g. The small size easily slides in and out of any pocket. Perfect to carry. This product has a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy and 1-year exchange service. Please feel free to contact us by email and we will reply you within 24 hours.
Can Bluetooth play hi-res audio?
Do not assume Bluetooth delivers the same lossless path as a wired connection. Apple identifies AAC Bluetooth use for AirPods and most Beats wireless headphones in its Apple Music guidance. Sony says Bluetooth does not meet its Hi-Res specifications because of bandwidth limitations; that is Sony’s stated specification framing, in an FAQ last modified May 26, 2022, rather than a claim about every codec or future device. For the wired lossless setup described here, connect headphones or speakers by cable, or use a DAC in the wired chain.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which setup route makes sense?
| Route | Output and DAC requirement | Connection and practical trade-off | When it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone or iPad with Apple Music, up to 48 kHz | Apple documents Lossless up to 24-bit/48 kHz; an external DAC is not required solely to stay at or below 48 kHz. | Use a wired listening connection. Existing compatible wired gear may be enough. | You want Apple Music Lossless without targeting rates above 48 kHz. |
| iPhone or iPad with Apple Music above 48 kHz | Apple says an external DAC is required above 48 kHz; Hi-Res Lossless reaches up to 24-bit/192 kHz as a format maximum. | A wired route adds a DAC and may require a connector adapter; check compatibility before purchase. | You specifically want playback above 48 kHz and are prepared to build a compatible wired chain. |
| 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro with Apple Music | Apple documents native playback up to 96 kHz; its Hi-Res Lossless format maximum is 192 kHz. | A wired path is the direct route; an external DAC is needed to go beyond the documented native limit. | Your Mac model supports the rate you want, or you are considering a DAC for higher rates. |
| Other Mac with Apple Music | Apple says an external DAC is needed above 48 kHz. | Wired playback avoids relying on Bluetooth for the lossless path. | You want rates above the Mac’s documented 48 kHz threshold. |
| Bluetooth headphones or speakers | Apple identifies AAC Bluetooth use for AirPods and most Beats wireless headphones; Sony says Bluetooth does not meet its Hi-Res specification. | Wireless convenience; do not count on this route for the wired lossless setup described here. | You prioritize convenience over a wired lossless path. |
The table reflects the Apple guidance cited above, not universal limits for other services, operating systems, or wireless codecs. A format’s maximum is a technical capability, not evidence that you will hear an improvement; the cited manufacturer guidance does not establish a comparative listening result.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The world's first Snapdragon 680 portable HiFi player JM21: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm advanced process, features an 8-core Kryo 265 architecture with a clock speed of up to 2.4GHz. This results in a significant performance boost, lower power consumption, and smooth, seamless operation.
- Custom Android 13 open-source system: The deeply customized Android 13 open-source system offers smooth and seamless performance, allowing effortless control. It provides the freedom to install streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and other applications as desired.
- Dual flagship DACs, CS43198, with a powerful 700mW output drive: The JM21 features a fully balanced audio architecture, powered by two flagship Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs paired with two high-performance SGM8262 operational amplifiers. Through audiophile-grade circuit design and tuning, the JM21 delivers a balanced output power of up to 700mW + 700mW, offering powerful drive and exceptional sound quality. It effortlessly powers headphones or large over-ear models with ease and authority.
- At just 13mm thin and weighing only 156g, the device offers a comfortable one-handed grip that completely frees your pinky. With an impressive 12.5 hours of battery life, it ensures uninterrupted listening wherever you go, easily lasting from morning to night. Every listening session is a pleasurable experience without worrying about battery life.
- The self-developed DAPS digital audio purification system, coupled with a fifth-generation FPGA and custom dual femtosecond crystal oscillators, ensures that both local playback on third-party music apps like FiiO Music and Apple Music, as well as output to an external USB DAC, maintain the original audio sampling rate. This guarantees lossless audio quality for a pristine listening experience.
Rank #4
- The world's first Snapdragon 680 portable HiFi player JM21: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm advanced process, features an 8-core Kryo 265 architecture with a clock speed of up to 2.4GHz. This results in a significant performance boost, lower power consumption, and smooth, seamless operation.
- Custom Android 13 open-source system: The deeply customized Android 13 open-source system offers smooth and seamless performance, allowing effortless control. It provides the freedom to install streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and other applications as desired.
- Dual flagship DACs, CS43198, with a powerful 700mW output drive: The JM21 features a fully balanced audio architecture, powered by two flagship Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs paired with two high-performance SGM8262 operational amplifiers. Through audiophile-grade circuit design and tuning, the JM21 delivers a balanced output power of up to 700mW + 700mW, offering powerful drive and exceptional sound quality. It effortlessly powers headphones or large over-ear models with ease and authority.
- At just 13mm thin and weighing only 156g, the device offers a comfortable one-handed grip that completely frees your pinky. With an impressive 12.5 hours of battery life, it ensures uninterrupted listening wherever you go, easily lasting from morning to night. Every listening session is a pleasurable experience without worrying about battery life.
- The self-developed DAPS digital audio purification system, coupled with a fifth-generation FPGA and custom dual femtosecond crystal oscillators, ensures that both local playback on third-party music apps like FiiO Music and Apple Music, as well as output to an external USB DAC, maintain the original audio sampling rate. This guarantees lossless audio quality for a pristine listening experience.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
