Activo P1 specifications and in-depth review

Activo P1

Manufacturer: Activo

The Activo P1 is a dedicated digital audio player designed for listeners who want a focused, portable listening experience. Built around a dual ESS ES9219Q DAC configuration, it handles a broad range of audio formats including FLAC, DSD (DFF and DSF), MQA, ALAC, and AIFF, alongside more common types like MP3 and AAC. The device runs on a 2700 mAh battery rated for up to 20 hours of playback and can be fully charged in approximately 1.5 hours.

The P1 features a 4.1″ LCD touchscreen with a 720 x 1280 pixel resolution and a pixel density of 358 ppi, housed in a body measuring 119.2 x 62 x 17.2 mm and weighing 155 g. Both a 3.5 mm and a 4.4 mm balanced audio output are available, and the unit includes a microSD card slot for storage expansion beyond its 64 GB internal capacity. On the wireless side, Bluetooth 5.3 is supported alongside LDAC, LDHC, aptX, and aptX HD codecs, while Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4 connectivity enable network-based functionality. The device does not include wireless charging, weather sealing, GPS, or radio reception.

Pros
  • Dual ESS ES9219Q DACs deliver a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB, indicating clean audio output
  • Both a 3.5 mm and a 4.4 mm balanced output are available, offering flexibility for different headphone connections
  • Supports a wide range of audio formats including FLAC, DSD (DFF, DSF), MQA, ALAC, and AIFF alongside common types
  • Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC, LDHC, aptX, and aptX HD support provides broad wireless codec compatibility
  • 20 hours of rated battery life with a relatively short 1.5-hour charge time suits extended listening sessions
  • Includes a microSD card slot for storage expansion beyond the built-in 64 GB
Cons
  • No aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, or AirPlay support limits compatibility with certain wireless audio ecosystems
  • The 720 x 1280 px LCD resolution is modest for a 4.1-inch touchscreen at this pixel density
  • At 17.2 mm thick, the device is relatively bulky compared to typical portable media players
  • No wireless charging support requires a physical connection every time the battery needs replenishing
  • No weather sealing means the device is not protected against moisture or splashes
Who is this for?

The Activo P1 is well-suited for dedicated audio listeners who prioritize high-resolution and lossless audio playback, given its dual ESS ES9219Q DAC setup, 120 dB SNR, and broad format support covering DSD, MQA, FLAC, and ALAC. The inclusion of both a 3.5 mm and a 4.4 mm balanced output makes it a practical choice for users with balanced headphone cables or adapters. Those who rely on Bluetooth for wireless listening will also find value in the device's support for LDAC, LDHC, aptX, and aptX HD, while the 20-hour battery life and expandable storage via microSD make it a reasonable companion for long listening sessions away from a power source.

Who is this NOT for?

Users looking for an all-in-one portable device will find this product lacking, as it includes no GPS and no radio tuner, limiting it strictly to local audio playback and streaming. The 720 x 1280 px LCD display and 17.2 mm thickness may not appeal to those who value a slim, visually refined form factor. Additionally, listeners who rely on aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, or AirPlay for their wireless audio setup will find the Activo P1 incompatible with those ecosystems, and the absence of weather sealing makes it unsuitable for outdoor use in wet or unpredictable conditions.

General info:

internal storage 64GB
Audio outputs 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm
DAC name ESS ES9219Q x2
Audio file types MP3, WAV, FLAC, WMA, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, MQA
Battery life 20 hours
charge time 1.5 hours
has an external memory slot
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) 120 dB
has wireless charging
is weather-sealed (splashproof)
battery power 2700 mAh

The Activo P1 comes with 64 GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for additional capacity. Audio output options include both a standard 3.5 mm jack and a 4.4 mm balanced connector, feeding through a dual ESS ES9219Q DAC setup that delivers a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB. It supports a wide range of audio formats — MP3, WAV, FLAC, WMA, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, and MQA — covering both common and high-resolution file types. Battery capacity stands at 2700 mAh, providing up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge with a charge time of approximately 1.5 hours. The device does not feature wireless charging or weather sealing.

Design:

screen size 4.1"
resolution 720 x 1280 px
pixel density 358 ppi
weight 155 g
Display type LCD
has a touch screen
volume 127.11488 cm³
width 62 mm
thickness 17.2 mm
height 119.2 mm

The Activo P1 is built around a 4.1″ LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a pixel density of 358 ppi. Its physical dimensions measure 119.2 mm in height, 62 mm in width, and 17.2 mm in thickness, giving it a total volume of approximately 127.11 cm³. At 155 g, the device sits at a moderate weight for a dedicated audio player of this size.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth version 5.3
has aptX
has LDAC
has LDHC
has aptX HD
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX Lossless
has AAC
has aptX Low Latency
has AirPlay
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
supports Wi-Fi

The Activo P1 uses Bluetooth 5.3 and supports several wireless audio codecs, including LDAC, LDHC, aptX, aptX HD, and AAC, making it compatible with a range of Bluetooth receivers. aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, aptX Low Latency, and AirPlay are not supported. On the network side, the device includes Wi-Fi connectivity with support for both Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).

Miscellaneous:

Has a radio
has GPS

The Activo P1 does not include a built-in radio tuner or GPS functionality.

Final Verdict

The Activo P1 presents itself as a focused digital audio player built around a clear set of priorities: clean audio reproduction, broad format compatibility, and solid wireless connectivity. Its dual ESS ES9219Q DAC configuration with a 120 dB SNR anchors the device firmly in the dedicated listening space, and the combination of balanced output, extensive codec support over Bluetooth 5.3, and a 20-hour battery life gives it genuine staying power for serious listeners. That said, its relatively thick chassis, modest display resolution, and absence of features like GPS, radio, or weather sealing signal that this is a product designed with audio performance as its singular focus — not versatility. For users whose primary need is a capable, format-flexible audio player with both wired and wireless output options, the Activo P1 delivers a coherent and well-specified package.

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