GUI – Interface and Playback screen.
In less than 3 seconds after pressing the power button on PAW6k, you are greeted with the Main interface screen where you will find shortcuts to Play list, Songs, Artists, Album list, Folders, and Settings at the top, and currently playing song with transport touch controls below it. Songs, Artists, Albums sorts your file according to the selection, while Playlists shows favorites, recent playlists, and all songs. In Albums you have two views, as a list or large artwork thumbs. Folders let you browse by file folders on your micro-SD card. Tapping on the currently playing song brings you to Playback screen, and you can always get back to the Main screen by swiping the screen up.
The swiping up has a cool visual animation effect of the screen shrinking up as you drag your finger across until it disappears, and you are back to the Main interface screen. When you swipe down notification bar, you have access to a few essential shortcuts, such as Playback mode, Enable/disable Bluetooth, Volume hold/lock, and separate selection of 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone output Gain. You will also find song search at the top, and brightness control bar at the bottom of the expanded notification bar screen.
The Playback screen is very straight forward with embedded artwork occupying top half (if one is available, if not, there is a default artwork) and multiple views underneath which you can access by swiping to view artwork, detailed song info, lyrics (if embedded), and Spectrum Analyzer bars view, just like in LPG/LPGT. There is a shortcut in the upper right corner to delete the song or to add to playlist and another shortcut to view songs in the Currently playing list.
Below the artwork screen, you will see a transport control scroll bar, and underneath of it a playback control buttons, including playback mode on the left and EFX on the right. EFX brings up PMEQ (Parametric EQ II) and ATE (Acoustic Timbre Embellisher) presets and custom PMEQ presets, identical to the ones found in LPGT and original LPG. Also, in the PMEQ list you can find the custom Parametric EQ presets.
In my opinion, Parametric EQ (PMEQ) allows a very precise and accurate sound-shaping control. While I don’t use EQ on regular daily basis, I do rely on it when it comes to providing fine-tuning feedback to IEM manufacturers. With a large touch screen and visual interface, PMEQ tuning experience is night’n’day compared to original LPG, and you can easily select from a drop-down menu a filter type, F0 center frequency, gain in decimal increments, and Q width of the band while watching the adjustment on the graph above. My only wish here is to be able to drag the peak on the graph itself to adjust the gain from a touch screen.
GUI – Settings and Features.
When it comes to Settings, PAW6k just like LPGT has more options than I have ever seen in any other DAP. The main Settings menu is split into Basic Settings (covering Play, Output, and Player settings), Sound Settings (covering Hardware decode, EQ, ATE, and Filter settings), Bluetooth (which also covers BT DAC), micro-SD card management (with available space, files, and format menu), PAW6k Info and Model (covering device/model info, software, hardware, wireless version), On-line Update (for WiFi OTA update), and other legal info and Factory Reset to get back to Defaults.
When you go into Play settings, you will find available Play modes (loop, shuffle, single repeat, and sequence) all of which can also be selected in Playback screen, Sleep timer, show lyrics, and File switching effect where you find Fade Out and Gapless setting (gapless tested to work perfectly).
Output setting has a detailed control of each 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports where you adjust the L/R balance, select output type (headphone or line out), select output gain (in headphone mode), and select if you want Line Out volume to be fixed or adjustable. You can also adjust Bluetooth volume setting, DSD gain compensation, and VU Meter setting. Here, you are in control of every single config detail.
Player setting gives you more control of LPGT hardware where you can enable/disable Breathe light (underneath volume wheel, if you want to save battery), Double-click to wake up the DAP by tapping on the screen when it’s off, locking keys, selecting Volume key direction (clockwise, counter-clockwise), Power management with auto power-off and screen off, and Language selection.
PCM and DSD Filter selection gives you even more controls of the sound. Under PCM filters you have access to select one of 6 different filters associated with AKM4493 DAC, and you can also select Low Pass Filter under DSD filters.
Page 3 – Sound Analysis, and Comparison.
Page 4 – Pair up, Wired/wireless connections, and Conclusion.
Twister6 Reviews 
Regarding the Prelude DTR1 how will you compare it ?
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Difference in functionality aside, dtr1 is a brighter tuned dap, more like a reference LPGT. Paw6k is warmer.
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How does it compare to ibasso dx 160?
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Functionality difference aside, Dx160 is brighter and more revealing, especially in treble.
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Hello. How LP6k compare to Dx160 in technicalities? Soundstage, layering, detail retrieval? As I understand from your post tonality wise it is similar with noticeable difference in treble area? Functionality aside, of course…
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Tonality is definitely a big difference, thus my reference to treble which makes dx160 brighter up top. And with that brightness I hear more air between the layers which helps with layering and separation (nod to dx160). But that will also depend on pair synergy. If you have brighter tuned iems, I would not use them with dx160, it will only make them sound thinner. Soundstage is also wider in dx160. Retrieval of details is simllar. Another thing to note, if you are using external amp, paw6k has a cleaner line out, great pair up with Cayin C9.
