[Arkats]

Dear all,

I have to change my very old Android phone. So far I listen my music on a FiiO M9 or use a DAC Fiio E18 with my phone which it is quite heavy. I need to precise that I have a limited budget for my phone (max 400€) searching for the lightest Android phone with the lowest DAS.

So, if I buy an ultra-portable Hi-Res DAC, is it necessary to buy a Hi-Res certified phone as the DAC is by-passing the phone built-in DAC?
(I would say no, meaning that I can buy whatever Android phone I want, is that correct?)
And which ultra-portable DAC would you recommend (max. 150€)?

Thank you very much for your help and advises!
Laurent

 

[dunring]

I'd go with a LG G7 ThinQ S which measures great for audio, and is a really nice phone to boot. If you travel, a fast charging power brick is nice for backup power if needed.

 

[TheUnknow]

So, if I buy an ultra-portable Hi-Res DAC, is it necessary to buy a Hi-Res certified phone as the DAC is by-passing the phone built-in DAC?
(I would say no, meaning that I can buy whatever Android phone I want, is that correct?)

You're right , no need to buy a Hi-Res certified phone if you use a portable DAC.
The portable DAC will be used to do the conversion and the phone will act as a source.

And which ultra-portable DAC would you recommend (max. 150€)?

Here : https://andyaudiovault.com/dongle-reviews/

 

[Arkats]

I'd go with a LG G7 ThinQ S which measures great for audio, and is a really nice phone to boot. If you travel, a fast charging power brick is nice for backup power if needed.

Dear Dunring,
Thank you for your reply.
Yes, the LG G7 ThinQ is quite attractive but unfortunately I am a bit unwilling to invest in a LG phone knowing that they have stopped producing them. Furthermore, as I keep my phone for many years, I prefer to buy one that is the most recent.
Thank you!

 

[Arkats]

You're right , no need to buy a Hi-Res certified phone if you use a portable DAC.
The portable DAC will be used to do the conversion and the phone will act as a source.



Here : https://andyaudiovault.com/dongle-reviews/

Dear Unknown,
Thank you very much for your reply!
That is perfect! And what a nice review, I can now make my best choice!
Cheers!

 

[AzAlin]

Hello. what smartphone you purchase then?

 

[goodvibes]

One that can accommodate a high res player app like hiby uapp etc.

 

[Arkats]

Hello. what smartphone you purchase then?

At the end I have chosen the Xiaomi Rednote 11S that is quite affordable (170€) and offers Bluetooth LDAC (so I am not using an extra DAC). I am using Poweramp App as a player and I am very satisfied of both.

 

[AzAlin]

I see. Interesting the smartphone (https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_note_11s-11335.php)
. Now im not sure if its better to purchase a player or a dac. Financial i think player + headphones > smartphone+dac+Headphones
Aboutn LDAC, i think works with other smartphones aswell. I have on this moment Samsung Galaxy A32 and from Developer option you can have LDAC aswell.

 

[Arkats]

I see. Interesting the smartphone (https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_note_11s-11335.php)
. Now im not sure if its better to purchase a player or a dac. Financial i think player + headphones > smartphone+dac+Headphones
Aboutn LDAC, i think works with other smartphones aswell. I have on this moment Samsung Galaxy A32 and from Developer option you can have LDAC aswell.

The problem with a player is that you are carrying an extra device. But then it really depends on your requirement level. I think that the best in terms of quality delivered is having a player. But for good enough, I think a phone with DAC is perfect. I haven't bought one with my new phone because I have LDAC and I will switch to Bluetooth headsets.

 

[AzAlin]

I see. Well the headphones aswell are ~important . There also is a lot of analysis and you are not very sure what you need to buy. To go and run (outside) there are some models, to walk outside, there are other models, to listen on home there are other models Tho i think the player/dac are the most important think as i understand (1). After is the headphones (2) and after the smartphone (3) in order.