PORTABLE AUDIO for BEGINNERS w/ Spotify, Plexamp, Tidal & Qobuz

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  • Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
  • 👉🏻 This episode is brought to you by EarMen:
    earmen-shop.com/collections/all
    🎥 Camera: Olaf von Voss
    🎬 Editor: John Darko
    🕺🏻 Motion GFX: John Darko
    💰 Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
    🛋 My listening room in 2022:
    darko.audio/darkos-listening-...
    🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video - and other videos - can be found on PATREON: / johndarko
    0:00 True Wireless IEMs
    5:32 More Bluetooth + dongle DACs + wired IEMs
    11:03 A transportable DAC + a DAP + more wired IEMs
    16:35 Crazy expensive IEMs + another DAP
    21:08 The most important part of this video
    👉🏻 Music seen in this video...
    David Bowie - Brilliant Adventure (1992 - 2001)
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3541Smv
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3KutGRr
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3rFhKnf
    Alessandro Cortini - Forse
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3IxK2Xp
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3rEbyfj
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/355h6Yq
    Eat Static - Implant (2021 expanded remaster)
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3rH8LlB
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/33B3fZO
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3rEN85q
    CJ Bolland - Electronic Highway
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3fPx8rD
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3GXMXZ6
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3KBiBxR
    Momus - Create 2: Re-create
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3KEhnSr
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/340fcb4
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3AodbBH
    Gas - Der Lange Marsch
    kompakt-gas.bandcamp.com/albu...
    👉🏻 Hardware featured in this video…
    Apple AirPods Pro
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3nNMml8
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3tPJEzq
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3nQfngm
    Dekoni Bulletz
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3GS3QEA
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3qRip5T
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/32mugiL
    Sony WF-1000MX4
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3KACPYw
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3fP4Nla
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3KwBPVj
    IKKO OH1
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3qPYaoW
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3Ambhl9
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/343M1nK
    iFi GOblu
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3FRE9CI
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3tMRdaj
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3nNeg0R
    FiiO BTR5
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3GVLhPO
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3fPQX1U
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3AnMn4y
    Campfire Audio Holocene
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3IwLZDL
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3fUaIFv
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3tXtu78
    AudioQuest Dragonfly Red
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3qOfevJ
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/32lNkO7
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3ApdbBe
    AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/343MOVK
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3H7X0ex
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3IIZO27
    Chord Mojo
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/342qVWN
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3Apvpmn
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3nOog9U
    Campfire Audio Ara
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3qRICkT
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3ImLVWW
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3IqrfNH
    iBasso DX300
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3Alp9vY
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3Kx5n5k
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3nKBgxh
    Sony Xperia 1 III
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3FRhqqG
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3rJPBeE
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3tMoFhb
    Astell&Kern SP2000
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3fQJiR7
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3KwD7Q9
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3AldmO6
    Astell&Kern OpenApp service
    us.astellnkern.com/blogs/news...
    Empire Ears Odin
    empireears.com/products/odin
    👉🏻 My ROON / PLEX server:
    Intel NUC Kit NUC8i5BEH
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/32pm41n
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3qQjx9S
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/35g4b6d
    Crucial DDR4 4GB RAM
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3tSAjXW
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3u7dYWL
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3FPWQqt
    Samsung MZ-V7S500BW SSD 970 EVO Plus 500GB M.2 Internal NVMe SSD
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/32pT8q3
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3Iu3Wml
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/33UOzUZ
    👉🏻 Also seen in this video…
    QIUQIAN mushroom table lamp
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3fADsmP
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3GI2IU5
    Mathmos Astro lava lamp
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3AbGnMf
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3IiTDkV
    Reliable Corp UberLightFlex turntable light
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3raDCqm
    IsoAcoustics zaZen isolation platform
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3HZUtTG
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/33f1dyh
    What are those metal cylinders on top of my gear?
    🛒 (US) amzn.to/3F4Joys
    🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3G3JBDG
    🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3f1VYnD
    #headphones #audiophile #portable
    __________________________________________________________________
    ⏰ HOW OUR UA-cam VIDEOS GET MADE:
    darko.audio/2021/10/how-our-y...
    Darko.Audio FAQ:
    darko.audio/faq/
    Why are/were comments turned OFF?
    darko.audio/2020/10/why-im-sw...
    How is Darko.Audio funded?
    darko.audio/funding/
    Darko.Audio may earn a small commission from items purchased via affiliate links
    __________________________________________________________________
    DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE A PODCAST?
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    / johnhdarko
  • Розваги

