You make me a little laugh!
When I say it's better than some dap, I already made the direct comparison!
And yes the problem of AK is that it is too expensive! That's all! Just like the Sony 1Z etc! A Cowon P2 or Sony 1A is enough for the price but if I prefer the P2 ...
The AK380 is the same level as the 1Z, with a slightly different signature, but at almost the same price!
The AK380 is more detailed than the ZX300 which is below the 1A ...
and there is a question of signature!
Otherwise concerning the Zx300, it is good only in balanced! No interest to use it in single, so buy an A45!
Not saying it's a great deal, it would fare better at around 1500$, but comparing AK380 to cheaper DAPs like DPX1A or X5iii show how ignorant people are. Even midrange DAPs like DX200 don't have it all: crappy capacity, crappy battery life, crappy UI, and you have to buy additional amp modules to get proper sound... WM1A is not bad soundwise, but AK380 is competing more with WM1Z in terms of features and sound.
Assuming that DAPs with the same dac will sound the same shows how little you know about DAPs. If you reason like this, go ahead and continue to use your smartphone for music, and don't come here to spout complete nonsense.
And if you can't afford expensive DAPs, don't feel offended and compelled to bash something you obviously know NOTHING about.
MD community at its lowest ever...