MattAsAHatter
Head-Fier
I'm leery of posting a new thread on a topic I'm sure has been beat to death elsewhere in various forms. However, it seems like the market is super broad and the answers are somewhat subjective and extremely relative to specific needs. I've done a bit of searching and reading of topics and reviews and haven't quite put it all together yet so I'm seeking opinions.
I currently have the Audioquest Dragonfly Red and the Fiio A5 at my disposal for portable purposes. I'm thinking about going away from using my phone or tablet as a source and dumping the ADR for a DAP that fulfills some specific requirements....
-Meze 99 Classics and B&O H6 are my portable headphones.
-I listen to a wide variety of music but not much jazz or country.
-I'm not biased against/towards any specific software or brand as my experience is limited but I am picky about hardware and audio quality.
-A line out or line out capability.
-Decent amplification (I think my H6 sounds better with a little amplification) in case I don't feel like dragging along my A5.
-Balanced output is not a must but may be nice for future needs.
-Ability to be used as a USB DAC.
-Streaming would be a bonus but I'm okay if it's strictly a source.
-Slightly flavored is fine as long it's warm leaning.
-I'm perfectly okay with finding a used unit and would like to keep it under $200 but could probably stretch to $250.
I've recently been looking at the Fiio X5 iii and Shanling M3s and find those units very interesting. Am I aiming too high without justification? I have no reference for comparisons or preference. I know there are a lot of other brands and units out there.
Thoughts?
I currently have the Audioquest Dragonfly Red and the Fiio A5 at my disposal for portable purposes. I'm thinking about going away from using my phone or tablet as a source and dumping the ADR for a DAP that fulfills some specific requirements....
-Meze 99 Classics and B&O H6 are my portable headphones.
-I listen to a wide variety of music but not much jazz or country.
-I'm not biased against/towards any specific software or brand as my experience is limited but I am picky about hardware and audio quality.
-A line out or line out capability.
-Decent amplification (I think my H6 sounds better with a little amplification) in case I don't feel like dragging along my A5.
-Balanced output is not a must but may be nice for future needs.
-Ability to be used as a USB DAC.
-Streaming would be a bonus but I'm okay if it's strictly a source.
-Slightly flavored is fine as long it's warm leaning.
-I'm perfectly okay with finding a used unit and would like to keep it under $200 but could probably stretch to $250.
I've recently been looking at the Fiio X5 iii and Shanling M3s and find those units very interesting. Am I aiming too high without justification? I have no reference for comparisons or preference. I know there are a lot of other brands and units out there.
Thoughts?