КОМЕНТАРІ • 952

  • @DarkoAudio
    @DarkoAudio  2 роки тому +74

    UPDATE - PLEASE READ *before commenting*!
    1) Got a question? Please ask it of the Darko.Audio UA-cam community (and not me) as I'm off making the NEXT video
    2) All comments here are moderated by a third party: instagram.com/p/CTWcokaszpW/
    3) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome (but no URLs, please)

  • @louispapaceit5612
    @louispapaceit5612 2 роки тому +54

    “portable audio for beginners”
    *pulls out 7000$ setup*

  • @nunofernandes4501
    @nunofernandes4501 2 роки тому +284

    You can carry all that stuff in the Summer if you wear a fanny pack, which is quite fashionable in Germany along with wearing socks and sandals.

    • @emreisiklar
      @emreisiklar 2 роки тому +4

      True but hitting a racist stereotype

    • @PetrusEskelinen
      @PetrusEskelinen 2 роки тому +12

      I use a fanny pack while jogging. It is great for dac+phone combo.

    • @michaelcorcoran8768
      @michaelcorcoran8768 2 роки тому +10

      I bought a fanny pack for the first time ever when the pandemic started. Portable I just decided I'm going totally utilitarian and I don't even care what makes me look like a dork.

    • @FATMAN162x
      @FATMAN162x 2 роки тому +1

      They don’t make backpacks there?

    • @sebastianschiefner1428
      @sebastianschiefner1428 2 роки тому +24

      @@emreisiklar how come you think wearing a bag is racist?

  • @darenalmonte1631
    @darenalmonte1631 Рік тому +81

    3 terabytes of music is crazy 💀

    • @iamcrisyo
      @iamcrisyo Рік тому +1

      Still, we have to remember assuming all of his music are lossless, for which usually they weight about 40MB to 50MB. 3TB of lossless music isn't really that much if you really think about it. However still a lot more than what the average music listener have.

  • @mycommentdoesnotmatter1809
    @mycommentdoesnotmatter1809 Рік тому +27

    Great Vid. The audiophile game is just insane. He presented gear worth thousands of bucks and still, in the end, he's not happy with the results. Meanwhile, I have a blon03 connected to my phone (no dac) and spotify and just enjoying music.

  • @ericg1658
    @ericg1658 3 місяці тому +8

    I am a broke Undergrad student who loves music and hates the distraction of modern phones. I have bought the most simple flip phone I can get my hands on to reduce screen time, but comprised my ability to listen to my beloved music on the go. However, whilst on this new audiophile-DAP UA-cam rabbit hole I thought I may have found an answer: high-quality portable music without the smartphone distractions. I was so excited to learn about these interesting gadgets. This excitement has now turned into a sad surprise, as my eyes and mouth seem to widen every time the cost is shown on the screen. In addition, I have tried to find lossless music in my preferred genres and couldn't find any. My realisation is to be patient and wait until I am old enough to be able to splash out AU$1200 on something to play music on.
    Thank you for the video, I thought it was amazing. Just a sad day for me haha

    • @raksh9
      @raksh9 2 місяці тому +1

      Look for a second Fiio X3 II, X5 II or X3 III. Way less than $1200 and excellent audio quality with flac files.

  • @Pommy381125
    @Pommy381125 2 роки тому +21

    One thing I would say about the more expensive IEM/DAP combos is that I'd be worried sick about them being nicked/mugged etc. - I'd love to try them and have no issue with people wanting to own the high end items but for me the thought of small portable items being exposed while walking/public transport is a concern. Recently I travelled to Manchester on the train and my really lovely Dragonfly Red went missing from my table seat while I was packing my bag and my back was turned - now it either fell on the floor and I didn't see it (I always check my area before leaving ) or it was taken - in either case it was lost and I was gutted and that was only £180:00 - cannot imagine how distraught i would be if I lost a pair of Empire Ears Odin...I think I will replace the DF Red with a Chord Mojo for the very reason it is less portable and therefore more conspicuous on my travels and less likely to get "misplaced" - if anyone has a Cobalt they want to give me though I won't say no! 😁🤣

    • @luminousfractal420
      @luminousfractal420 2 роки тому +3

      I dress all my fancy stuff up to look like crap. Much safer.

