Best portable Bluetooth Dac Amp 2024?

[smegel]

Maybe.
I forgot about the Coax output.

The other issue is sound quality. The difference is in the quality of the DAC chips , op-amps, etc. Portable units have to balance size vs features/quality.

The Hugo 2 TT has more taps than the Hugo 2 (going from memory, so I could be wrong), plus multiple types of outputs.
I wish they would switch to USB-C but that would break some of their compatibility w their plugins. (Maybe offer an adapter?)

But again, look at the price jump.

Uhm wait. Isn't that Coax input only?

Sorry, that would mean that you split the headphone out into left/right RCA plug ot some similar special cable.

 

[FutureBSD]

How would you rate the ifi xDSD Gryphon in comparison of the major recommendations here, like the Mojo 2, etc?

 

[morkeus1]

How would you rate the ifi xDSD Gryphon in comparison of the major recommendations here, like the Mojo 2, etc?

To me, xDSD Gryphon sounds hot in treble, bright, on thinner side with more narrow sound stage. It does not have organic/natural sound like Mojo 2. Mojo 2 is also more airy, wider soundstage it's best buy under 1k imo. Depends what you prefer, if you listen mostly electronic sound i think Gryphon is valid, since i has more pronounced bass region. And there is also xBass option to even boost bass more. Just a note, i was always putting Gryphon in xSpace mode, otherwise it's not good for me, sounds very narrow and mono.

 

[FutureBSD]

To me, xDSD Gryphon sounds hot in treble, bright, on thinner side with more narrow sound stage. It does not have organic/natural sound like Mojo 2. Mojo 2 is also more airy, wider soundstage it's best buy under 1k imo. Depends what you prefer, if you listen mostly electronic sound i think Gryphon is valid, since i has more pronounced bass region. And there is also xBass option to even boost bass more. Just a note, i was always putting Gryphon in xSpace mode, otherwise it's not good for me, sounds very narrow and mono.

That's good to hear, as I'm looking for something that could provide a wider soundstage. Seems that the Gryphon wouldn't be for me in this case. Besides the Mojo 2 in the sub-1k price-range, would you say there is something else worth checking out or is the Mojo pretty lonely in this region from a price-to-performance standpoint?

 

[morkeus1]

That's good to hear, as I'm looking for something that could provide a wider soundstage. Seems that the Gryphon wouldn't be for me in this case. Besides the Mojo 2 in the sub-1k price-range, would you say there is something else worth checking out or is the Mojo pretty lonely in this region from a price-to-performance standpoint?

I've been using Diablo 1. Diablo 1 compared to xDSD Gryphon is upgrade across the board. It's definitely darker, wider and crystal clear. Not hot in treble like Gryphon, but then again not smooth and refined as Mojo 2, something in between. I think it's very good option as-well sub 1k. Also it has a lot of power, like 5W in highest power mode. It does have balanced output as-well so that's a plus over Mojo 2 if you care about that and MQA decoder. There is also FiiO Q15, some folks rated it high, like better than Gryphon, on which i would agree, but definitely not better than Mojo 2 and Diablo 1. Diablo 1 and 2 share very similar sonic characteristics, just to keep in mind if you decide to go iFi way. If it was my money, it would be between Mojo 2 and Diablo 1.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

If you choose a mojo/mojo2 you'll always have a buyer lined up

It's not even BT, you need to buy Poly, it's not exactly a "portable" setup unless you carry it in a suitcase, and no BAL output.

 

[smegel]

It's not even BT, you need to buy Poly, it's not exactly a "portable" setup unless you carry it in a suitcase, and no BAL output.

C'mon. Suitcase?

Ok, lets get real... The new iPhone 15 max barely fits into your pocket.
So you carry it in your EDC bag or in a jacket if its cold enough.

Sure its not as small as a DragonFly or a MoonDrop but its portable.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Yes of course, suitcase is an exaggeration, but when people complain about size of BTR7, which you can still put on lanyard around your neck or clip to belt or pocket, Mojo + Poly looks like "transportable" category not that suitable for on the go application, more like for moving between the house and office desk.
But yes, 10 years ago that would be considered perfectly compact "portable" setup.

 

[botmann]

I can't say it's the "best" but I like the FiiO gear. The BTR5 and BTR7 are as solid as the get. Pretty small, good power, USB or BT connection to source device. It has 3.5mm and 2.5mm (BTR5) or 4.4mm (BTR7) balance ports They can power most headphones; only a few they cannot run well. They are a bit more neutral.

I only upgraded to the BTR7 because it had a little power, which I did not need, and 4.4mm balance connection. Do not need to change cables from the desktop setup to BTR7 other than changing headphones.

 

[sofastreamer]

if only fiio would drop the thx amps for some proper ones, that can create some soundstage depth

 

[botmann]

Headphones can only create so much depth. I personally never had an issue with depth using the FiiO amps. I can use the same amp with different headphones and the soundstage will differ accordingly.

I do not necessarily disagree with the THX situation. It only means they can handle the demands of producing a certain sound level. Kind of reminds me of:

 

[Vamp898]

if only fiio would drop the thx amps for some proper ones, that can create some soundstage depth

When people start to hear differences in blind tests or if the sound waves coming out of the device are actually different, they will sure do that.

I am pretty sure if they just drop the THX Logo and say "Self developed amp optimized for soundstage", everyone will say it has a larger sound stage and will be satisfied, even nothing inside changed.

And when people measure it and say "Hey, its identical" they wouldn't even listen its the perfect marketing thing.

Westone is doing that for years. The Westone UM Pro 50 from 2014 is the same IEM as the Westone Pro X50 from 2022, it just looks different and has a different box. But People compare the differences in detail and discuss how the bass has changed and whatnot, meanwhile Westone officially confirmed they changed nothing but the cable and the box, its the same IEM and it sounds identical.

I don't get why most companies are stupid enough to even change something, don't they know their customers?

 

[botmann]

... I am pretty sure if they just drop the THX Logo and say "Self developed amp optimized for soundstage", everyone will say it has a larger sound stage and will be satisfied, even nothing inside changed. ...

Did you know, most people listen with their eyes?

 

[smegel]

Westone is doing that for years. The Westone UM Pro 50 from 2014 is the same IEM as the Westone Pro X50 from 2022, it just looks different and has a different box. But People compare the differences in detail and discuss how the bass has changed and whatnot, meanwhile Westone officially confirmed they changed nothing but the cable and the box, its the same IEM and it sounds identical.

I don't get why most companies are stupid enough to even change something, don't they know their customers?

Hmmm.
Ok, so we're told and even 'shown' that even changing the cables can impact the sound of the speaker/headphone.
Then there are the tips aka 'tip rolling' where even the tips can change the sound. (I tend to use foam tips as an example...)

Of course YMMV depending on the brand, quality, price point,etc ...

 

[smegel]

Ok, but getting this back on target.
Here's a question.
Mojo2 w Poly is ~ $1300 USD.
You have both bluetooth and wi-fi (Your phone as a 'hotspot'. )

While its not a 'dongle dac' per se (Although you could use it like that.)
You can put it in a pocket and use it that way separate from your phone,
or you could use it as a stand alone unit when at home, or connect it to your stereo (3.5mm to RCA)

Definitely more than other options, but is it worth it?