[red71rum]

Let me start off by saying I have an Xduoo X3, it is rockbox'd but I have become tired of it's interface over the years and the screen is antiquated. I have an LG G8 ThinQ, which I think the DACs are pretty decent and it powers my IEMs and full size headphones fine. My problem is that I am being forced to get rid of my LG G8 because Tmobile bought sprint and my phone is CDMA and will not work on the network after Dec 31st. My wife is making me go to an Iphone, I hate Itunes\Music and keep digital files on my LG, have an extra 128 gig card (I don't stream). I know that their is a headphone adaptor for the Iphones, but I don't think the sound is good as a DAP. Any of you use an iphone 12 with headphones? If I bought a DAP, I guess it would have to be under $200. Any suggestions?

 

[artpiggo]

Would you consider dongle?

 

[Whitigir]

Even a good dongle won’t be able to replicate what a good DAP can do

 

[CJG888]

Yes, but the OP is buying the iPhone anyway. I would have thought that a $200 dongle (Dragonfly, L&P or similar) would wipe the floor with a $200 DAP.

With a budget of, say, twice that, I would also recommend a separate DAP…

 

[red71rum]

Even a good dongle won’t be able to replicate what a good DAP can do

Right, the dongle is not a great solution.

Would you consider dongle?

I dont think the dongle would be adequate.

 

[vilhelm44]

Have a look at the Sony Experia 1 III as a phone replacement, it does an amazing job from the 3.5 output. Really good sound that's not that far from the iBasso DX300.

 

[red71rum]

Yes, but the OP is buying the iPhone anyway. I would have thought that a $200 dongle (Dragonfly, L&P or similar) would wipe the floor with a $200 DAP.

With a budget of, say, twice that, I would also recommend a separate

Interesting, I had forgotten about that. It looks like to use something like that I would have to use a lightning to usb adaptor. I see the dragonfly Red, is there something comparable that is cheaper?

 

[artpiggo]

Ibasso dc03 with dd hifi lightning to usb c.

Can be great enough. Please look into usb c -3.5 thread for recommend.

$200 budget, I prefer dongle like Hidiz s9 pro also.

Otherwise the minimum spent in DAP would be ibasso dx160 at least.

$200 DAP, I can think is hidiz ap80.

 

[mh1c]

If paid off, keep the LG as dap only.

 

[red71rum]

If paid off, keep the LG as dap only.

I would love to, but I think my wife wants to trade it in. I will have to see. I think the LG does a decent job, other than LG never upgrading Android to 11 let alone, 12.

 

[MrWalkman]

I would have thought that a $200 dongle (Dragonfly, L&P or similar) would wipe the floor with a $200 DAP.

You should hear a Sony A30/40/50 running the WM1A/Z firmware.

A dongle could do, however I personally don't like an extra thing hanging from my phone. I have the Dragonfly Cobalt, and I had the Red before.

 

[CJG888]

I would suggest a Dragonfly, plus the Onkyo player app (don’t use iTunes!).

 

[red71rum]

This might sound strange but do these dongle put stress on the lighting port, because they are hanging with a lightning to usb adaptor and the dac? Also, has anyone used the Helm Bolt Dac - Helm Audio Bolt DAC ?

 

[mh1c]

No stress, but keep in mind the more you use the port, the faster it might become loose. My older phone’s port became loose so it won’t charge unless in the right position. If you change it every year or every two years you won’t have this problem, mine is much older.

Do you have only a pair of headphones or more? Are you ok with moving the dongle from one to another?

Do you listen to music when working out? If yes, a smaller device might be better than the phone.

Are you ok with receiving calls or notifications when listening to music?

Are you ok with a device whose battery drains fast like a phone? Or would like a device whose battery lasts for weeks without charging?

 

[powergeek]

I use an iPhone 12 Pro MAX with an Audirect Atom 2 lightning DAC and Tidal. Very good and very compact solution. But when at home I use my iBasso DX300.