This GT2 "Like New" DAP might as well have been new, as the box was completely sealed. I'm not sure if "new" versions already have the screen protector installed? But this one did, and perfectly. Anyway, this DAP replaced a Cayin N7+ which I previously added an amp and dedicated the combo to a headphone. Before talking sound, additional differences are that while this DAP has a bump-out in the back for the battery, it is very easy to hold. The leather case it arrived with seems a higher quality leather than what I got with the Cayin (of course, at 2X the price). It also has its own OS (not Android) that I think is wonderful. It is extremely snappy and very intuitive to navigate, without any "extra" bloat to slow down or clutter the experience. I also like the quick access to shortcuts, like my ability to quickly flip the screen depending on whether I am holding it in hand, or the DAP is laying in front of me. There is no internal memory, but I have about 25% of a 2TB SD card installed and all the music was booted up within seconds.
Sound-wise, I have this paired with some low impedance (9 Ohm) A18t CIEMS that are also "reference", and while analytically superb, some suggest maybe a bit lacking in character. While the N7+ really made the analytics shine with these IEMs, this DAP makes the music more full, punchy and immersive, yet still there is incredible detail and a wide sound stage. The background is black. I am extremely satisfied with the combo. The sound can go louder than my ears can take without hearing any kind of sonic stress or distortion. It is hard for me to imagine how things could improve upon the sound. There are numerous "sound shaping" filters the DAP can implement, but my favorite is the "straight out of the box" sound. The DAP will get pretty warm after an hour of play, but not really hot, as long as the DAP is in the open, vs. being under blankets or pillows or in pockets. I have never run out the battery, but I'm guessing it will run for 8-9 hours. This purchase did also show up with the WT-1 LTTP transmitter in a sealed box to allow lossless streaming between a smart phone and this DAP. I've not opened that box as I'm not too big into streaming. In summary, while this is a pricey DAP, I have no regrets with the purchase (delivered the same week it was ordered). How could it be improved? I guess it could stay cooler, have longer battery life (and easy battery replacement) and be half the size. But sonically? It is fabulous... no need for tubes or other gimmicks. All the dozen and a half sound filters should be able to address most people's needs if they are seeking to massage sounds. It delivers that little extra magic my previous DAP was missing.
