Colorfly C4 Pro: The Legendary Audiophile DAP That Defined Hi-Fi

Feb 1, 2025

The Colorfly C4 Pro holds a special place in the history of portable high-fidelity (hi-fi) audio. Released in the early 2010s, it was one of the first truly audiophile-grade portable players, setting a high bar for digital audio performance. With its retro-inspired wooden design, high-end DAC, and support for lossless formats, the C4 Pro remains an iconic device in the audiophile community.

This article explores why the Colorfly C4 Pro is still regarded as one of the most legendary hi-fi digital audio players (DAPs) ever made.

Aesthetics & Build Quality

One of the most striking aspects of the C4 Pro is its vintage-inspired design. Unlike the sleek, minimalist designs of modern DAPs, the Colorfly C4 Pro embraced a more classic and rugged aesthetic, featuring:

Real wood paneling, adding a unique, premium feel
Retro analog-style buttons and volume knobs for a tactile experience
A brushed metal front panel, giving it an industrial yet elegant look
Distinctive gold-colored buttons that enhance its vintage appeal

While some found the design unconventional, for many, it was a perfect fusion of hi-fi nostalgia and modern digital audio technology.

High-End Audio Performance

At its core, the Colorfly C4 Pro was designed for pure sound quality, making it a true audiophile-first device. Here’s what made it stand out:

1. High-Resolution Audio Support

The C4 Pro was ahead of its time, supporting:

24-bit / 192 kHz PCM audio playback
Native FLAC, WAV, and APE file compatibility
A focus on lossless formats, ensuring the best audio reproduction

2. Premium DAC & Amp Section

The heart of the C4 Pro's sound was its Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC—a chip still respected today for its warm and natural sound signature. Paired with a powerful integrated headphone amplifier, it could drive high-impedance headphones with ease, making it a great choice for serious audiophiles.

3. Adjustable Digital Filters

The player featured custom digital filters that allowed users to fine-tune the sound to their preference—something rarely seen in portable players at the time.

4. Dedicated Line-Out & Coaxial Output

Unlike many other early DAPs, the C4 Pro had a true line-out and coaxial digital output, making it possible to use the player as a high-quality digital transport for external DACs and amplifiers.

The Sound Signature

The Colorfly C4 Pro wasn’t just about specs—it sounded exceptional. Many audiophiles described its sound as:

✅ Natural and analog-like, with a warm and smooth presentation
✅ Rich, well-extended bass, without being overpowering
✅ Lush mids, making vocals and instruments sound lifelike
✅ Crisp, detailed treble, without excessive sharpness

Its balanced and organic tuning made it perfect for genres like jazz, classical, acoustic, and vocal-centric music.

Comparison With Modern Players

The Colorfly C4 Pro was a revolutionary device in its time, but how does it compare to modern players in the same price range?

1. Shanling M3X

Pros:
✅ Modern touchscreen UI with Android-based OS
✅ Dual DAC (ES9219C) for high-fidelity sound
✅ MQA support and streaming services (Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz)
✅ Balanced 4.4mm output for better headphone pairing
✅ Great battery life (20+ hours in single-ended mode)

Cons:
❌ Sound is slightly more analytical and less organic than the C4 Pro
❌ Build is more modern but lacks the retro charm of the C4
❌ Lacks the physical controls that many audiophiles appreciate

Verdict: The Shanling M3X is an excellent modern alternative with streaming and balanced output, but for those who prefer pure analog warmth, the C4 Pro still has an edge.

2. Hiby R3 Pro Saber

Pros:
✅ Compact and ultra-portable design
✅ Dual ESS9218P DAC for a clean, detailed sound
✅ MSEB digital equalizer for personal sound customization
✅ Supports Bluetooth LDAC and UAT for wireless hi-fi audio
✅ Great battery life (15-20 hours per charge)

Cons:
❌ Sound is more analytical and "digital" compared to the C4 Pro
❌ Lacks a dedicated coaxial output and true line-out
❌ Lacks deep bass warmth compared to the Colorfly C4 Pro

Verdict: The Hiby R3 Pro Saber is fantastic for portability and wireless features, but the C4 Pro still wins in raw, natural sound quality.

A Player That Stood The Test of Time

Even in 2025, the Colorfly C4 Pro remains an icon in the audiophile world. While modern DAPs boast touchscreens, streaming, and powerful SoCs, few have captured the pure, unadulterated joy of listening like the C4 Pro.

Many enthusiasts still treasure this player, valuing its raw, analog-like sound over newer, more feature-packed alternatives.

Conclusion

The Colorfly C4 Pro wasn’t just an audiophile player—it was a statement. A device designed with passion for sound, offering a unique retro design and a legendary sound signature.

Compared to modern budget audiophile players like the Shanling M3X and Hiby R3 Pro Saber, the C4 Pro lacks modern features but still excels in sound quality and analog warmth. If you seek pure musicality over digital convenience, the Colorfly C4 Pro remains one of the greatest DAPs ever made.

💿 A true legend in the world of hi-fi audio. 🎵