BEST of 2023. Dongle DAC & IEMs
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ธ.ค. 2023
- Another great year coming to conclusion. AndyAudioVault #donglemadness is also having a blast with 2023. Join me as I reflect on what has transpired this year, and my pick for best performers for 2023.
Sections:
00 Introduction
01:13 Dongles 2023!
05:48 IEMs 2023!
15:07 2023 in Reflections
Shot On:
- Sony Alpha A6700 (Native 4K50P XAVC HS 4.2.2)
- Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM (36mm APSC)
- RØDE Wireless Pro
#donglemadness Overall Dongle Ranking List:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
AndyAudioVault IEMs Tier List for 2023:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
My Primary Tidal Playlist:
tidal.com/browse/playlist/ba3...
My Gaming Channel:
/ @feveredpitchdelirium
My Twitch Channel:
/ fpdelirium - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Hi Andy, we can't thank you enough for testing and sharing your thoughts with us. I think you're doing a great job. Keep on doing such great content in 2024!
Thanks Marcel. Wishing you a great 2024 ahead!
Hi Andy thank you so much,your channel has become my no.1 source on the web
@@donglemadnessmoondrop river 2 ti?
@@STAYCBias As noted in this video, I only list what I have personally tried and tested for 2021. Moondrop MR2 Ti I didn't manage to get it
Again thank you Andy for your recommendations . This year I got KZ Castor and KZ ZVX , Simgot EW200 , Tanchjim Zero two times , got Hidizs MP145 two times , got HiBy FC4 , got iBasso DC04 PRO , got a Hiby FC6 . All these items from your recommendations and I have to say this right now . I dont regret a single purchase I made . Thank YOU !
Lol, my pleasure, always. Enjoy your music and here's hoping for an even better 2024. Cheers!
@@donglemadness Thanks Andy enjoy your music aswell
Thank you for all the reviews and information shared!
You are so welcome!
Great video. Keep on doing the great work you do. Looking forward to what you’ll come out for 2024. Happy New Year!
Thanj you. And happy new year to you too!
Thank you so much Andy! Always love your videos!
My pleasure 😁
Thanks for the effort Andy! Appreciated.
Happy new year!
My pleasure. Happy nrw year!
Thank you for providing so much information and insights! Happy new year!
Happy New Year Carlos, and thanks! Cheers to 2024
Thanks for your hard work this year. Happy new year
Happy new year! and thanks!
Happy New Year Abe Andy!! Great video as always....Thanks for all your hardwork and kindness thru-out the past years!
Hahaha. Thanks as always. Enjoy your new year there!
Thank you for sharing your experience! Gives me a lot of joy and insight. Looking forward,
Happy new year 🍀🖖
My pleasure 🥳
Thank you so much, love and live by your reviews
My pleasure. Happy New Year 2024!
Thank you Andy for all the reviews this year! Keep going!
Thank you! support from you and others will keep me going. Happy New Year!
Looking forward for more reviews next year. Happy new year Andy!!
Happy new year! :D
Happy New Year Andy! Your channel is among the few I referenced for audio gears. Hope you do greater and better in 2024.
Thank you! And Happy New year to you too
Thanks for this bro!! I have been so pre occupied with a lot of new priorities lately not to mention a newborn. And your videos and ratings keeps me in the loop on news on this hobby. I always appreciate the private chats and time man. Cheers and thanks again bro!
No worries bro
Happy New Year, Andy, your channel is a favorite of mine, thank you so much 😊
Happy new year! and thanks for the support!
Thank you for all your hard but enjoyable work, have a great 2024.
Thanks, you too!
Thank you for your time and effort in providing all of this invaluable information. It’s much appreciated.
My pleasure! 😊
Thanks Andy for all your great vids and reviews in 2023
All the best for 2024☺️👍🏼
You're welcome. And thank you for the support. Have a great day ahead there and Happy New Year!
Thankyou for reviewing so many new releases.
My pleasure!
Happy New Year, Andy! Wishing you, your viewers and all the world the very best for a peaceful, hopeful, joyful, abundant and musical 2024. Thanks for your reviews this past year. I appreciate your views & thoughts on audio gear & enjoy your content. Here’s to all good things for everyone in 2024. Keep up the good work!
