Hi Mike,
I just got a Final 5000e. I’d like to get a more powerful and matching DAC/player to drive it over my old Fio X5. I’m looking at the Fiio M11s for home use within a $500 budget. Would that be enough power to really drive it and could you also suggest a smaller player that would have plenty of power for more around town use? Thanks, Alan

DAC technology still evolves fast, so in that sense the more modern DACs often (but not always) are “better”

Will this cable be a good fit? If not what other recommendation would you suggest ? Any budget is ok for me?

I am looking for some new Bluetooth neckband in-ear headphones and would welcome suggestions. My thoughts on requirements are:
* Multi-point connectivity (ideally, so I can watch stuff on iPad but pick up calls on personal and work mobile phones – both Android currently, but 2 connections would also work)
* Bluetooth 5.0, ideally – for lower power consumption/ longer range
* Battery 10 hours+ on a charge; quick charging also useful
* AptX or similar – I am not an audiophile, but like things to sound pretty good!
* Magnetic backs or retractable wires – so they don’t flap around uncontrollably
* Not necessarily IPX as I don’t plan to get sweaty in them – I have sports headphones so comfort more important
* Price – to £250 (US$320)

I had considered the Bose QuietControl 30 and Sony WI-1000X as starters, but both fail on at least one of the above requirements.

Any thoughts on other features I should look for, or contenders for the shortlist, very welcome!

I’m a budding audiophile on a tight budget from a highschool summer job, I’m playing music on an iPhone se with echobox finders at spotifys 320 kb/sec. What’s the best upgrade for my setup? Dac/amp, tidal HiFi, full size cans? Thanks for the help

I have the iPhone 7-plus. The eBay cable you listed looks OK, but you should be able to ask if it really fits your phone and carries the digital output correctly. Anyone who sells an OTG cable should know that it works with certain phones.

I was thinking about something like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Right-Angle-Micro-USB-to-Type-C-OTG-Cable-for-Portable-Digital-DAC-Amplifier/301996172236

What phone do you have?

Hard to say. My phone requires a “camera kit”, which terminates on the open end as a female USB-A connector. Some phones (Android) use an “OTG” adapter to output the unmodified digital data. So whatever the other end is of the cable that plugs into your phone, has to connect to the DAC. It’s very important with a communication device like a phone to minimize cabling and length. Hopefully use just one short cable.

As a matter of fact, my iPhone doesn’t play smoothly with my DragonFly Red DAC, so I have to use my iPod Touch with all communication disabled when I want to use the DF Red.

Should I be concerned if the phone has a USB C connector and I buy a DAC that uses Micro USB (e.g. the FiiO Q1)? Or if I get a Micro USB to USB C cable am I good to go?

You will not likely improve the sound of your phone with a very cheap amp, but if you get a better DAC/amp that’s phone-friendly, that might work for you.

The only time I’d consider a cheap amp without DAC is if the volume on the phone is too low with some music tracks, and then I’d make sure 1) That the amp had enough power to play significantly louder, and 2) That the amp didn’t degrade the sound too much in tonality, distortion, etc.

You’ll need to consider what kind of headphone you’re driving.

2. To upgrade by purchasing DAC headphone AMP
Both DAC/AMP in single system

can you tell me which option is better to joyful music listening experience so that in future I don’t need to upgrade my things
well my option is for onkyo DP-X1A and it android version so can you tell IEM for balanced to buy and since it is android .

I got RHA T20 and I am thinking of buying new IEM for the balanced output for the ONKYO something better than RHA T20
I got few IEM options if you can see I am on the right track
. V MODA ZN
. RHA CL750 / RHA CL1 (bit expensive)
. Q JAYS (like the style of wearing it)
. other options if you can help

please help me in making a better decision waiting for your thoughts on ONKYO DP-X1A and
buying advice for new IEM ?

Have you tested the x12i or the x20 yet? Would love to hear what you think about them.

I’m sorry but that amp hasn’t made it to me yet.