Comparisons
Here are my selected short comparisons with other DAPs below.
A&K SE180 (SEM3)
The SE180 with the SEM3 module is a serious DAP and I think it’s quite underrated in the lineup. Nevertheless, the DTR1+ puts up a similar performance with the SE180 in terms of technicalities. Their presentations are of course different, and the SE180 has that mid-bass touch that sounds a bit fuller and warmer in the bass department. The bass is more punchy and impactful with the SE180. The DTR1+ stays reserved and it actually is more refined with smaller bass but with more control and refinement.
The mids sound quite different. In the DTR1+ the mid-range is smoother with a more musical timbre. The SE180 is a bit analytical in that regard. The SE180 has a bit more transparency but the difference is minimal. The resolution in the mids is quite the same. I also think that the DTR1+ has more forward mids.
The treble part is better in the SE180 in my opinion. Just like in the lows, it has more definition and the treble is crisper with better resolution. The DTR1+ remains reserved in this area when directly compared to the SE180. Whilst the timbre in the DTR1+ is very good, the SE180 has a larger and more airy soundstage.
The M8 is one of my favourite DAPs, and it’s like an upgraded and bigger sounding version of the DTR1+. They both have AKM chips, but the M8 has the flagship AK4499. There’s a noticeable difference in timbre and layering between them. The M8 has a warmer sound, better texture and a wider and deeper sound stage. But the DTR1+’s separation and overall stereo imaging are still absolutely great. It’s just not that musical and smooth as the M8.
Another difference is the bass. The M8 is an excellent DAP for bass performance in terms of rumble, kick and texture. You won’t find that in the DTR1+. In the mids, they’re both smooth and liquid, but it’s better with the M8.
A&K SP2000
Possibly the king of all DAPs, the SP2000 is a fantastic piece of hardware. It has better bass and treble, and it has that warm and extremely smooth, musical touch in the mid-range. It’s the most effortless and smooth mid reproduction in the market in my opinion. But to see the DTR1+ actually putting up a fight is incredible. The SP2000 costs 3,5 times more, but the difference between them is not colossal.
The only huge differences here are the sound-stage, separation and layering, just like the comparison with the M8, but the difference is bigger. I know that this is not a contest, but when you compare the price levels, the DTR1+ has incredible performance.
Conclusion
The Dethonray DTR1+ retains its unique approach to the market and Anson aims to keep its customer base. I tell you he definitely did that with this release. When it’s time to just listen to your archive alone, there’s not a better option for that sole purpose. There’s nothing else better for this price tag in terms of pure sound performance.
Looking at the DAP market, I doubt anyone can show me a player for this price with a better sound. Of course, it is a limited product and doesn’t have any features at all, but that’s the point. On the other hand, the price increase over the original model is bigger than what I expected. The DTR1 was released with a 550-600$ price tag. This one costs 999$, but despite that ramp up in price, the value is still very impressive.
The sound upgrades are clinical and eliminate the deficiencies of the DTR1, especially in staging and layering too. If you have the DTR1 already, I doubt there’s a need for the new model. But if you don’t have one, and if you don’t care about streaming or other features, and finally if you seek the best portability, this is the DAP to go.
The DTR1+ certainly has a spot in our Best Portable Player Recommendations.
Page 1: About the Brand, About the Device, Upgrades, Design
Page 2: Build Quality, Software, User Experience
Page 3: Sound
Brutaly Honest
Probably a good sounding DAP but another chinese product with a poor quality and auful customer service. If you don’t beleive me try the H1 Honey, great sound but eve with the last upgrage the volume wheel didn’t work well. Sorry guys but you didn’t mention that in your reviews and i think is not fair for people who are looking to buy product base on your reviews!!!
Charles
I had a chance to listen to this dap a few days ago. Our thoughts on sound match, but considering that we are in 2022, it did not seem very successful to me in terms of UI. It is a product that will please audiophiles who only want sound and simplicity.
Thanks for the review!
Alessandro
Hi, first of all congratulations for your fantastic reviews!! I have a question. I am very interested in purchasing the Dethonray prelude DTR 1+ audio player. I chose this player both for the audio quality and for the fact that the screen is not touch. In your opinion, is it worth buying the Dethonray Prelude DTR 1+? (since it should be from 2020) is it too old a tool or is technology in step with the times a given? If in your opinion the player is too obsolete, do you know of similar more recent models that you can recommend in the price range? (always with physical keys) thanks in advance, Alessandro.
Berkhan
Hi. It’s worth the purchase if your use case is just listening your archive from MicroSD. It sounded great and still sounds great. There’s no other device that has pysical buttons and closed software like this and having this sound quality.
Pete
Hi Berkhan
yes another thank you for your review; I am looking for a small DAP for hiking/travel/running and don’t want streaming/wifi etc but would like bluetooth (just for the running part); I can’t find if the DTR1+ has bluetooth? What alternatives are there do you think for quality products of similar size and weight and quality?
Thanks
Pete
Berkhan
Hi
No, it doesn’t have BT connection. I think for running only you can use a smartphone as well. After all, BT sound is usually much worse anyway.