In this episode of our Picture Sunday series we’re taking a first look at the new PAW Gold Touch from Lotoo.
Disclaimer: The PAW Gold Touch is part of our Picture Sunday posts. You can find all previous ones here.
Everyone who’s curious about Digital Audio Players has definitely come across the name Lotoo. Their original PAW Gold and PAW 5000 have received a lot of praise from the community. Lotoo is a brand that’s not like many others. Their origin comes from the recording business as they developed a hand full of professional grade audio recorders.
Rumor has it that the PAW Gold only was developed because the owner of the company wanted to create a music player that perfectly suited his taste. A transparent and mighty unit that offers sound enhancements like no other. The PAW Gold was very well received and has quickly made it to the list of top quality audio players. It rivaled even the big names and stood out proud with its unique look and software.
Some audiophiles however were missing features from the PAW Gold. They desired a USB DAC function, a touch display, OTA updates and a modern interface. Lotoo quietly listened to them and has developed their new flagship DAP in the back. The PAW Gold Touch delivers the exact requirements from the crowd.
Lotoo PAW Gold Touch
The PAW Gold Touch
When I heard from the PAW Gold Touch I was very interested, as I have nothing but good from them before. Once I got in touch with Lotoo we discussed the opportunity to review the Touch and I’m very happy to have gotten the chance. Lotoo has sent me their latest and greatest before Christmas last year and it arrived safe and sound.
The Touch definitely is a DAP like hardly any other. The design is very nice and as a Greek born I am really excited about the Apollo themed volume wheel. The gold accent of the wheel and headphone ports makes the Touch incredibly good looking in my opinion. I’m a person that can’t just let something like the LPGT sit around to wait for its turn in the review queue. So I instantly unpacked it and put in my 256GB SD card to hit play on that beautiful interface.
Lotoo PAW Gold Touch
Software
The software of the Lotoo Touch is incredibly fast and responsive, there is literally zero lag when you go through it. Even when playing big files like a two hour non-stop live concert it plays instantly, that’s something I can’t say for any other of my DAPs, including the SP1000. The LPGT offers some really nice EQ’ing and sound shaping with different filters and ATE settings. That was already implemented on the predecessor, being now able to play around with that I must admit that I am impressed.
Usually I am not a person that plays around with an EQ too much, but with the Touch I found it very enjoyable. Though it’s limited to only five bands, it still makes a big difference and offers to shape audio big time. The Touch sounds, all alterations disabled, very transparent and neutral. This might be the most neutral DAP I have laid my ears on to date. It is a very honest and true to the source kind of sound, that tells you the whole story without coloring too much. Of course if you want more body or shimmer you can add that with the EQ, ATE and other settings.
Lotoo PAW Gold Touch
The software still has a few quirks, but I was told by Lotoo that a new version will be coming out fairly soon. I know some people have a problem with the Touch coming with regional restrictions, where you only have single language support. While I can understand the frustration, you have to know that this is purely to protect the dealers of said regions. Grey import is a big problem here in Europe and I think Lotoo is doing the right thing by protecting their distributors and dealers.
Lotoo PAW Gold Touch
The Lotoo PAW Gold Touch to me speaks Pro on all levels. The professional audio background is very obvious in sound, build, design and interface. Lotoo offers something unique and refreshing in today’s HiFi audio field.
Watch out for the full review of the Touch here on Headfonia.
