For the case of Portable DAPs only.....

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by YMO, May 24, 2019.

?

If you want to be happy, would you only have a home setup, DAP only, why not both tacos?

Poll closed Jun 16, 2019.
  1. Home Setup

    4 vote(s)
    25.0%
  2. DAP

    5 vote(s)
    31.3%
  3. Why Not Both Tacos

    7 vote(s)
    43.8%
  1. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    So this been bugging me for months.

    Behind me is the home setup that I have at home. The Ayre Codex, the Schiit Jot, and my major over ears. Recently have a laptop that's just a DNLA render and a good enough CD Transport.

    But I don't use the set up that much, honestly I use more of the Andro + ZX2 than the home setup. I have other things that I want to do, but the usual case of too many hobbies and limited time. But the home setup is killer.

    So I was slightly thinking of just doing the Portable DAPs and IEMs (maybe keeping an overyear if a DAP can drive it enough) and call it a day. Saves me so much space and energy.

    But then you have to deal with the software that's on the DAP, the limitations of that type of setup, and so much other factors (and of course streaming solutions isn't the best).

    Can it be possible to enjoy music in a higher quality without all the home setup ills and space? I live in a small apartment, and I prefer using my stuff than let it sit.

    Just curious on people's opinions
     
  2. imackler

    imackler Key Lime Pie Infected Aberdeen Wings Spy

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    If I may simplify, the question seems to be: Can I be content with my Andro + ZX2? I think, at the end of the day, that is a question only you can answer.
     
  3. Senorx12562

    Senorx12562 Case of the mondays

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    While I wouldn't want to do without some kind of portable way to listen to music, I consider a speaker setup an absolute necessity. So both, it would seem, though I can see the home setup being a dap and powered speakers (if they both satisfied my musical needs).
     
  4. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    I might be misunderstanding the question, but a good stereo rig is gonna run circles around Andro+ZX2.

    Thing is tho, Ando+ZX2 is upper mid-fi/low hi-fi based on price, but synergy brings it to "hifi" with some known shortcomings. To get the same fidelity out of a stereo setup, you're probably looking at $2k-$5k all in if bought new. To get the same fidelity from an over-ear HP setup, you're probably talking $2k, depending on preferences.
     
  5. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    Thanks guys. Perhaps my love for my DAP is clouded my judgment here.
     
  6. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    After thinking about it further, I only been using my home setup for at most 10 hours or less a month. It's been the same result for the last five months. If this doesn't change down the road, most of the home setup will be gone. I hate having tons of crap laying around doing nothing. Yes, I love the stuff, but gathering dust is no fun.
     
  7. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    This post is just me blabbing my mouth to an angry man at the cloud:

    [​IMG]



    So guess what, I'm moving to the DAP-focused direction in my life. Sold the Codex, purchased a WM1A from @netforce at TSAV (thanks man!), and rearranging how I do things.

    Still have the Modi 3 + THX AAA on my computer desk (it's only for casual listening, I don't need much. Maybe if next gen Schiit Modi MB with better USB comes along or a cheaper Drop R2R that's a clone of something else comes along, then I'll try that on the THX AAA.

    I don't feel sad that the stuff is gone, feels amazing that I can bring music whenever I go in my apartment or outside my apartment. I never liked cooping up my bedroom on the audiorack, didn't even used it for about 8 months. Feel much happier that the rack is gone.

    Big adjustment doing DAPs/IEM route, but as long as I listen to my music, I'll be fine. I still have my Focal Clear just so I can run balanced into the WM1A when I feel like an over ear experience.

    So it's like this, WM1A is for home, ZX2 is for traveling. Really want to get the CA Solaris for the home, while my Andros is for traveling. Don't like the feel of the Solaris during my trail, but I prefer to just use it on my chair or at my porch looking at the sunset.

    Too bad ZX2 is using an outdated version of Android, the last version of the Tidal app is at its last legs. It doesn't want to work half the time. I just wish Sony can get back into the Android game that's great for my traveling and sound close as good as ZX2. I'll keep dreaming.
     
  8. Claud

    Claud Living the ORFAS dream

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    What I am listing to at this moment while I type this makes a strong case for DAP only or at least a sweet little Schiit stack and my DAP combo of IBasso DX220 and either Oppo PM-3 or Senn HD 660S with Norne S3-C cables with 4.4 balanced connector. This DAP has multiple amps. I have the original Amp1 revised and am now listening to Amp 8. I have the Tube Amp 9, but have not used it in the 3 months I have had it.
    How come there isn't a DAP thread?
     
  9. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/dap-talk-formerly-best-daps-2015.174/
     
  10. Claud

    Claud Living the ORFAS dream

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    Thanks YMO . I just knew there had to be one.
     
  11. YMO

    YMO Chief Fun Officer

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    It's funny reading this thread that I started. I did went full blown DAPs/IEMs and so far I'm not regreting it. Do it based on your lifestyle.
     

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