    • @currykevuk
      @currykevuk 2 роки тому +4

      I avoid travelling to Manchester. 😉

    • @rainbowkittycat627
      @rainbowkittycat627 Рік тому +1

      One of the great things I find is now most iems actually look cheeper than something like airpods. Unless you’re purchasing like thousand dollar iems, I highly doubt your average theif would be able to tell the price of an item. I use the etymotic er2se, which cost 100$, but I’m pretty sure If I asked people what it’s worth, they would think $15-25, like $50 at most. To me, walking around with airpods and the like is so much more risky than walking with most mid level iems

  • @SpoiledBadgerMilk
    @SpoiledBadgerMilk Рік тому +16

    When you actually need a DAP.
    1. You have a large lossless library you want locally.
    2. You have a pair of Cans or IEM'S that are demanding
    And you want them to perform at their peak.
    3. Relates to 2. You don't want a dongle hanging off your phone.
    4. You want to preserve the battery of your phone.
    5. You want to have the system wide hi bit audio.

    • @evank8459
      @evank8459 Рік тому +1

      I'd been considering one bc I usually leave my phone out of arm's reach all day.
      Having no notifications/possibility for distractions seems quite nice.
      I've only got ~300GB of flac, and it'd also be nice to be able to just get $300 phones instead of paying through the nose for storage. I travel with no internet almost every week. And, CD quality would also be an excuse to buy good IEMs

    • @i.Gnarly
      @i.Gnarly Рік тому

      @@evank8459 buy a used lgv20/v30 + 256 gb sd card

  • @brogan_live8537
    @brogan_live8537 Рік тому +26

    my portable audio solution is a 5th gen iPod

  • @jakemoore1973
    @jakemoore1973 2 роки тому +7

    I think we need some shots of John in rainy Berlin at night. Darko Noir.

  • @hcoberdalhoff
    @hcoberdalhoff 2 роки тому +8

    It is rare to see a balanced opinion that is still somewhat realistic in the Audio space :) Keep it up!

  • @jasonperry6046
    @jasonperry6046 2 роки тому

    Thank you for another great video. I love coming back to your channel and binging all the videos I have missed. You do a great service to the community.

  • @Mumbai-Toronto-NY
    @Mumbai-Toronto-NY 2 роки тому +1

    This was fun to watch. Didn't realise I watched such a long video with no breaks. Your style is very captivating Darko.

  • @topg2820
    @topg2820 2 роки тому +14

    3 TB of Offline Music, goals TBH

    • @the_jzapata
      @the_jzapata 2 роки тому +3

      I was thinking - a 1TB SD Card should do. Until he mentioned he has 3TB...

  • @adventuresofmar1681
    @adventuresofmar1681 Рік тому +4

    Man I just want to sit and experience music with Darko 🙌🏾

  • @simonguilmain8834
    @simonguilmain8834 2 роки тому

    As always, very informative video and great production quality. Thank you!

  • @supergranular
    @supergranular 2 роки тому +1

    Even though I'm probably not a beginner anymore, I still watch every one of your beginner videos. They're so well made, and always have me thinking about my setups.

  • @VladVexler
    @VladVexler 2 роки тому +3

    Magnificent overview.

  • @DingoBongoo
    @DingoBongoo Рік тому +6

    At the end of the day, all it boils down to is which set up makes computer love sound the best ❤

  • @blubobbie
    @blubobbie Рік тому

    thanks for the insights! hifi has always interested me and i love hearing all these different perspectives

  • @carloc8763
    @carloc8763 2 роки тому

    Fantastic video again, John. Thank you!

  • @GBennet
    @GBennet Рік тому +13

    The audiophile community is UNHINGED. Glad to know that no matter what audio setup I use, I always have an opportunity to upgrade.

    • @thelastofthemonitos6994
      @thelastofthemonitos6994 Рік тому

      Audiophile is old vinyl. Anything else is 🤢

    • @AlphaSteam2
      @AlphaSteam2 Рік тому +3

      @@thelastofthemonitos6994 Old vinyl is as far as you can get to lossless quality lmao. How is that AudioPhile?

    • @m.f.3347
      @m.f.3347 Рік тому +1

      It's all diminishing returns, you only need to spend a little bit to get most of the way there.

  • @justicewhitney528
    @justicewhitney528 Рік тому +3

    Love how you covered every range of listening. I never new the “summit” of portable listening. I could see me using those $4,000 decks in my truck

  • @robertreyes6664
    @robertreyes6664 Рік тому +2

    Just the video I was looking for. Instant subscriber. Bell icon too. Thanks man

  • @jeromevincent8723
    @jeromevincent8723 2 роки тому

    Thanks for all.
    You're the best!

  • @chrisevans1546
    @chrisevans1546 Рік тому +10

    Hey man.
    Thanks for doing this.
    Signed,
    Everyone

  • @LASoundCrafter
    @LASoundCrafter 2 роки тому +4

    I’ve been using my iPhone exclusively with Apple Music, download lossless play list prior to going out, dragonfly’s cobalt with a variety of iem. The trick is to put your phone in your pocket upside-down to avoid the fold.

