This best-of-both-worlds approach allows you to natively play files purchased from sites like HD Tracks, Quboz, and Acoustic Sounds alongside songs from massive streaming libraries.

Some also support streaming from services that offer high resolution music, like TIDAL, without applying compression thanks to their DAC (digital analog converter). If you haven’t used a dedicated digital music player since the click wheel iPod, you’ll be happy to know they’ve been updated with modern conveniences like a touch screen. They have a headphone jack, so you won’t need an adapter to use higher-end cans, but also support Bluetooth if you’d prefer to go wireless. These devices can play high resolution (better than CD-quality) digital music without compression.

But, if you want to experience the highest quality digital music, it’s still worth using a high-resolution music player instead. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.įor many people, the transition from buying digital music and maintaining a local library has made way for streaming.