Help with new DAP vs new Phone

[08Boss302 624]

Hi All,

As the title suggests,  Looking for some advice in an area I am very new too.

I am in the position of wanting to switch from my very reliable iPod Classic to one of the above. 

Couple of reasons for this including having recently ripped my library to FLAC, use of Bluetooth headphones with aptX HD and also streaming.

 

I have a phone right now which is great and does not need replacing (nor does the iPod really) but its probably not the best for this audio intention.  I do also far prefer the "separate device" idea of something I can use when away or going to the gym/run/walk that is dedicated.

 

There is a lot of good feedback on the LG V30+.  Some tech sites and reviewers like Darko for example are suggesting there is no need for DAP if owning one of these.  One appeal to me is that when I travel abroad I never take my phone, so the LG having the capacity to use full WiFi on it (where available) with full internet options could be of value as the concept of a quick snap camera too. 

The Fiio M9 also reviews quite well and logically is a purpose built player as I understand it with limited WiFi options but has bluetooth

 

My headphones I use are

Sennheiser PXC 550

Sennheiser C 3.00

Sony MDR XB50 BS

None of which are outrageously special but all serve me well for their purpose.

 

I visited JB the other day and consultant their advised me they have heaps of stock of the V30+ and expects it to be on sale again prior to Christmas.  This means I can get either device within $50 bucks of each other.  ATM I am leaning toward the flexibility of the LG with its WiFi flexibility and full android operating system which has its bonuses when travelling or even out and about where there is free WiFi,  but if the information is compelling the M9 is a better option I can be swayed. 

 

thanks all, any information is appreciated.

 

 

 

[08Boss302 624]

Nobody?  Anybody?

🙁

Surely amongst this community someone has knowledge or opinion on this ?

 

 

[RankStranger 1,278]

53 minutes ago, 08Boss302 said:

Nobody?  Anybody?

🙁

Surely amongst this community someone has knowledge or opinion on this ?

 

 

I don’t have any personal experience but I’m happy to be your voice of reason. From what I have read and seen on the Darko videos the v30 is a no brainer for your situation. Maybe a dedicated DAP will eke another few percent of performance out of your cans but we’re not talking HE1000s here. Plus for travelling  you’ll get web browser, maps, Spotify etc. Based on what you’ve written above I’d see if there are still some v30s around for $400 and be done with it. 
 

If any dedicated DAP enthusiasts want to argue with me I’ll be at the bar 

[08Boss302 624]

thanks mate.

yeah, I am leaning that way heavily now. 

The added functionalilty options and the proven audio capability make it a compelling reason to grab and just utilise as a DAP.  I also came to thinking for travelling I can download some netflix into it and watch offline - a DAP cannot do this either.

 

Just going to sit tight and wait for it to show up at $400 again I think.

[dolphy 496]

If you port in to Telstra and go on a $65/m plan for 12 months, you'll get unlimited text and voice calls (domestic only) and 60gb of data. You'll get a $500 gift certificate, you can use it to buy the LG v30. Only at JB hifi. 

 

Just a thought, I'm planning of using this offer to get the missus a new iPhone 11 pro

[08Boss302 624]

They have different rules and offers per phone unfortunately.  I'm already with Telstra so don't qualify unless I want a, new number but in saying that I don't think the LG gets the gift card offer

 

[dolphy 496]

13 minutes ago, 08Boss302 said:

They have different rules and offers per phone unfortunately.  I'm already with Telstra so don't qualify unless I want a, new number but in saying that I don't think the LG gets the gift card offer

 

Looks like the offer changed between yesterday and today. It's now a 24 month contract and only $300 credit if the phone is less than $999.

 

You could port out to Voda or Optus for a couple of days and port back in. Also depends if your still in contract. 

 

Here's the current link. 

 

I'm not affiliated with Telstra or JB. 

 

https://www.jbhifi.com.au/pages/jb-mobile

[sly_bastard 15]

As long as you don't plan to upgrade and you ok with average audio quality then stick with the phone. Another option might be a Bluetooth amp/DAC of you want something better.

[aussievintage 1,842]

When you go with the phone, check out some of the better players available. 

 

I am using Poweramp, and the configuration capabilities with regard to special high res output drivers, bitrate, sampling rates, casting, bluetooth, etc etc, are amazing.   

[08Boss302 624]

1 hour ago, sly_bastard said:

As long as you don't plan to upgrade and you ok with average audio quality then stick with the phone. Another option might be a Bluetooth amp/DAC of you want something better.

This is interesting, when you say average audio quality are you referring to phones in general or the LG v30 specifically.  I ask only because it (the LGv30) is regarded well on alot of headfi websites and reviews equal to and or better than a lot of DAPs.  It probably does not have the power to run some of the more demanding headphones from what i understand, which is not likely to be of concern for me.

The phone i have now i think is pretty average, I was under the impression the LG would advance on that considerably?

 

I don't think upgrading is on the horizon for me, my iPod classic is 13yrs and still looks a week old and works well, but its lack of Bluetooth, WiFi and FLAC playability has reached a point where i want to expand.

 

[08Boss302 624]

1 hour ago, aussievintage said:

When you go with the phone, check out some of the better players available. 

 

I am using Poweramp, and the configuration capabilities with regard to special high res output drivers, bitrate, sampling rates, casting, bluetooth, etc etc, are amazing.   

Im in the throes of importing everything into my computer using DB poweramp and have purchased gold tier media monkey which i can use on my phone. I'll check out the power amp player also.

This I guess is another coup for the phone option - if the LG is as good of a performer as i have read things like this program/app only increase its appeal to me.

 

 

[aussievintage 1,842]

2 minutes ago, 08Boss302 said:

lack of Bluetooth, WiFi and FLAC

of course, without Wifi it can't do it, but I would include chromecast audio capability in my list for it's replacement.

[aussievintage 1,842]

Just now, 08Boss302 said:

This I guess is another coup for the phone option - if the LG is as good of a performer as i have read things like this program/app only increase its appeal to me.

 

Yes.  I am delighted with the audiophile features you can get with a player like this.

[blybo 3,879]

Why not just use your currant phone and use a Dragon Fly Cobalt as your DAC/Amp to your cans of choice? Then just upgrade the phone as need be when phone plans run out.

 

I use the Sennheiser PXC550's when I travel to my phone via bluetooth (no 3.5mm jack) and find it is fine but I'm thinking of grabbing a Dragonfly for using cabled with my laptop or iPad. Either that or buying a pair of Air Pods Pro and forget ultimate SQ when travelling and go the convenience route.

[aussievintage 1,842]

Here's a couple of screenshots of my typical audio config in Power amp, most things are configurable.

 

 

[blybo 3,879]

and yes you can use Airpods Pro with Android, just not as seamless a bluetooth connection process.