Hello everyone, this is my first post on head-fi as a beginner audiophile (yay!) and I would love some advice if possible?
I listen to music on my UE 900 IEM's on my Samsung Galaxy S3 (international unrooted GT-I9300T with that Wolfson DAC running Android 4.3 atm) and enjoyed it but I recently got out my broken Cowon S9 (the power button broke so the only way I can turn it on is by plugging it in to charge then quickly taking it out before it completely loads the startup) and it sounds AMAZING with my UE 900's. Like ahhh it's so detailed and clear, it doesn't muddy at higher volumes like my S3 does sometimes (so I know I at least need an amp) and the instrument separation is great. Now I know what these the UE 900's can do and I want to be able to please them.
I want to see if I can get my S3 to sound like that. I like the convenience of having everything on one device (phone, camera, internet, music etc) and I like the freedom I have with customizing etc so I don't
think I'm interested in getting a DAP. I think that either DAP's need to catch up with smartphone-like features or smartphones NEED to get better DAC's but I understand some people just want a Dedicated Audio Player and nothing else. I realized how slow and difficult the interface was on my S9 and how I'd ideally like to listen to my 320kbps MP3 and FLAC files with Poweramp or Spotify on my S3.
So I'm looking for a good portable DAC+AMP (that I can also use with my laptop to make it sound better) and I like the sound of the the Fiio X07K Andes. It sounds well loved. The first, and most important, thing is will it work with my S3 via OTG? I know there's been some issues but does it just randomly work or not? Secondly, a beginner question, as I've not had an DAC/AMP before is it a hassle using your portable device when it's attached?
I listen to a wide range of music from Celtic and Soundtrack to Cinematic Rock and Pop. I need strings, in particular, to be good along with sound-staging and instrument separation as they're important to me. I think I like a lush and organic warm sound that is also clear and detailed without being analytical. I like a tight and punchy bass that isn't boomy or overly done. I guess it depends what I'm listening to, though, as I also like an airy sound sometimes.
I'd love some advice about what you think is best? Should I get the Andes, recommend another DAC/AMP or a DAP?