[Michael Crespo]

I want to replace my PCDP that I use on the subway with a pair of Shure E4c. I don't want to use the line out of a DAP- just the headphone output. Which DAP sounds best when you are driving a pair of IEM's straight off the headphone out?

Michael

 

[carsncars]

Oasis.. nice. I was just listening to their debut on the way home today.

The Sony NW-HD5 has a nice sound straight out of the headphone.

 

[KJ_Palmer]

I'd also recommend the NW-HD5. They sound great straight out of the box, with good earphones though don't be afraid to use the custom EQ...

 

[bangraman]

I would say with something like that, the recently discontinued iRiver H3xx would have a very slight edge over the X5 and 5G iPod, and a bigger edge over the NW-HD5. Haven't tried Rockbox with it so have no idea whether they are going to fix the slow navigation among other tics.


I haven't lined the 5G iPod along with the rest, but I have shot out the three others in a matched test.

 

[Lsportline43]

How about the Kenwood HD20GA7? It is expensive, but the digital amp is suppose to sound great. It is $450 shipped from Audiocubes.com.

 

[Lsportline43]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangraman I would say with something like that, the recently discontinued iRiver H3xx would have a very slight edge over the X5 and 5G iPod, and a bigger edge over the NW-HD5. Haven't tried Rockbox with it so have no idea whether they are going to fix the slow navigation among other tics. I haven't lined the 5G iPod along with the rest, but I have shot out the three others in a matched test.

Is that an iAudio M3 cradle and remote with that X5?

 

[bangraman]

All that's different between the M3/X5 cradle is the colour. Same goes for the remote.

 

[Orestes]

i know the rio karma is not sold in stores anymore, but it's the best sounding dap (through the headphone out) i've used.

 

[apnk]

bangraman........................I hate you.

 

[omendelovitz]

I like my X5 with the E4's, but I find that the BBE effects and added features are necessary to enjoy the sound completely.

 

[austonia]

Rio Karma. has the best (most versatile) EQ system to date, helpful for IEMs.

You can still find them NIB if you know where to look.