Thank you!. I wish the same for you. Have a great year ahead. Cheers!
I'm been in the "iem review" part of Yt for a while but I just found your channel and it's such a jem! Instantly subscribed.
Welcome aboard! And a very heartfelt thank you for your support. Happy New Year!
Great video bro, your list is very well put together. Thanks for sharing these videos which helps the Budget-Fi community a lot. Cheers!
My man, thanks as always. Here's for another great year ahead! 🤘🏼
Happy New Year. Thank you for all the reviews good sir, appreciate your opinion
Wishing you the same. Here's for a great 2024! Thanks again!
Thank you for your good recommendation of DACs and IEMs.
No worries. It was a pleasure
Brotha, thanks so much for doing these videos. I am new to the space and I am trying to learn, brands, quality, etc. This is so helpful! Please keep going you are underrated!
Thanks. It's a pleasure to be able to help
Thank you for the tier list appreciated hats of
My pleasure
Good video as always. Have a great 2024
Thanks! and you too!
Great Andy as always . Happy New Year in advance !!
My pleasure, always. Wishing you a great 2024 ahead!
@@donglemadness Thank you thank you !!!!
Happy New Year Andy! GRACIAS AMIGO for all you do. I treasure your opinions. Wishing you happiness and fun in 2024.
In early 2024 I hope you'll try TRN Conch / compare to Simgot line etc. Alos I'd suggest checking out CCA Rhapsody. I like both, they are close to my poor man's engame IEMs.
Happy new year! And thanks!!
Wonderfull job. I bought the KZ D Fi and ZVX after waching your videos. Amazing sound for cheap.
Have a great 2024!
Thanks, you too! ✌️
happy new year andy in advance .. love your reviews
Thanks man. You have a blast there, 2024 beckons!
2024 will be a great year for dongles, i bet ✨✨
anyways, thank you for ur dedication in every reviews, esp. dacs. i have ka13 rn and ur review helped me a lot to justify my choice and never regretted it.
happy new year 🎉. cheers!
Wishing you a great 2024 ahead! and Happy New Year. Thanks again!
Underrated channel. Very calm, collected and informative presentation.
Much appreciated! 😃
Thank you Andy for this ranking, i've been doing a lot of research on the internet to find a good Dongle DAC and your content has helped me tremendously. 🤟
Glad it was helpful!
Happy New Year Andy!
Thank you!🥳🥳
A great summary of the year. The correct motto is to enjoy the music, not the equipment! Cool job!
Thanks.You have a great new year ahead there 🥳
3 years of madness 🤣. Thanks for all the great content, Andy!
My pleasure
Hi. I’ve finally got my ibasso 04pro to go with my MP145s- thanks to you! Both are new to me and I’m very much enjoying the sound. It really works well to my ears. Yesterday night I used my Hifiman Sundaras and alternated the Mojo2 and Ibasso 04. Both do well tbh but the Mojo2 placed the vocals just a little more forward and didn’t make the instruments the main sound. The 04pro did make the vocals recede into the mix of instruments. I will continue trying to assess but not anywhere near as well as you do.
Happy new year Andy
Same to you! 🤘😁
Hi Andy, thank you for all your insightful and unbiased reviews not only during 2023 but previous years too.
I've recently bought the Fiio KA13 and couldn't be happier this dongle is an absolute beast with driving power especially in desktop mode. This kind of performance was only dreamt about 2 years ago and it makes me wonder where we'll be end of 2024?
Happy and healthy new year to you and your family.
Thank you!. Happy New Year to you too and family :D
Thanks for your content and reviews. Awesome stuff. I am glad I found this channel. Great reviews. I ended up getting shanling UA4, simgot ew200 and kinera celest pandamon. My first dive into iems and its great. Shanling UA4 sounds amazing with my stock t60rps. Huge upgrade from apple dongle.
My pleasure!
Got the DC04pro cause of your recommendation :) Excited to give it a try when it arrives. Thank you and Happy New Year!
Hope you enjoy it! Happy New Year too!
