Sound Analysis.
In this test I was using PAW6k with 64 Audio U18t while playing the selection of my favorite test tracks, such as Agnes Obel “The curse”, Sandro Cavazza “So much better” (Avicii remix), C-Bool “Never go away”, Ed Sheeran “Shape of you”, Alan Walker “Darkside”, Galantis “Hunter”, Iggy Azalea “Black widow”, Indila “Boite en argent”, Counting Crows “Big yellow taxi”, David Elias “Vision of her”, and Michael Jackson “Dirty Diana” to analyze the sound of this DAP. Also, I had about 100hrs of playback burn-in prior to starting the sound analysis.
I’m sure the first question on many people’s mind is how PAW6k compares to LPGT. My readers always ask, which one is better? In terms of tonality, one is not better than the other, they are just different. When it comes to technical performance, LPGT will have the upper hand and I will cover it in more details in Comparison section of the review.
PAW6k has a neutral signature with a more natural tonality and a fuller body sound, including a little more weight in lower end. While I have been trying to analyze the sound of PAW6k on its own, I still have Touch in the back of my mind due to its neutral reference tonality which I compare everything to. Thus, I would consider PAW6k to have a stronger impact in lower end, more natural fuller body mids/vocals, and smoother treble response with a modest level of airiness. As a result, while LPGT can bring out more flaws in a poorly recorded audio, PAW6k is able to smooth out the sound and render it in a more natural and musical way.
From a perspective of technical performance, the sound has good dynamics with a decent vertical expansion of the peaks. As a result, the sound never felt compressed or congested. Again, relative to LPGT, the transient response of note on/off is a little slower, giving the sound its natural smoothness. The background is relatively black, hardly any hissing even with very sensitive IEMs. The soundstage expansion is definitely above the average with a good depth, and it also has a good imaging with a relatively precise placement of instruments and vocals.
As already mentioned, 4.4mm (BAL) and 3.5mm (SE) headphone ports have identical power out. And I also found the difference is tonality to be nearly identical. But if I would to split hairs here, 4.4mm balanced output is a bit more transparent with a little wider soundstage. But overall, these ports sound very close.
Comparison.
In this section of the review, sound comparison was done using LPGT 4.4mm headphone balanced output, with all the effects off, while using 64 Audio U18t with EA Code 51 balanced terminated cable and Pentaconn pigtail 4.4mm adaptor. In every comparison I made sure to match the sound level between DAPs. Also, I only going to cover the sound difference as I hear it. Obviously, every DAP has their own set of features and functionality differences with Android DAPs having direct access to streaming services. I used 4.4mm in every comparison except for N6ii w/E01 where I had to use 3.5mm
PAW6k vs Cowon Plenue L – this is a very interesting comparison because after going many times between PAW6k, LPGT, and PL, I came to a conclusion that PL fits right in a middle between these two Lotoo models. For example, starting with soundstage expansion, while I found LPGT to have a wider left/right spread in comparison to PAW6k, PL is a touch wider than PAW6k but not on the same level as Touch. The bass extension and impact, relative to U18t pair up, is very similar between PAW6k and PL; I would say it’s nearly identical to my ears. When it comes to mids/vocals, PL is also somewhere in the middle due to lower mids being a little leaner and upper mids sounding more revealing when compared to PAW6k, but not on the same level as Touch. Treble has some similarity as well, except PAW6k has a little more sparkle. Both have a very dynamic and layered sound.
PAW6k vs FiiO M11 Pro – relative to U18t, I hear PAW6k to have a little wider soundstage expansion, though not by a lot. M11 Pro bass is closer to neutral relative to PAW6k which has more impact and deeper extension. Also, I hear PAW6k bass to be more articulate and faster, while M11 Pro bass sounds a little more laidback. With mids/vocals, PAW6k has more body and the tonality is smoother and more organic, while with M11 Pro I hear lower mids to be leaner, and upper mids more revealing, more transparent. Treble is very similar. M11 Pro is definitely a noticeable improvement over their original M11, but still when you are analyzing the sound with higher res IEMs or headphones, you can hear in this comparison that PAW6k sound has a better vertical dynamics expansion and better layering, making M11 Pro sound a bit compressed in a relative comparison.
PAW6k vs iBasso DX220 w/AMP8 – I didn’t realize how similar these two will sound! But there are still a few differences, like for example I found DX220 soundstage to be a little bit wider. And PAW6k has more mid-bass impact and the bass sounds faster than with DX220. But the rest of the sound, in mids and treble, is very similar in quality and presentation. Maybe DX220 having a touch more sparkle/airiness in treble, but not by whole lot. Both have a very dynamic and layered sound. I tried this comparison in a blind test, and after going back’n’forth multiple times, soundstage width was the main difference to my ears.
PAW6k vs Hiby R6 Pro – If PAW6k and DX220 sounds similar, in a comparison of the sound performance between PAW6k and R6 Pro relative to U18t I hear them being even closer in tonality. Other DAPs were not able to match PAW6k bass impact at the same level, but R6 Pro was able to keep up without a problem. Mids/vocals performance was also very similar, with fuller body more natural tonality and a layered detailed sound. And the treble performance was not too far off. But the blind test comparison was easy since PAW6k is dead quiet with U18t, while R6 Pro has a noticeable hissing. That was really the main giveaway during the blind test.
PAW6k vs Cayin N6ii w/E01 – N6ii soundstage expansion is a little bit wider, even when comparing its single ended output to PAW6k balanced; it’s not a huge difference, but noticeable. Both have a deep low end extension with a nice elevated rumble, but in mid-bass PAW6k has more impact and faster attack/decay, making its bass sound more articulate and faster, while N6ii w/EO1 bass is slower and a little more laidback, more analog. When switching to the default A01 card, N6ii has bass response which sounds closer to PAW6k. Mids of PAW6k are a little thicker and more organic in comparison to more layered and more revealing mids of N6ii w/E01 (in Class AB mode). Treble is similar, though I find PAW6k to have a little more sparkle. The tonality of A01 card will be closer to PAW6k.
Of course, I saved the best for last (with a relative volume matched setting in high gain from 4.4mm).
PAW6k (vol 38) vs LPGT (vol 36) – Touch has more expanded soundstage where the sound has a wider left/right spread. Overall sound sig is more neutral revealing with a greater level of transparency in Touch while PAW6k is more neutral natural with a slightly warmer tonality. Relative to U18t, when you break down the sound you will hear PAW6k to have more sub-bass rumble and slightly elevated mid-bass analog impact, while Touch bass has less sub-bass rumble, bass is more layered, and more articulate. With mids/vocals, Touch is leaner in lower mids and more transparent and more layered in upper mids, while PAW6k has more body in lower mids and smoother and more organic tonality in upper mids. The treble response is a little smoother in PAW6k. Overall, Touch presents sound in a more neutral, transparent, analytical way, while PAW6k gives you a more fun flavor with a deeper low end impact and a smoother and more organic presentation of mids/vocals. Both have a very dynamic and layered sound, though you can hear a bit more air between the layers of the sound when paired up with LPGT.
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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