  • @jamiemr2255
    @jamiemr2255 2 роки тому

    Another great video thanks I just introduced my friends to this channel can’t wait to see the next video 👍

  • @xaxb4178
    @xaxb4178 4 місяці тому

    Thank you so much for this video. New to the scene and looking forward to learn more!

  • @mischievousjr.9299
    @mischievousjr.9299 Рік тому +12

    My dad was a total audio head, there's such a large aftermarket of Speakers and radios. Whether it be for portable reason or for having a good sound system in the car he would spend a lot of time at Flea Markets and Swap meets switching parts and speakers. He showed me how to appreciate music and the device that play music .
    I want to get a solid walkman, no sure whether to go with Japanese companies or American companies. Can anyone recommend American companies ? My dad only ever bought Asian speakers and whatnot. I'm planning on carrying a Boombox in my car just like my dad lol and maybe a Cassette player and I still have my iPods.

    • @abolit
      @abolit Рік тому

      Unfortunately there's no such thing as "American companies" anymore. You can't even buy a pair of jeans made in USA. Unbelievable.... I don't know what the situation in Europe is now, but in the US we all live in "everything is made in China" world ...

  • @coolpoete
    @coolpoete Рік тому +5

    I cannot describe to you how super-duper, incredibly USEFUL this video is to me and the questions I had around the subject matter. You answered ALL of my questions that I've been having for a long time now and used and addressed some of the audio gear that I not only used but had questions on. Stuff like the LG phones. I do have a question though and I hope you see this comment. I also own the Pixel 6 Pro phone and in my experience I have had a terrible time with dongle dacs with it. There is a constant ticking sound that I experience when using it with a Fiio Ka3 dongle versus using it on any other device. I concluded that the Pixel 6 devices using their own chip doesn't translate to the DAC well versus a Qualcomm chip in other phones. Or, it could be just me. Either way, thank you so much for this WONDERFUL video. I am immediately subscribing to your channel!

  • @stevenp.sparks2953
    @stevenp.sparks2953 2 роки тому +2

    Love your style and your vids; Keep them coming!! Sparks in Daytona

  • @andycrook6508
    @andycrook6508 2 роки тому

    Excellent vid. Great info. Making choices based on compromises, as you state, is key.

  • @Willogs78
    @Willogs78 2 роки тому +3

    It’s crazy to think cd Walkmans are obsolete and were so eager to get cd quality audio on the go! Bring them back!

  • @TheMetaldudeX
    @TheMetaldudeX 2 роки тому +2

    Good video. I bought some entry level stuff for my PC but realized I’m doing 99% of music listening on my phone. This is what I needed.

  • @totoyputik
    @totoyputik 2 роки тому

    Great explanation and summarizing everyone's dilemma on which one to have. 🙏

  • @Eleriath
    @Eleriath 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome as always, and that was....some expensive gear there :) Thanks for showing all these options and thoughts!

  • @SpoopyKatt
    @SpoopyKatt Рік тому +29

    Well that's one way to overcomplicate poppin in Ur earphones and listening to music.

  • @Aneonaffe
    @Aneonaffe 2 роки тому +12

    Thank you for this informative video. It really covers a wide range of solutions. And yes, you haters, of course you can play your music through the built-in speakers of your smartphone and then have saved 7000 euros. But the quality is in a different league. Do you also write under a video about a Porsche Taycan that you can also buy a Dacia? Please relax and enjoy the technical possibilities, even if they are not suitable for you.

  • @Digiphex
    @Digiphex 2 роки тому +2

    I can't put that much into IEM but I am always happy for someone who does. I enjoy seeing them enjoy audio.

  • @Someone-gd5zx
    @Someone-gd5zx Рік тому +1

    I realized I can listen anything that you explain and you have far more the best reviews on youtube. oh i also would love to have your playlists…

  • @rizalahmad4207
    @rizalahmad4207 2 роки тому +3

    I appreciate what you said in the video. I get what you are trying to say and who this video is for. It’s for the ‘normal’ people like me. Which audio is not the top priority. Which music is what matters most. And listening to music, often time, doesn’t need to be critical. Yes, even if we are an hifi enthusiast.

  • @edgronka327
    @edgronka327 2 роки тому

    Great stuff. Ty for all you do.

  • @dk-du8sm
    @dk-du8sm 2 роки тому +2

    "What we gain in breath, we lose in depth" wow, simple words to describe the true meaning of a trade-off.

