mmu16 Posted September 16, 2014 Posted September 16, 2014 Hello Head-fiers, I'm in the look out for a portable dap with a decent DAC implementation and good battery life. My music preferences are acoustic/folk to reggae/ska. Headphones are Grado SR125's and Xiomi Piston 2.1 (incoming). Price would top out at approx $400. Would highly appreciate any recommendations. Cheers mmu16
mmu16 Posted September 16, 2014 Author Posted September 16, 2014 Thanks Mr. Gimlet. Heard some really good things about the X5 so its certainly on my shortlist.
Beyer guy Posted September 16, 2014 Posted September 16, 2014 I second that - added bonus the Digital out is excellent and the line out is equal to some $500 dacs - Just be prepared to spend some time 'burning' in the Headphone out - it definitely improves from new - I was sceptical but it does - if you go for it do I could also recommend some Havi B Pro ver 1 headphones which if you like natural sound with huge soundstage they are stunning and a complete bargain (www.penonaudio.com)
heman_ Posted September 16, 2014 Posted September 16, 2014 I've got an iBasso DX50 which I thoroughly enjoy. I'd love to upgrade to the newer DX90 as I'm a big fan of the ES9018 chip, but have been happy enough with the DX50 that I haven't felt the need.
mmu16 Posted September 17, 2014 Author Posted September 17, 2014 Yes I'm currently considering the Fiio X5, X3 and the iBasso DX90. The DX90 has a nice dual mono set up which might be pretty good if implemented properly. Do any of you know if there are any retailers in VIC who might stock any of these players? Would love to assess them before taking the plunge.
mmu16 Posted September 17, 2014 Author Posted September 17, 2014 Also, I have been looking at potable DAC/amps and the Fiio e18 seems pretty good. I have a Note 3 which can output via USB OTG (I believe up to 196/24). any of you have any experience with something like this?
Beyer guy Posted September 17, 2014 Posted September 17, 2014 Yeah it's hard to audition these anywhere really - there are big pro's for both the DX90 and X5 and I went through the same decision making process when I got mine, haven't regretted the X5 but there is still part of me that wants to try the DX90 as well for the dual mono ess dacs as it would pair well with my external amplification (wa6se and E12diy) Considerd usb otg - but decided to keep my phone as a phone and music player as a music player - very retro I know :-)
Mr_Gimlet Posted September 17, 2014 Posted September 17, 2014 Addicted to audio have the fiio. They also sell some ibasso gear so might have a demo player.
kunalraiker Posted September 17, 2014 Posted September 17, 2014 Get the Hifiman hm901, top DAC period.
Beyer guy Posted September 17, 2014 Posted September 17, 2014 Yeah the HM901 is only $1000 :-) - the ability to change out amps is pretty tempting though and by the time you factor in DX90 or X5 + external amplification (if needed) then its not too far away in price.....only downside if you are into DSD is currently no support (and possibly never will be??) - I thought this would be an issue when looking but to be honest now I have the X5 I tend to use FLAC at no more than 24/96 (mostly 16/44 and 24/88) as otherwise the storage is limited severely by the card size and you don't want to change music collections over too often because even the fastest cards still take an age to copy files over......
Beyer guy Posted September 17, 2014 Posted September 17, 2014 Also I would argue there is no such thing as a 'top dac' it all depends on what flavour you like your music :-) - Hifiman also produce the HM802 which has a warmer/more euphoric sound by all accounts and I think if I were looking at Hifiman I would seriously look at both - i happen to love the headphone out on the X3 with ver3 firmware for my tastes - a lot more relaxing to listen to - slightly less resolving but something you can truly chill out to......also very much depends on what headphones you match it to - the x5 sounds stunning with some headphones and downright wrong with others (for example the Soundmagic HP200 - sound great with external amplification but pretty average (far too much 500hz frequency for my liking) on the x5 - not sure why....
migasson Posted September 17, 2014 Posted September 17, 2014 For what it's worth, I'm going to look at the Fiio X1, apparently it will play all the high res formats, take a 128gb micro sd card, and will cost $100 USD;) Late September for the release date.. As I can be a monumental tight arse from time to time, it could be worth a look... probably won't be as good as an X5..but hey, it's $100 USD... Heres the YouTube link for the unboxing
Beyer guy Posted September 18, 2014 Posted September 18, 2014 It's great looking - sure the gap between that and the x5 won't be that great
mmu16 Posted September 19, 2014 Author Posted September 19, 2014 Thanks for that mate, will surely take a good look at it. Beyer guy, thanks for introducing that website! Its awesome! Those Havi IEM's look brilliant but i have kinda small ears so not sure if they will fit me well. Are they comfortable? The over ear loop may cause issues since I wear glasses but it would be good to get some feedback. its cracking value so I might just buy it for kicks anyway...
