Best DAP for streaming Qobuz

[crn3371]

Circumstances may force me to give up my dedicated 2 channel listening room and downsize to a good DAP and iem’s. I would also be forced to abandon my turntable and record collection, so listening would be strictly streaming with Qobuz as my preferred provider. I’ve been out of this side of things for quite a while so I’m clueless what my best options are, although I’m guessing using my iPhone with a pair of AirPods probably isn’t the best option. Let’s set a budget of around $3k, less would be better, more is doable if necessary. I understand that Astell & Kern are considered some of the best DAP’s available but are they capable of streaming? Cellular connectivity isn’t necessary as this will be used mostly at home, so I’ll need something that is Wi-Fi capable. I’m leaning towards iem’s rather than over the ear for comfort and portability. Thanks .

 

[gadus]

cayin n7/n8ii

 

[crn3371]

Thanks. Since most descriptors don’t plainly state “streams Qobuz” what specs to I need to look for to know if the DAP is capable of streaming? Is it just being capable of downloading and installing the Qobuz app from the Google Play Store? And how does using a DAP compare to using a DAC/amp dongle on my iPhone? Point of reference, my last music player was a Dell Jukebox.

 

[gadus]

I'm not sure I understand your question,
Do you want quboz to be built into the player?

 

[gadus]

In terms of sound, both will give you much better sound than a dongle,

 

[crn3371]

When looking at a DAP how do I know if it’s capable of streaming, Qobuz in particular. Not playing stored files, but connecting to a streaming service via WiFi, logging into my account, and playing music. I know I can do it on my iPhone but I don’t know if the current crop of DAPS are just capable of playing stored music or if they work like a smartphone, just install the appropriate streaming app and you’re good to go. And if this is the case, where do you get the apps? Are they preinstalled on the DAP, does the manufacturer have a download site for apps, or is it via Google Play store?

 

[gadus]

Most daps have support for streaming apps,
Sometimes it is built into the player (as in A&K) and sometimes you have to download it from Google Play,
It works just like on the phone.
(it works with wifi)
Some players don't support it,
The ones I recommended to you support, and they have excellent sound and a lot of technology,
I recommend you read a bit about them online.

 

[IkSak]

Is there one under 200. I saw the Hiby R3 supports it. Any thoughts?

 

[BS5711]

I use a Fiio M11 Plus streaming Qobuz and Apple Music, it works flawlessly.

You are right to ask what DAPs support streaming because many don’t and some only do via a built in app (seemingly most often Tidal) and some make you mess around with side loading apps from an APK store and don’t have Google Play Store available.

 

[RJHD3]

Chiming in because the answers above (all good ones) spoke to specific recommendations vs what to look for.

The most sure fire way to know if any given DAP will support streaming is whether or not it is A-Android based and B-supports Google’s Play store and C-has WiFi.

I am not aware of any DAPs that support A+B and not C. But it’s a big world filled with crazy stuff. So I’m being explicit.

One caveat about Android DAPs I don’t see discussed often…
Be wary of Android DAPs vs Dongle or Bluetooth apps on phones. It seems very very rare to see DAPs well maintained with software updates post sale. In fact I’m not aware of any with a firm commitment to keep their DAPs up to date. That means in as few as 3-4 years your streaming apps could no longer be supported and your DAP will only work for local files or the few services who support backward compatibility across multiple generations of their service.

I bought a very pricey Sony DAP in early 2017 and it’s stuck at Android 4.4. The only streaming service that still works is Spotify.

Conversely most phones now get update support for 4 or even 5 years. I know of zero DAP manufacturers making similar claims.

Phones and streaming DAPs age out. But DAPs do so far faster. Something to consider before spending hundreds of dollars on vs a phone and Dongle or Bluetooth connection that will get you 90% of the same sound quality.

 

[Rackhour]

@RJHD3 makes a very good point about software support, or lack thereof.

The way I see it, if you're going to use online streaming as your primary source of music, I'd just ignore DAPs altogether. Use the iPhone, and add a separate DAC instead like the Qudelix 5K ($100-$120) and/or the Apple dongle ($10).

The 5K has a dedicated 2.5mm balanced output besides the default 3.5mm unbalanced, and you can connect it via wireless (AAC), or USB. However, the USB connection might be cumbersome as you need either a specially made USB-C-Lightning cable, or the Apple Camera Connection Kit between the 5K and iPhone.

The Apple dongle is the most straightforward dongle for wired headphones. No frills whatsoever. One scenario is - use the Apple dongle for when you're going to cafes or offices, and keep the 5K at home, for example. Or you can ignore the Apple dongle altogether.

And then you can use the rest of the budget on headphones.

 

[Steve Wilcox]

Is it safe to assume that if you can use a streaming app on a DAP (I use Qobuz) you will be able to import music for offline listening in the same way that you could on a phone? I apologise that this goes beyond the OPs question but it seems an appropriate place to ask.