Portable Audio

Once again, a new wireless standard is rolling out. The ISOAL lossless audio codec sounds interesting... I doubt many manufacturers will implement it, since Apple AAC and Qualcomm aptX have bigger install bases: https://www.soundstagesolo.com/index.php/features/481-bluetooth-6-0-is-here-sort-of

Sony announced a new MP3 player (or DAP): https://musicphotolife.com/2022/05/sony-wm1zm2-review-digital-audio-player-walkman/ It's breathtakingly expensive, that's for sure. I was thinking of getting the Mojo 2, so if this thing sounds better, maybe it's better to have everything in a Sony money box. Also available in gold if you're so money: https://www.sony.ca/en/electronics/walkman/nw-wm1zm2 In other news, the new Sony money cans may not be as good as the old money cans – ain't nothing like old money: https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/sony-wh-1000xm5

Techmoan does it best (he didn't mention that the high-end PCDPs had line-out and mini-Toslink optical outputs for outboard DACs, but it's not an audiophile channel):

Seems like such an obvious thing, but Claire wants to download her new Wilco music onto her iPhone and listen to it. Post iTunes and on the streaming era I'm not sure what she should do.

I have a few microSD cards with DSD files that work fine in the Chord Mojo, Fiio M7 and a Cayin player. But when I put them in the 1A, it goes through building a database routine, but then does not recognize anything in the card. If I plug the card back into any of the other listed above, the music shows up as usual. Is the Sony player different in terms of formatting? Suggestions appreciated! Thanks Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Got an email on these today: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-mee-audio-planamic-in-ear-monitors?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ccu_massdrop_x_mee_audio_planamic_in_ear_monitors&referer=K6U6H7&mode=guest_open&iterableCampaignId=367303&iterableTemplateId=527199#login Color me interested, as I find I really like planars. Of course it could all be hype/bullshit (haven't done ANY research).

I'll miss having the option of an inexpensive iPod... my 3G 4GB iPod Shuffle is serving me well, but sales have probably fallen off a cliff in recent years.

My brother is looking for an inexpensive amp/DAC combo for use with his laptop (PC), and probably a set of Fostexes. He mentioned the FIIO E18, but is open to suggestions. He says he can get that for ~$60 on Amazon, and also mentioned a Topping NX2, which is even cheaper. I know, I know, non-HC approved, but it is what it is. He also mentioned that he mentioned that he doesn't have space for his headphone amp anymore, so is looking to sell it. It is an original Torpedo (I built it for him), IIRC from the prototypes build. PM me if there is any interest for this. He says he hasn't even used it while in South America, but I know he used it when he was still here i…

We'll my iPhone 6plus is getting laggy and the 7 is a non-starter for me (no headphone jack). I am giving up hope that Apple will go back to a 3,5 mil hp jack so enter the LG V20. I am trying to strip down my smart phone and basically use the phone - dap- camera-maps-email function but get away from instagram/facebook blah blah blah. So anyone here use the LG, I know Peter was a pretty big supporter. I would likely use Neutron as a player and load a large micro sd. I tried to read the HF thread but at 170+ pages with 90/10 noise to signal I gave up.

I've been out of the loop for a while. Got into headphones before my firstborn arrived. I thought my days of blasting music through speakers in late night listening sessions was over. But my kids sleeps through loud music. I have a portable setup consisting of Kowon iAudio X5 DAP + Shure SE530. I used to use the Etymotics ER-4S with an el cheapo Headroom amp. I'm looking to get the iBasso DX200 or Pioneer XDP-300 DAP. Probably stick with the existing IEMs. What portable amp would you recommend? Nothing fancy. Budget up to $500 new or used. My in-house system consists of a pair of Magico Q5 speakers powered by Pass X350.5. Primarily listening to vinyl. Music-wise, I li…

I'm a budding audiophile. I just attended CanJam NYC and was blown away by all the amazing options for beautiful hi fidelity sound. My first purchase a few months ago was the ATH IM-02 IEM's. I also picked up the 1more triple drivers for times when a need a little more bass or just want to be rough and don't want to injure the ATH's. I am using an iPhone 7 with the provided Apple lightening to audio adapter and listening to Apple Music. My question... what would be the next step towards improving my sound? What would be the most noticeable? - adding a DragonFly Red or Black with Apple CCK? - up-grading to high quality source …

I have an older pair of UEpro10 that I got probably around 11 years ago. I found them doing some spring cleaning today and I remember that I stopped using them because the cable had frayed and it was intermittent. I never got around to get a replacement (!) and forgot about them in a box. Recently, I've been looking around for cable, and on Amazon there was a possibility, I ordered the cable, but unfortunately the connector is not compatible. (Too big). Anyone has any suggestions for where to order? I looked at UE, but could not find it, odd. On a side note, wow the other day I was looking at IEMs and this market has really exploded. I have been out of the aud…

Has anybody tried the new AudioQuest DragonFly Red DAC? It has been getting good reviews and it seems to be the perfect form factor and price for me. I bet AudioQuest has been making a lot of money from this gadget in the last couple of years.