  • @saswatab79
    @saswatab79 2 роки тому +9

    It would be best if my smartphone can have a high quality DAC build in. Don't have to worry about different dongles.

    • @beelzking
      @beelzking 2 роки тому +2

      LG smartphone have decent dac and amp built in them, but it's pretty much none right now, since they basically quit making smartphone

  • @mr.george7687
    @mr.george7687 2 роки тому +8

    I'm still in the Stone Age, I use a I Pod!

    • @digidrum2003
      @digidrum2003 2 роки тому

      Yep....I have 4.....I have to admit though that I did buy a Sony mp3 player recently.

    • @krishsuryano1396
      @krishsuryano1396 2 роки тому

      Me too. 6G + Grado SR80

    • @sarahashun1180
      @sarahashun1180 2 роки тому +1

      🤣😂 I’m using my phone with a headphone amp. But I do have 2 iPod classics. One of them is retro fitted and souped up. The portable hi res players I’ve heard sound disappointing and flat. My iPods sound superb. I just wish I could use it like a normal hardrive and drag and drop music on it without having to use iTunes.

    • @dustywelchcraneman6614
      @dustywelchcraneman6614 2 роки тому

      I'm in the stone age I have nothing. I work in poor phone service areas and want to be able to download tons of music link it to my machines stereo and jam without static and vehicle dealership adverts. Idk what's even out there today

  • @ryanwesteren9289
    @ryanwesteren9289 2 роки тому +1

    This is probably my favortite portable audio overview to date! I would love to see something similar in regards to car audio. That's just where my attention is at for the moment.

  • @Ducatijay72
    @Ducatijay72 2 роки тому

    Really interesting, your production is absolute top notch 👌

  • @silvasen1985
    @silvasen1985 Рік тому +47

    This video is too rich for me to watch fully

  • @nurmbms90
    @nurmbms90 2 роки тому +3

    Great video . I never fail to watch your videos . This is my setup.
    For wired
    1) Source: IPhone 12 pro with tidal masters
    2) IEM: Moondrop x blessing 2 dusk.
    3) Dongle DAC: Audioquest dragonfly cobalt.
    For wireless
    1) Source: IPhone 12 pro with tidal masters
    2) Wireless IEM: Sony WF-1000xm4

    • @timvanrooyen
      @timvanrooyen 2 роки тому +2

      Crinacle will be happy

    • @nurmbms90
      @nurmbms90 2 роки тому

      @@timvanrooyen he should be happy. Portions of money probably goes to him, in return I get a great iem that competes way above its price tag. So win win for both sides

  • @barlow2976
    @barlow2976 6 місяців тому +1

    Great videos. I have only just stepped into this world, previously I used twenty quid earbuds via bluetooth, but even to my ears it sounded crap. I've now got decent headphones and a DAC, and am blown away. One thing I've learned is that there is no going back, even one step. My old gear sounds so bad now I wonder how I ever used it.

  • @fedebo1233
    @fedebo1233 2 роки тому

    Great video, very useful! Congratulations!

  • @user-fk3jp7by8n
    @user-fk3jp7by8n Рік тому +2

    I have tried a lot of portable audio components, for about 5 years I have been looking for a combination that I like. Right now I am using - Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 + Lotto Paw S1 DAC + Android phone. And I'm very happy, I think I'll stop here. At home I listen to music on - Sennheiser HD650 + Dac/Amp Cambridge Audio CXA61 + PC and am also very pleased with the sound.

  • @jonass.4449
    @jonass.4449 2 роки тому +2

    Sony Xperia phone is really good. I use Xperia 5II + Sennheiser IE40 and this setup rocks my world. I listen to my vinyl rips and Tidal. Always use UAP Pro. Recently I changed my sound card from 120 € Stainberg to 1700€ RME Adi 2 FS and the difference is huge listening on my rather cheap smartphone/earphone combo.
    I also have Fiio Q1 dac/amp. Of course it sounds better than Sony, but as You say "it is all about compromises"😉
    Thanks for great videos and for sharing amazing tracks. Waiting for the next one. 😉

  • @oscararevalo9806
    @oscararevalo9806 Рік тому +1

    Your videos have now a different attitude. You seem more relaxed and happy about your assesments. I really like it.

  • @yolobaggins631
    @yolobaggins631 2 роки тому +2

    Excellent vid as usual. Thanks.

