Computer/Dac playback superior to dedicated DAP playback
Feb 26, 2017 at 9:07 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 4

MisterMudd

1000+ Head-Fier
Joined
Aug 24, 2013
Posts
1,139
Likes
2,082
Location
TN
Hello all. Been on Head-Fi for a number of years now, learning a lot, enjoying a lot, and spending a lot (sorry about my wallet!). Another member in a DAP forum brought up a question I have had for a long time, and for which I have no known answer. My question is - why does playback sound better on my computer rig when using the Fiio X3ii solely as a DAC, than when using it as a DAP only in portable use. To elaborate, here are my two setups:
 
Portable: Fiio X3ii > Line out>Fiio E12> HP.
Computer: Foobar2000 or Audactiy > Fiio X3ii (DAC only) > amp (sometimes yes, sometimes no) > HP
 
I have recorded all my music (mostly vinyl) into 24/96 using Audacity, and playback on the computer with both Audacity and Foobar2000. I will say that Foobar2000 sounds good, but playback thru Audacity is simply AWESOME. The way I always envisioned my music sounding. So, I cannot recreate the superior sound I hear thru the computer setup, using a portable rig. Is it the playback quality of the software that is making the difference? I enjoy the portable rig but it is nowhere near the sound quality coming from the computer setup. The difference is not subtle. When used in portable mode, does the X3ii skip the internal DAC when playing back, which seems illogical as something is required for conversion of the digital information? Would it be better to use the HP out on the X3ii when in portable use?
 
For this reason I am now thinking that inserting the Dragonfly Black between the DAP & amp when portable might make up the difference. 
 
I ask because I want the sweet, sweet sound I get from the computer, in my portable rig, if possible. May be it's not. Any help is greatly appreciated. 
 
Feb 26, 2017 at 10:48 AM Post #2 of 4
 
For this reason I am now thinking that inserting the Dragonfly Black between the DAP & amp when portable might make up the difference. 

 
I don't think that DAP even outputs audio via USB OTG. AFAIK what it does via USB OTG is use external storage, provide it doesn't need power. Look up all those examples of people using a pigtail micro-USB to SDcard (fullsize, not microSD) slot adapter to use larger capacity cards.
 
 
  When used in portable mode, does the X3ii skip the internal DAC when playing back, which seems illogical as something is required for conversion of the digital information? Would it be better to use the HP out on the X3ii when in portable use?

 
The X3II uses all of its circuitry except for the processor to run the DAP functions, and instead runs the USB receiver chip.
 
In short, in either mode, the same DAC and output stage are used.
 
 
 
 
Portable: Fiio X3ii > Line out>Fiio E12> HP.
Computer: Foobar2000 or Audactiy > Fiio X3ii (DAC only) > amp (sometimes yes, sometimes no) > HP
 
Would it be better to use the HP out on the X3ii when in portable use?

 
If you already like the sound of the headphone with just the X3 when using it as a DAC why haven't you tested it with just the X3 functioning as a player?
 
In any case, if that doesn't help, I'm going to guess it's a software issue, ie, the firmware might be applying a different filter that reshapes the sound.
 
Feb 26, 2017 at 11:08 AM Post #3 of 4
 
 
I don't think that DAP even outputs audio via USB OTG. AFAIK what it does via USB OTG is use external storage, provide it doesn't need power. Look up all those examples of people using a pigtail micro-USB to SDcard (fullsize, not microSD) slot adapter to use larger capacity cards.
 
 
 
The X3II uses all of its circuitry except for the processor to run the DAP functions, and instead runs the USB receiver chip.
 
In short, in either mode, the same DAC and output stage are used.
 
 
 
If you already like the sound of the headphone with just the X3 when using it as a DAC why haven't you tested it with just the X3 functioning as a player?
 
In any case, if that doesn't help, I'm going to guess it's a software issue, ie, the firmware might be applying a different filter that reshapes the sound.

The X3ii is functioning as just a player in portable use. It still sounds inferior than when I run files through it as just a DAC hooked up to the computer. I believe you hit on the answer in your last sentence, in that it's likely a software issue and the algorithm created to play the digital information. That may explain the audio differences I perceive between Audacity and Foobar2000, when run through the same gear. Thanks for your reply!!!
 
Feb 26, 2017 at 11:44 AM Post #4 of 4
 
I believe you hit on the answer in your last sentence, in that it's likely a software issue and the algorithm created to play the digital information. That may explain the audio differences I perceive between Audacity and Foobar2000, when run through the same gear.

 
It's too common a problem although IIRC the DX50 was most notorious for sounding different with each firmware update.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top