@@sorcerermax5111 DC04pro is cheaper then BTR15 for me. What features does it have over the DC04pro though?
@@MobuFPS I got BTR15 yesterday and upon using it more, I found that it has bugs and doesn't perform the way it should. I regret selling my DC04 pro now
I was looking for an IEM to buy in 2024 and after watching this video I ended up buying Hidizs MP 145 and loving it so far. I want to say that I appreciate your hard work and your recommendation. Looking forward to the 2024 list and once again thank you and keep up the excellent work Andy!
My pleasure
Happy New Year, Andy!
Thank you for your highly informative videos! See you again in 2024!
Thank you for your generosity. It means a lot to me. Here's for an even better 2024! Cheers!
Very classy and helpful in a jungle of options…
Thank you so much and a Happy New Year too You and yours 🤘
How or what would you describe as your sound preference?
Either way… so informative and helpful… thanks 💫
Thanks, I am humbled. As for my sound preferences, I have been a longtime zealot of Diffused Field Neutral of Etymotic sound or AKG K701. But then for the last 3 years since I had Shure KSE1500, I have grown to love a more organic and natural, analog sound over clinical accuracy. The best part, KSE1500 excel in both departments, of being super analytical yet exceedingly natural, ethereal smooth and airy. So you could say I am back into the STAX/Electrostatic sort of sound
Un feliz año 2024 Andy y gracias por compartir tu experiencia y revisión de equipos, gracias a tu revisión estaba entre el ka5, mondrop pro, shanling ua4, Epz Tp30 y me decidí por el ibasso dc04pro creo que es la mejor compra en calidad, precio sonido y performance según he visto revisiones.
¡Gracias Wilson!. ¡Feliz Año Nuevo para ti también!
Sivga Nightingale. Courtesy Andy's top recco, got one ( a used item, all burned-in nicely!). What ay bloody strange and sweet IEM, this. Love it. If you know what genres to throw at it, this is going to be super rewarding experience. Purrfect from the moment i turned it on . Try jazz vocalists like Diana Krall. And for metal heads, this is gem. Fast transients and more importantly all the harsh rapidity streamed in that velvety veil - it's a uniquely fabulous experience listening to metal. I use a wide bore (from Penon, stock also would do) for Metal when I want the velvety soundscape, and Dunu S&S (which gives more treble energy). A totally immersive experience this. Spot on for the contrasting music of acoustic and metal. The tuning is uniquely different as Andy suggests in the above review; so keep that in mind. I am loving it!
🐐 of dac reviewers
Thanks!
Just ordered the DC04 Pro!
Thank you for your video in 2023, Andy. Also thank you so much for KZ Castor and the Fiio KA1. I have sad feeling because the KA1 is stolen by colleague in office
I am sorry for your loss. Nonetheless I wish you a great 2024 ahead. Keep the spirit high!
@@donglemadness Thank you. 2024 will be better for us
Fantastic video! This was extremely useful information. Keep it up man.
Thank you! Happy to do what I do! haha
Got Colorfly CDA-M1P, this is the perfect sounding dongle!
Indeed. You have a great 2024 ahead. Cheers!
Enjoy the music, not analyze it. Spot on. Can't agree more. Glad to find we are on the same boat when it comes to Nightingale. That IEM steals the show when I'm deciding which one to grab. My review on it is on process. If not only I'm too busy, i would have published it weeks ago. Happy new year bro!!
Spot on bro. Take it easy
I already ordered simgot ew200, but also i am planning to buy tanchjim zero this 2024. Thank you so much sir were so lucky to have you❤
No worries. You have a great 2024 there!
@@donglemadness i already bought the dc 04 pro my first time dongle that high price for me ☺️
You won't regret it, these two actually complement each other. Easily my favorite budget iems to date.
*do burn in the ew200 at least for a few hours.
I have the EA1000 and Kara, awesome sets. I have also the S15 with me, it’s a great neutral set, neutral but extremely musical. It’s like a tonally corrected S12 with a boost in technicalities in the mids and the bass. The bass alone is worth the price tag. Textured, fast, full-bodies, detailed. Plus, the treble has no longer the planar metallic timbre.
