[390571]

I need a portable music player for my beyer dt770 pro 250 ohm headphones. I am looking for a neutral player with the power to drive my headphones on the go and give me reference sound quality.

 

[zunehdrocks]

Theres the fiio x5

 

[390571]

I had considered the x5 but i will need to save up for that :/ what about the ibasso dx50 how does it compare in neutrality to the x3? And will it run my dt770s?

 

[lin0003]

Spend a bit more and go for the DX90. IMO it the best DAP in its price range. 

 

[cripple1]

The HIFIMAN HM700 is in your price range.

 

[lin0003]

  The HIFIMAN HM700 is in your price range.

Yes, but the DX90 is no doubt a lot better. 

 

[390571]

Hifiman or dx90? I want power and the most musical experience I can get for 300 to 400 but I am also getting a summer job as I am still only 17 so maybe I will save up for the astel and Kern ak10? Or should I just get the dx90? So confusing :/ 
 BTW this DAP has to last me because I will be upgrading my headphones in the future so I need to make a good choice.

 

[390571]

The hifiman hm700 doesn't look as promising as the dx90 or fiio x5 but I will consider it

 

[390571]

After some consideration I might go for the dx90 but can someone compare it to the fiio x3 in terms of detail and imaging because that's what I'm looking for. 

 

[lin0003]

The DX90 is no match for the X3, which is on the DX50's level. 

 

[BucketInABucket]

  The DX90 is no match for the X3, which is on the DX50's level. 

Here's another opinion just to shake things up.
 
I personally thought the X3 was a straight-up downgrade to the DX50 and the DX90 an upgrade to the DX50. Also, IME the main difference between the 50 and 90 is the vastly improved amp section and IMO the 50's DAC is 80% of the 90's DAC. Get the 90 if you don't plan on getting an external amp for a while.

 

[lin0003]

Yes, I too found the DX50 superior, but not by too much. 

 

[JoeDoe]

If you're trying to save a little scratch, the DX50 is the more neutral compared to the X3. 
 
That being said, I'd recommend the X5. They can be had new for under $400 and often used for right around $300. Very neutral sound with a powerful amp and well-implemented DAC section. The battery life bests the DX90, and the X5 features dual TF card slots for up to 256gb of storage. I've been using mine with the Beyer T90 with excellent results. Drives them quite well and maintains the dynamic punchy sound I love them for.

 

[Caruryn]

I agree with lin.In my opinion the best dap for the money if you're looking for a neutral,airy, highly detailed and transparent player with expansive soundstage and well controlled bass.Well worth the investment over dx50 or x3.There are reviews scattered over the web as well as in the headfi review section.Most recent is the dx90 review over at Headfonics which compares the players and is detailed enough.

 

[Hapster]

My vote is for an ipod touch! Say what you want, but you can hook up an external/dac amp to it, stay in the same price range, get better SQ and you'll have a far better OS. comparing the Dx90 OS to iOS7 is like comparing a thread to a pair of pants.