[Darksoul]

The Fiio X3-II has been my daily commuting DAP for over 2 years now. I want to upgrade to something priced around 300 USD or lower, I really don't want to break the bank on a new DAP. I'm eyeing the Cayin i5, I know it's 100 USD over my mark, but I'm sure I can get something similar for less. One thing I'm looking for is an insane battery life, I want my DAP to be last one thing running out of power.

 

[yong_shun]

I think you can consider Shanling M3S. It is not very popular but the quality is definitely on par with some well-known DAPs. It can work as a bluetooth DAC (getting more popular recently) and it provides you a balanced output (dual AK4490 DACs). Else you can consider Fiio X3-III, the successor of your previous DAP. Great improvement in the sound and it provides a balanced output too (Dual PCM 5242 DACs). Both are good. For me, I will choose Shanling because of the interface (I don't really like the scrolling of Fiio).

 

[Bullock77]

I would go for Aune M1s. It is better sounding than Fiio X5 III. Price beater.