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Do I understand correctly that the overall sound level is the same compared to the hiby r6 pro?
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Relative to U18t, it is. I have a lot of IEMs and some headphones. It is very time consuming to go through many comparisons using different headphones and earphones, as you can imagine. And for sure, some my yield a bigger difference in sound due to a difference in pair up synergy with one dap vs the other.
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compared to the Fiio M15? Which is better?
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only heard M15 for 5min, on the go 2 months ago before they issued their big fw update. So, have no idea about the comparison or if sound tuning was updated. Back then (2months ago), M15 sounded like a warm source with slightly rolled off treble response. But honestly, I can’t offer an accurate comparison unless I have two things side by side and spend some time with each.
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Excuse me if this has been asked before. Of the high/mid end 4.4mm DAPS available, which of these do you suppose has:
– Better detail retrieval, instrument separation, and general resolve.
– More linear and natural sounding, though not sterile. I like a lot of top end, brightish.
– More sophisticated PEQ.
– Better build quality.
My choice is between PAW6000; Cayin N6ii; Plenue L; and maybe even the Ibasso DX160. I already have the WM1A but would like something with a slightly different flavour. I lean toward the AKM chip.
BTW: off topic, I received the ROMI Audio BX-2 – excellent amp, really like it. Keen to hear your review.
Thanks!
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Well, I think PAW6k, N6ii, and PL will git those description, and you did a good job narrowing it down. What it will come down to if figuring out which of these DAPs will have other “extras” you want. PAW6k has a unique PEQ (not easy to use, but it’s unique), very flexible configuration of 3.5mm/4.4mm headphone and line outputs, dual Bluetooth. N6ii is a fast android DAP (build on Hiby R6 pro digital platform) which a very unique modular design of not just replacing amps but the whole dac/amp infrastructure, and of course access to any app you can download from Google play store. PL is a beautifully crafted DAP with audio only playback, no streaming or BT, but it has a very powerful JetEffect dsp effects, probably among the best if you are into tweaking the sound with eq and effects. All 3 will sound good and natural, but each one offers its own special awesomesause 🙂
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Thank you, this is very helpful. Streaming is not important to me at all and I prefer a closed system over Android, so probably the N6ii wouldn’t suit me. The PAW6K and PL look like contenders. I wish the PL2 MKii had a 4.4mm instead of 2.5mm output, as that would have also been ideal. 2.5mm isn’t the end of the world, but all of my cables are either 4.4mm or 3.5mm and I’m not keen on adaptors.
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you mean P2 mkii? PL has 4.4mm HO output.
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Yes, sorry. P2 MKii. They’re name branding needs re-marketing. This one – http://www.cowonglobal.com/product_wide/PLENUE2/product_page_6.php
It would be ideal, because I love the AKM chip, but the 2.5mm connection…. They’re more expensive in the EU sadly. Cheaper to have it imported from the US.
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“Their name”….exhaustion typo.
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I ended up getting the Paw6000 and am very happy with it. Love the transparency and neutrality. Now I’m wondering about the Gold Touch. Is the upgrade worth it at the expense of battery life? I understand the difference in sound and technical performance is not vast? Thanks.
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Sky’s the limit 😉 LPGT is technically superior, but if you read my paw6k review, it’s not for everybody. I use LPGT all the time because I need to analyze the sound in my reviews. For others, they might prefer a lighter paw6k with its smoother tonality.
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Thanks. I like your description of the Touch as being more revealing and analytical, – detail retrieval, imaging, and separation are key for me – though I’m not sure I’d want to sacrifice the sub-bass emphasis and battery life in the Paw6000….
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Did you use the PMEQ to adjust the frequency of the headphones (like AutoEQ) when you compared them?
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I never use EQ even during the regular listening because I want to hear the original sound of earphones/headphones I’m listening to. The same when reviewing, why would I want to change the sound which not going to represent the original tuning of headphones? It would be highly misleading if I’m describing a “great bass” after boosting it with EQ 😉
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This is when I get confused. When I listen to the Lotoo with my ATH-AWKT it sounds like a cheap flat DAP (even worse than my PC). Only after applying these settings to the EQ it sounds good: https://github.com/jaakkopasanen/AutoEq/tree/master/results/crinacle/gras_43ag-7_harman_over-ear_2018/Audio-Technica%20ATH-AWKT
Did you experience something like that? Or is my Lotoo defective?
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Hi,
Does it make sense to buy Paw 6000 alongside Sony WM1A?
I think a lot, but I don’t want to spend money unnecessarily.
Thanks
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I don’t know how WM1A sounds to compare the sound performance, but one thing to keep in mind wm1a is underpowered and it doesn’t have analog Line Out. So, if you need more power and use external amplifier, PAW6k might make sense. Otherwise it will come down to a difference in sound.
