Pioneer XDP-300R

Custom firmware done.



SoundFX Libraries removed
Build Prop tweaked
Memory, cpu, battery optimisation.
Screen brightness can now go really low.
Battery percentage dispalyed on task bar.
Memory used and free in task manager, with close all icon.
40+ bloat apps removed.

Thought I would weigh in on this as I own this particular player. I've held off with a report/review as I'm still running the battery down!!! Yes, I've had it back now for a few weeks and it's still on the same charge! By way of explanation, I tend to use the player for an hour or so in the afternoon when dealing with the more mundane aspects of my job. Note that I have been jumping around listening to various albums so there has been a fair amount of screen time involved, probably around 15% of total use.

I have got around 12 hours out of it so far and it's still showing charge at 16%, so absolutely chuffed at the battery life compared to previous which was about 4 hours. I think this was down to the original battery being well on the way out and the new battery having over twice the capacity along with the bloatware being removed and now being able to drop the screen brightness way down. So as far as the original issue of poor battery life is concerned this is a total success in extending it's life which is notoriously poor on this player.

One thing worth mentioning. I had started to notice some discolouration of the display in the bottom left corner. It wasn't major and more or less disappeared when the screen was in use, but it was there. It is now no longer there which I am going to assume is possibly due to the old battery swelling slightly and putting a small amount of pressure on the screen. Only a guess but glad it's gone now.

So how does it sound now? Well, the caps have made a big difference to the sound. This player had an open and clear sound, and what we would have described in the old days as 'toppy'. Bass was fine, it kicked when it had to but the overall sound was slightly bright but very listenable. Instrument separation was very good and soundstage wide even through closed back headphones. I prefer to listen to music rather than analyse it even though I have tried a range of headphones with this player that one would describe as 'accurate'. I'm happy with a clear treble, warm midrange and bass with a bit of precision and slam. For that reason I found B&O's H6 and, in particular, H2 headphones perfect accompaniments for this player. My interest in all things hifi was born in the 80's when everything was about matching components correctly. Got a boomy amp, get some speakers with a bit of bass control. That kind of thing.

Now through the B&O's there is a lot more warmth in the midrange. Treble still sparkles but it isn't as bright and integrates well with the midrange. Bass is very noticeable. More of it, controlled, tight and still with plenty of slam. Most of the listening has been with hi-res files but I gave it a go with regular MP3s, mostly 320kb files, and was very surprised. I have to say that MP3s sound very good indeed. Poorly ripped files reveal their shortcomings but first gen rips are bloody good. Yes, I actually said that.

I need to spend a bit more time reacquainting myself with this player. As my daily driver it deserves more time and I really need to try and flatten that battery to see just how much of an improvement it is. But, all things considered, this has been a very successful mod from my point of view and makes a decent player even better. Cheers.

I have a 30r, my gear is in my sig, it was bought as a small and easy to carry player for a holiday a few years ago. The sound is similar to the 300r and has the same separation and soundstage I like but has a single DAC and a very low res screen. And despite being bought new it suffers from the same poor battery life. It did however pique my interest in it's bigger brother which became the most used of my DAPs. I have the WM1A for putting a grin on my face but the Pioneer is a good friend.

Wow fantastic, a nice jump from 4

What "size" were those replacement Silmic II caps?    I thought the original were marked 47g ZR - Nichicon 47uf 4v caps..

 
I'll see if I still have it 👍