Noob looking for an Android DAP - recommendations?

[Brown Noise]

Hi there. I'm a mid-fi weekend warrior, and over the past couple years have been dipping my toes in the addictive audiophile world. I'm currently looking for a portable DAP that's an upgrade from my phone. My music sources are primarily FLAC rips from my CD collection (which I usually play through Plex or Plexamp), and Tidal. My priorities are: needs to have Android to allow me to access and download my Tidal and Plex libraries, needs to have expandable storage up to at least 400 GB, MQA unfolding would be nice. I'm looking in the 300-400 dollar range. I'm not opposed to a separate "music phone" if that proves to be more economical than a DAP. Currently I'm considering:
1. Shanling M3X (but concerned about Android 7)
2. Hiby R5s
3. LG V30, 40, or 50.

Of the above choices (or any other recommendations), what are some thoughts? Thanks very much!

 

[kumar402]

Hi there. I'm a mid-fi weekend warrior, and over the past couple years have been dipping my toes in the addictive audiophile world. I'm currently looking for a portable DAP that's an upgrade from my phone. My music sources are primarily FLAC rips from my CD collection (which I usually play through Plex or Plexamp), and Tidal. My priorities are: needs to have Android to allow me to access and download my Tidal and Plex libraries, needs to have expandable storage up to at least 400 GB, MQA unfolding would be nice. I'm looking in the 300-400 dollar range. I'm not opposed to a separate "music phone" if that proves to be more economical than a DAP. Currently I'm considering:
1. Shanling M3X (but concerned about Android 7)
2. Hiby R5s
3. LG V30, 40, or 50.

Of the above choices (or any other recommendations), what are some thoughts? Thanks very much!

I have Shanling M3X and I really like it due to its battery backup. I only stream and it gives me more then 10hrs easily while streaming that no other DAP can give but ya Android 7 is a concern in long run. Safe bet for 2 years I suppose or you can consider new dongle DAC like Cayin RU6 which has R2R topology. Not sure which headphone you want to drive. M3X is neutral so thin sounding IEM won’t sound warm also when I say neutral that doesn’t mean bright. It has smooth treble.
I have no experience of HIBY

 

[jmwant]

Shanlinng M3x has really good SQ and battery life. If you're using IEMs and sensitive headphones this is one of the best options you can for under $400.

 

[Brown Noise]

Shanlinng M3x has really good SQ and battery life. If you're using IEMs and sensitive headphones this is one of the best options you can for under $400.

Cool thanks. What are the thoughts on Android 7 being obsolete? If it list functionality with Tidal and Plex it would become pretty useless to me

 

[jmwant]

I've been using Q1 for two years now, it their budget dap but still getting regular firmware updates. I think you should contact with Shanling support team regarding this. They are pretty straightforward.