Newbie DAP Recommendations

[lad-dog]

I am a newbie who has just made the plunge down the IEM rabbit hole. The IEM's I currently own thanks to many recommendations from awesome folks on this site are the DTE900, Phantom II SE and Supernova. I listen a lot of home and recently purchased an Earmen Colibri. The Colibri works and sounds great but now I am on the hunt for an inexpensive DAP. I need one that offers Wifi as I listen a lot to Qobuz and Tidal. I have been looking at some units from Ibasso and Astell & Kern to name a few. I want to try to keep this to $300-$400 if possible. I have an opportunity to purchase NOS Ibasso DX170 for just under $200. Is this unit still relevant in 2024?

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

Snatch that DX170 it's fantastic and not far from the DX180!

 

[SPeeDWaGoN]

I recommend the FiiO JM21 for its great value at an affordable price. With Android 13 and a 4.4mm balanced output, it offers excellent performance, making it a strong choice for those seeking good cost-to-performance. The sound quality is also impressive, and its lightweight design makes it highly portable.

 

[lad-dog]

Snatch that DX170 it's fantastic and not far from the DX180!

Ok great thanks! I was thinking the same and at that price seems to be a no brainer!

 

[rinderkappajoe]

My vote goes for Hiby R6III

A systemwide parametric Equalizer is a must for me

Does the DX170 have it or better question, do you need it?

 

[lad-dog]

I recommend the FiiO JM21 for its great value at an affordable price. With Android 13 and a 4.4mm balanced output, it offers excellent performance, making it a strong choice for those seeking good cost-to-performance. The sound quality is also impressive, and its lightweight design makes it highly portable.

Ok great thanks I will have to check that one out as I don't know much about it.

My vote goes for Hiby R6III

A systemwide parametric Equalizer is a must for me

Does the DX170 have it or better question, do you need it?

I don't think I will need that. I am really looking for a WIFI unit so I can access Tidal and Qobuz via the play store, have both 3.5mm and 4.4mm have a good battery and great sound quality.

 

[o0genesis0o]

I am a newbie who has just made the plunge down the IEM rabbit hole. The IEM's I currently own thanks to many recommendations from awesome folks on this site are the DTE900, Phantom II SE and Supernova. I listen a lot of home and recently purchased an Earmen Colibri. The Colibri works and sounds great but now I am on the hunt for an inexpensive DAP. I need one that offers Wifi as I listen a lot to Qobuz and Tidal. I have been looking at some units from Ibasso and Astell & Kern to name a few. I want to try to keep this to $300-$400 if possible. I have an opportunity to purchase NOS Ibasso DX170 for just under $200. Is this unit still relevant in 2024?

HiBy R4 or R6III are some options.

FiiO M11+ is also good.