jello
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Post by jello on Nov 27, 2016 11:29:59 GMT
Does anyone here have an android DAP and/or had a chance to compare the different offerings?
I know that there are a number that use Android but many seem to take a walled garden approach so no app store access etc. which to me seems like a wasted opportunity (others may disagree). The ones I'm aware of sub £500 that offer a bit more freedom are:
Pioneer XDP-100R
Cayin I5
Fiio X7 (interchangeable amp modules)
Particularly interested to hear impressions on any of those both in terms of sound quality, how well they drive headphones / IEMs and also general usage experiences or issues esp. streaming use. Have heard a few reports of stuttering / drop outs with the Cayin using services such as Tidal and Qobuz and reading the HF thread Cayin don't really inspire me with confidence that a timely fix will happen.
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Rabbit
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Post by Rabbit on Nov 27, 2016 11:56:08 GMT
The x7 looks like a really nice dap. 1gb of ram and its own dedicated music player so really, it ought to be stutter free. Plus wifi and different amp configurations. The worst part is the price though. I'd be a little nervous carting that around. Bad enough with an x5 which is also a bit heavy but it is a great home player with digital out.
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jello
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Post by jello on Nov 27, 2016 12:54:27 GMT
Yes the Fiio looks great but it is pricey. Battery life also takes a bit of a hit with the more powerful amp modules fitted.
The I5 has 1gb of onboard RAM too so I'm not sure if the stutter is a hardware or software issue. Or a combination of both. It also uses quite an old version of Android for some reason.
But if my low rent Moto E can stream Qobuz in CD quality flawlessly (sound quality aside) then I'm stumped why the Cayin struggles.
I'm also not sure just how much of a jump in audio quality these will offer compared to an Android phone with decent audio quality. I suspect the Moto E + Mojo (via USB OTG) would probably blow all three and more expensive offerings out of the water SQ and power wise, but of course it's not the most elegant or pocket friendly of set ups.
Did manage to pick up a used XDP-100R in the Amazon Warehouse BF sale for a lot less than a new one but unusually for Amazon the ETA isn't until mid-Dec (almost like a pre-order on one coming in?). In two minds whether I should keep or cancel the order hence me asking for impressions on that and alternatives.
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