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Hi Twister, many thanks for your excellent reviews, always helpful thanks to a very “landed on earth” vocabulary!!!
In past times you’ve highly praised the wm1z for it’s natural, analog sound that makes it unique. Reading your review something is evoking me this feeling. ¿Would you say that this Lotoo has something of this magic sauce without the Wm1z’s warmth, with a more neutral tuning?
Is the lotoo paw 6000 one of these rare unicorns that don’t sound digital at all or that doesn’t exist out of the Sony world? (or maybe others that i don’t know, someone told me about sr25 having it, i’ll be glad to hear recommendations)
Thanks again!
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that wm1z review was 4 years ago, Sony is asleep at the wheel and way overdue for flagship refresh 🙂 The rare unicorn award in the DAP world with a super natural sound goes to L&P P6 Pro with its all discrete R-2R DAC. But Paw6k is also great at a fraction of the price. Just keep in mind, PAW6k is more appropriate for IEMs, rather than demanding headphones.
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just go get paw6k.. im using wm1a and zx507 before, im selling both then i get lp6k and never turn back and never regret. its OS interface so fast and sound got a bit lot data to my experience ..the peq, is ohsem, work for bluetooth,headphone out and even usb out! the good for sony is stable bluetooth connection even far away and wm1a battery life that 36hr playback. the PEQ on LP6K is sooo usefull.. difficult for 1st time user(Ull get use to it later). the best part u can make so much custom PEQ, I make it for each of my earphone and headphone(im not sure how much u can make custom PEQ, so far i made 5 custom peq, for my each iem and hp)… the best part, it can drive my audeze lcd-xc easily, even beyer t1 and hifiman he-1000.
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Thank you very much for your fast answer!
Paw6k, second hand, is the limit to my economy. If it’s the champion of natural sound at this price then it’ll be the chosen one.
My most demanding headphones are Audeze LCD2 Classic. With my zx300 they are dead. I don’t expect the Lotoo to move them at full potential, but at least in a more vivid way…
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You would definitely need an external amp with the PAW6K to drive the LCD2C. The PAW6K has way more output than the woefully powered SONY daps, but definitely falls short in terms of planar headphones. I’d recommend either the BX2 Plus or the Cayin C9.
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Yes, i assume that portable daps with some basic features i need (not too big, very good battery, bluetooth…) won’t provide the LCD2 with the juice they need. The amps that you recommend me are far away from my budget anyway. For the moment i’ll keep connecting the Audezes to my stationary amp and after finding a good replacement for my zx300 (and recovering economically from te effort) i’ll see what can i find.
Thanks for your answer, drnostoi!
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I owned all three of them. The PAW6K has a fuller mid range and better vertical soundstage, while the WM1A has a more horizontal soundstage and more flat. They are both quite neutral and noticably better than the ZX300 in terms of the sound quality. ZX300 is the most pocket friendly.
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Does PAW 6k make good combination with UM Mest Mark II? I gravitate towards rich, organic, lush sound signature rather than cold, resolving or analytical sound.
I am confused between PAW 6k and Sony Nw-wIma.
Which one should I buy?
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I have discovered the first big disadvantage, there is no option “play through folder”!
So you can not set the player to play automatically the next folder, I miss this badly on this player.
Is there possibility to report this somewhere to the Lotoo developer?
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I think it has been reported before. This is an older product, don’t think they have any plans to add new features, and all the previously reported bugs have been addressed.
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Hi Twister, seek your recommendation here. I really like the closed android concept and the size and look of LP6K, however it is abit dated and not sure if loto is gonna drop a new model to replace this anytime soon. If i’m deciding between this and the Ibasso DX320, (i really cannot withstand slow UIs), do you think it’s still a worthy pickup in 2023 given that the LP6k was released in 2019? Or does the DX320 trumps it?
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Comparing playback only paw6k (Unix OS) vs modular dx320 (Android OS) is apples to orange, or apples to bananas lol. Different devices with completely different functionality. If you want streaming or using different audio playback apps or to change the sound sig by switching amp cards, that’s dx320. If you want a small and fast playback only dap and want to upgrade paw6k performance, then go for LPGT. If you still only care about playback only and don’t mind very limited touch interface and functionality, you can go for L&P P6pro. And if you want the best android dap at the current moment, that’s N30LE. All depends on what you are looking for and how much you want to spend… But reading between the lines of your question, you probably should look into LPGT.
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Thanks for the reply! Yes very intrigued by the lotoo paw and I’m quite new to the hobby and only discovering them now. I guess my main concern is that since they are coming to 5 years old in the market, is it still wise to be investing in them at the end of 2023 since we most likely should see a revision update soon? Although I must say I like how their brand don’t dish out new models every single year
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Staying away from Android is how they can afford their longevity since they don’t have to worry about Google support, constant updates, and micro processor support, etc.
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