I ordered a DX180 from y’all last night, to mainly be used with my Elysian Acoustic Labs Pilgrims. This is my first purchase from Bloom Audio, looking forward to this experience…
Most of these can be used in a car. I've used the DX180 (and it's predecessor DX170) with the Aux in on my car both as a media player, and as a Bluetooth DAC to provide Bluetooth to an older car. A couple of these also support S/PDIF output, which is a good option for digital input.
Just got Astell&Kern KANN Max in the mail on sale at bloom audio on sale for $999. Also hand written thank you and a kit Kat bar in packaging, nice touch. Next payday I'm thinking of ordering hifiman Arya organic how do you think Astell&Kern KANN Max will drive them? My second choice is Arya stealth and the ifi hifiman signature dac & amp combo any thoughts?
Great video, thanks. I’m considering a dap but I’m invested in a few external DAC/amps to use with my phone. Do you feel a dap will improve my overall sound quality? I use the iBasso Elite dap with my phone and the sound is pretty good.
The difference between a phone connect to a high quality portable DAC like the DC Elite and a DAP is pretty small - especially in this price range. I still feel like at the very top end, like the SP3000 and N30LE, DAPs offer the best sound quality.
Just got a new se300 titanium limited for just ~$1000, pretty insane for the price if you ask me. Portable r2r + Class A Amp with insane built quality.
Thats nice. I am really torn between a portable dac/amp like mojo2 vs a DAP. People say that DAPS get old really fast, like 3-5 years time while a portable DAC with my phone would be best. Whats your opinion on this? How would it compare a DAC like CM18p or Mojo2 with the sony WM1ZM2? Im between the SP3000M/T and the sony now for DAPS and CM18p or mojo 2 for portable DAC if going this route or maybe another suggestion. thanks in advance
Did any of these devices have the ability to download music from streaming platforms to the sd card? For offline playing? Anyone can confirm? I was told the dx180 couldn't do that. Thx!
They actually all can. We've used the feature for events like CanJam where we're demoing them without reliable internet. I own a DX180 and have personally used the feature. I've found that iBasso, FiiO, and Cayin devices that are using more up to date versions of stock Android tend to handle this a little better than the A&K devices (which often have unusually long download times for importing files).
@@joellerner1428 There was a firmware update pushed OTA so maybe that fixed some of the system issues in the backend. But mine gets rebooted maybe every 1 out of 10 times when searching the album cover. Other than that I like its UI
@@DuranInternational - yes, 10 out of the box, unfortunately. I would think in 2025 everything would be shipping with 12 at least, but... no love. Still giving it a hard look though. 🙄
Would love to get my hands on that one. I've only seen it an CanJam for a few minutes, so I didn't have enough experience to offer any extended thoughts beyond reading the specs.
2023's Sony ZX-707 (Japan version) and HiBy R6 Pro II are still the best under 1,000 USD DAPs in my opinion. Bloom doesn't carry these so they obviously won't be in this video or on any of your lists.
I have a question. Im should buy a iem. But which is the best for metal? I dont know. Im always listen to rock and metal music. Which is the best for me. I can't buy other iems. Also good video. Keep going on! - moondrop chu 2 - 7hz salnotes zero - 7hz zero 2 - truthear gate - kiwi ears dolce
Can they ALL do classical/baroque? The AK should do it based on the 120 I heard 15 years ago. My Sony a306 is perfectly fine with nearly everything else. This is the question no one can answer it seems..
Yeah - all of these are close enough to a reference sound that their won't be any genres that they can't do. SR35 or M23 would probably be my picks for being very natural and blending detail with just a little bit of warmth.
@@BloomAudio Thanks, I heard one of the very first AK dap's many years ago and it was very sweet with Classical. It's what separates consumer flac dap's from the next level; my a306 is just fine and dandy with modern styles..
@@BloomAudio Thanks, I feel I could adapt to the AK sound more than the unknown FiiO, but I believe the M23 can run off the mains which will extend it's battery life and act like a bedside hi fi, so I'll try and hear it.I'm happy using the a306 outdoors on bike rides etc, just need a Dap that can flourish with classical/baroque and I know AK will.
