Sandstorm
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2011
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I’ve resisted upgrading from my iPod Classic as nothing could match the 300GB capacity. But it’s clearly on its last legs and the alternatives have improved dramatically, so I need to upgrade both it and ditch iTunes while I’m at it. I mostly play music that I ripped (ALAC) from my own CDs rather than downloads to headphones and the occasional outdoor speaker; I can imagine streaming from a new DAP but don’t use it that way currently. I store the music on a NAS and manage it on a Windows 10 laptop through iTunes.
So: can anyone please recommend a DAP and a media management system that will provide a relatively easy transition from my current environment?
Questions:
Is media management a real concern when choosing a DAP or is it really a completely separate question? Do some devices pair better with some software?
How important is the UI on the device for managing music with a library well in excess of capacity? (Again, I currently do all the management on the desktop but I’m not sure if that’s different with the new devices.)
What I’m looking for:
High quality sound obviously, although it doesn’t have to be absolutely top of the line
Substantial expandable memory capacity -- would like to have at least 250GB of memory on hand and would be happy with a lot more
Simplicity in media management for someone coming from iTunes – I have a ton of music (as do we all, I imagine) which is currently organized by iTunes. (I’ve got two little kids so the days of staying up all night organizing and tagging music and building playlists is gone.)
UI as above – prefer ease of use over rich feature suite, if forced to choose.
Willing to spend $300-800, plus SD cards. To pay up I’d want both extensive functionality and ease of use – not sure I’d pay up solely for a marginal difference in sound quality. (Would consider going over that limit for a real silver bullet, too.)
Willing to spend money on media management software as well if that’s a separate item and there is value to a paid version
If there's any other information I can provide just let me know.
At first pass I looked hardest at the Opus 1 and the Pioneer XDP 100r, but I found an online review site complaining about the media management and UI of both (which resulted in this thread). If one of those is the best option for me say so; if I should upgrade or go a different direction please tell me. If the media management system is a separate question, please tell me what you think. Will eagerly and gratefully accept any advice!
So: can anyone please recommend a DAP and a media management system that will provide a relatively easy transition from my current environment?
Questions:
Is media management a real concern when choosing a DAP or is it really a completely separate question? Do some devices pair better with some software?
How important is the UI on the device for managing music with a library well in excess of capacity? (Again, I currently do all the management on the desktop but I’m not sure if that’s different with the new devices.)
What I’m looking for:
High quality sound obviously, although it doesn’t have to be absolutely top of the line
Substantial expandable memory capacity -- would like to have at least 250GB of memory on hand and would be happy with a lot more
Simplicity in media management for someone coming from iTunes – I have a ton of music (as do we all, I imagine) which is currently organized by iTunes. (I’ve got two little kids so the days of staying up all night organizing and tagging music and building playlists is gone.)
UI as above – prefer ease of use over rich feature suite, if forced to choose.
Willing to spend $300-800, plus SD cards. To pay up I’d want both extensive functionality and ease of use – not sure I’d pay up solely for a marginal difference in sound quality. (Would consider going over that limit for a real silver bullet, too.)
Willing to spend money on media management software as well if that’s a separate item and there is value to a paid version
If there's any other information I can provide just let me know.
At first pass I looked hardest at the Opus 1 and the Pioneer XDP 100r, but I found an online review site complaining about the media management and UI of both (which resulted in this thread). If one of those is the best option for me say so; if I should upgrade or go a different direction please tell me. If the media management system is a separate question, please tell me what you think. Will eagerly and gratefully accept any advice!