  • @billymisfits
    @billymisfits 2 роки тому +3

    great video! as much as i love my desktop system at home i feel like i barely use it because I never have time when i'm home. portable audio has been a real blessing. 90% of my listening is done with my kann alpha and u12t's. the sound is a so good that i hardly ever use my wf-1000xm4 bt buds. at the gym i'll use my dap with a pair of etymotic er4p. yes it's not nearly as convenient as a pair of wireless earbuds but the sound is so much better. i use a runners fanny pack with the dap and for the most part it stays out of the way and is great. for airplanes i bought a cheap pair of hearing protection earmuffs that i use over my IEMs. not the most elegant solution but it works quite well. like you said portable audio is about compromises and I feel compromises are worth while for the sake of beautiful sound.

    • @UNSCPILOT
      @UNSCPILOT 2 роки тому

      My desktop system is directly wired into my PC and is generally the only thing I connect the headphones to so I happily get to use it regularly, if only from intentional lack options.
      And for portable I just use a Fiio M9 and a selection of IEMs so I get to pick and choose what I feel like on the go without going to overboard with stuff like portable amps and ect.
      Options are only good until they start making it too much effort to use any of them, IMO

  • @adrianor.passarelli8127
    @adrianor.passarelli8127 2 роки тому +6

    It's mid-2022 and I am still quite happy with my LG G7 Thinq... An awesome Android based Hi-Fi portable audio player that just happens to be a smartphone as well...

    • @rustyyoung7980
      @rustyyoung7980 2 роки тому

      What headphones / IEMs are you using with them? Could it power the 6XX stand-alone, or would you need to mount the BTR-5 on the back or whatever for amplification? I have the LG V30 and it alone cannot get the volume loud enough by itself, leaving 20%+ volume desired. I feel the whole smartphone + further BTR-5 setup too clunky and uneesthetically-pleasing. But, idk, I'd rather have one device that includes ample support for both of those feats. Looking into the Shanling Q1, although there are obviously other factors that one must look into. Cost being in the upper quadrant for me, obviously.

    • @rustyyoung7980
      @rustyyoung7980 2 роки тому

      I want the AirPod Pros, but simply cannot justify the price because I don't really *need* them and should first consider the gear I already own and taking advantage of that before moving onto something pricier And don't get me started with the hyper-inflation we're experiencing. Doesn't leave room for much, anyhow.

    • @ukaszgrzesik7231
      @ukaszgrzesik7231 2 роки тому

      Same, it is very convenient.

    • @daghetto101
      @daghetto101 Рік тому

      ​@@rustyyoung7980Open Back Headphones like the 6xx are meant to be used with DAC/Amp Stack

  • @Solarhawke
    @Solarhawke Рік тому +1

    Great breadth of information.

  • @SteveGerrardPhotography
    @SteveGerrardPhotography 2 роки тому +1

    My fave video of yours for a while. Enjoyed that a lot. I saw Eat Static live years ago when they played the club where I was working. They were amazing. Senser supported.

  • @JonnyInfinite
    @JonnyInfinite Рік тому +9

    Noise Cancelling would be the most important thing for on the go anyway... Do you really need the highest quality audio on the plane or the bus, or walking around the supermarket? Cheap in-ears and my V40, or noise cancelling over ears are fine for me

  • @wowcoop
    @wowcoop Рік тому +3

    Would love insight into listening volume levels for new IEM listeners, how do you balance safe listening levels with acoustic range and soundstage?

  • @woodshop-audio
    @woodshop-audio 2 роки тому

    Another great educational post! I like this kind of post and being an IEM nerd, totally agree with your analysis of the various options out there. I too will choose the most convenient options for short outings and the less convenient (and more expensive) options for longer outings. Keep up the good work.

  • @dominikalbers6983
    @dominikalbers6983 2 роки тому +1

    Love that topic! I do 80% of my listening portable. I liv in an apartment with my family and after 7pm or when the kid takes a nap i can't pump up the volume of the main setup! So in the last 2 years i have gone more and more the route of protable audio (a few iem's/headphone's snd some Dongles/BT Amps).
    The main reasons for me:
    1. I think it's such an plesure to listen everywere as intense or quiet i what to
    2. it's often not that expensive and room consuming as traditional hifi
    3. I get really great replay of music with fine detail
    4. I like to collect thinks and ear/head phones are great for that, different designs/looks techniques, drivers and sound signature
    5. It is a way to were cool looking think that produce sound for in the street as a statement, show who you are and what you love (music and musicreplay, industrial design)

  • @asnovasdodia
    @asnovasdodia Рік тому +6

    I had an LG G7 and the DAC it used was just amazing. I didn't even know what a DAC was when I got it and afterwards I discovered what a huge difference it makes (even with cheaper headphones). Now I'm using an iPhone 12 and music is always greyer and more boring than before. I miss LG.

