[KT66]

Hi, I would appreciate any help identifying something slim to bundle with my DAPs.
Budget not important. Ideally it would look like an E12 but sound like an O2
 
any ideas?

 

[Richsvt]

Maybe the E12DIY- and do some Op Amp swapping to see if there is a sound you'd like?
 
Others to consider:
Cayin C5
JDS C5
Pico Slim

 

[KT66]

Not up to soldering,
The C5s seem like the obvious choice.
Pico Slim is £295 in UK ie $435  - is that about right?

 

[Richsvt]

That sounds about right for the Pico, Expensive but great quality.
There is no soldering needed for the E12DIY. I think they are just drop in. I don't have one but read about it off their site. (someone correct me if I am wrong). Has gotten some favorable reviews.
 
I agree with you about the E12, I had one but didn't like its sound signature. A little too analytical for my liking.
There is also the Oppo HA-2 to consider...

 

[proid]

In the E12DIY thread, Clieos suggest that when rolling the NJM5532 and LM49600, the E12DIY sounds very similar to O2.