Rancid Badger
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2012
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Please let me start by apologising, it's my first post (post lurking post that is) & I don't doubt that this is a subject which has probably been done to death. Unfortunately the more posts I read on the subject, the more my head wants to explode!
I've decided to ditch my Sony NWZ-X as it wasn't getting much use since getting an iPhone 4s, my Fiio E7's battery will no longer hold much charge & my Klipsch Custom 3s have seen better days.
I'm pretty much decided on Westone 4Rs as replacements for my Custom 3s, but am failing miserably to make a decision on a new DAC/AMP.
As I understand it, due to Apple encrypting the digital output from iDevices, if you want an external DAC, you have two choices: Fostex HP-P1 or Algorythm Solo (please correct me if I'm wrong).
I like the idea of the HP-P1 as it seems like a nice neat self contained unit which isn't massively bulky (my main use is when riding & I don't want too much bulk in the pocket of my leathers). However, the rated run time on the battery is a shockingly poor 7hrs - is this really correct? The other being that it is iDevice only - making the whole unit redundant if I were to switch away from Apple.
Alternatively, the Alo Solo (which still only quotes 9hrs), would give me more options as to pairing it with an amp of my choice and I'd be able to use it with non-Apple products, but at the expense of bulk (iPhone+DAC+Amp= fat pocket).
So my questions are:
Which would you choose HP-P1 or Solo?
If you opt for the Alo Solo, which amp would you pair it with (I am feeling the love for Ray Samuels' amps)?
Would an Alo Solo + an Amp be much bulkier than the HP-P1?
Alternatively, do I keep the Sony NWZ-X1060 & pair it with a RSA Predator?
Once again my apologies for my first post, but I really do feel a cranial haemorrhage comming on!
All assistance will be greatly appreciated.
John
I've decided to ditch my Sony NWZ-X as it wasn't getting much use since getting an iPhone 4s, my Fiio E7's battery will no longer hold much charge & my Klipsch Custom 3s have seen better days.
I'm pretty much decided on Westone 4Rs as replacements for my Custom 3s, but am failing miserably to make a decision on a new DAC/AMP.
As I understand it, due to Apple encrypting the digital output from iDevices, if you want an external DAC, you have two choices: Fostex HP-P1 or Algorythm Solo (please correct me if I'm wrong).
I like the idea of the HP-P1 as it seems like a nice neat self contained unit which isn't massively bulky (my main use is when riding & I don't want too much bulk in the pocket of my leathers). However, the rated run time on the battery is a shockingly poor 7hrs - is this really correct? The other being that it is iDevice only - making the whole unit redundant if I were to switch away from Apple.
Alternatively, the Alo Solo (which still only quotes 9hrs), would give me more options as to pairing it with an amp of my choice and I'd be able to use it with non-Apple products, but at the expense of bulk (iPhone+DAC+Amp= fat pocket).
So my questions are:
Which would you choose HP-P1 or Solo?
If you opt for the Alo Solo, which amp would you pair it with (I am feeling the love for Ray Samuels' amps)?
Would an Alo Solo + an Amp be much bulkier than the HP-P1?
Alternatively, do I keep the Sony NWZ-X1060 & pair it with a RSA Predator?
Once again my apologies for my first post, but I really do feel a cranial haemorrhage comming on!
All assistance will be greatly appreciated.
John