[februaryair]

what's the best dap under 300 for an open back headphone

 

[bland125]

what's the best dap under 300 for an open back headphone

Which headphones exactly? <$300 DAPs are not the most powerful around. Do you need streaming? Can we get an idea of what your music collection looks like ( format, genres and all)?

There is no such thing as a "best" in audio, just preferences.

 

[qboogie]

The ibasso DX160 is pretty close to your budget. You can find one used in the FS thread. I got mine from my gear supplier at around $350 including shipping. PM if interested

 

[Sebasistan]

A used Shanling M6. It has really incredible sound for the price range, and it has a LOT of power.

 

[Mhog55]

Hiby R5 could also be an option. Similar to the Ibasso DX160, with a smaller form factor. Both of these daps have more power than the Shanling M6. You would need the M6 Pro to equal it.
As for best, that's subjective. You would need to provide more specific information as to what you're wanting from a dap.

 

[Czepa]

i forget because it was a long time ago, but when they first came out.. the fiio x3 was the best 2-300 bucks ive ever spent. even though i dont really use it portable much anymore the battery life was decent for something that will play any flac or DSD and its functioning really well as a DAC now between my laptop and headphone/speaker amp A/B switch