DAP discussion thread

Onkyo dpx1 sounded very decent, in fact I like it more than AK100. Interface was lightning fast and intuitive. Has plenty of power, detail was good: better than iphone/ipod, didn't sound sabre like and plenty of digital filter to adjust around. Sounds really good with high res files but I can't comprehend a DAP that does not have native support for the ubiquitous 44.1Khz sampling rate. Hopefully DPX2 would have 44.1Khz clock.

AK100 sounded smooth, but too bass polite and lacks plankton.

 

Having also heard both with the same DAP, I'm going to have to disagree. The DP-X1, while it sounded good, did not sound "way better" IMO compared to the X7 even with the latter's IEM amp module. It's more of a different sound signature (the DP-X1 was warmer, while the X7 with IEM amp module is brighter) as I found the soundstage, separation, detail retrieval, etc. to be about the same between the two. Note that I'm talking only about the single-ended out of the DP-X1, as only that would be a fair comparison to the X7's AM1 IEM amp module.

UI slow - perhaps in the earlier versions of the firmware, but at least with the later versions I honestly don't find it slow at all. Perhaps the DP-X1 is faster (I mean, it has much better CPU compared to the X7) but I highly doubt most people would be unsatisfied with the X7's speediness even in comparison to the DP-X1.

No bass slam - I'd have to disagree with you here as well. It's not like the X7 totally lacks bass, even with the AM1 module. If by "plankton" you mean details, not sure why you would be saying this - the X7 is plenty detailed IMO.

Well, I'd guess you like the AM2 and other amp modules with the X7 if you get the chance to listen to it, as it is definitely warmer and IMO better sounding (just as detailed without sounding a bit fake) than the AM1 IEM amp module.

Not sure what you mean by the touchscreen "feeling rough." I'll give you that the screen is reflective - the screen really isn't that great overall, and the DP-X1 kills it here.

I do agree that the DP-X1 is really good sounding, and better than the AK players I have heard (better than AK100ii, AK120, and perhaps the AK240). In fact, I'd probably call the DP-X1 and the X7 probably the best value DAPs out there currently based on sound and the overall package.

 

I have to agree with almost everything you said @friedrice83, except maybe the bass slam. It's there in the X7, but very limited with the am1. I didn't compare directly with my AK240, as I sold it long ago, but suffice it to say, I have my choice of either dap, and I'd gladly take the X7 over the AK240. I'm extremely pleased with my X7.

Side note, thanks to @jacq, she was kind enough to share some info, I should ab able to listen to the mighty ak380 tonight or tomorrow. If I like it, I will definitely purchase it. I'm not so sure I'll be in love with it, but I have to love it to drop that type of cash on it.

 

You're probably right about the bass slam part - it's been a long time since I've listened to the AM1 since I like my AM5 much better lol. I'll have to listen to it again now that I can actually compare it to the other amp modules.

 

It definitely has bass, just not enough. If you add bass via eq, instant distortion. It's so bad. The am1 is a f'ing joke.

I like the am5 too. I love the am2. Am3, jury is still out on it. Not sure yet.

 

I think I shall revisit the Fiio x7 once more next weekend with different amp module.

Maybe it is a synergy/impedance mismatch issue with the jvc fx1200(basshead iem) I was testing the dap with, which could result in the lack lustre bass I was experiencing. Both the Zx2 and dx100 are quite good with plankton thus there's are lot of details of that felt amisssed with the x7. Dp-x1 also felt abit lacking in microdetails but there's still some hints there, vs the overlybright x7 that felt hissy/tingly(high noise floor) which could masked out plankton.

Also to note the dap I am testing is a store demo unit. Which means firmware could be outdated.

as for the rough screen, I meant the glass edges was raised and it felt rough around the edges:

 

I use mostly hard to drive basshead IEMS. They basically all suck with the am1. Definitely, if you are able, check with a real module.

 

@Madaboutaudio I see what you're saying about the raised screen. Personally it doesn't bother me but yeah I could see why some people don't like that.

And yeah, you should definitely see if you can try an X7 with newer firmware and the other amp modules. Newer firmware seriously solves much of the freezing/crashing problems the X7 originally had and the other amp modules seriously make it sound that much better.

 

This exactly. Also with the case provided, you don't feel the screen issue, but in normal circumstances that'd drive me crazy.

 

Well, after a month with the X7, I've decided that it is going back. I'm really struggling to hear a huge difference between the x7, rockboxed clip or shanling m2. The $500+ price tag doesn't help. I'm coming to the conclusion that I have tin ears or dap differences are subtle.


Edit: the $250 multibit modi has me questioning portable investments.

 

What earphones were you using? Because some transducers just don't scale too well.

I've been telling myself to stop spending all my audio funds on portable equipment, but the problem is I'm always on the go and a desktop setup would just end up gathering dust haha.

 

@Dash Differences are subtle... Which amp module are you using? I had the Shanling M5, which was ok. I have pretty terrible ears, but I could tell the X7 vs that, as long as it wasn't the am1. Huge difference between the am1 and the rest of the modules.

 

it is with the am1 modulen but therein also lies the rub. I need to invest another $50 when I could easily live with the M2 or even S7 Edge. I could go back to a desktop setup and actually hear some gains. I can tell a difference between the difference daps but I am not sure if the difference is improvement or variations on compromise.

edit: I have my maggies and acurus amp with acurus presmp collecting dust. I need a better source there for sure. The emotiva dac is a little lean sounding.

 

Any of you guys know about the Teri Player DAP?

Seems pretty interesting: http://www.head-fi.org/t/795394/ind...type-discussion-split-from-tera-player-thread

 

Oh good news guys!
LG V20 is official: http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/07/31/lg-says-v20-will-released-september-android-7-0/

Apparently it'll be the first phone with a built-in 32-bit DAC.

 

Damned...how to upload an image here...lol...sorry...

I have teri player on hands btw

 

How do you like it?

 

quite nice for its price..nice bass and great articulation on lower register...forwardish mid/vocal with quite good texturing, but a little bit problematic on upper mid coz bit hazy and glaring...small soundstage but 3D shaped..

 

Any HTC 10 DAP fans here?

My favorite DAP and a clear upgrade for me from the fiio x3

 

Has anyone heard the ak70 yet? I just ordered it from Amazon, was curious about it. Might be a nice stacking option for my Mojo.

Just ordered the Cowon P1 from Amazon as well, couldn't say no at $699. I've always wanted to hear this. If I like it, I'm getting the ridiculous Plenue S.