Select Comparisons
Lotoo PAW Gold Touch ($3199)
Comparing the two PAW players side-by-side, you’ll obviously notice differences in technical performance. But, you might be surprised to find a couple tonal shifts in there as well. The 6000 has a more present sub- and mid-bass, giving the kick drum a stronger, more prominent slam on in-ears like the A18t. That also lends instruments like horns a slightly chestier, more bellowing timbre. On the other hand, the Touch places greater emphasis on the high-mids and treble. Returning to horns, you’ll hear a clearer, brassier delivery to them, with cleaner air between them as well. But, depending on your IEM or your general tastes, you may come to prefer this 6000’s fun, musical tilt. The A18t is one that I feel makes great use of its top-end decay and bass. But, whichever tonality you decide, both are coherent, smooth and well-executed either way.
Technically, the immediate differences you’ll hear between these two are dynamics and control. The Touch’s rendition of music comes across more effortless, measured and assured, which contrasts the more jam-y, wall-of-sound style that the 6000 has. Rises and falls in energy are clearer said on the Touch, and they’re more specific too; down to the dynamics of each and every instrument. Then, though the 6000 does keep up capably in background blackness, it’s just shy of making instruments pop as much as its bigger brother can, resulting in the Touch edging it out in resolution. That is especially so higher up the range, with snare drums, cymbals and acoustic guitars feeling punchier and more vivid. So, the Touch, as it should, is the more resolving, precise and punchy-sounding DAP of the two, along with its neutral sig. But, the 6000 is no pushover either, capably emulating its sibling in many respects and offering a slight shift in timbre at an accessible price.
P.S. In case you missed Noise Floor & Power and went right into Select Comparisons, the Touch also has an audibly lower noise floor than the 6000, so the latter is a hair more prone to hiss. For more information, please head over to that section on Page 2.
Lotoo PAW S1 ($165)
Between Lotoo’s PAW 6000 and PAW S1, you won’t hear too many notable, tonal differences. The key one I’m getting is a fuller, warmer mid-bass coming from the S1. This gives its midrange a more body and size, and its top-end comes across a bit more relaxed too. This, along with the S1’s more intimate imaging, lends it the more in-your-face tone, and the more packed space too. The PAW 6000 also has stronger dynamics than the S1. The difference between when instruments are relaxed and when they’re loud is more palpable, resulting in a livelier, more engaging presentation. While the S1’s surely no slouch, I believe Lotoo’s PAW 6000 is a notably-stronger technical performer; rightly so, given the price difference too.
Verdict
Lotoo’s PAW 6000 embodies the best of what trickle-down can do for consumer electronics. It comes packed with its far-pricier, far-heftier bigger brother’s scorching-swift OS, aluminium-alloy construction, tempered-glass display and best-in-class EQ functionality; all at a near-third of its MSRP. Sonically, it may not quite nail the detail, effortlessness or specificity of the PAW Gold Touch, but the balance, linearity and colourlessness it does have is easily on par. And, it’s a massive win for consumer feedback too, with Lotoo taking this opportunity to redeem a few of the Touch’s kinks – from the fluidity of its GUI, to the contrast of the display, etc. – even if they’ve still got a ways to go before that EQ becomes accessible to the masses. All in all, as long as you don’t mind the absence of Android or any kind of streaming apps (for now), Lotoo’s PAW 6000 is one of the fastest, best-built and gorgeous-looking players at its MSRP, with an even-handed, yet fluid sig to boot.
Image courtesy of Lotoo.cn
Page 1: Introduction, Unboxing and Accessories, Build and Physical Controls
Page 2: GUI and Presentation, Navigation, Connectivity and Storage, Battery Life
Page 3: Sound Impressions, EFX, Noise Floor and Power
Page 4: Select Comparisons, Verdict
