Listening to Hi-Res Audio requires proper equipment/hardware. In this story, I will walk through different options available.
你是需要購買專用的硬件去享受高清音樂。在這個故事裡，我會為你介紹不同的選項
There are 2 major ways to play Hi-Res audio: Single device solution & 2 Device Solution.
市場上有兩種不同的方案去播放高清音樂：單硬件 及 雙硬件 方案
Single Device Solution / 單硬件 方案
Single Device Solution are the least expensive, most simple ways to enjoy Hi-Res Audio. In this category, there are mostly 2 choices - Dedicated Player OR Hi-Res compatible Phone.
這個方案是最便宜最簡單的方法。在這個範疇內，我們有兩種選項：專用播放器 及 支援高清音樂的電話。
Dedicated Player / 專用播放器
Dedicated Player are specially made to store and convert digital files to analog signal to your choice of high quality earphone. The Japanese industry refer these player as Hi-Res Audio player while the Korean industry refer them as Hi-Fi player.
專用播放器 是專門製造來儲存高清音樂檔案及把它們從數碼檔案轉為音樂訊息的機器，只需要把耳機插進就可以聽到高清音樂。在日本，他們會被稱為 Hi-Res Audio，而在韓國，他們會稱為 Hi-Fi Audio。
Sony 索尼
https://www.sony.com/electronics/hd-audio/t/walkman-digital-music-players
Sony is the advocate of Hi-Res. Their product are generally good but lack flexibility. Their low end offering is decent enough for most starter.
引進高清音樂的公司。他們的產品多元化，但欠缺靈活性。優點是他們低階的產器已經能完美播放高清音樂。
Onkyo 安橋
https://www.onkyousa.com/Products/prod_class.php?class=Portable&source=globalnav
Onkyo (and Pioneer) is the new comer to the industry. Their price are affordable and have good sound signature even audio enthusiasts will recommend.
他們及其子公司 Pioneer 是新加入這高清音樂的公司。價錢實惠之餘可比美索尼高階產品的音色。
Fiio 飛傲
http://www.fiio.net/en/fiio
Fiio are innovative enough to bring affordable players with new features. Their offerings are often feature rich.
他們的產品很具創意，比同價錢的產品具有更多的功能。
Astell&Kern
https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/content/main
Astell&Kern are in fact iRiver which is in the industry for very long time since mp3 is getting popular. The only complain to most people are their price.
其實是 iRiver 的新品牌，是從 mp3 開始流行時已開始生產音樂播放器的公司。近年專注發展價格昂貴的款式。
Smart Phone that is Hi-Res compatible / 支援高清音樂的電話
Mobile phone makers are getting more eager to offer their phone with Hi-Res audio. Sony (Hi-Res audio), LG (Hi-Fi audio, often not available in USA), Samsung (SD835 or later), ZTE, Onkyo are the primary makers. The only thing you need to aware of are the audio player you use must be optimized for Hi-Res audio - the default music player will do. Other player including streaming service might not be providing the Hi-Res optimization.
流動電話生產商近年都加入高清音樂的支援，其中以 索尼, 樂金, 三星, 中興 及 安橋 最為出名。要注意的是必需要選購支援高清音樂的型號，不同地區的相同型號未必支援高清音樂 (美國的 LG G6)。而高清支援亦只限預載的音樂程式。
2 Device Solution / 雙硬件 方案
In this solution, you can use your non-Hi-Res compatible device such as PC/Mac/iPhone/iPad/Android Phone to play the Hi-Res files. The connection is PC/Mac/iPhone/Android ----Software---> ----cable----> DAC -----earphone-----> ear.
這個方案是用你原本不支援高清音樂的硬件，加上一種叫 DAC 的硬件作專門解碼輸出。而連接的方式是 PC/Mac/iPhone/安卓 ---播放軟件--> ---連接線---> DAC --耳機---> 耳朵。
Software/App / 播放軟件
You need different software/app that support output audio to USB connected DAC.
你需要以下軟件才可以輸出音效到 DAC
- PC: foobar2000 or MediaGo
- Mac: AudioGate or Audirvana PLUS
- iPhone/iPad: iAudioGate, Vox or Neutron
- Android: PowerAmp or Neutron.
DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) / 數碼模擬轉換器
The concept is you need a device that can decode and output better signal than CD, so that Hi-Res audio signal can reach your earphone. Normally, when you buy a DAC, it will come with the cable for you to connect to your PC/Mac/Android.
你需要這個裝置去把數碼高清訊息完美轉換到耳機可以接收到的模擬訊息。一般來說 DAC 會付贈適當的連接線給你連接電腦及安卓電話
For Android phone, you must use a phone that support OTG. If your Android phone does not support OTG, do not buy the DAC, it won't work.
安卓電話要注意的是你的電話一定要支援 OTG 這個通訊方式。如果你的安卓電話不支援 OTG，請不要購買 DAC。
Adapter for iOS / iOS 的轉用轉換器
For iPhone/iPad, you need Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter https://www.apple.com/us/shop/product/MK0W2AM/A/lightning-to-usb-3-camera-adapter
You then connect the DAC to the USB port of this adapter.
蘋果 iPhone/iPad 是需要以上的專用轉換器。把 DAC 連接到 這轉換器的 USB 接口中即可。
Do I need Hi-Res compatible earphone? / 我需要專用耳機嘛?
The Hi-Res certified earphone like the one Sony is selling is a normal earphone that meet the specification Sony thinks that work good with Hi-Res player. My Westone UM3XRC and the KS ZS5 do not have Hi-Res label but turns out it work good with my Onkyo player.
高清認証了的耳機是一個好選擇，但不是必需的。我正使用的 耳機都沒有認証的。
What DAC to choose? 怎樣選購 DAC?
In the next story, I will talk about DAC.
我會在下一個故事介紹
If you find this useful to you, Upvote, Follow and Re-steem This makes me motivated to write next story. Thank You!!~
如果你覺得這個故事對你有用，請馬上 Upvote, Follow 及轉發。這會令我有更大的動力去撰寫下一個故事的，謝謝。