u/Affectionate-Deal119

Complete rookie to MP3s and DAPs - any recommendations?

Hi! As the title suggest, I have no idea what I'm doing but I'm looking for my first DAP. More specifically, a minimalist one that doesn't have too much ui, nor take up much space.

some tidbits of info about me: I am 17, so my budget isn't that high. I have enough saved from gigs to be able to spend around $~120-150, though I am willing to make some room. Also, my favorite artists' works (ie; my two goats femtanyl and Che) use some very harsh/hardcore beats compared to mainstream, and I want one that can properly capture those tones. No idea how

What I'm looking for/interested in:

Above average sound quality

Storage that can hold up to ~400 songs (not really sure what that is in GBs)

Album-friendly, or at least, ability to make albums with playlists

Non-bulky look, compact enough to fit into pocket with ease. A good guideline I can think of is smaller then an average phone

Shuffle/randomize feature (not required, but definitely would be nice)

Ability to be attached to a lanyard (also not required but would be reallyyy cool and useful to avoid losing it)

What I'm not interested in:

Any form of bluetooth or connection in general, ideally I'm planning on only using AUX with local storage

Any features OTHER then playing music/albums, including things like showing cover art.

Touchscreens

DEALBREAKER : Super bulky players, aka the ones that look way more like a phone then they do a player

One more thing related to players; I'm assuming that you obviously have to buy a cord and earbuds to use with them? Any recommendations for good ones? bonus points if they look cool btw

Thanks for the help and I'll try to answer any questions :D

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u/Affectionate-Deal119 — 15 hours ago