FiiO M23 - after giving up on DAPs after bad experiences with the A&K SP3000 and the Sony nw-wm1zm2, I'd given up... there were a couple of reasons I bought it that are truly unique... and for $650!?
This thing is incredible.
I'd felt that TOTL DAPs - fast/decent sound/good looking - were an absolute waste of money. I'm happy to spend on top end gear... but not when it gives me far less than a top end experience... add into that the resell value absolutely plummets pretty damn quickly... and I do sell gear often which helps me fund new purchases.
I'd asked in this sub for a recommendation on a DAP that has two USB-C ports; one for power & one to attach to my preferred dac/amps... Chord Mojo 2 for IEMs & Sony DMP-Z1.
I had been using My WiiM Ultra for both, but I was experiencing issues with it, and I was absolutely sick of my Chord Poly - this device is a real pain in the ass. Both are up for sale in my local FB head-fi group.
It's beautifully (and solidly) built, snappy response, better screen than the aforementioned TOTL models, and the FiiO music is app is excellent - recognising my entire collection of hundreds of albums.
If you've ever used a Sony DAP, you'll know that the metadata can often be nightmare - albums & tracks just not being recognized & going into the 'unknown' folder - and all listed as individual songs. I know there's a workaround which requires significant effort using Picard on my computer, but I just couldn't get it working (I have severe ADHD which doesn't help as once I get frustrated...).
This thing also has the added bonus of an ULTRA HIGH GAIN MODE when plugged into a powerful electricity port so it can handle more hard to drive headphones... and yes, this really works well. Obviously not to Sony DMP-Z1 levels, but it's obviously far more convenient for going away etc.
The sound from the unit itself is absolutely satisfactory - very good, but not jaw dropping as per Mojo 2 for IEMs... but not an issue at all given I can both plug in my Mojo 2 & have it charging (well, in desktop mode - I don't think it's constantly charging & bypasses the battery in this mode?) at the same time, should I be wanting an hours long listening session at home.
For a quick hour or two listen at home, the sound quality from the unit itself is absolutely satisfactory.
And at $650 - I really I'll get my money's worth & resell value simply won't be a bother.
This thing is incredible.
I'd felt that TOTL DAPs - fast/decent sound/good looking - were an absolute waste of money. I'm happy to spend on top end gear... but not when it gives me far less than a top end experience... add into that the resell value absolutely plummets pretty damn quickly... and I do sell gear often which helps me fund new purchases.
I'd asked in this sub for a recommendation on a DAP that has two USB-C ports; one for power & one to attach to my preferred dac/amps... Chord Mojo 2 for IEMs & Sony DMP-Z1.
I had been using My WiiM Ultra for both, but I was experiencing issues with it, and I was absolutely sick of my Chord Poly - this device is a real pain in the ass. Both are up for sale in my local FB head-fi group.
It's beautifully (and solidly) built, snappy response, better screen than the aforementioned TOTL models, and the FiiO music is app is excellent - recognising my entire collection of hundreds of albums.
If you've ever used a Sony DAP, you'll know that the metadata can often be nightmare - albums & tracks just not being recognized & going into the 'unknown' folder - and all listed as individual songs. I know there's a workaround which requires significant effort using Picard on my computer, but I just couldn't get it working (I have severe ADHD which doesn't help as once I get frustrated...).
This thing also has the added bonus of an ULTRA HIGH GAIN MODE when plugged into a powerful electricity port so it can handle more hard to drive headphones... and yes, this really works well. Obviously not to Sony DMP-Z1 levels, but it's obviously far more convenient for going away etc.
The sound from the unit itself is absolutely satisfactory - very good, but not jaw dropping as per Mojo 2 for IEMs... but not an issue at all given I can both plug in my Mojo 2 & have it charging (well, in desktop mode - I don't think it's constantly charging & bypasses the battery in this mode?) at the same time, should I be wanting an hours long listening session at home.
For a quick hour or two listen at home, the sound quality from the unit itself is absolutely satisfactory.
And at $650 - I really I'll get my money's worth & resell value simply won't be a bother.