Help me choose a budget DAP

[gimmeshelter]

I already have a Shanling M3X but the android system is older and i'm looking for something smaller and lighter to carry about when on the move.

As well as the M3X i have an iPhone 15 pro and Qudelix 5k. I don't want to have to use my iPhone for music unless really necessary.

I don't really want to spend more than £120 and at the moment i'm undecided between a budget DAP like the Hiby R1 or using an old used Android phone like the LG V20 with Lineage OS. I'm also curious about the Sony NW-A55 with Mr Walkman custom firmware.

I have a Tidal account so would be able to stream from both the R1 and LG V20, i also like to listen to the odd podcast which i could do on the LC V20 but it's not a deal breaker as i can use my iPhone for podcasts. I also have just over 500gb of FLAC files that i will be looking to put on any device. Streaming ability is also not a deal breaker.

The R1 will basically be plug and play which is appealing and the LG V20 will require an OS rebuild which is a total pain. The Sony just looks so simple and a joy to use and own.

What would you do?

 

[JimiMack]

Just as a note. The streaming of Tidal on the R1 is not a good experience, the Tidal app is not easy to use and it does not allow you to download the files, only stream live. If you can spare the extra funds, look at the Hiby M300 or the Fiio JM21.

 

[gimmeshelter]

Just as a note. The streaming of Tidal on the R1 is not a good experience, the Tidal app is not easy to use and it does not allow you to download the files, only stream live. If you can spare the extra funds, look at the Hiby M300 or the Fiio JM21.

Both good suggestions but i'm looking to get away from android on a DAP and would prefer something more compact.

M300 and JM21 are too similar to the M3X.

 

[JimiMack]

Both good suggestions but i'm looking to get away from android on a DAP and would prefer something more compact.

M300 and JM21 are too similar to the M3X.

In that case I would highly suggest the Shanling M1 Plus. Out of my Dap collection this is the one I normally reach for first. And the Tidal streaming works well.

 

[gimmeshelter]

In that case I would highly suggest the Shanling M1 Plus. Out of my Dap collection this is the one I normally reach for first. And the Tidal streaming works well.

I went for the Shanling M1 Plus, bought from Shenzen Audio for £145