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Author Topic: Best DAP in terms of audio quality?  (Read 43470 times)

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Anaxilus

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Re: Best DAP in terms of audio quality?
« Reply #90 on: February 07, 2015, 01:54:18 AM »
Quote from: gelocks on February 06, 2015, 03:15:20 AM
I've been surprised with the A17!!
So light and REALLY portable, good sounding, EXCELLENT UI, GREAT battery life.
Does it sound "better" than my ZX1, AK 100MK2 or even the FiiO X5? Ermm no, not really, it's a bit "soft" up-top, it sounds as if the top end is a bit boosted, etc. but does it kill in mostly all other categories already mentioned? I would say yes and I will be selling my other DAPs. It's that good (for me!!)


That's close to my hearing of the 17 too. Top tilt making it more analytical than typical Sony warmth with notable unrefined grain compared to my rig. Not unusual at the price point these days.
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audiofrk

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Re: Best DAP in terms of audio quality?
« Reply #91 on: February 13, 2015, 09:08:31 PM »
Quote from: gelocks on February 06, 2015, 03:15:20 AM
I've been surprised with the A17!!
So light and REALLY portable, good sounding, EXCELLENT UI, GREAT battery life.
Does it sound "better" than my ZX1, AK 100MK2 or even the FiiO X5? Ermm no, not really, it's a bit "soft" up-top, it sounds as if the top end is a bit boosted, etc. but does it kill in mostly all other categories already mentioned? I would say yes and I will be selling my other DAPs. It's that good (for me!!)


To me this is an odd comment because the only reason to add another device to the list things you have to carry it should do its job well.  It shouldn't do everything else good but it's main reason just ok.  In that case why carry it
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acain

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Re: Best DAP in terms of audio quality?
« Reply #92 on: February 21, 2015, 10:19:00 PM »
I just picked up the Ak100ii with the AKR01 iem and a 128g micro sd card for REALLY cheap. Any thoughts on the AK100ii I bought this and never demoed one before. My portable unit right now is the Fiio X1.
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audiofrk

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Re: Best DAP in terms of audio quality?
« Reply #93 on: February 21, 2015, 10:31:27 PM »
I've compared the ak100ii with it's more expensive brothers and lf they are better then it is beyond the power of the UERMs to tell them apart.  The UI is nice but the hm901 is still slightly better. Still probably the best dap of the current crop when comparing value and sound, unless you want to stack.
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zerodeefex

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Re: Best DAP in terms of audio quality?
« Reply #94 on: March 03, 2015, 06:28:49 PM »
Quote from: MisterRogers on January 29, 2015, 03:08:32 PM
I have a Wave ordered too. I grabbed the Plenue as I have low confidence they'll a) get it done anywhere close to on time, b) Get the UI right, c) quite pummeling me with 'new' and 'must have' features. The wave is my first crowd fund, and I've come to hate it. Flame off. If the Wave drops and it's great.... great.

Followed this path. The Plenue is definitely better than my previous AK120 gen 1 which I prefer to the gen 2 players. Haven't spent any time with the AK240 to compare that either. It's not the Geek Out 450 > Leckerton, but the sense of space is really pretty awesome. It's not as wide as some players, but it's good. Instrument separation is good as well but it feels a little too smooth. It edges on a little warm which is actually a good pairing with the UERM. I like it better than the Fulla but less than the geek out 450 > Leck stack. Not bad for on the go, though.

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HideousPride

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Re: Best DAP in terms of audio quality?
« Reply #95 on: March 03, 2015, 07:37:11 PM »
Quote from: zerodeefex on March 03, 2015, 06:28:49 PM
Followed this path. The Plenue is definitely better than my previous AK120 gen 1 which I prefer to the gen 2 players. Haven't spent any time with the AK240 to compare that either. It's not the Geek Out 450 > Leckerton, but the sense of space is really pretty awesome. It's not as wide as some players, but it's good. Instrument separation is good as well but it feels a little too smooth. It edges on a little warm which is actually a good pairing with the UERM. I like it better than the Fulla but less than the geek out 450 > Leck stack. Not bad for on the go, though.

Thanks for the impressions, that actually sounds quite promising. Looks like a sleek and easy to carry around package. Thoughts on the UI and overall function?

I have a Cayin Spark N6 due at the office in ~15 days. Not sure what to expect but optimistic.
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zerodeefex

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Re: Best DAP in terms of audio quality?
« Reply #96 on: March 03, 2015, 07:44:24 PM »
You're in PA? We should meet up and compare the two, haha.
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MisterRogers

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Re: Best DAP in terms of audio quality?
« Reply #97 on: March 03, 2015, 09:58:39 PM »
Your impressions match mine; overall good detail & imaging; a tad smooth and warm. It really is a pretty good pairing with UERM's.
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zerodeefex

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Re: Best DAP in terms of audio quality?
« Reply #98 on: March 03, 2015, 10:45:35 PM »
Quote from: MisterRogers on March 03, 2015, 09:58:39 PM
Your impressions match mine; overall good detail & imaging; a tad smooth and warm. It really is a pretty good pairing with UERM's.

The stage never feels artificial. I've heard wider presentations, but this player puts forth a very, very coherent image with the UERMs. I am really enjoying it! Especially good at low level night listening.
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SoupRKnowva

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Re: Best DAP in terms of audio quality?
« Reply #99 on: March 04, 2015, 12:09:25 PM »
Quote from: marvey on January 26, 2015, 04:37:46 PM
I wasn't impressed with the HM901. Supposedly with balanced module, it's better. If I used IEMs a lot and cared a lot about SQ, I'd try to find a used AK120mki (Wolfson). The AK120mk2/AK240 were a step back in sound quality with the Cirrus D-A chips. The AK120mki recommendation for an all-in-one solution.


The DAC section on the Leckerton sucks compared to GO, but the Leckerton has better amp section. I'd pair them up (GO as DAC + Leckerton as amp). If you don't bind rubber-banding or velcroing those two together - that would be the way to go for great SQ at a really good price.

As a DAC only how does the ak120mki compare to the GO450?
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