Step up from Sony nw-a55

[OnTheSky]

I currently own a Sony NW-A55 paired with the FIIO FD5. I haven’t yet decided whether to replace the player or the earphones first, but I’m leaning toward upgrading the player. I'm using it with custom firmware, as probably most users do who’ve had the chance to try it. It’s a good player, but I’m not entirely happy with its sound signature. I’d describe it as warm and slightly dark. The FD5 leans in a similar direction, though maybe not quite as much.
I’m looking for a player with a slightly brighter signature, but more importantly, one that is generally considered a sound quality upgrade. I’ve noticed that the newer series of MacBooks have an upgraded DAC, and I actually like its sound—it’s brighter than the Sony and offers a wider soundstage. If I could get something that even beats the MacBook DAC, I’d be very happy.
However, I don’t want to change players just for the signature alone—I want a clear improvement in overall sound quality. What is the cheapest non-Android player that can offer that?

 

[dunring]

Those IEMs have a lot of upper bass mid boost, a player won't help unless you equalize it down to make the IEMs less warm. Just a -4db reduction at 200hz makes a big difference if you're going to keep them. It's a good player you have, but nothing but equalizing is going to change the built in boost the IEMs have. Check ASR, Amir did full measurements of them so you can see what your hearing:

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/fiio-fd5-review-iem.32578/

 

[OnTheSky]

Those IEMs have a lot of upper bass mid boost, a player won't help unless you equalize it down to make the IEMs less warm. Just a -4db reduction at 200hz makes a big difference if you're going to keep them. It's a good player you have, but nothing but equalizing is going to change the built in boost the IEMs have. Check ASR, Amir did full measurements of them so you can see what your hearing:

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/fiio-fd5-review-iem.32578/

That's a very fair point. I usually use that player with either a flat EQ or with a slightly reduced setting—just one notch—around 200 Hz. I don’t remember the exact adjustment (HZ-wise), and I don’t have the player on hand to check.
However, listening on my MacBook makes for a very pleasant experience, so I don’t think the FD5s are really the issue. It’s not that I can’t enjoy a warm sound; it’s just too much of it when paired with the Sony. At least that's how I feel about it. I was just trying to navigate the direction of sound signature to not get something as warm or even warmer than Sony if I decide to get new player.

 

[psikey]

Always earphones makes biggest difference. I peak with a Sony IER-Z1R now, but still love my Fiio FD7 which is a simply awesome single Dynamic driver, after burn-in.

A BTR7/17 sounds better than the low/mid Sony DAPs IMO, and I even prefer to the WM1AM2 I had. Don't even bother with a DAP now, just Android phone as source to the BTR7/17.

 

[OnTheSky]

Always earphones makes biggest difference. I peak with a Sony IER-Z1R now, but still love my Fiio FD7 which is a simply awesome single Dynamic driver, after burn-in.

A BTR7/17 sounds better than the low/mid Sony DAPs IMO, and I even prefer to the WM1AM2 I had. Don't even bother with a DAP now, just Android phone as source to the BTR7/17.

Would you got for btr7 or 17? I can get 7 cheaper but both are afordable enough.

 

[psikey]

If you want Aptx lossless and a volume wheel the BTR17. If price your main consideration then BTR7 is still excellent and has wireless charging that the BTR17 doesn't.

The BTR17 also has much more power and marginally improved audio components and sound.

I'd likely not buy BTR7 today Vs BTR17.

BTR17 also quicker to start up and operation.

 

[OnTheSky]

If you want Aptx lossless and a volume wheel the BTR17. If price your main consideration then BTR7 is still excellent and has wireless charging that the BTR17 doesn't.

The BTR17 also has much more power and marginally improved audio components and sound.

I'd likely not buy BTR7 today Vs BTR17.

Thanks!

 

[psikey]

Thanks!

Not forgetting BTR17 much better as a desktop DAC/AMP as can be just mains powered, prolonging battery life.