    • @vgmastercleveland
      @vgmastercleveland Рік тому +1

      Get an LG. The V60 thinq has a quad dac and is less than $200.

  • @bennycop
    @bennycop Рік тому +7

    The only 2 phones who actually cared about Hi Fi audio where LG and HTC and they both gone now

  • @terryslade1
    @terryslade1 2 роки тому

    Fantastic video!

  • @dubieshel
    @dubieshel 2 роки тому

    Amazing!!! Thanks

  • @niclaslindman
    @niclaslindman Рік тому +3

    I use a Sony Xperia 5 March III and sound great Worked headphones 👍To my Sony X1000M3 headphones 👌

  • @kurosaki97zangekii
    @kurosaki97zangekii Рік тому +7

    I just use a wired earbuds with 3.5mm adapter to usb c and, a 4.4mm to 3.5mm, to connect to whichever devices I have with me. Or just use both adapters at the same time.

  • @stuarthorwood8412
    @stuarthorwood8412 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks again John for an informative, watchable and fun video. Even though I'll never be in the market for most of these products, I do like your style

  • @erikaleksandermoe1634
    @erikaleksandermoe1634 Рік тому

    Thanks John. My favorite IEMs from Campfire is also the Ara. For when I want much more bass I use the Dorado 2020. The two of them fill out every conceivable musical genre I listen to. I also use the Fiio M11 Plus LTD (with the AKM DAC chips) DAP and I absolutely love the setup.
    Recently I have tried to use a pair of Audeze LCD-XC with the Fiio DAP while at the office but I have not quite figured that one out, mainly regarding transporting but also EQing.

  • @Big-J-8579
    @Big-J-8579 2 роки тому +4

    Thanks. Always interesting. For me, the iPod touch with Bluetooth iem's or head phones (noise canceling) is more than enough for outside listening (out of the home). There is just to much background noise to worry about CD quality or hi-res in my opinion. As always, to each his own. For me, critical listening is done in my dedicated audio room. Unlike many, I am blessed to have one.

    • @TheDavo10001
      @TheDavo10001 2 роки тому

      Same here. Once there’s background noise, the benefits of higher end audio quality are just not audible to me.
      Lossless and a nice sound system is great at home, but a smartphone and Bluetooth noise canceling is just right for the train or when out for a walk.
      Got to say I agree with John about Plexamp. It’s fabulous. All the benefits of a full lossless music library and the convenience of listening anywhere.

  • @johnmaynardelec5095
    @johnmaynardelec5095 2 роки тому +5

    If i have a desktop size dac, i will carry it along with my laptop and powerbank for fun.

  • @sudheshsankarkk
    @sudheshsankarkk Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing 🙏

  • @yeastboyuk
    @yeastboyuk 2 роки тому

    Great and informative. And fun

  • @iDimOS72
    @iDimOS72 Рік тому +4

    Thank you! You opened my eyes with Plex and Plexamp! I have too big Hi-Fi library and i was searching to find a way to enjoy mobile!

    • @iDimOS72
      @iDimOS72 Рік тому

      AND you can have all this music in USB player(UPnP/DLNA servers)

  • @mgracia9238
    @mgracia9238 2 роки тому +3

    Great video. Can you mention in the future how much each dongle DAC impact the phone battery life?

  • @melberg9098
    @melberg9098 2 роки тому

    love it thx

  • @rickjorstad6666
    @rickjorstad6666 2 роки тому +1

    I enjoy your videos because you do a great job of explaining what is possible, not necessarily what is best. I don't have the budget for a lot of the gear that you review, but everyone has their own budget and opinion of what "sounds good". On the topic of portable gear, I am excited to see what the future holds for Aptx adaptive equipped phones and earphones.

  • @mistermcribbb1066
    @mistermcribbb1066 Рік тому +3

    something you could do to make the mojo a bit more portable is to make custom cabling, I've made my own usb cables before and I think that could be the answer you're looking for, you can just splice the cables together, or, if you aren't big into soldering, you could get a friend to do it or something which would make the cable a lot shorter and would make it so you don't need to buy so many adapter

  • @Im-over-9000
    @Im-over-9000 Рік тому +3

    Just put the phone with cables & dac amps in a small shoulder bag and control everything with an apple watch.
    Obviously the phone needs to be an iPhone for this to work but this works sooo great.

  • @virtualmike13
    @virtualmike13 2 роки тому

    I very much enjoy the in depth analysis and reasoning on benefits and drawbacks of these portable audio systems. While the high end devices will never be an option for me the comparisons between such unaffordable systems is very educational and helps me in my lower end purchases when deciding what to buy. Car enthusiasts read reviews on Maserati cars never intending to purchase one but it is a thrill to see them in action.