Couldn't agree more! Happy New Year!
Thanks for all effort to give solid IEM review unlike others MY reviewer channel who just do for views & read spec from the box lol
Also big kudos for praising Tanchjim Zero & One. You and Jay Audio the only one who praise it in 'good tier'
My pleasure. Your words mean a lot to me. Have a great year ahead and beyond!
I bought FD11 after watching this video.. Thanks Andy...
Enjoy it
This is my second time to watch this video😂❤
I like your video
happy new year!!
please review jcally ap20 and kiwiears melody
Thanks. No worries, I am getting Kiwiears IEMs and will review some of them soon :D
Happy New Year, Andy!
I've got the same issue with the DC04Pro as you. Maybe we should go the BT way in 2024...
And the MP145 is the winner for me as well.
Thanks my friend, if you're looking to solve that issue, I only have one name to say, FiiO BTR15, that's practically DC04Pro with LDAC BT, I am using it more and more now for the added convenience without losing resolution with LDAC Max
I was on the fence as to what might replace my venerable FiiO BTR5. I went with the MUSE HiFi M4 for under $100. It doesn't have an LCD...it doesn't have an EQ like the Qudelix...but it does have 7 filters. In terms of power, clarity, rich sound, battery capacity, build...wow. No regrets.
IMHO, a killer combo with the ARTTI T10 for on-the-go musical enjoyment.
Glad to see FC6 still in your top, just ordered FC6 new for 150$, I'm can't wait to put it on my ear, if what I expected is true, then this would be best p/p right now
Of course, FC6 is my personal favorite at #1. And you got it for such a bargain price!
@donglemadness Hi Andy I was wondering, is the HIBY FC6 still your #1 favorite?
In terms of dongle dacs.
Great reviews, you very very clearly know your stuff and your enthusiasm for audio enjoyment shines through. Thank you for sharing.
I’m wondering about the cayin ru6 compared to example iFi hip dacs or gold bar.
Enjoying most genres from complex classical to music to move to. Female vocals, kodo drummers and more.
Using 7hz timeless for a fun sound, sennheiser ie600 for more detail, sennheiser hd560 with balanced cable as light comfortable headphones (had audeze lcd 2 but didn’t like the mods so much and they felt heavy). Also Edifier stax spirit s3 - nice for wireless audio headphones (and wired) but usability is a big issue.
Thanks Andrew. I have tested both iFi Hip Dac and Go Bar, I must say RU6 from my perspective is clearly a superior DAC compared to Hip Dac and edges the GO Bar a bit more overall. Regardless of what genre you play, it depends on what you attach it to, RU6 is neutral and transparent so you get to hear the intended sound from your IEMs/Headphones, just like many other well-tuned neutral DAC/Amps
@@donglemadness thanks for your reply really appreciated. I'm eying up the Cayin RU6 for a range of IEMs and headphones!
Thank you for this tier list, Andy!
Just wondering, in which bracket will iFi Go Bar be? 😁
Happy New Year for everyone, anyway! 🎉
My pleasure, just check the overall tier list I provided in the description section, you will find what you seek there
Great review...as always. Clear and to point. Would like to see, next time around where the ARTTI T10 planar would stack on your list. For me, having the MP145, the T10, and the venerable S12; I tend to enjoy the MP145 and the T10 the most. In terms of Price/Performance...nothing comes close to the T10, IMHO.
If someone is on a budget, the planar: T10;
on a tight budget, the hybrid: CCA Rhapsody;
on a REALLY tight budget, the hybrid: KZ Castor (improved);
...and practically no spare change: Tanchjim Zero.
Thank you!. I look forward to try the T10
Wish you a very happy new year Andy.. your hardwork nd time making our musicality much better.. thank you for everything 🙌🏻❤
I am so glad to see my simgot ew200 in your list. I thought I could see DC03 pro also in your dongle list but somehow I couldn't see that.. is there any reason behind it?? It was actually a 5 star rated dongle 😢
Thanks much again for everything Andy..