All of these designs (especially iBasso and Fiio) are heavily inspired by AK , still not as nice. In terms of sound and value though, AK falls flat under 1000$ IMO. Thanks for the video 🔥🔥
I don't think it is...but again just my opinion as sound is so subjective. For me the DX260 sounds way to sterile and clinical.. not my tempo.. but for others that may be a slice of manna ..
5g phones :D how is that relevant to Dac/ amp quality :D also what's the distinction between the quality of 5g phones vs 4g phones ? Surely they can all stream the required bit rate? So many questions ?
@@Sakurasan2023 Nope, 1st way slimmer not bricks!, CPU way newer then flagship dap which they fooled u in 1st rounds, Biometrics security None for such stupid expensive bricks?.,Even midRange 5Gs phones has Vapour coolin' chamber nowdays..Dap?? they should be more advance for audio needs of descipating heats, Mine 120watts fast charge..meanings endless listen hours..Dap?? Give u a tips bra.. assume 5Gs phones as Vault of the Pcm- flacs,dsd or even dxd Cuz smartphones capables of decodec those formats..long time ago noobs...ha4 I can go on with the list of smartphones beatin' stupid Dap bra.. Nevermind!... Peace2!
I have a Fiio M23 that I got a few months ago. Enjoying it a lot.
I ordered a DX180 from y’all last night, to mainly be used with my Elysian Acoustic Labs Pilgrims. This is my first purchase from Bloom Audio, looking forward to this experience…
You will love it. It’s amazing 🎉
I was looking for this kinda video yesterday, glad to see it now
Great video
I just picked up the K9 Pro ESS from you guys. Excellent store front, super quick shipping. You guys are awesome!
Thanks! Glad you had a good experience!
I got the SR35. I love the compact form factor and the connections on top--perfect for the gym. It also has all three connectors: 2.5, 3.5, and 4.4mm.
My DAP has all FOUR connectors, including 6.35mm.
@ReverendDr.Thomas But is it as compact as an SR35?
@SchuchDesigns I doubt it. 😹
Does your sr35 have problems with Tidal? Mine is at service because it won’t play tidal sometimes
@ReverendDr.Thomas what dap is that Rev?
Do these play well with a car stereo?
Most of these can be used in a car. I've used the DX180 (and it's predecessor DX170) with the Aux in on my car both as a media player, and as a Bluetooth DAC to provide Bluetooth to an older car. A couple of these also support S/PDIF output, which is a good option for digital input.
Just got Astell&Kern KANN Max in the mail on sale at bloom audio on sale for $999. Also hand written thank you and a kit Kat bar in packaging, nice touch.
Next payday I'm thinking of ordering hifiman Arya organic how do you think Astell&Kern KANN Max will drive them? My second choice is Arya stealth and the ifi hifiman signature dac & amp combo any thoughts?
Great video, thanks. I’m considering a dap but I’m invested in a few external DAC/amps to use with my phone. Do you feel a dap will improve my overall sound quality? I use the iBasso Elite dap with my phone and the sound is pretty good.
The difference between a phone connect to a high quality portable DAC like the DC Elite and a DAP is pretty small - especially in this price range. I still feel like at the very top end, like the SP3000 and N30LE, DAPs offer the best sound quality.
Just got a new se300 titanium limited for just ~$1000, pretty insane for the price if you ask me. Portable r2r + Class A Amp with insane built quality.
I really like the SE300, and when that big price drop hit it became a major steal!
Fresh cut Steve! 💇🏻♂️🔥 sr35 would be my choice, I’ve had a good experience with it 👍
Thats nice. I am really torn between a portable dac/amp like mojo2 vs a DAP. People say that DAPS get old really fast, like 3-5 years time while a portable DAC with my phone would be best. Whats your opinion on this? How would it compare a DAC like CM18p or Mojo2 with the sony WM1ZM2? Im between the SP3000M/T and the sony now for DAPS and CM18p or mojo 2 for portable DAC if going this route or maybe another suggestion. thanks in advance
DAP
Did any of these devices have the ability to download music from streaming platforms to the sd card? For offline playing? Anyone can confirm? I was told the dx180 couldn't do that. Thx!
They actually all can. We've used the feature for events like CanJam where we're demoing them without reliable internet. I own a DX180 and have personally used the feature. I've found that iBasso, FiiO, and Cayin devices that are using more up to date versions of stock Android tend to handle this a little better than the A&K devices (which often have unusually long download times for importing files).
