I will probably switch back from DAP to phone: Even an entry level Android Phone is much faster than midrange DAPs: My DX160 has 430 geekbench points. My cheapy Poco M3 1365, my Samsung S6 2534. Of course I have to add a decent DAC/Amp to have the same qualitiy as with DAPs, but if I go Bluetooth for on the move that does not even count at all.
Yeah, the DX160´s performance is extremely pitiful…
Laggs while scrolling, delays on volume up/down adjustments and even the Boot animation is lagging.
Believe+Sony NW-A55+Xduoo XD-05 Basic = 
I do you one better,
NW-A55 + Mr. Walkman firmware update = 
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Not sure how to start a new topic (maybe I’m too new and don’t have access yet?). So, I will ask for a little help here on this thread.
I want to purchase a dac/amp to use with my desktop PC. The main reason is because when connecting any of my iems to the 3.5 headphone output, there is a lot of noise. My iems are between 16-20 ohm and 95-112 dB sensitivity. Although, there may be a possibility in the future of owning a planar iem.
I’m okay using the EarStudio ES100 for mobility, just looking for a stationary desktop unit for the PC. I use Spotify Premium for all of my music. I use SE 3.5 mm and Balanced 2.5 mm cables.
Not looking for an end-game dac-amp, just need something that will provide quiet background for sensitive iems and prefer a powered unit, not internal battery.
Budget around $100-$150. I frequently purchase used or open-box items on eBay. I see FiiO K3 and FiiO K5 Pro… is this the direction I should go, based on my meager requirements?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
I dont know much about this, but as we discussed earlier in this topic, the K5 pro could be one of the “not iem friendly” desktop solutions…
I think it has enormous wattage for its price and I wouldnt really say its an advantage for iems.
iFi’s Zen Dac is a pretty versatile unit that can provide a black background with sensitive IEM’s, You’ll need to use a 1/4" to 3.5mm adaptor and a 2.5mm to 4.4mm Pentaconn though, cheapish too 
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Reminded me I wanted to ask if you think Zen DAC can properly power some planars up to mid-range (for example hifimans from he400i to sundara)?
Always heard its good for efficient sets, but is it an all rounder?
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So for a dap would y’all say the sony A55, or say the fiio m7? I would prefer the m7 due to the volume wheel, but I also love da sony too lol. Anyway thoughts?
Sony daps are low in output power. But there are firmware mods that can improve them.
I got portable amps so just looking for a clean source its ok if it lacks power. Also the interface and eq options are a consideration as well.
Thanks for the rec, much appreciated. Already have the 3.5mm to 1/4, as it came with Mangird TEA. Just need to get a 2.5 to 4.4 adapter.
Ha, Prime Audio Reviews… was leaning towards the TEA and review pushed me over the edge, lol.
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Well, we are only 2 days from the aliexpress sale. What are you guys getting?
My candidates are:
KZ DQ6
Yincrow RW-2000
Ikko OH10
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I love my Ikko OH10 
But I am not sure if there are IEM’s I HAVE to get (or cables etc.), so I will see what comes up.
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If you need cables, get XINHS cables.
But otherwise if you want something you might want to get it during this sale. Since there wont be any big sale until the summer sale in july.
WTF, how can they make a planar iem and not even tell you in the materials?
It looks like a planar driver, yet they tell you its a “nano-diaphragm” and bombard you with Knowles BA.
ChiFi
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yeah, its confusing. But it looks like a planar + ba hybrid. The previous MT100 was a planar + BA hybrid as well.