Which cheap and portable dac/amp?

[529128]

Hi!

I am considering getting a portable dac/amp for my Hifiman Sundara and AKG K371 and a future IEM.

My short list contains the AQ Dragonflies, Lotoo Paw S1, Fiio BTR5, IFI Hip Dac. Which should I get? Any other options I should take into account?

I need real-life suggestions.

I know many people would claim that the Sundara could never be powered by a dongle, but I have seen several accounts that prove the opposite. And a desktop solution is out of the question.

Thanks!

 

[Barusu Lamperouge]

You should also check out E1DA PowerDAC v2.1 it is getting rave reviews and is very powerful as per the members impressions on it's thread.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/e1d...038s-9038d-9038x-hifitoy-hptoy.915835/page-84

 

[rlanger]

You might want to take a look at the XDuoo XD-05 line. Three models; Basic, Plus and Balanced are all more than capable of powering the Sundaras and sound great IMO.

I had the Basic, but had to return it because of a volume pot issue, and decided to upgrade to the balanced version. The Basic was great though, especially for the price. And it features a 6db Bass Boost function, which works really well with the Sundaras.

 

[mammal]

Fiio BTR5

I used to own this one and did not like it at all. Perhaps it was because I used I as Bluetooth receiver, so quality was degraded by Bluetooth codecs. In any case, what is your budget? My first dac/amp was Chord Mojo and I enjoyed it greatly with many of my IEMs and HPs

 

[Sundavor]

I've own both the Chord Mojo and a Dragonfly Red. I would lean on the Dragonfly for portability as they are quite small and light.

I use my Mojo for work on my desk as the battery life on mine has died over time, no longer making it portable but a convenient small desk dac/amp

 

[mammal]

I use my Mojo for work on my desk as the battery life on mine has died over time, no longer making it portable but a convenient small desk dac/amp

Is yours still in Warranty? Mine had a battery issue after a year and Chord (through a dealer) replaced it.

 

[Sundavor]

Is yours still in Warranty? Mine had a battery issue after a year and Chord (through a dealer) replaced it.

Nah I bought it second-hand with a few months left on the warranty. The battery then died a few months after the warranty expired.. very unfortunate. TT__TT
All in all still a great dac/amp just not portable for me any more

 

[MasterZen]

I had the sundara, with the BTR5 i would be near max volume from the 3.5mm. The sundaras sound much better from a more powerful amp. The BTR5 is very cool and handy device however! I still have mine

 

[arbiter76]

Topping NX4?