[Himas]

Hi,

I'm relatively new here. Been following reviews closely for DAP and IEM.

I currently own FIIO X1 and RHA 750i. I also have Harman Kardon and Edifier speakers setup at home.

My current music collection has mostly 320 kbps MP3 and I'm gradually upgrading to FLAC and ALAC. I have around 30% FLAC/ALAC collection.

I want upgrade my DAP and IEM. After reading lot of reviews and comparisons I settled on CustomArt E3i iem.
So now I need a DAP recommendation.

My needs, Good SQ, small size, ability to drive home setup with out AMPs, Ability to have streaming apps, and little forgiving with low res audio files.

DAPs I Considered till now:

1. FIIO X5 MK III - Hits on all my req, only qualm is I have read mixed reviews from many head-fiers on SQ and software issues.

2. AK-70 MK II - No streaming options other than tidal. Good on rest of needs pricer than X5

3. Sony NW ZX300 - No streaming options other than tidal. Good on rest of needs pricer than X5. I still dont have enough info on sound quality.

4. FIIO X7 MK II - Hits on all my req but bit bulky to my taste. I'm hearing some software issues. Not Sure how forgiving on low res files.

5. Poineer XDP-300R - Bit bulky, heard equally good review comparing to FIIO X7.

Any other DAP suggestions also are welcome apart from the above list. I would to keep budget at maximum of 700 USD.

Any help on this is highly appreciated

Thanks,
Himas

 

[1TrickPony]

Shanling m2s... best you read up on it and ask around coz I haven't heard it

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

Shanling m2s... best you read up on it and ask around coz I haven't heard it

OP said he needs streaming, otherwise I would have recommended the Shanling M3s.

One to add to your list is the Audio Opus #3 ($699): https://shop.musicteck.com/products/opus-3-portable-mastering-quality-soundmqs-audio-player

 

[1TrickPony]

OP said he needs streaming, otherwise I would have recommended the Shanling M3s.

One to add to your list is the Audio Opus #3 ($699): https://shop.musicteck.com/products/opus-3-portable-mastering-quality-soundmqs-audio-player

You should have replied sooner. Look at what you've done!

 

[Himas]

Thank you for the Reply. I'll check opus #3. I considered Shanling's for quite sometime but as I chose to have streaming as one need i didn't mention it. Thank you though

 

[1TrickPony]

Congrats. I own an Opus #1 and love it. They definitely set a new standard in today's market.

 

[Himas]

Can anyone throw light on how much you gain on SQ if you choose FIIO X7 II vs X5 III

 

[1TrickPony]

Go all out. X7ii. The consensus is positive it seems. It's their flagship so expect service added to the device.

 

[Himas]

Thank you. I was checking if the price diff make up for the value?