Replacable battery ?

[Electrifying]

I am surprised that you can't replace the battery in most of these DAP players except ibasso..
My question is how important is it to buy an expensive DAP without being able to replace the battery yourself?

 

[Chr1]

I reckon that you can with a lot of them. I have certainly changed the battery on my Xduoo X2S. Just a case of four tiny screws and a bit of Googling for a replacement.

Personally I wouldn't buy a DAP if I knew it was not possible to change the battery.

 

[IsaacOscar]

Hmm, I don't understand why people like replaceable batteries so much. I've only ever used/needed this feature to forcefully restart/shutdown a device (or replace non-rechargable batteries of course). (I've had devices that didn't have a removable battery, so I literally had to wait for the battery to drain as it wasn't working properly and I could not work out how to restart it...)

I guess it might be useful if they release a new higher capacity battery, and you can then upgrade, but I've not personally noticed this happening unless it's a standard battery size.

 

[TurtlePaul]

Hmm, I don't understand why people like replaceable batteries so much.

Unlike cell phones or laptops, audio is pretty much a solved science so these device won't become obsolete. With replaceable batteries some of these devices could last decades. Without replaceable batteries, it is hard to stay away from the plug after 4-5 years of active use.

 

[tineared]

In 2016 I bought a Fiio X3 Gen 2 and a Fiio X5 Gen 2 DAP and they are still fully functional today. The batteries last at least 6 hours.
I have Makita cordless batteries that are at least 8 years old and are going strong.
I have a stash of 18650 batteries that I bought in 2018 and they are all fully functional.
My point is that high quality Lithium batteries last a very long time (Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, etc)
Cheap devices use cheap batteries and cheap Lithium batteries do not hold their charge well and do not last.
One of the reasons I bought the Fiios was because the batteries could be replaced even though they weren't designed to be, but I have never needed to (knock on wood)

 

[JeffS7444]

I have replaced a number of built-in lipo batteries, but it can be inconvenient, as there's often no obvious way to disassemble the device without damaging it. And some modifications may be required to fit a battery which isn't quite the same size or shape as the original, and which may be equipped with a different connector.

 

[mhardy6647]

As @JeffS7444 says (well... strongly implies) above, replacing the battery/batteries isn't really the challenge. The challenge is getting inside a box that's been carefully engineered to be non-user-serviceable.

 

[vext01]

Hmm, I don't understand why people like replaceable batteries so much.

Because even rechargeable batteries stop working after a few years, at which point it'd be nice if you could simply buy and insert a new battery.

If manufacturers make it difficult to do so, then often the device ends up in landfill for no good reason.

I managed to replace the battery in my Fiio BTR3K (but it wasn't easy). I'm fairly confident I'll be able to replace the one in my Shanling M3X, even if the battery isn't officially replaceable.

The new Audio Technica Sound Burger has a hatch on the back with a socketed 18650 battery, ready to replace when the time comes. I wish more manufacturers would do this!

 

[sq225917]

Well, I have a fiio m15 with a ballooned battery that pushed the screen out. No replacements available, no service available from fiio, so my only option is to take it to bits and graft the battery control pcb from the original battery onto a non standard, two wire, replacement from aliexpress.

Pretty shit for a flagship DAP that cost £1200.

 

[Chr1]

Because even rechargeable batteries stop working after a few years, at which point it'd be nice if you could simply buy and insert a new battery.

If manufacturers make it difficult to do so, then often the device ends up in landfill for no good reason.

I managed to replace the battery in my Fiio BTR3K (but it wasn't easy). I'm fairly confident I'll be able to replace the one in my Shanling M3X, even if the battery isn't officially replaceable.

The new Audio Technica Sound Burger has a hatch on the back with a socketed 18650 battery, ready to replace when the time comes. I wish more manufacturers would do this!

The trouble is that 18650 batteries are big. For me a DAP has to be small. It would definitely be good if manufacturers made battery replacement easier tho. Plus online instructions preferably. My wee Xduoo X2S has a small alloy chassis with four small screws which is super easy. Kinda wish this was the norm as I have no idea how to open my HiBy R3 Pro. (I will be concerned if it involves prising it apart as I have already broken a tablet doing this!)

 

[mhardy6647]

If manufacturers make it difficult to do so, then often the device ends up in landfill for no good reason.

Yup. There oughta be a law...

 

[Chr1]

Along with easy user replacement, with online instructions, they should use batteries with small block connections too. No soldering. (My £50 Xduoo X2S does this... Thanks/Kudos Xduoo!)

Definitely rediculous that expensive flagship devices don't.

 

[vext01]

The trouble is that 18650 batteries are big. For me a DAP has to be small.

I didn't mean that DAPs should use a 18650 battery. Just any easily replaceable, *standard* battery.

You can get AA- and AAA-sized lithium batteries, for example. They are commonly used in pocket torches.

 

[mocenigo]

Hmm, I don't understand why people like replaceable batteries so much. I've only ever used/needed this feature to forcefully restart/shutdown a device (or replace non-rechargable batteries of course). (I've had devices that didn't have a removable battery, so I literally had to wait for the battery to drain as it wasn't working properly and I could not work out how to restart it...)

I guess it might be useful if they release a new higher capacity battery, and you can then upgrade, but I've not personally noticed this happening unless it's a standard battery size.

Batteries lose their ability to recharge after a certain number of cycles. Replacing batteries is fundamental. Yes, it may take a few years, but it should be possible, even if difficult. That's all.