Entry daps?

[ibrahim01]

I'm looking for a good commuter dap to use. I was told the NWA306 is a good start, but I also have my eyes on Ibasso Dx340. What recommendations do you guys have to steer me correctly?

 

[dunring]

I've tried a lot of DAPs and the downsides are non replaceable battery, keeping another device charged and updating playlists. The Fosi Audio DS2 rivals desktop performance, Amir did measurements at audiosciencereview. I use it with a 5,000ma phone and IEMs and USBPlayer Pro since that makes full use of it and bypasses the Android sound stack. Best of all when I upgrade the phone it goes to the new one, with a DAP you take a huge hit with a repair bill or selling it when the battery starts fading. This DS2 sounds just as good if not better than the $900 Astrall & Kern DAP I had. Also with a longer USB cable it goes right on the laptop.

 

[jjb3]

I wouldn't say the dx340 is entry since it's a flagship. Consider the hiby m300.

 

[Metalingus]

What do you need a DAP for? If you have decent phone go with a dongle. If you have easy to drive IEMs or HP. Apple’s $9 dongle is engineering marvel probably sounding better than your avg dac. Want to do better? Go with iBasso nunchaku or dc elite maybe? Just an idea tho.

 

[2leftears]

What do you need a DAP for? If you have decent phone go with a dongle. If you have easy to drive IEMs or HP. Apple’s $9 dongle is engineering marvel probably sounding better than your avg dac. Want to do better? Go with iBasso nunchaku or dc elite maybe? Just an idea tho.

Maybe they don't have a smartphone, or they prefer the UX of a dedicated DAP? It is also a perfect way to zone out from your emails, text messages, notifications, and calls from your manager... some phone downtime is good.

 

[ibrahim01]

What do you need a DAP for? If you have decent phone go with a dongle. If you have easy to drive IEMs or HP. Apple’s $9 dongle is engineering marvel probably sounding better than your avg dac. Want to do better? Go with iBasso nunchaku or dc elite maybe? Just an idea tho.

I want a standalone, I own the S24U but I prefer to not have a battery drain because listening to music.

 

[lairpost]

I want a standalone, I own the S24U but I prefer to not have a battery drain because listening to music.

Be mindful of the size and weight. The DX340 is a fantastic top of the line unit that is large and heavy relative to many others. Think about what you want, small, light, pocketable and then do you want or want to avoid Android. Pros and cons to both. Is battery life important or do you have ready access to charge so less important. Do you like a volume wheel or buttons.

One the primary value of a DAP for me is to be able to change the volume and skip tracks blind in my pocket. I wanted light but battery life wasn't a major factor as I use it nearly always at home or traveling in van with power. After trying a couple of Hiby's I landed on the iBasso DX180. It's a nice compromise of size, power, weight...for me.

Entry level is around the $200-250 mark depending on tarrifs, mid-tier $500-$1000, flagships $1k+. Expect diminishing returns just like most things as you go up.

Many are on Amazon, try for 30 days...you'll learn a lot about what you like and don't like. IEMs or headphones will change the sound vastly more than the DAP. That's not to say all DAPs sound a like but in my experience the % change is less vs. different IEMs...

 

[ibrahim01]

I went ahead and bought a DX180, any recommendations or tips with it? @lairpost

 

[lairpost]

I went ahead and bought a DX180, any recommendations or tips with it? @lairpost

It's good to charge to 100%, then use it until say 20%, charge again to 100%, then set the battery saver to on which will keep it limited to 80%. This will greatly extend the battery life. Of course, charge to 100% if you need the extra time. Don't be tempted to remove the two T5 screws to remove the back as the back panel is very fragile and prone to cracking. Ask me how I know. It doesn't change anything functionally but no need to risk it until the battery needs to be replaced in some years, if at all.

I would use it for a couple months to get really familiar with it. If you're an Android tweaker, consider Stouthart https://github.com/Stouthart or MattClarke tweaks. Stouthart doesn't require root and much of Matt's doesn't either. Pick one or the other. Mostly it will improve battery life but may improve very subtle sound details though keep your expectations in check.

I prefer 3.5mm over 4.4mm as it saves power and only full size headphones need the extra power.

 

[ibrahim01]

It's good to charge to 100%, then use it until say 20%, charge again to 100%, then set the battery saver to on which will keep it limited to 80%. This will greatly extend the battery life. Of course, charge to 100% if you need the extra time. Don't be tempted to remove the two T5 screws to remove the back as the back panel is very fragile and prone to cracking. Ask me how I know. It doesn't change anything functionally but no need to risk it until the battery needs to be replaced in some years, if at all.

I would use it for a couple months to get really familiar with it. If you're an Android tweaker, consider Stouthart https://github.com/Stouthart or MattClarke tweaks. Stouthart doesn't require root and much of Matt's doesn't either. Pick one or the other. Mostly it will improve battery life but may improve very subtle sound details though keep your expectations in check.

I prefer 3.5mm over 4.4mm as it saves power and only full size headphones need the extra power.

That was great information! I appreciate for taking the time to elaborate on the topic!