My pleasure. You don't see DC03Pro because it was covered in 2022. This 2023 list was for 2023 reviews only
@@donglemadness oh sorry my bad I thought it is from 2023.. never mind 😄
@@donglemadness hii andy.. am considering MP145 to get into my collection.. before that I wanted to check with you on one thing.. will MP145 can be easily driven with DC03 Pro?? Can I get the full potential of it through my DC03 Pro?? Or will this affect any performance of the IEM?? Thanks in advance Andy..
@@razz_v95 Yes of course, it will pair really well with DC03Pro, you get dynamic and engaging sound
Dear Andy,
Privileged to follow your TH-cam Channel!
Thank you so much for helping me, and others, to navigate the hobby and pick the right products, the way you do... While doing it so well, and no less important for me, being so authentically yourself and so pleasant to watch!
(Not putting up some TH-cam/Life Persona, trying to present oneself this or that way, and appear to be funny or 'fun' or witty or all the rest of it, which are so transparently fake and shallow and just tiring, but annoyingly too common).
QUESTION PLEASE:
Looking for a dongle DAC/Amp with 3.5+4.4 (not Portable, no Battery, no Bluetooth) with BOTH HARDWARE VOLUME AND PLAYBACK CONTROLS (so that during a purely listening closed-eyes session, I am free of needing to look at a phone's screen and interact with visual touch buttons).
Are FIIO KA5 and the older LOTOO PAW S2, all that exist to choose from (unbelievably rare if so), or are there more options that you happen to know of and my search has failed to find (SHANGLING UA4 is not - Shangling says one can use the menu to set the buttons either for playback controls or volume controls but not both simultaneously)?
Thank you so much!
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thank you. Your words mean a lot to me. Happy New Year!
This almost made me buy the iBasso DC04 Pro and Hidizs MP145. Then I reminded myself I still don’t have the budget.
Will enjoy my Simgot EA500 for now and maybe visit planar IEMs in the future. :)
Hi Andy, finally received my Hidizs MP 145.
Like you mentioned i have paired with dc04Pro, works like an absolute charm. It’s just an amazing IEM.
An absolute treat to the ears, loved the soundstage. Thanks for your recommendation.
Also i did order Tanchjim zero , to my surprise its clean and transparent. The only thing i noticed, when paired with USB DAC amp (DC04 PRO in my case) on higher volume it seems a bit overpowered.
Note for Indian buyers:
Since Hidizs MP 145 and Tanchjim zero (without mic) is not currently available in India.
I ordered from the hificat, under normal delivery it takes 10-11 days. If you opt for free/normal delivery the custom duty is taken care of. No need to pay.
However if you opt for fast shipping (Fedex/DHL), then you will have to incur the additional costs of shipping and customer duty.
Tanchjim ZERO utilises thick membrane DMT4 dynamic driver so it will take time to bed in, Zero will really shine after the mark of at least 100 hours and will scale amazing with power, only iFi Diablo can strain it
@@donglemadness thanks for your inputs, really appreciate:)
Hi Chaitanya , Have you compared with a high end IEM such as final audio a 8000 or u12t by 64 audio ?
@@tango_gru I am very happy with hidizs mp 145, so I haven't invested in any other IEM
I got myself a Hidizs Martha for the new year.
A solid choice!
Thanks for the sum-up video. My hidizs S3 Pro broke its plug (the internal usc-c plug insert) do you know anyone that repairs it?
Dude thanks for spending your new year making video for your followers.
Not worth to repair bro, probably cost cheaper to buy another budget dongle
Very nice end of year wrap up, Andy! I've got all the dongles I need but am hoping for more high-quality portable Bluetooth DAC/Amps in 2024 like a next-gen Fiio BTR7 or Shanling UP5 but with AKM DAC. And I'm now more curious about Sivga Nightingale than ever since you mentioned it matching well with harsher music. Am I correct in assuming that you like it with black and death metal and harsh electronic music like Merzbow or Pan Sonic?
Thanks. Yes true, I listen to a lot of Lo-Fi Black Metal with harsh mastering as well as Industrial Metal. For noise savant like Merzbow, yes Nightingale would appear less peaky with the upper register, yet the micro details of the decays are still there, that's why I love it so much
@@donglemadness Thanks for confirming, Andy. And I had a hunch you'd know who Merzbow is 😉
Hi Andy, your channel is very interesting, thanks for your reviews!
