[roadrat]

Hey all,

Looking for a portable solution for my IE 900 setup. I'm considering mid range DAPs, but would prefer a dongle day to run with my iPhone 15 pro Max (simply so that I have the data option for streaming and for the UI). Currently using the BTR5 (2021) because of BT ability, but wanted to see if there are any others worth considering for pure SQ for the IE 900?

Thanks in advance.

I recommend the best Sony DAP in your budget.

 

[SLMStyles]

I recommend the best Sony DAP in your budget.

Wish I could thumbs-up this more than once

 

[maceto]

Wish I could thumbs-up this more than once

I have a sony and they work very well together - just make sure you get a Japanese version if live in the UK - so you're not limited on the output

 

[Edyeded86]

I recommend the best Sony DAP in your budget.

Been looking at the NW-A306 to be fair, but have seen mixed reviews on it.

 

[audionewbi]

Hey all,

Looking for a portable solution for my IE 900 setup. I'm considering mid range DAPs, but would prefer a dongle day to run with my iPhone 15 pro Max (simply so that I have the data option for streaming and for the UI). Currently using the BTR5 (2021) because of BT ability, but wanted to see if there are any others worth considering for pure SQ for the IE 900?

Thanks in advance.

I'm having a positive pairing with Quloos MUB1. Worth trying if you can demo a unit.

 

[rwelles]

I love mine with the L&P W4 EX!

 

[roadrat]

Been looking at the NW-A306 to be fair, but have seen mixed reviews on it.

Depending on your needs (eg streaming), you should be able to pick up a used higher end Sony in the classifieds. I have a ZX300 that's retired, but I'm hanging on to it because it's so pretty.

 

[ColdsnapBry]

Hey all,

Looking for a portable solution for my IE 900 setup. I'm considering mid range DAPs, but would prefer a dongle day to run with my iPhone 15 pro Max (simply so that I have the data option for streaming and for the UI). Currently using the BTR5 (2021) because of BT ability, but wanted to see if there are any others worth considering for pure SQ for the IE 900?

Thanks in advance.

I'd try the Apple Dongle first. It synergises pretty well with ie900 since the Apple Dongle is neutral/warm. I honestly used it more often than my Wm1a.

 

[OneEyedHito]

Does Apple make a USB-C dongle, I couldn’t find one when I looked for my phone and I think the OP on this said he had an iPhone 15 max.

Edit:
They do

Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
https://a.co/d/1gX2Q7y

 

[kmmbd]

Hey all,

Looking for a portable solution for my IE 900 setup. I'm considering mid range DAPs, but would prefer a dongle day to run with my iPhone 15 pro Max (simply so that I have the data option for streaming and for the UI). Currently using the BTR5 (2021) because of BT ability, but wanted to see if there are any others worth considering for pure SQ for the IE 900?

Thanks in advance.

I have tried the IE 900 with numerous sources, both desktop and portable. Ignoring the desktop side of things (for obvious reasons), I'd say the following "reasonably budget" dongles will be excellent in terms of pairing:

1. Cayin RU7
2. Questyle M15
3. iFi Go Blu (with xBass+, it's an absolute treat in certain tracks)

I also tried the IE 900 with Sony WM1AM2 and the sound was very bland, lacking in dynamics. A&K Kann Alpha is a far better pairing to my ears. Also, the current "budget" Sony DAPs are extremely underpowered. Not something I'd recommend, and I am a big fan of the older, non-Android Sony DAPs (which are better even now with MrWalkman firmware).

Depending on your budget, you can go really "exotic" with the IE 900 as they scale tremendously with better sources, but again, might be overkill for many. For starters, the Cayin RU7 or the Questyle M15/iFi Go Blu will do the trick IMO.

 

[Damz87]

Yesterday I re-purchased IE900 for the third time () directly from Sennheiser Australia. I received it today and noticed it’s a German manufactured unit. I thought new units were all made in Ireland, so I’ve assumed it’s simply old stock, but I’m surprised they’d have stock that old! Both of my previous units were also made in Germany, but I bought them a long time ago. Is it just old stock or are Sennheiser still manufacturing some of them in Germany?

 

[rush1]

Been looking at the NW-A306 to be fair, but have seen mixed reviews on it.

I am using the A306 often with IE900, not a fair pairing, but the A306 holds up well with IE900. Great portability, and to listen on bed to fall asleep with it cant be beaten.
Battery on A306 last well... as long as you don't stream with it. I normally just download the song or album to SD card then listen to it.
Got Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz and Roon on it.

Hope it helps.

 

[cfc7]

I am using the A306 often with IE900, not a fair pairing, but the A306 holds up well with IE900. Great portability, and to listen on bed to fall asleep with it cant be beaten.
Battery on A306 last well... as long as you don't stream with it. I normally just download the song or album to SD card then listen to it.
Got Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz and Roon on it.

Hope it helps.

With or without volume cap?

 

[Derivative]

Questyle M15 is a very good match to my ears to Sennheiser IE’s.

I run this set up and agree that it works rather well. plenty of body to the sound and the highs are piercing, in a pleasant way

 

[Derivative]

I am using the A306 often with IE900, not a fair pairing, but the A306 holds up well with IE900. Great portability, and to listen on bed to fall asleep with it cant be beaten.
Battery on A306 last well... as long as you don't stream with it. I normally just download the song or album to SD card then listen to it.
Got Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz and Roon on it.

Hope it helps.

what ear tips are you using there if I may ask?