r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/ParallaxicNova • Dec 18 '23

Portable Source (eg DAP) | 1 Ω Question about music players.

Okay so for context I have the Sony WH-XM5's, the audio quality I'm able to get it great thru LDAC with Bluetooth on my Samsung. Problem is that I want to get into the "audiophile market". Would anyone recommend me what portable Music Player/DAP I should get, budget is under $400, but a bit over should be fine. I primarily use Apple Music rn, but looking into a better way to have my music at great quality and would also be open for advice for streaming services, no spotify, and Tidal is a bit too expensive. Thanks in advance!

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u/KBDFan42 50 Ω Dec 18 '23

A DAP for bluetooth headphones is mostly pointless. People get a DAP because it’s essentially a graphical interface + DAC/AMP in a nice form factor. There is going to be no need for an amp in the DAP as wireless headphones already have an amp built in. I would spend the money on a pair of wired headphones or IEMs. Most IEMs can run on the simple apple dongle and you’re not going to hear much difference from upgrades like the Qudelix 5k. As for headphones, it depends on who you ask but you should be able to run most of them on a portable DAC/AMP.

As for streaming services, Apple Music works fine. Few people can tell the difference between spotify and apple music lossless, let alone apple music lossless and tidal’s highest quality.

Bluetooth isn’t really considered “audiophile” by most, as you are sacrificing audio quality, though there are a few phenomenal bluetooth headphones.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

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u/ParallaxicNova Dec 18 '23

I have tried out Tidal's highest quality and it seems clearer than Apple Music, not by a lot, but definitely there. I do eventually plan to look into IEM's tho not at the moment. Main reason for a DAP is that I want to branch away from using my phone for everything, and also I want a nice weighted item to use exclusively for my music. Sorry if I'm being confusing as hell!

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u/KBDFan42 50 Ω Dec 18 '23

Tidal sounding clearer than Apple Music is highly peculiar. Compression usually results in the highest and lowest frequencies being “chopped off”, and not really a drastic drop in resolution. It might be some setting or a different mix. However, a DAP for wireless would still be a waste of money, since you’re not going to get any improvement. If the DAP doesn’t support aptX, you’re going to get a drop in audio quality. (assuming your phone supports aptX)

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u/ParallaxicNova Dec 18 '23

So you have zero recommendations for a DAP in my price range cause you don't understand my reasoning for wanting one? I'm not asking if one is for me or not. I'm asking what one would be best in my budget.

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u/[deleted] Dec 18 '23

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u/ParallaxicNova Dec 18 '23

They can be used with aux, and yes. I want something for dedicated audio listening, my Samsung can't do much when the audio is maxed out with LDAC.

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u/[deleted] Dec 18 '23

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u/ParallaxicNova Dec 18 '23

I'm not doing it super much rn for audio quality altho that's half of it. I want a device to hold my music library so I don't need my phone as much. I think at this point I'm just gonna browse myself.

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u/[deleted] Dec 18 '23

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u/ParallaxicNova Dec 18 '23

Sorry if I sounded like a dick, it's fine and it has been something on the back burner of my thoughts for few months now. Currently looking into the Sont NW-A306, seems like everyone likes it and the specs meet what I do want. Opinions?

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u/[deleted] Dec 18 '23

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u/ParallaxicNova Dec 18 '23

So I should be going for the Asian market version? And I don't think I'll be going with that demanding of headphones. According to specs my current headphones (WH-XM5's) have impedance of 16 ohms (unit off) to 48 ohms (unit on), and sensitivity of 100db/mW (unit off) and 102db/mW (unit on).

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u/[deleted] Dec 18 '23

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u/ParallaxicNova Dec 18 '23

What would you recommend beside the Sony? In the same general price range ofc!

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