Which is the perfect match for bluetooth hires music listening? I mean dongle dac bluetooth streamer plus bluetooth iem. Thank you again 😉
Thanks, BT capable dongle, then my pick is FiiO BTR15, a device that I use personally and regularly. As for BT only IEM, try Soundpeats Engine4
I wholeheartedly agree with the Hiby FC6 being used on the Fostex , but of course R2R is not really the answer for sound-stage , good work and good time for Dongle Madness 2024
Fostex love here haha. Happy new year to you too! 🥳
Im very lucky to stumble upon this channel! Can you suggest to me iem under rm100 for listening to k-pop/ballad genres which focusing more on melodious female vocals?
Thanks. I think you will find Kefine Delci to fit your needs really well
@andy Hi! Can you please review Shanling H2 if possible? This is an interesting device with all functionalities combined. The best thing is has SD card playback, that it could be used as DAP too. Will be really great if you can review this.
Yes of course if I can get one I would love to review it. Thanks
This is my third time to watch this episode
🙏😁
Im planning of buying the hidizs mp145 upgrade for my kz d-fi, tangzu waner, and tanchjim sero 😊
Hi from Italy, and happy new year!
Do you still consider the D-Fi and the ZVX to be a better pair overall compared to the Krila and the Castor?
More precisely, is it worth it to pick the D-Fi and the ZVX if I already have the Krila and the Castor? Thank you very much! :)
Yes, DF-i and ZVX is still a better unit compared to Krila and Castor, but we are looking at minute and very small differences here, especially comparing Krila vs DF-i. So if you already have Krila, you don't have to worry about DF-i or ZVX, Castor on the other hand is tuned differently being Harman, of which ZVX and DF-i are not Harman
Hi Andy, out of curiousity where would you rank the FiiO BTR15 and Qudelix 5k if you were to judge them purely as regular dongles on your year end list?
And on a side note if I like to listen to low bass singers and also different metal genres (power, speed, death etc) should I go for the Nightingale or BQEYZ Wind (I liked the way you described the bass there)?
Happy New Year from Germany and stay healthy. You do great work.
BTR15 I would rank on par to DC04Pro (as how I noted that in my BTR15 review, if you ever wished DC04Pro was a BT dongle, BTR15 is the answer, because they do sounded similar to my ears) and I am finding my fondness for BTR15 grows more every day because it performs so very well both LDAC Max and wired. Qudelix 5K on the other hand I would rank alongside iBasso DC06Pro which offers strong ESS Sabre flavor. Now between Wind and Nightingale, both exceedingly suitable for Metal, but since you mentioned Bass appreciation, I will say that the Bone conduction Low Frequency of Wind is more tactile, crisp and engaging with that sweet vibes and texture. Nightingale on the account of being a Planar, however offer a bit more of transient speed yet somehow managed to emit airy smooth decays. Yes, I know I am not making it easy for you to decide between the two, it is because I will not say one bad in order to make another looked good. Both has qualities that makes them superb in their own way
@@donglemadness Thank you very much for replying. I'm leaning towards the Wind and Qudelix combo not gonna lie. The bone conducting sounds very appealing to me. So does the customization of Qudelix.
If you ever find yourself in need of a vocal track to test for bass try this (nowadays one of my go to headphone test tracks for bass):
th-cam.com/video/lyekSI_4Qlc/w-d-xo.html
Cover of "The Sound of Silence" by low bass singer Geoff Castellucci
Can't wait to hear this with bone conducting.
Hi boss, great video but a bit too late as I bought the FIIO KA13 before I watched this video. Anyway, just to ask, between the 5-star iBasso DC06 Pro and this FIIO KA13 which got 4.5 stars, what is the main difference between the two DAC dongle? Which one will be more spacious and 3-dimensional with better separation and perhaps brighter in the treble? Thanks!
No worries. DC06Pro offers more resolution and crisper imaging, more holographic too, but it is not as analog/natural sounding as KA13 which I regard as smoother than DC06Pro. In short, DC06Pro is more technical than KA13, and KA13 is more musical than DC06Pro
hi Andy, thank you for the review, + 1 suscribe :) Could you please advise what to choose for a basslover that can hit deep like Fratfreq's iems ?
