DAP discussion thread

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by zerodeefex, Oct 8, 2015.

  1. ambiphile

    ambiphile New

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    What is a good budget DAP around $100? I just want a dedicated DAP that sounds better than my current phone. I have shortlisted 4 DAPs - Fiio M3 Pro, Fiio M7, Shanling Q1, Hiby R2, and LG V20. Are there any other DAPs I should consider?

    I heard there are little, if any, sound differences between various DAPs at this price. Is that true? If that is the case, Fiio M7 seems to be the best option as it has the best battery life. I will be only using it to drive my easy-to-drive IEMs and Koss KPH30i.
     
  2. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    I'm pleased with my Q1. It's warm, relatively spacious, punchy, small and the battery goes forever.
     
  3. ambiphile

    ambiphile New

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    Thank you.
     
  4. 8man

    8man Acquaintance

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    @Bill-P would you mind sharing your thoughts with the NW-A105? I'd be really interested in your insight as you've used both the ZX300 and the TOTLs. I wish I could have edited the previous post to properly tag but for some reason it does not let me.
    You've mentioned it a while back and I've been curious how they'd compare.
     
  5. Claud

    Claud Living the ORFAS dream

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    After months of research reading reviews and observing, I determined that the Shanling M8 has the best sound quality of reasonably priced DAPS. To me, a reasonably TOTL Flagship DAP is under $2000.00. I was able to purchase my M8 for much less than $2000. It is also the DAP used by most of the members whose reviews and comments I respect here and at the other forum. I am aware that compared to my HiBy R6 2020 it will be sort of slow and clunky, but I am willing to put up with that for better sound quality.
    The M8 arrives today and I am going to give it around 300 hours of break in as recommended. I will update this post a few times along the way.
     
    Last edited: May 12, 2021
  6. EagleWings

    EagleWings Friend

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    Try a full reset and format as soon as you receive it. It helped fix the sluggish UI on my M6 and has been quite fluid since then. Perhaps it might work on the M8 too.
     
  7. Claud

    Claud Living the ORFAS dream

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    Thanks EagleWings!!
     
  8. ohshitgorillas

    ohshitgorillas Friend

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    what are people's thoughts on the Lotoo PAW 6000? I'm looking for something to pair with the Andromeda 2020... something smooth, organic, and non-fatiguing that will maximize the cohesiveness, separation, and detail capabilities of the Andromeda. I'm currently using a Chord Mojo driven by an xDuoo X10T II, and this combo is no slouch but I do know it gets better.

    out of curiosity, how much does one have to spend to get into the 'desktop DAC replacement' category? I wouldn't mind clearing up some desk space.
     
    Last edited: May 12, 2021
  9. Rockwell

    Rockwell Friend

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    I hated the P6K with Andro-- it sounded flat & lifeless and it hissed like a sumbitch. IMHO it's worth spending the extra $$ and getting a Shanling M8. It's got an inky black background with my Andromeda 2020 (which greatly aids in separation, detail etc.) and is my favorite source for it so far.
     
  10. ohshitgorillas

    ohshitgorillas Friend

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    After a bit of reading, the M8 sounds perfect. That's probably gonna be the one. Cheers and thanks for the tip.
     
  11. Rockwell

    Rockwell Friend

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    Right on man...be sure to drop some impressions here when you have it :). I bought the P6K largely because I wanted the PAW S1 in DAP form...the P6K was not that, but once I'd heard the M8 I knew I'd found even more than I'd been looking for.
     
  12. Bina

    Bina MOT - Shanling

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    For anybody getting M8, let me know if you will need some advice or if you will have questions.
     
  13. Nash

    Nash Acquaintance

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    Hi Bina, Sorry for being off topic hope you can share your impressions of the UA2 Dongle and where it stands in your product lineup. I have previously used M0 and is the UA2 an upgarde over it SQ wise?
     
  14. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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  15. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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  16. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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  17. Rockwell

    Rockwell Friend

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  18. DigMe

    DigMe Friend

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  19. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    No idea. Just stumbled across this in a HF thread.
     
  20. iFi audio

    iFi audio MOT iFi Audio

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    Very cool stuff nonetheless. Thanks!
     

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