DAC/AMP with built-in EQ or standard dac+eq android app?

[cld1355]

Hi,
better a dac/amp with built-in EQ ( like 5K, PowerDac V2, KA17 ) or a standard dac/amp + equalization done by an android app ( like poweramp equalizer ) ?
Thanks

 

[Somafunk]

I have a few options available for my listening

Qudelix 5k with peq options, Hiby R6 iii with peq options and I can also apply peq through my roon app whilst playing on the Hiby if I like. Or I can use my iPhone/ipad to connect using my Jcally JM20max 3.5mm dongle or my Moondrop Echo-B 4.4mm dongle and use peq in the roon app

They all sound the same/or as similar as humanly possible. The mood I’m in at the time of listening makes more difference to my perception of the audio than how/what device is applying peq.

 

[dunring]

I have the Fosi DS2 for the phone, and Poweramp has autoeq if you switch a lot, but USBPlayer Pro bypasses the Android sound stack for best quality and all the power your dongle has. Also for like $2 I got the parametric addon for it, so best combo if you manually equalize.

 

[br53]

I recently went with a DAC/AMP that has built in PEQ. Because I wanted PEQ applied at all times independent of the OS, app, or source gear. But in my short experience the reality is:
- there can be limits to what music format it can apply PEQ. Like DSD or sample rate.
- PEQ settings might have dB limits. Like from +9dB to -9dB.
- if switching headphones/IEMs, it can be a hassle to change PEQ settings because you may have to manually update each time if it can only store one custom setting.

I’m on iOS so I don’t have access to apps like Wavelet. But I have Roon ARC and I’ve found it can PEQ everything and it’s easy to switch settings.