Audio Video News

Pioneer has introduced a portable hi-res digital audio player with a balanced line output and matching “hi-res earbuds.”

In addition to a standard 3.5mm minijack output, the XDP-30R player ($400) has a 2.5mm 4-pole balanced output that’s said to improve stereo separation when paired with the SE-CH5BL earbuds ($90), which are equipped with a 2.5mm balanced connection.

The player has 16 GB of internal storage, supports 5.6MHz DSD native playback, and up-samples lower resolution audio files drawing on one of two clocks: one automatically detects 44.1 kHz signals for scaling to 88.2 kHz/176.4 kHz, while the other detects and upsamples 48 kHz signals to 192 kHz. Pioneer says the result is “jitter-free sound.”

Twin digital-to-analog converters and headphone amps are laid out symmetrically on the circuit board and separated from the power supply to minimize interference. The player supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy streaming and its internal storage can be expanded to 528 GB via two 256-GB micro SD card slots.

Other highlights include a 2.4-inch capacitive touch screen, a 10-band EQ with six presets and three customizable settings, three digital sound filters, a bass enhancer, and remote operation via Pioneer’s free DuoRemote app. The player is made of solid aluminum and available in black or silver.

The SE-CH5BL earbuds feature 0.4-inch drivers and a patent-pending Airflow Control Port that “adjusts low frequency sound pressure” to improve tonal balance. The earbuds also have ribbed ear tips for a more uniform seal.

For more information, visit pioneerelectronics.com.