Thanks! your subs means a lot to me. Basshead? lol that would be a bit tricky as my definition of Bass heavy might not be enough for Bass lovers, but at least I can say that for Bass enriched IEMs, I think AFUL P5 and IKKO OH10 would do nicely, and if you love Midbass I would even say BASN Metalen has it. But I am not familar with Fratfreq's IEMs so I really have no idea how to recommend based on that reference. Cheers
thank you for the quick reply@@donglemadness
Thoughts on the Qudelix 5K as far as sound goes? I have one and love the convenience of Bluetooth and features, but haven’t tested anything else for sound.
I talked about 5K in a separate video, comparing it vs BTR15, perhaps that one can give you some ideas
Hello, thanks for your great videos !!!
I plan to purchase COLORFLY CDA-M1P instead HIBY R3 PRO ,listening through Sound Rhyme SR5, JUZEAR 41T, EPZ K5,Artti R2 .
Will this be a level up?
Thanks!. Have a look at my review for ONIX Alpha and I think you will do better with that one instead
@@donglemadness Thanks a lot!
Hi Andy Happy new year. can you share a review on Questyle M15? I am looking for a powerful dongle to drive planar headphones. They sound better with more power from my SP200. I am looking for a dongle with similar capabilities.
And same the you, Happy New Year! M15 was done over a year ago and I posted my review on Head-Fi.
Hi Andy, I just came across your channel while trying to learn about audio and was shopping for Headphones but you are so educational and direct that I give you my utmost respect. I got on Tidal over my iPhone 15 pro max and my objective is to get the most immersive, dynamic and detailed sound in “hi res”. So would be getting HIBY FC6 + SIVGA Nightingale be my best option? Or you have a different set up to recommend knowing that I am looking for IEM not headphone.
And pls forgive my ignorance if that does not make sense.
Hey thanks for the kind words. Immersive and detailed, as much as I love Nightingale, due to very personal preference, I must say that you get a bit more details from Hidizs MP145, that's me being very objective. MP145 is almost as immersive sounding like Nightingale, lol I know you can't have everything unless you get Shure KSE1500, then I can guarantee you that you will have both musical immersion plus out of this world resolution/details. And yes, pair them with FC6 for the best highly resolving analog experience
@@donglemadness thank you once more, as this is my first time to get into the worlds of DACs and IEM I went with the recommendation high made for the MP145 but had to get the iBasso DC04 Pro (as per the great educational video on how it compares) since the FC6 will wait a long time to ship in my case. I also got the MP145 as 4.4 not 3.5 as I read somewhere (not sure if this is even true) that 4.4 should give more balanced audio. Do you think I should cancel my iBasso order and still get the FC6 instead though of the waiting time (and change the MP145 to 3.5) or you think the combination I got should do well in comparison still?
Again, thank you for taking so many hands into the relearn of great audio through the world :)
One final thought, and again excuse my ignorance but this setup with DAC and IEM should give far more superior Audi from iPhone than AirPods Pro 2, right? In my thinking the compression and Bluetooth would do so but again read an UNcredible comment somewhere that the difference is not big at all. I would like to refute and think differently 😄
@@khaledn74 As you can see in my #donglemadness tier list, there's a lot of dongles which are excellent even the 4 Stars rated ones. I just love FC6 the most because I regard FC6 being the one that clicked to my taste the most. DC04Pro is an excellent partner for MP145. On the subject of 4.4mm BAL vs 3.5mm SE, let me just clarify this, the plug size does not determine the quality of the output, but on a DAC/Amp that has both 4.4 and 3.5, it is always better to use the 4.4mm side because it offers 100% output power while the 3.5mm SE intentionally tuned with 50% or less power, hence the perception that 4.4 sounded better on scalable partners. And yes, MP145 is way superior than any Airpods
@@donglemadness thank you for your time and I owe you educating me on the subject Andy!
