[Robster1958]

Obviously I don't want bad sound, but after some experimentation, I determined the most important factors for me are ease of use, navigation, portability, battery life, fit and finish. I would also like as many streaming services native to the device -- which I am realizing is too much to ask. I don't care about storage. I do care about lagging operating systems.

And I really care about a stable dual band wi-fi connection which seems to be an afterthought for the players focused on stored playback.

I would like enough power to drive Senn 660S as well as IEM's.

I like the SQ of my A&K SR-25II, but the interface is sluggish, hard to navigate and just cumbersome to use. Maybe I want one of those LG audiophile cell phones for a couple years ago!!

The Sony 707 caught my eye, but it seems like you trade ease of use for Google prison. How about the HiBy R6 ? Also, need some Android obsolescence protection, and price under $1,000. Thanks!

 

[dgjl]

Obviously I don't want bad sound, but after some experimentation, I determined the most important factors for me are ease of use, navigation, portability, battery life, fit and finish. I would also like as many streaming services native to the device -- which I am realizing is too much to ask. I don't care about storage. I do care about lagging operating systems.

And I really care about a stable dual band wi-fi connection which seems to be an afterthought for the players focused on stored playback.

I would like enough power to drive Senn 660S as well as IEM's.

I like the SQ of my A&K SR-25II, but the interface is sluggish, hard to navigate and just cumbersome to use. Maybe I want one of those LG audiophile cell phones for a couple years ago!!

The Sony 707 caught my eye, but it seems like you trade ease of use for Google prison. How about the HiBy R6 ? Also, need some Android obsolescence protection, and price under $1,000. Thanks!

Ibasso dx260 or fiio M15s. Both terrific in all the ways you seem to want.

 

[Robster1958]

Ibasso dx260 or fiio M15s. Both terrific in all the ways you seem to want.

I was a little concerned that the M15s is semi brick-like <???>

 

[ozz007]

Anything but AK.

 

[jamweiser]

I grabbed a hiby r6 iii during their black Friday sale, and have nothing negative to say about this dap. I mainly listen to it at the office, either listening to music on my sd card or streaming Spotify. I can’t a difference between the A & AB amp, so i use the AB amp, and can easily get 8 hours of playtime on low gain. Haven’t even messed with the MSEB settings, but absolutely love the dynamic setting plug-in’s.

Sure you are gonna get ppl telling you need to spend more money to get a better sound, but to my ears, this device is sufficient for me, and that’s all that matters.

 

[rinderkappajoe]

+1
Hiby R6III is super fast and therefore perfect for streaming.
It has a lot of systemwide sound settings so can be adjusted to your liking.
The screen is not the best but good enough for a DAP.
If you want best performance/sound to price ratio this is it

 

[dgjl]

I was a little concerned that the M15s is semi brick-like <???>

It's solid alright, but that's what gives it it's extra oomph. It's still pocketable even so.