I will be studying abroad in EU and leaving my main gaming/desk setup in the US. Looking for something that I do not have to constantly keep charged or can run under usb power from a phone/laptop that can function as a quality main audio source in both stationary and travel scenarios. I know I am not looking for a DAP but I am unsure on whether to go with something as small as a dongle DAC or something like the iFi hipdac. Possibly something similar to the Fiio BTR15 without the interface issues. Likely using this with Focal Elegia and Beyerdynamic Tygr. Current desk setup is Topping D10+Liquid Spark. Budget is around $150+tax USD.
Original Chord Mojo. It is holographic, very resolving, powerful and vibes with almost every headphone and IEM that I have put on it. They can be picked up pretty cheap on eBay.
The U.S. version of the Apple 3.5mm adapter can handle the Tygre but might be enough for the Elegia. The Tanchjim Space can do it if you get balanced 4.4mm cables for the elegia like the Youkamoo or Bravehart on AliExpress. For the 11/11 sale coming you could easily get both under budget. I use an Apple adapter for travel but it will power the Hifiman he5xx and Deva pro wired, and the Tygre I have sounds good with them. The U.S. version of the Apple adapter has twice the power of the EU version and cost $9. I’d start with that and could always consider the Tanchjim Space later.
I like the Fiio BTR7, it has THX amp, LDAC Bluetooth, can be run USB to a phone or laptop, or Bluetooth.
It has good clean power output from the THX amps. Also has a battery saver mode if you leave it connected, it will only charge to 80% so the actual battery life last longer. It has a car mode that you can use to automatically wake it up when it sees USB power.
I do like the Hip DAC but it needs to be connected to USB on your phone and it’s a lot to put in a pocket and not constantly disconnect the USB. If you are using it stationary like at a desk or sitting still on a train then I really like the Hip DAC power output, size and bass boost.
The BTR7 is a lot smaller and the Bluetooth removes the annoying USB cable to phone problem.
Also, I see you don’t want a DAP but after owning one I rarely or should I say never use my BTR7. The new Hiby R4 isn’t that much different size wise vs the Hip DAC. If you account for the thickness of your phone and the Hip DAC the R4 will be thinner and probably lighter.
It has good output, the ability to stream or you can save music from most streaming services for offline listening. I use Amazon music HD and have hundreds of songs downloaded in full HD (lossless) Flac .
It also has desktop DAC/AMP mode where it can act like a dongle with the option to charge or not charge while working as a DAC/Amp dongle.
My honest suggestion would be to get a Hiby R4 and never look back. Its less headache than trying to connect a dongle DAC to your phone (unless your stationary)
And it doesn’t use your phone battery. (You can flip a switch on the BTR7 so that it doesn’t use phone battery)
Edit: for your budget I like the BTR7 for the reasons stated above. Also it’s thx amps will sound different from your liquid spark ( own a liquid spark, first desk top amp I bought)
The liquid spark is warmer and sounds slightly more musical (not as clinical and technical vs the THX)
I like the liquid spark for more treble focused headphones like the Grado.
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Can confirm I have powered Elegia to quite satisfying volume using the little lightning to 3.5 mm dac/dongle that came with my iPhone 8.
It sure isn’t a desktop headphone amp on a dedicated dac, but it worked much better than I would have thought and sounded pretty decent while at it.
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Focal are pretty sensitive and don’t need much power to push them. They do scale with power, though.
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how good is moondrop dawn pro in the current market? planning to get it with my 2nd coupon. I wanna get fosi ds2 but not available on linsoul. On Aliexpress its 53€ but the moondrop dawn pro + tangzu sancais tips i can get for 35€ only on linsoul with coupon. Just scared abt the moondrop qc ngl
I have the old BTR5 and love it, the interface issues are really only about the configuration when you set it up, otherwise I like the interface. The BTR15 and BTR13 have the same interface, granted I think you get Parametric EQ on the 13. The BTR7 is probably the best pick of this type that lets you do bluetooth and wired.
For wired only portable I like the Fiio KA17, but the KA11 is a steal at $30 ( vs $150 ).