  • @shaunpaulwallace
    @shaunpaulwallace 2 роки тому

    Brilliant excellent thanks 👍🏻

  • @akshaygoldsmith1887
    @akshaygoldsmith1887 2 роки тому +4

    I feel like I am way back in the time after watching this video

  • @allanwhy
    @allanwhy 2 роки тому +3

    after i started getting sick of my 10 adapters and dacs for my iphone so i decided to rip my cds with exact audio copy and put it on my ipod classic... sounds amazing and it's kind of enough for "on the go terms" in my case

    • @jon342
      @jon342 2 роки тому +1

      I’ve been doing similar with my CDs for a while (ripping to ALAC). Last year I modded the iPod to put in a 1TB drive and have been able to keep my whole library on there. It was a fun project.

    • @thomasalexand
      @thomasalexand 2 роки тому +1

      I have an inexpensive Sony NW-A55L and a pair of AKG headphones. I have inserted a 1TB into the Sony and all my CDs in .wav format are on it. It does me. Thousands of euros for portable audio? My friends can't believe I've spent almost two-thousand pounds for my home Wi-Fi set-up. A different world.

    • @robertosans5250
      @robertosans5250 Рік тому

      @@jon342 wow, how did you do that? i would love to do the same

  • @keithbuck8252
    @keithbuck8252 Рік тому

    Excellent reviews

  • @jinvid
    @jinvid 2 роки тому

    Hi John, ordered the Dekoni bulletz through your Amazon link! Love your work, love your recommendations!

  • @Re_Panda
    @Re_Panda Рік тому +4

    I'm a beginner and I use a type c apple dac with Kz zst IEM along with high res offline music with wavelet auto eq on OnePlus 7T as my setup

    • @samael450
      @samael450 Рік тому

      Nice sarcasm, but I don’t like it.

  • @omahahaha
    @omahahaha 2 роки тому +4

    I mainly prefer a portable audio player over my phone to save battery life of my phone for phone stuff.

    • @Cyba_IT
      @Cyba_IT 2 роки тому +1

      Plus you don't get annoying notifications and annoying calls :p

  • @imosolar
    @imosolar 2 роки тому

    Awesome review

  • @marchaberberger4464
    @marchaberberger4464 2 роки тому

    Hey John. Great video... as always. I really love the ending when you talk about when you use which setup for a walk. I do that just like you. Very cold... AirPods pro. Weather good and warm... DAP and better or best earphones. Thank you for your work! Best wishes from Bavaria ;)

  • @davide.s.9880
    @davide.s.9880 2 роки тому +9

    Every piece I take out of the house will be no more than $250 USD plus no IEM's.

  • @gatobakuniano
    @gatobakuniano 2 роки тому +3

    A lot of people consider that the Apple dongle gives a very good, clean, performance, even for expensive IEMS.
    It really must be considered.
    I bought the EU version for my Samsung, and it really was shitty because of the volume limitation. I just returned it, even if it was really cheap

  • @stephenhammond3656
    @stephenhammond3656 2 роки тому

    Wish I had that much to choose from.......Great Video John! :)

  • @russsmith9042
    @russsmith9042 Рік тому

    Im watching this on a LG V20 and i love the audio

  • @androcci
    @androcci Рік тому +3

    I am surprised you haven't dont a review of the sony walkman gold DAP mark 2

  • @fahdkamal1420
    @fahdkamal1420 2 роки тому +3

    Frankly speaking when you’re out and about in the city walking there will be so much background noise you won’t be enjoying the higher fidelity sound and you won’t be focusing on it as well as your focus is elsewhere. This is when convenience counts. I think earbuds such as XM4 does the job very well.
    At home where i lay back and with a good coffee in hand and enjoy music with my lcd-x and D90/A90 as it should be as there is no distractions

  • @AF-rd2vf
    @AF-rd2vf Рік тому +1

    I’ve been trying Roon Arc with my iPhone when out and about and it’s been a blast. I can now get access to anything in my Roon library which includes my local library and Tidal/Qobuz. You have to do a video. Kudos to Roon for getting this to work. BTW, the music is CD Quality and above.

  • @svenmuilwijk9952
    @svenmuilwijk9952 2 роки тому +2

    Love my Holocene's. And yes the Mammoth are no comparison in terms of clarity and detail.
    I use it with the new iFi xDSD Gryphon. Super convenient with both Bluetooth and wired connectivity, but it comes with a very short jumper cable which is fine for pocketing. And it sounds superb. Love this head-fi system.