I wonder whether my Kann max still holds up to all of these 😂 it’s been like almost 3 years(I think) I wonder whether I should get these daps
I have been using the Onix Overture XM5 for 4 months. Loving it in my every single use.
Loved sound of onix but ui was not great. Sent back. Did they fix that?
@@joellerner1428 There was a firmware update pushed OTA so maybe that fixed some of the system issues in the backend. But mine gets rebooted maybe every 1 out of 10 times when searching the album cover. Other than that I like its UI
Hiby R6P2 ain’t no discussion 🙂
what version of Android is the Fiio M23 using?
It's using Android 12 with Fiio's customizations.
M23 has android 10 not 12 says so in the settings where it says about device
@@DuranInternational - yes, 10 out of the box, unfortunately. I would think in 2025 everything would be shipping with 12 at least, but... no love. Still giving it a hard look though. 🙄
Where’s the Hiby r4?
Would love to get my hands on that one. I've only seen it an CanJam for a few minutes, so I didn't have enough experience to offer any extended thoughts beyond reading the specs.
Just bought one its amazing
I would love to know how flagship dongles (DC-Elite, Kensei, W4 etc.) compare with DAPs at this price point.
Just get a dap dongles are 🗑️ at least get Hiby R6P2 will experience will be much better.
2023's Sony ZX-707 (Japan version) and HiBy R6 Pro II are still the best under 1,000 USD DAPs in my opinion. Bloom doesn't carry these so they obviously won't be in this video or on any of your lists.
I have a question. Im should buy a iem. But which is the best for metal? I dont know. Im always listen to rock and metal music. Which is the best for me. I can't buy other iems. Also good video. Keep going on!
- moondrop chu 2
- 7hz salnotes zero
- 7hz zero 2
- truthear gate
- kiwi ears dolce
Can they ALL do classical/baroque? The AK should do it based on the 120 I heard 15 years ago. My Sony a306 is perfectly fine with nearly everything else. This is the question no one can answer it seems..
Yeah - all of these are close enough to a reference sound that their won't be any genres that they can't do. SR35 or M23 would probably be my picks for being very natural and blending detail with just a little bit of warmth.
@@BloomAudio Thanks, I heard one of the very first AK dap's many years ago and it was very sweet with Classical. It's what separates consumer flac dap's from the next level; my a306 is just fine and dandy with modern styles..
@@BloomAudio Thanks, I feel I could adapt to the AK sound more than the unknown FiiO, but I believe the M23 can run off the mains which will extend it's battery life and act like a bedside hi fi, so I'll try and hear it.I'm happy using the a306 outdoors on bike rides etc, just need a Dap that can flourish with classical/baroque and I know AK will.
All of these designs (especially iBasso and Fiio) are heavily inspired by AK , still not as nice. In terms of sound and value though, AK falls flat under 1000$ IMO. Thanks for the video 🔥🔥
I thought IBASSO DX260 is Better than DX180
I don't think it is...but again just my opinion as sound is so subjective. For me the DX260 sounds way to sterile and clinical.. not my tempo.. but for others that may be a slice of manna ..
Toi aussi t'es à vendre 🤔 pourquoi tu montres ta tête..?
Dun be stupid..5Gs phones way better n slimmer...welcome audiophiles noobs..Peace!
5g phones :D how is that relevant to Dac/ amp quality :D also what's the distinction between the quality of 5g phones vs 4g phones ? Surely they can all stream the required bit rate? So many questions ?
@@hamishlobb9609OBVIOUSLY, you are unfamiliar with Azlan. 🙄🥴😁
I disagree. Music Players have better audio quality
@@hamishlobb9609
Just dongles it noobs!..Peace2!
@@Sakurasan2023
Nope, 1st way slimmer not bricks!, CPU way newer then flagship dap which they fooled u in 1st rounds, Biometrics security None for such stupid expensive bricks?.,Even midRange 5Gs phones has Vapour coolin' chamber nowdays..Dap?? they should be more advance for audio needs of descipating heats, Mine 120watts fast charge..meanings endless listen hours..Dap?? Give u a tips bra.. assume 5Gs phones as Vault of the Pcm- flacs,dsd or even dxd Cuz smartphones capables of decodec those formats..long time ago noobs...ha4 I can go on with the list of smartphones beatin' stupid Dap bra.. Nevermind!... Peace2!