[diamondears]

I've wondered about that, when you use an external amp, the source/DAP volume should be at 100%? Having the volume that high won't introduce distortion? I was thinking a sweet spot would be keeping the volume on the source maybe at 75-90% and have the amp take care of the rest of the volume?

Get an amp that doesn't distort when source is 100% full bits.

 

[thepooh]

I've wondered about that, when you use an external amp, the source/DAP volume should be at 100%? Having the volume that high won't introduce distortion? I was thinking a sweet spot would be keeping the volume on the source maybe at 75-90% and have the amp take care of the rest of the volume?

The proper way to use an external amp/dac is to max out the volume level on the dap, if you don't, there will be some kind of resistance in the process and the amp will not be able to deliver as it should. You will always have an option to tune your desired volume level on the amp.

And no, there won't be any distortion as the amp will now take over the output.

 

[diamondears]

The proper way to use an external amp/dac is to max out the volume level on the dap, if you don't, there will be some kind of resistance in the process and the amp will not be able to deliver as it should. You will always have an option to tune your desired volume level on the amp.

And no, there won't be any distortion as the amp will now take over the output.

There are some amps that distort when the source (whether amp or DAC) exceeds a certain voltage. For example the O2, I learned, will distort when its exceeds 7 volts; that's why it recommends max gain of up to 3.5x only if to be used with DACs outputting 2V.

 

[clesire]

Hello,
 
I'm looking for a budget audiphile smartphone for about 200€. Does anyone have an idea which one I could get?

 

[Dobrescu George]

  Hello,
 
I'm looking for a budget audiphile smartphone for about 200€. Does anyone have an idea which one I could get?

HTC 820. 
 
Do you want a big screen, what do you want from it?
 
Audio wise?
 
maybe sony whatever you can fiind at this price, or idol 3 from alcatel. Idol 3 has a dedicated DAC chip inside, so it makes kind of a best buy. 

 

[clesire]

  HTC 820. 
 
Do you want a big screen, what do you want from it?
 
Audio wise?
 
maybe sony whatever you can fiind at this price, or idol 3 from alcatel. Idol 3 has a dedicated DAC chip inside, so it makes kind of a best buy. 

 
I prefer a medium sized screen max 5". Well I want the best quality through headphones for bout 200€.

 

[thepooh]

I prefer a medium sized screen max 5". Well I want the best quality through headphones for bout 200€.

Get a mid range Sony such as the M4 Aqua, they do sound as good as flagships

 

[obsidyen]

  Hello,
 
I'm looking for a budget audiphile smartphone for about 200€. Does anyone have an idea which one I could get?

Sony Xperia M4 Aqua. It has a very good sound output.
 
http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_m4_aqua-review-1249p7.php

 

[Dobrescu George]

   
I prefer a medium sized screen max 5". Well I want the best quality through headphones for bout 200€.

As others have said, a mid end sony is good. 
 
alcatel idol 3 is also an interesting option. 

 

[obsidyen]

Get ready for ZTE Axon with AKM 4961. I hope they release it in Europe too.
 
http://www.phonearena.com/news/ZTE-Axon-Phone-now-available-to-pre-order-in-the-US-Quad-HD-screen-and-other-high-end-specs-for-under-450_id71542

 

[Dobrescu George]

  Get ready for ZTE Axon with AKM 4961. I hope they release it in Europe too.
 
http://www.phonearena.com/news/ZTE-Axon-Phone-now-available-to-pre-order-in-the-US-Quad-HD-screen-and-other-high-end-specs-for-under-450_id71542

32 gb internal and no microsd slot. 
 
Even if it had the best DAC in the world, this would not have been enough. 

 

[clesire]

The Sony Xperia M4 is a little to expensive for me. I could get a used HTC One Mini 2 for 200€ how good is it in terms of audio output via headphones?
I also heard that the Motorola Moto G has great audio and I can get it for about 150€.

 

[Dobrescu George]

  The Sony Xperia M4 is a little to expensive for me. I could get a used HTC One Mini 2 for 200€ how good is it in terms of audio output via headphones?
I also heard that the Motorola Moto G has great audio and I can get it for about 150€.

maybe a slight improvewment on moto? htc is great, but I try to avoid mini versions. audio is first sacrificed in mini

 

[thepooh]

maybe a slight improvewment on moto? htc is great, but I try to avoid mini versions. audio is first sacrificed in mini

You're wrong coz the One mini 2 has a better SQ than the One M8! I didn't bought it because I need a bigger screen, please note that according to customers' reviews the Z3 compact sounds better than its bigger sibling. Minis are great for the one who doesn't care about the screen size.

 

[clesire]

Is there a good alternative to the mini 2 in terms of audio quality and the price not more than 200€. I don't like the fact that the mini 2 doesn't get any software updates in the future.