I enjoy my iPhone 6s+/Oppo HA-2 combo, but now I'm looking for an all-in-one solution. My Freq-Phased JH-16s are what I use on the road, and I've been looking around at various DAPs to find one to pair with the JH-16s. I don't want to get too spendy, and I've arrived at something around the price of the the AK100ii as the sweet spot. Does anyone have experience with this combo, or could recommend something decent around the same price range ($800)? I can't believe I'm contemplating spending even that much just to have a somewhat slimmed down solution, but This Is Head Case and all that. Any advices?

So I picked up the Chord Mojo as a B-day gift to myself and wasn't expecting to be blown away but so far after 2 days I am pretty stoked. Bests the portable players I have here like the Sony NW x2, iBasso dx90, Caylx and the 901. Sucks that it is not a full dap and I have to strap it to a note3 or iPhone or computer but worth the hassle. Anyone else here take the plunge on this, it so far has kicked ass with the JH13 and 16s as well as my LCD X and the AT W3ks, Lots of texture and spatial cues with the mojo. More info t come if anyone is interested. Pairs very well with IPAs and pale ales!

I just started using Tidal. Is it worth getting Bluetooth streamer like the Walkman versus using the iPhone six? Also, is the Walkman the only budget portable device that can stream Tidal? Thank you very much.

http://www.shureasia.com/go/kse1500/en/ Have you guys seen these? Didn't see that coming. Color me interested!

Android 5 finally allows USB audio out. It was available in various forms on Samsung products, but is now baked directly in to Lollipop. In attempting to connect my Pico dac/amp directly (no hub) to my Lollipopped Galaxy S5, I am unable to send the digital audio out to the dac. The Onkyo app actually has a setting for USB Audio, but the phone just hangs and shows no love. I've had my Pico for years now, so maybe I need a newer version? Most googling sends me to the other site or to Korean sites with posts about other dacs. Google is not my friend. Justin - is this something you are familiar with? Is there a way to update my beloved Pico?

Hi guys, just wondering if anyone here uses one of these? I have one as my portable amp/DAC paired with an iPod Classic 7G, and it is pretty awesome. Oppo seem to have taken on the headphone market and made some very impressive first products (like the PM-3) Share your thoughts and opinions

http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/19/8068465/sony-memory-card-premium-sound-sr-64hxa

Apogee have a new USB DAC / Amp Constant Current Drive™, Ultra-smooth frequency response for any headphones Quad Sum DAC™, 4 DACs per channel for highest dynamic range and lowest distortion And Bling versions .. The Groove 30th Anniversary Edition will feature a custom machined aluminum body, performance enhancements and will be available in silver and gold. http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/groove

I've found a good deal in a used pico amp only the battery is not so good, before I commit I want to see if anyone knows the cost for Justin to swap the battery (I know he's often takes him some time to contact him, and the first owner had asked but still no response for over a month). Or better yet if anyone has replaced the battery themselves, I've read the battery can be disconnected by removing the back panel but that's all I know.

I was set on a set of hd800's but I'm thinking a set of customs would be a more versatile option. I owned the 13's before and sounded nice but the fit was OK and ended up selling them. Planning on using it as a primary phone from the dsha 0 as well as iPhone. Budget is about $1000, it's been awhile since I've really been into the whole IEM thing so not really sure what people are using nowadays.

http://schiit.com/products/fulla $79! Game Over Geek Out ? Yay for competition? ...

Bonnie is participating in a charity secret Santa at her work, It's pretty swinging, actually. Each employee gets to expense $100 for gifts for some disadvantaged kid. Bonnie's kid is a 13 year old girl. She wants some typical "girl stuff" and an MP3 player. So, we need a circa $50 MP3 player. A quick perusal of Amazon suggests the Sandisk Sansa. But I have no idea what features are valued by the typical 13 year old girl. I do notice that the Sansa doesn't appear to support AAC. Is that a big problem? Do kids buy music from iTunes? Is 8 GB big enough? Would 4 be enough? (4 GB Sansas come in cool colors. The 8 GB one seems to be only in Model-T Ford black.) What about …