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Best sounding DAP for under $400?

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MakersMarc:
I don't have my pc connected to my stereo, so other than an occasional CD my playback "deck" is either a fiio X1 2nd gen and an X3 first gen. I like them but I can't help thinking that these are fine for portable use, but I ought to step it up for home use if there's really anything  in my price range that sounds better than the fiio boxes. Not interested in anything but the sound, don't care about features at all. Looking for a very detailed soundstage but a hint of warmth.

Thanks!

Chilly Brioschi:
Excellent question for me to throw on the Mike Grace list.

I've been toying with putting an Onkyo DP-X1A on a "Bible stand" as a center piece player.
Network audio is really decentralizing the concept, however.

kindms:

--- Quote from: MakersMarc on October 13, 2018, 12:45:29 PM ---I don't have my pc connected to my stereo, so other than an occasional CD my playback "deck" is either a fiio X1 2nd gen and an X3 first gen. I like them but I can't help thinking that these are fine for portable use, but I ought to step it up for home use if there's really anything  in my price range that sounds better than the fiio boxes. Not interested in anything but the sound, don't care about features at all. Looking for a very detailed soundstage but a hint of warmth.

Thanks!

--- End quote ---

Are you looking to connect your PC or ...

Im very happy with the new Massdrop Grace. For PC > Stereo cant get any easier. USB > RCA thats it.

It was 80$ hard to go wrong really.

Or maybe a nice Headphone pre-am / dac combo. I was using a Audio-GD Fun until just recently

http://www.audio-gd.com/pro/Headphoneamp/FUN/FUNCH.htm

They make some cool stuff. I bought from them years ago and was smooth transaction etc

I think they have many reviews on the various headphones sites

But ultimately the DAC in the Fiios are pretty damn good so maybe just plug right in to a nice pre>AMP>FACE
(I was running fiio x1 >stereo mini > Little Bear Tube Pre > Outlaw Audio 2200 mono blocks >VR2s)

MakersMarc:
Not a headphone guy this would connect directly to my 40 year old Nikko receiver and B&W v202s.

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