In the market for a new DAP

[Vicks7]

Hi All, I have got back into this wonderful hobby after a long hiatus. Dusted off my AK240, Ray Samuel SR-71B and Unique Melody Miracle Custom IEMs and all is good again (the UMM don't really need amping).

I am considering buying a newer DAP as getting an intermittent cutting out on the AK240 plus technology has moved on.

What would be some options for the equivalent today of an AK240 when I bought it many years ago to drive Senn 6xx, Unique Melody Miracle IEMS, and Grado 325s (and maybe in the future Senn 800s).

Budget of up to $1500 but less would be good.

Thanks all

 

[Todomio]

Hi mate.
I'm at the same crossroads as you. I'm currently considering the Ibasso DX340 and the Hiby R8II. But I'm waiting for the release of the FIIO M27.

 

[Vicks7]

Thanks mate. The DX340 looks incredible. Things have really moved on since the AK240. Two things I immediately like about the 340 are the pass through on mains power to preserve battery life and the modular design which seems to allow for upgrades in the future on the amp card.

 

[AboveNBeyond]

DX340 and Hiby R8II are each more than 3x in weight. Still on a more compact side of 6inch screen DAPs, but be ready for a brick-heavy experience. Otherwise Shanling M9+ or lower tier iBasso DX260 or Cayin N6-3 are no slouch sonically.

 

[AnakChan]

Hi All, I have got back into this wonderful hobby after a long hiatus. Dusted off my AK240, Ray Samuel SR-71B and Unique Melody Miracle Custom IEMs and all is good again (the UMM don't really need amping).

I am considering buying a newer DAP as getting an intermittent cutting out on the AK240 plus technology has moved on.

What would be some options for the equivalent today of an AK240 when I bought it many years ago to drive Senn 6xx, Unique Melody Miracle IEMS, and Grado 325s (and maybe in the future Senn 800s).

Budget of up to $1500 but less would be good.

Thanks all

After 7+ years of the NW-WM1Z and DX200, I was in the same situation as the OP last month. No longer living in a big city that had access to the latest and greatest, I had to buy blind.

After doing some reviews, I picked up the iBasso DX340. I have to say I really love the sonic detail retrieval capabilities of the DX340 - esp coming from 7 yr old DAPs and not having experienced and evolution of DAPs during that time, I'm surprised buy how much more DAC technology can improve. Mind you this was when I was already happy with the NW-WM1Z 7 yrs ago.

Coupled with the iBasso DX340's flexibility of amp swapping, and power to drive even the Susvara OG, overall I'm very happy with this DAP. I think other DAPs could probably have similar or even performances (e.g. AK DAPs) but to me that flexibility of modularity is unparalleled. I've got the stock AMP15 that comes with the DX340, purchased the optional AMP16, and recently ordered the AMP14 too. Furthermore, the DX340 features a SuperGain mode that's enabled when supplied with an additional 12VDC-In into supportable amp modules gives the DAP an extra boost that most other DAPs lack.

However I won't say that my journey in the past month was smooth sailing; but more in the unlucky minority that some issues with my DX340 unit which seem unique to my unit as I've yet to read of others having similar symptoms on the forums - definitely not a systemic widespread issue. However I've gotten an impeccable post sales support service from the seller who's shipping me a replacement DX340.

Overall, I'm happy with the DX340 as an upgrade for my NW-WM1Z & DX200.

 

[Vicks7]

Thanks AnakChan for the very helpful response, I am leaning heavily towards the DX340.

 

[AnakChan]

Thanks AnakChan for the very helpful response, I am leaning heavily towards the DX340.

Just one other factor to be aware of....it is heavy . But I carried the NW-WM1Z for years so it's not a biggie for me. But if you're used to lighter DAPs, this may be a surprise.

 

[Vicks7]

Can you also run a digital out to any kind of amp, portable or desktop?