[brainchill]

The title says it all ... I'm looking for a good combo to work with an android or iPhone device to replace the dac/amp in an iPhone XS max ...

 

[brainchill]

What I've been looking at is a AudioQuest Cobalt with a usb dongle or ? what else?

 

[kukkurovaca]

Radsone ES100, frequently in my case paired with a separate amp. (But most people, driving most IEMs/efficient headphones, would not need an extra amp.) Benefits: wireless, EQ works well, app is extremely good (although takes a bit of getting used to), has balanced as well as single-ended output.

Downsides: flimsy clip, buttons are a little awkward, volume control is kind of weird.

 

[Spareribs]

I’m using the Topping NX4. So far it’s good. I just use it for streaming Tidal from my iPhone with the cable adapter

 

[recca]

I currently have an iFi xDSD and really like it. Tidal HiFi and MQA both sound great on it. I’m getting a Topping MX4 to compare it with soon.

Additionally I have a Centrance DacPort and it still sounds really good. Not sure if it’s the AKM DAC or the class A output stage but it is super easy to listen to. The BlueDac might be worth a look.

 

[shroudedaxions]

I just got the fiio q5s with the thx module and it's sound quality is pretty good and LDAC Bluetooth is so nice. I think it's tied with my mojo though since the mojo has a much quieter hiss for my CA Solaris.

 

[AlexKx3]

Chord Mojo for me, so far I've tried the iFi Nano BL and Spectra Nextdrive - the Mojo bests them all in detail and power. Plus I like the buttons.

 

[al2813]

I use currently the Topping NX4 with my iPhone and works great. I am looking though to get a second more portable one. A question: has anyone ever got the iBasso DC-02 to work with an iPhone? I see on amazon a lightning to usb-c female adapter and I wonder if it works with the iBasso.

 

[CJG888]

+1 on the Chord Mojo.

 

[chanman96]

I have no experience except with the cobalt. It made a big difference for my iphone8/shure215 combo.

 

[TangoMan]

I have had the Chord Mojo for a couple of years with its Poly for storage and streaming and recently the dragonfly cobalt. I listen roughly four hours a day using the Campfire Andromeda IEM's. Both are outstanding DAC's the cobalt having power and convenience over the Mojo but the Mojo has more control and musicality, it is easier to listen to although the bass is a little less prominent. In terms of value and convenient the Cobalt wins hands down but for more serious listening the Mojo pulls out more detail and has control.

 

[aramico]

I currently use Fiio Q5 (modded) + Am3 / Am5 module with LG G7 as source and switch between Andro and ER2XR . For me its quite enjoyable. Sometimes I even use NX4 just as an amp paired with Q5 as DAC.

 

[recca]

I just got an LG G7. I have to say that its SQ on IEM's is very close to the external DAC's I have. However portability is so much better. Also the fact that its a full hardware MQA decoder is great for Tidal users.

 

[SupperTime]

I currently use Fiio Q5 (modded) + Am3 / Am5 module with LG G7 as source and switch between Andro and ER2XR . For me its quite enjoyable. Sometimes I even use NX4 just as an amp paired with Q5 as DAC.

What mod on the q5, what does the mod do?

 

[aramico]

Stock OPA1642 replaced by OPA2156, This makes the Q5 Sound even more neutral and amazing. It has bit more air and both ends have little more body / air if I may call it that.