Lotoo PAW S1

Beyond Comparison

Known for its top-of-the-line DAPs, Lotoo decided to add a DAC-Amp to its PAW Line-up to satisfy the needs of ultra-portable audio lovers. It goes way beyond the conventional boundaries of the performance a DAC is expected to have. At a fraction of a cost of its prestigious DAP siblings, what Lotoo introduces to the market is a pocket powerhouse built upon the same DNA as the rest of the PAW family line. The PAW S1 uses the same architecture Lotoo employs in its DAPs (namely PAW Gold Touch and PAW6000), so you can consider it to be an ultra-small DAP without storage.

High-Performance and High DAC Chip Utilization

If we take a closer look at the audio specs, the background noise for the S1 measures just -118dBu, a performance superior to that of most high-priced DAPs. It’s the same for the THD+N of the PAW S1, which, at -108dB (0.0004%), again makes it the winner over most expensive DAPs in the market and easily outperforms most USB dongle DACs. Once more, this is close to the datasheet value of the DAC chip which is -109 dB. Lotoo’s engineering team have striven to extract every bit of the AKM4377 DAC chip’s capacity, leaving nothing wasted in order to ensure the highest possible performance from the class-leading hardware we use.

Standalone Headphone Amp

The output power of an amp-embedded dongle DAC is good enough to drive IEMs, but if used for headphones extra power is usually required. Currently available dongle DACs cannot afford to invest in a built-in amp due to cost and power restrictions. The PAW S1 boasts a standalone amp chip (OPA1622) that provides higher power (up to 120mw per channel on 4.4mm output) and better performance.

The 4.4 Balanced & 3.5 Single-Ended Dual Outputs

Lotoo’s R&D team has taken the innovative step of implementing a 4.4 & 3.5mm dual-output design, which is the first to be seen in a dongle-style USB DAC; a bold move to upgrade the DAC and raise the bar for the whole market. We use the Pentaconn 4.4mm balanced connector, which yields better separation and a grander soundstage. It has achieved widespread popularity in the market. Therefore, Lotoo has decided to add the 4.4mm socket to create a 3.5 & 4.4 dual-output design to make this portable DAC really stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Multiple OS

Supported Like most similar products in the market, the S1 does not require any drivers to be installed. It supports plug and play on PC and Mac without any hassle. However, not all products in the market can support iOS (or both iOS and Android) due to the fact that iOS is more demanding in terms of power and compatibility. It is rare to find a dongle-sized DAC like the PAW S1 that supports not only multiple OS but also both Android and iOS.

Built-In Studio Quality

PMEQ/ATE The critically acclaimed PMEQ/ATE, unique to Lotoo’s Top-Of-The-Line DAPs, is proudly included in the PAW S1. Try this feature with your favourite music, game or even movie, and lose yourself in the immersive soundstage, precise imaging and jaw-dropping detail!The newly developed ATE pre-sets, “GAME” and “MOVIE”, will wow PAW S1 users with an unprecedented multimedia experience that has never before been seen on a portable Hi-Fi gadget.

OLED Screen

The display screen allows more information to be conveyed, along with easier, smoother and more intuitive operation.

The Build and Ergonomics

Employing the same high standards of craftsmanship used in creating the PAW DAPs, the Aluminum Alloy Body of the PAW S1 also utilises the same CNC machining technology to produce the body of the S1 from a single solid alloy block!