[Djinnenjous]

The last time I visited Head-Fi, the newest DAPs I can remember were the iBasso DX80 and FiiO X7. I am completely out of the current loop and overwhelmed by new options, to say the least. I am looking to buy a new DAP to use as a source for my home theater stereo and on-the-go listening. I need something with a nice black background and a high degree of accuracy. I'm sensitive to sibilance so I don't want anything too bright. Frankly, I've always been extremely happy with my iBasso DX80 and DX90, but neither are working any more and they need to be replaced.

The more I read about the FiiO M11 Pro, the more I'm inclined to pull the trigger; but I want to know how it stacks up against other similarly-priced options that I am unfamiliar with. What comes highly recommended in the USD $750-1,000 range these days? If you fine people are willing to drop suggestions I can do my own research on individual DAPs.

 

[Mhog55]

A few suggestions for you to read up on -
Shanling m6 pro
LinLuMei A2
Both have dedicated threads under the portable source gear sub forum.

 

[Taz777]

I'm loving my Cayin N6ii. It's not the newest out there but with swappable motherboards (which use different DACs), I2S and S/PDIF via USB outputs to external DACs, system-wide DTA with a fairly open Android implementation, it's a pretty good DAP. The range of swappable motherboards currently available for it offer, depending on the motherboard, a mix of single-ended outputs, balanced outputs and line outs. I use mine for TIDAL and Qobuz streaming, along with local FLAC files. You do get a level of MQA decoding if you install UAPP with the MQA add-on, but it doesn't do MQA natively if that's important to you. Battery life is reasonable depending on the motherboard installed, headphones connected and volume level.

I run a series of headphones with it. It's a bit of a brick in terms of shape and weight but I use it on my evening walks with no issues.

Dedicated thread here for the Cayin N6ii:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/cay...ilities-a-fully-modularized-smart-dap.904153/

 

[230inthird]

Loving my Astell and Kern SR25 but it may be under your budget...

 

[230inthird]

Loving my Astell and Kern SR25 but it may be under your budget...

Shocked by the price of cases so it might come onto your range after paying for one of those!

 

[bland125]

The Sony NW-ZX507 Is in your price range is quite a masterpiece really. There is a specific thread for it if you want to ask questions or read in it : https://www.head-fi.org/threads/new-sony-nw-zx500.914486/