The demise of the iPod Touch left a sizeable gap in the portable audio landscape. Sure, there have been a number of premium music players released in the years since the Touch died in 2022 to keep hi-res connoisseurs happy, mainly coming courtesy of South Korean brand Astell & Kern, but there are far fewer offerings for those seeking decent portable performance in a more affordable package.
A&K's sub-brand Activo took a swing at the more budget side of the spectrum with its Activo P1 player (tested at £399 / $430), but disappointing sound and a cheap-feeling build meant that it fell short of the mark. Sony’s NW-A306 (£349 / $350 / AU$499) gave it a good go a few years back, even if irritating quirks meant that it fell short of a five-star accreditation.
