Machina Audio sees the Hidizs AP30 Music Boy as a refreshing alternative to modern DAPs that increasingly resemble smartphones.
Instead of focusing on Android, Wi-Fi, apps, and streaming, the AP30 takes a minimalist approach centered on local music playback. Machina Audio particularly appreciates this concept, describing it as a way to disconnect from notifications and social media and simply enjoy music.
Retro Design and Ultra-Compact Build
The Game Boy-inspired design is one of Machina Audio’s favorite aspects of the AP30. The two-inch IPS screen, D-pad, physical A and B buttons, and retro styling give the player plenty of personality.
Machina Audio tested the lightweight Plastic Edition and found its compact size particularly useful for carrying and in-car listening. The included magnetic protective case and two magnetic rings support phone-mounted or other compatible carrying setups; Machina Audio also found the player particularly convenient for in-car use.
His enthusiasm is practical rather than purely nostalgic. He often uses DAPs in the car and likes being able to leave his phone out of the setup. At the same time, he considers the small display merely functional and found the compact controls less convenient when trying the built-in retro block game.
Physical controls are another highlight. Machina Audio appreciates having dedicated buttons rather than relying on a touchscreen and responds positively to the mechanical ALPS volume wheel for its precision and retro feel.
Simple Music-Focused Experience
The AP30’s interface follows the same minimalist philosophy. Machina Audio describes the menu as very simple, with six main icons and no unnecessary complexity.
Music can be transferred to a microSD card from a computer with a simple drag-and-drop process. The AP30 supports microSD storage up to 256GB, allowing users to keep their music directly on the player.
The AP30 also provides EQ and filter adjustments, file management, e-book functionality, and a retro block game. Machina Audio sees these as additional features while emphasizing music playback as the device’s main purpose.
Clean and Transparent Sound
Sound quality is one of the strongest parts of Machina Audio’s assessment. He describes the AP30 as transparent and particularly clean, reporting no noticeable background noise or hiss during his testing.
Machina Audio also finds the available amplification sufficient for modern IEMs and less demanding headphones. The AP30 provides both a 3.5mm output and a 4.4mm balanced connection.
He particularly praises Hidizs’ choice of the Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC, which he associates with detailed sound, low noise and efficient power consumption.
USB DAC, Bluetooth and Battery
Machina Audio highlights USB DAC functionality as another useful feature. The AP30 can be connected to a computer or smartphone, allowing its DAC and amplifier to handle audio from another device.
Bluetooth 5.3 is also available, although Machina Audio considers its codec support one of the AP30’s weaker areas. He would have preferred support for higher-resolution Bluetooth codecs and recommends wired headphones for the better experience.
Its Bluetooth connection is for transmitting audio from the AP30; it does not function as a Bluetooth receiver for a phone.
For battery performance, Machina Audio reports approximately eight to ten hours with heavy use.
Overall Assessment
Machina Audio particularly praises the AP30’s retro design, compact and lightweight construction, clean sound, physical controls, balanced output, USB DAC functionality, battery life, and affordable price.
He feels the firmware could provide more customization and considers the limited Bluetooth codec support a weakness. Even so, he sees the AP30 as offering an excellent balance of price and quality.
Machina Audio sees the AP30 as a very affordable DAP with a clear retro-focused concept: load your favorite music onto a microSD card, connect your headphones, and enjoy dedicated music playback without Wi-Fi, streaming services, notifications, or other distractions.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.