Hi all - long-time listener, first-time caller
I was hoping to get some advice / recommendations on the best source/DAC/Amp for my situation. I listen to all sorts of music, but primarily rock, alternative, jazz, singer/songwriter, pop, and a bit of R&B. Live in NYC and travel a lot, so a large set-up with large footprint is just not realistic - would like it to be as portable as possible (allows me to move around the apartment and possibly take with me when I travel). I listen exclusively through Tidal (don't own any tracks), and when I sit down to listen I often poke around and jump between artists/albums.
All that to say, I think there are two options for me - a dongle DAC or a dedicated DAP. I'm considering getting both - a small dongle DAC that I can carry around with the ie900s in a nice, compact package + a dedicated DAP for when I'm at home or listening to headphones. I currently have Sennheiser ie900, Sony IER-Z1R, and Sennheiser HD6XX - but, importantly, am planning to buy either the Abyss Diana MR, Meze Empyrean II, or ZMF Atrium this year. A couple particular questions / asks for advice:
1) Dongle DAC: Any recommendations on dongle DACs that pair particularly well with the IE900? I'm using an iPhone 15 Pro, so one thing that's important is for the dongle to have independent volume control (the iPhone's volume steps are too large). A nice-to-have would be for it to be small enough that I can shove it in the case with the IE900 so it's all together in a small package. I like the sound of Questyle M15, but it lacked volume control. I thought the Cayin RU7 was OK. Haven't tried any others.
2) Dedicated DAP: Here's where I'm having the hardest time. Two requirements are (1) it's powerful enough that the DAP can drive the ZMF Atrium, Empyrean, and Diana MR and not leave anything on the table (planning to buy one of those 3 this year), and (2) has a snappy UI/performance that will allow for smooth navigation of Tidal. I've been considering the A&K SE300, A&K Kann Ultra, and Hiby R8 II. I'd like to keep this under $2K USD, but can go higher if there's a goldilocks product. Would very much appreciate any recommendations here. And in particular, is it even possible to find a DAP that's powerful enough to drive planars like the Diana MR, Empyrean II, Atrium or does that just not exist?
Thank you!
I was hoping to get some advice / recommendations on the best source/DAC/Amp for my situation. I listen to all sorts of music, but primarily rock, alternative, jazz, singer/songwriter, pop, and a bit of R&B. Live in NYC and travel a lot, so a large set-up with large footprint is just not realistic - would like it to be as portable as possible (allows me to move around the apartment and possibly take with me when I travel). I listen exclusively through Tidal (don't own any tracks), and when I sit down to listen I often poke around and jump between artists/albums.
All that to say, I think there are two options for me - a dongle DAC or a dedicated DAP. I'm considering getting both - a small dongle DAC that I can carry around with the ie900s in a nice, compact package + a dedicated DAP for when I'm at home or listening to headphones. I currently have Sennheiser ie900, Sony IER-Z1R, and Sennheiser HD6XX - but, importantly, am planning to buy either the Abyss Diana MR, Meze Empyrean II, or ZMF Atrium this year. A couple particular questions / asks for advice:
1) Dongle DAC: Any recommendations on dongle DACs that pair particularly well with the IE900? I'm using an iPhone 15 Pro, so one thing that's important is for the dongle to have independent volume control (the iPhone's volume steps are too large). A nice-to-have would be for it to be small enough that I can shove it in the case with the IE900 so it's all together in a small package. I like the sound of Questyle M15, but it lacked volume control. I thought the Cayin RU7 was OK. Haven't tried any others.
2) Dedicated DAP: Here's where I'm having the hardest time. Two requirements are (1) it's powerful enough that the DAP can drive the ZMF Atrium, Empyrean, and Diana MR and not leave anything on the table (planning to buy one of those 3 this year), and (2) has a snappy UI/performance that will allow for smooth navigation of Tidal. I've been considering the A&K SE300, A&K Kann Ultra, and Hiby R8 II. I'd like to keep this under $2K USD, but can go higher if there's a goldilocks product. Would very much appreciate any recommendations here. And in particular, is it even possible to find a DAP that's powerful enough to drive planars like the Diana MR, Empyrean II, Atrium or does that just not exist?
Thank you!