Seems like a WiFi range issue. DAPs have lesser range compared to phones due to extra shielding to avoid noise etc. Although in my experience the Hiby R6P2 has decent range, I don’t have to sit next to my router. You can try the following. - In your router, separate the 2.4ghz and 5ghz into...

This is a downside of niche markets. Manufacturers purchase DAC chips in bulk and then keep churning out new devices with the same chips until they run out of inventory. Only few brands are bold enough to adopt to the latest stuff as they are released and these brands are usually much more...

On my Windows 11 PC, I also cannot change volume of the Zen DAC 3. The volume slider has no effect. It’s not a problem and it’s actually better this way to not be confused by 2 separate volume controls (analog and digital)

Biggest problem with the Burson V5i-d is the noise floor. It’s higher than all the other op-amps I’ve tested that fits in the XD05Pro.

Just get an IFI DAC/AMP for the PS5. I use the new Zen DAC 3 but all of their products are UAC1 compatible and the switch is automatic. If you want to use a DAP for gaming (meaning no latency), you would need one with an XMOS chip.

Definitely AKM. It’s smooth and warm.

When you get the unit back, test the battery without installing any additional apps if possible. Most of the times it’s the apps that eat the battery. Some apps also run in the background and consume battery even when the app is not being used.

Wrong thread ?

Normally I don't write reviews or detailed impressions. This one definitely deserved it ! Sadly I don't have the original Zen DAC anymore as I gave it away to a friend so I can't say what are the differences in sound. From my memory perhaps you are right, it does sound like it has a slightly...

Meanwhile I needed something for the PS5 and I bought this - https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-zen-dac-3-plug-in-world-out.972484/post-18117030 Totally worth it and more !

Zen DAC V3 has finally arrived ! Took a long time. First thing I noticed when I took it out of the box is how lightweight it is compared to the original Zen DAC. I looked at the specifications just to confirm and yes it weighs half the original at just 450g. The new design is an eye catcher...

Fully agree. Judging a DAC based on measurements is no different than doing benchmarks of mobile chipsets, far from real-life scenarios.

ROHM is more for people who listen to vocals. It excels in mid-range.

Any news on the R2R module ?

If you want a DAP that runs without battery, most newer FiiO DAPs have this feature. If you just want a DAC/AMP then look for something like this https://xduoo.net/product/xd05-pro/

You sell DAPs faster than you buy them. Question is: Will this be a keeper, at least for more than a year ?

If you’re planning to buy one know that it’s quite buggy and Sennheiser doesn’t care to fix it. You get some answers here from the rep if you ask for buying a new one, but not if you want something fixed. I have 2 of these headphones just because it offers a very long battery life. However...

That’s not true. If forced the micro sd card can also go in the wrong way and then it’s a pain to remove it, might even cause some damage. @Colif You know you have inserted it properly if the last 20% has a spring motion that clicks into place when fully pushed in. If there’s no spring action...

Looks like it’s based on the same DAC as in the D16 ?

A&K just announced this - https://www.head-fi.org/threads/astell-kern-at-high-end-munich-2024.972668/#post-18105383 The Activo P1 looks much more sleek and pocketable. We’ll have to wait till July to find the details though.

Show us the real thickness of the DAP please.

Sound quality and features !

You can read impressions about the Zen DAC V1 and V2 while you wait. V3 is not so different. Having owned the V1 and V3 on the way I can say for the price, there’s hardly any competition.

IE900 fakes sold in European markets comes from China too, unlike the original which is made in Germany. Audible improvements in Ufeel products compared to what if I may ask ?

Exactly my point. Even more so, these review sites won’t even bother doing a review unless they receive a free review unit. Take for eg. the Hiby R6P2. None of these review sites will rate it at the same level as the AK SP3000 or SP3000T. Why ? One costs 6-7 times lower than the other two.