Many of you might have seen this DAP on eBay, and I've owned it for a couple years now. Talk about the "butterface effect". The body, sleek design, and high quality metal contruction on ths mini device is better than any of even the most modern DAPs of the same size, however, the GUI is...

During my rabbit hole journey of finding out anything everything I could about the iPod 5th Gen video Wolfson DAC, and how to get the best quality sound from it, I went from the stacking with FiiO Andes, and the Alpen, numerous portable amps like that using the rare FiiO L9 cable, and recently...

Hello everyone, I need to some advice on my set up. So i know the cleanest sound from the ipod classic 5th gen is from the LOD. I have a Monoprice Monolith Portable AAA that ive tried to connect with it and wanted to make sure that the way Im connecting it, that the output to my IEMS;s is...

Hello all. I wanted to start making my own LOD 30 pin to 3.5 cables like the FiiO L9, but was wondering if ANY 30 pin connector would work by cutting the cord and soldering to the 3 wires leading to the 3.5mm pole? I previous had a extra long 30 pin to 3.5 mm, which I tried to cut and modify...

Hello all. I wanted to start making my own LOD 30 pin to 3.5 cables like the FiiO L9, but was wondering if ANY 30 pin connector would work by cutting the cord and soldering to the 3 wires leading to the 3.5mm pole? I previous had a extra long 30 pin to 3.5 mm, which I tried to cut and modify...

In researching prices and scarcity of certain devices I own, it looks like the the Monoprice THX is officially out of production on the Monoprice site, and labeled as 'Discontinued' on the retailer sites. Used ones are scarce on the second hand market right now, with none currently being on...

Hello all. So I have my ipod 5.5 hooked uo with a Fiio L9 cable (30 pin to 3.5mm) and connecting it to the aux in on the Andes/and Alpen. I wanted to know, if I chose to not use the LOD line of 30 pin and just just a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, one in the headphone jack from the ipod and the other...

Hello all, I hope there is someone out there that can get me in the right direction. I've had a long cord 30 pin to 3.5mm, and wanted to shorten it to make something similar to the Fiio L9 (pictured) so I can connect my iPod to a dac/amp, like the Fiio Andes or Alpen. Ive cut the cable, and...

When it first came out a couple years ago, the Fiio M15 Flagship with the dual AK4499EQ DAC was the second to only Astell and Kern 2000, and sold MSRP $1500. This was the last DAP before the infamous AKM fire, and for a while these sold for nearly $2k on the secondary market even used. Now on...

I recently bought a DoukAudio M1 Pro bluetooth amp/dac, and when I connect to my JBL HLS Center speaker, no sound comes out. I have used this same speaker with my SMSL 50 and I know the problem isnt the speaker, or even the banana clip/wires im using. I took pictures of my set up with the M1...

I've had my Shure846's for almost 7 months, and have really loved them. Since I tend to like the "brighter" more sparkly sound signature, I figured the white sound filters would be the only ones I'd ever really been using, and hadn't changed them at all. Had never even tried the blue or the...

I've had my AK SR25 on eBay (I just removed the listing) as it appears to have gone up in value significantly! Go to the AK website https://www.astellnkern.com/eng/content/shop/allProduct_grid.asp and see for yourself; the once $699 entry level DAP is now a whooping $1398 making it now double...

I’ve had the SR25 for almost 9 months and it’s been a great little player. I use Shure 846 earbuds, and a balanced output cable. ive heard so many great things about the Kann Alpha and was thinking of possibly upgrading since I’ve heard the power output is stronger and my Shure 846 earphones...

I’m a big fan of the iPod modding scene, and regularly keep an eye on eBay pricing trends. While the standard 5th Gen usually goes from $30-$80 (refurbished in most cases) in used (sometimes terrible condition), the coveted 5.5 enhanced version is now trending at around $140-$300. it was my...

I recently picked up a A1 Fiio at a collectibles electronic store with all Chinese writing and labeling. When searching it’s value on eBay, I noticed something odd; the “normal” A1 Fiio amp was anywhere from $15-$40 new, yet this “Oyaide” Fiio A1 seemed to cost significantly more, north of $80+...

It seems that whenever I look up DAP’s online of the higher end type, the one with the most staying power (and I’m going by it’s market resale value exclusively) seems to repeatedly be the now classic “legacy” model, the AK240. When it came out originally in 2014 it went for $2500; why is it...

I want to give my review of the AK &norma SR25, but also want to use this as a real time live review on how quickly they respond to my request to have it repaired after purchasing it 60 days ago. FYI: I’ve been sending them emails, Fb chat on their page, and have tried calling then as well for...

Hello, I just bought these on eBay from a trusted seller with 100% on feedback and almost a decade of selling. They were open box/used, and due to the large amount spent, I just wanted some reassurance if you would. Here's some pictures.

I began my audiophile journey about 4 months ago. Right off the bat, realizing the importance of the proper earphones, I ended up getting the Sennheiser IE40 for $100 at Guitar Center in Anaheim. Before this I had been completely blind to audio quality regarding earbuds; my main experience...

I recently got a Fiio E18 Kunlun which as we know were specifically made to cater to the Android user audiophile. With the Fiio M9 DAP being Android based, I decided to marry the two together. Im using the Fiio special cable for OTG micro usb - to USB-C to take advantage of the control buttons...

Hello I hope some of the seasoned vets in here can help out with some expert advice. I have the fiio M9 which works fine most of the time. I recently got a Fiio E18 Kunlun for $50 and thought it was worth it. Then when I got it turns out I have to turn my M9 upside down on back of the E18...

Im a relative newbie with about 6 months into the audiophile journey. I upgraded from the iPod 5.5 Video (Wolfson DAC fame) to the Fiio M9 which I got for a great deal brand new at $200. I just stumbled into the world of Astel & Kern DAP's among others in articles, and amazed how much these...

I really wanted to like it. it seemed to have all the bells and whistles and more. It would be my very first DAP that I would be using together with the FiiO E07k Alpen, along with my new pair of Sennheiser IE 40. was firstly disappointed that the Android/Mac interface to add music just...

I just bought a new FiiO M9, as I've moved past my iPod 5.5 Wolfson DAC with FiiO Alpen E07k DAC/AMP rig combo. I'm still a relative newbie to the audiophile world, and was really confused when I saw a Youtube review about the FiiO M9 saying that you can add a portable amp to it? I thought the...

After reading reviews on how great the Wolfson DAC sounds out of the dock with audiophile hardware, I made a relatively inexpensive rig, and WOW! The sound is just basically like listening to my songs again for the first time, in a different alternate dimension. The volume can be raised as much...