So my fellow headfier's. I am considering the DX80 cause I've been a good boy and have been saving my pennies. I do have an oppo HA-2 paired with a Galaxy S3 so my question is how will the DX80 perform against the latter. Sometimes having a brick is a pain in the butt.If there is not a major improvement over my oppo stack I won't do it. I will put up with it. Only willing to spend if it gives me a noticeable improvement.
Cheers.
PS Anybody had the HA-2 paired with DX80??
The Galaxy S3 was one of my prior cell phones. I thought it was alright when using the Power amp Music player. Due to the sound customization. Especially once you root the phone and add Viper4audio. I remember countless sleepless nights messing with the endless possibilities. If you want to drop your current stack (Galaxy S3 & HA-2) to keep only a single unit, and have the money to do so, sure go ahead.
However, I've heard that the HA-2 synergizes with the Apple products better that the Samsung products. That could ultimately mean they compliment the Cirrus audio chip sets better than Wolfson Chip sets. In which, both the Galaxy S3 and Fiio X3 1st gen have. Which makes sense as to why you're feeling left with wanting more.
Ultimately, could mean just get the new Fiio X3ii that utilizes the Cirrus audio CS4398, which would theoretically be a better fit with the HA-2. Which sadly leads to more questions.
1) Do you want to stack the Fiio X3ii with your HA-2?
2) The DX80 uses a dual cs4398 (one for each channel) vs single cs4398 implementation on X3ii. Therefore, more of an analytical sound can be heard. (In my opinion after using both together)
3) Fiio X3ii has a more polished firmware than the DX80 (even though, yes, iBasso is quickly resolving theirs as we speak.)
Sorry for the lengthy post that probably just confused you more and put more questions and doubts, but just want to make sure you're completely informed with your decision. Buying a new DAP is and SHOULD be a big deal. You'll be using it intimately for the next couple of years. You should put a lot of thought into it. It's a big commitment.
Lol..