[raiders4life12]

Trying to decide between PONO, iBasso DX90, and Cayin N6 or any other recommended player in this price range.
 
If anyone can help me decide between these players and what the pros cons are for each that would be very helpful. Also if you have any alternatives that would be appreciated. I don't know much about each player or how they perform and sound so basic info is good too. I would be using mostly Fidelio X2 but sometimes Audio Technica M50x with it.
 
Comparisons between these players would be helpful for people that have listened to both
 
Also, can someone explain what the balanced mode in the PONO is and how to use it? That would be really helpful.
 
Thanks in advance.

 

[vilhelm44]

I've had the DX90 and N6, they are both good players with the N6 being better for SQ in my opinion. The trouble is that the UI on both is horrible and the battery isn't great either. If I were you, I would see how the Fiio X7 pans out, I think that's going to be around the same price as the N6. I've got my eye on that despite just buying a ZX2.
 
Maybe even the N5 from Cayin, that looks like it's going to be a very nice DAP too.

 

[raiders4life12]

Thanks. When is the X7 supposed to come out roughly?

 

[vilhelm44]

Later this year, I don't know the exact date. Try checking out the X7 thread for updates.

 

[raiders4life12]

Do you think the N5 will come out sooner or later than the X7?

 

[maira]

I received my pono just a few days ago. I think its the best SQ for the money today. I was after a musical sound which is spacious and not too direct... .
 
Currently im listening with Shure srh 840, but testet also with beoplay h6, b&w p7, Fidelio X2, L2  etc. 
 
A Philips SHP9500/00 is also on the way to me...
 
As far as i know the N5 will be available in autum. For X7 we maybe have to wait till new year...
 
As Daps getting better and cheaper every year, i will stay with my pono for a while untill something for about 400 dollar is much better... 

 

[raiders4life12]

I received my pono just a few days ago. I think its the best SQ for the money today. I was after a musical sound which is spacious and not too direct... .

Currently im listening with Shure srh 840, but testet also with beoplay h6, b&w p7, Fidelio X2, L2  etc. 

A Philips SHP9500/00 is also on the way to me...

As far as i know the N5 will be available in autum. For X7 we maybe have to wait till new year...

As Daps getting better and cheaper every year, i will stay with my pono for a while untill something for about 400 dollar is much better... 

Have you used the pono in balanced mode? If yes could you get your Fidelio x2 to work with it?

 

[maira]

Have you used the pono in balanced mode? If yes could you get your Fidelio x2 to work with it?

No, i havent tested the balanced mode yet. I do not own the x2, just tested with it.
People in the pono thread can tell you better about balanced mode.
 

 

[raiders4life12]

No, i havent tested the balanced mode yet. I do not own the x2, just tested with it.
People in the pono thread can tell you better about balanced mode.

 

Ok thanks.