Beyer guy Posted September 19, 2014 Posted September 19, 2014 It's only the cable that goes over the ears, it does come with lots of sizes of buds but yes I guess if you have small ears you may have a problem with it. It is a stunning IEM of the money though - if you don't like it you could sell it on Head-FI or here and get most of your money back!
migasson Posted September 19, 2014 Posted September 19, 2014 It's only the cable that goes over the ears, it does come with lots of sizes of buds but yes I guess if you have small ears you may have a problem with it. It is a stunning IEM of the money though - if you don't like it you could sell it on Head-FI or here and get most of your money back! Just took a peak at the Havi's.. the body looks like a pair of Sennheiser IE80's.. imitation is the most sincerest form of flattery
Beyer guy Posted September 19, 2014 Posted September 19, 2014 rumour has it they sound better than the ie80's but I don't have personal experience and it may be a case of wishful thinking - there is a very large thread on head-fi about them
mkaramazov Posted September 29, 2014 Posted September 29, 2014 Nobody mentioned the Sony NWZ F886, so I will: http://www.whathifi.com/sony/nwz-f886/review I haven't heard one though. so i can;t comment if it is better than the Fiio
Equaliser Posted September 30, 2014 Posted September 30, 2014 That Sony is pretty good but does not compare sound wise (resolution and musical technicalities) to the DX50 both of which I've owned. Form factor/size, Interface, customization and usability perspective the Sony wins hands down but it is pretty much an android phone minus the sim.
mmu16 Posted September 30, 2014 Author Posted September 30, 2014 yeah, if its just an android version of an ipod (iphone without the phone...), might as well use the phone. That's the problem with Sony, sometimes they make some sublime kit but just don't know how to market it.
valvelover Posted October 15, 2014 Posted October 15, 2014 if you go with a fiio, be aware that playlists aren't doable at this point of time. They've been working on it for at least 5 months that I'm aware of...also, clunky UI to say the least. iBasso offer better UI, but not necessarily a better SQ by all accounts (the fiio units are very nice sounding by all accounts). At around 1 grand, there's the Calyx M (too large for my personal liking and too warm sounding), the hifiman hm801 (too warm as far as I'm concerned, and super bulky and clunky imho) and the AK100 II - pricey, but the best UI imho, neutral sound and slim and reasonably sized. I guess I'm biased, since I own an AK 120 II ;-)
mmu16 Posted October 20, 2014 Author Posted October 20, 2014 Hello all, Thanks for all the advice, I ended up buying an X5 over the weekend. Was at the melbourne A/V show this weekend and managed to finally demo a X5. Loved the sound, specially the very black background - presentation was nice and intimate with fantastic detail. I expected the highs to be trimmed but I was pleasantly surprised. Its got a powerful amp section too. I would've loved to compare this to a DX90 but no one in Australia seems to stock them. TBH I felt the X5 punch way above its price, specially compared to AK120 Gen 1's. I felt the X5 was better in SQ. However the AK120 Gen 2 had better presentation overall and the 240's were in a different league (found them to be a bit cold though).
Beyer guy Posted October 21, 2014 Posted October 21, 2014 You should be delighted with the X5 and it's got a great line out - the headphone output does need a few hours to really shine - it gets better. I've had mine for a while now and so far no desire to upgrade. It definitely punches above it's price range and does all things pretty well.
mmu16 Posted October 22, 2014 Author Posted October 22, 2014 I got to demo the sony ZX1 too. Man, so lifeless! Listened via closed Sony top end headphones. It was playing the thriller album (high res) and even billy jean couldn't get me going. No punch, very sterile sound. Maybe they had some settings mucked up but was not impressed at all. Fantastic UI (thanks to Android) but seemed a wee bit laggy.
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