[DanielListening]

I am looking for a DAP for use with IEMs specifically.

I want Tidal support with MQA or atleast good Tidal support.

I want something affordable. Definitely <$1,500.00 USD

Looking at the KANN from A&K but seems like it’s geared to headphones and IEMs.

How is that new Sony firmware?
NW-WM1A vrs NW-ZX507

I will likely be buying a Campfire IEM. I currently have Comets but will upgrade.

 

[pbui44]

Check out the Shanling M8, which @Rockwell75 uses with the CA Dorado 2020:

https://shop.musicteck.com/products...with-free-leather-case?variant=32579932356670

 

[Rockwell75]

Check out the Shanling M8, which @Rockwell75 uses with the CA Dorado 2020:

https://shop.musicteck.com/products...with-free-leather-case?variant=32579932356670

Lol

Me and @Daniel actually know each other personally and he has tried my M8. I don't stream or anything like that so I'm no use at answering those sorts of questions.

 

[DanielListening]

Does the M8 load android apps? Side load? App Store?

I had a chance to listen to @Rockwell75 ’s DAP with the Elysium and it was sublime.

 

[Rockwell75]

M8 has full play store functionality. In terms of SQ it's my number one rec atm. It does not and may never run the newest version of Android (I think it runs 7 now)...that seems to be a deal breaker for some.

 

[InvisibleInk]

MQA is a scam

 

[DanielListening]

I agree. I’m not huge on MQA.
It’s kinda nice to have.

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

I am looking for a DAP for use with IEMs specifically.

I want Tidal support with MQA or atleast good Tidal support.

I want something affordable. Definitely <$1,500.00 USD

Looking at the KANN from A&K but seems like it’s geared to headphones and IEMs.

How is that new Sony firmware?
NW-WM1A vrs NW-ZX507

I will likely be buying a Campfire IEM. I currently have Comets but will upgrade.

You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great source that supports Tidal.

I own Empire Ears Odin, Sony IER-Z1R, Thieaudio Monarch and Unique Melody MEST OG. I also own a Chord Hugo 2 and a bunch of other DAC/Amps. I also own 2 DAPs. I own a Hiby R6 2020 and an iBasso DX160. So, I have experienced a lot of TOTL gear.

If I were going to make a recommendation to someone right now, I would tell them to buy an iBasso DX160 ($399) or a Luxury & Precision W2 ($299). These sound great and support Tidal assuming you have an Android or iPhone smartphone. You should start there an upgrade when you are ready.

If you have $1500 to spend, then buy an iBasso DX160 and a Thieaudio Monarch or Clairvoyance.

 

[InvisibleInk]

I agree. I’m not huge on MQA.
It’s kinda nice to have.

No, it's not. Consider this expose video by a knowledgable engineer who managed to have his test files published on Tidal, which MQ subsequently had Tidal censor off the platform. Watch this, then tell me again how nice it is to have.

 

[DanielListening]

That’s great video on MQA. I thought it was kinda imperfect, this is kinda horrifying.

 

[InvisibleInk]

That’s great video on MQA. I thought it was kinda imperfect, this is kinda horrifying.

Yeah. What's most horrifying is the premium you pay DAC makers extra for MQA support in their products. They license this garbage from MQA, then pass that cost along to you, the consumer.

Thanks for watching the video.

 

[Mightygrey]

I am looking for a DAP for use with IEMs specifically.

I want Tidal support with MQA or atleast good Tidal support.

I want something affordable. Definitely <$1,500.00 USD

Looking at the KANN from A&K but seems like it’s geared to headphones and IEMs.

How is that new Sony firmware?
NW-WM1A vrs NW-ZX507

I will likely be buying a Campfire IEM. I currently have Comets but will upgrade.

The Astell&Kern SR25 ought to work great for your needs.

 

[Taz777]

A Cayin N6ii might be a good choice.