Hola, Andy, aun recomiendas, jcally jm10 y jcally ap10? Hzsound Heart Mirror Zero lo pusiste en la lista muy bien 😊
Yes of course. AP10 and JM10 are still relevant and what sounded great will always stay that way. Cheers
Hi Andy, which one is that blue or dark blue cable u have attached to hidizs mp145 and sivga nightingale ??
Both my MP145 and A5000 uses NICEHCK MixPP 6N OFC cables, my Nightingale uses the stock OFC cable that comes with it
Hi Andy, thanks for ur efforts, I have purchased a kph30i recently and looking for a cheap yet great sounding amp, which do u prefer will be best suited , ibasso dc03 / 04 or colorfly cda m1 p. Also what do u think of ifi audio uno amp/dac. Will the dsktp amp perform better than portable amp, considering they are similarly priced. Also i need the amp to drive my microphones though it has trrs jack. Will the mic work on the portable or desktop amp or do i need to buy the fosi audio k5 pro, which has seperate mic port and what do u feel in terms of sound quality of it. Thanks again ! Cheers!
Thank you. From what I have learned the past 4 years, the quality of small form factor DAC/Amps can easily match equally priced desktop setup especially if you are driving efficient headphones and KPH30i is an efficient headphone. Some marginal (and I mean very marginal) differences would be evidence when you start to push a lot harder stuffs like Sennheiser HD600/650 or full sized magnetic planars.
You mentioned MIC with TRRS, unfortunately most dongles especially the ones with detachable USB C type, does not support MIC functions. The only ones you can use with MIC would be the likes of Creative Sound Blaster G3 or ASUS ROG Clavis, or Venture Electronic Megatron/Prime DAC. So yes the options would be limited and if you are not worried about being portable, use Fosi Audio K5 Pro then. There's also an option to use FiiO BTR15 which I personally use regularly on daily basis, it has built in MIC that I find super useful. Hope this helps
@@donglemadness Thank you so much.. God bless you. I think fiio btr 15 doesn't have inbuilt mic. Only via Bluetooth , so i will have to stick with fosi k5 pro.
Your videos are awesome man. Have you ever tried any of the modern DAPs? I just bought an a&k sr35, upgrading from a shio dongle. The difference is unbelievable. I truly believe now for audiophiles, this is the way to go. Now I can't decide on a pair of balanced headphones iem. Would you have any advise for this pairing?
Thanks. I have stopped using modern DAPs back in 2020 when I traded off Cayin N6ii E02 and N3 Pro for dongles. The only DAP I use now is Sony PCM-D100. What to recommend on IEMs? what's your sound tuning preference and what's you budget limit? there's tons of great IEMs now
Hey I bought an iem. I purchased an Astell and kern sr35. I was just wondering if you could advise good headphones for it balanced OEMs
@@roymiddleton5760 I don't know what's your budget, but if you want a neutral sounding headphone, Sennheiser HD600 with BAL cable would be perfect. Or if you like a bit more of exciting sound, HiFiMan Sundara with BAL cables, those two gets my recommendation
Thanks a lot 👍
andy god bless you. i I buy the shio and connected to sundara its nice but feels need more warm amp and power that sundara will be open..you have any recommand for usb dac or mayby need to look for deskop amp\dac?
Get ONIX Alpha XI1 and make sure you run your Sundara on 4.4mm BAL side, High Gain enabled with Slow Filter, also make sure you use USB Exclusive mode if attached to a phone
@@donglemadness i play from phone. what is USB Exclusive mode?
I am confused between iBasso DC06 Pro and shanling UA04 since us04 has some hardware issue?
What hardware issue is that?
What happened to the Moondrop Moonriver 2 Ti? I thought you liked it? I bought one and I love it, I thought you had reviewed it.
I haven't tried the Ti version of MR2. Last year I did a review on the first MR2, that's why you didn't see it on my list
Hi Andy thanks for the great reviews!!. I have KSC75 and I plan to buy KPH30i soon. Do I need to buy a DAC to use it on PC? Will there be a noticeable difference between the sound on my motherboard and the DAC?
Have a nice day
Depends on what you use now. If you are using direct from PC, some PC internal DAC are not as good sounding, but some PC does have good internal DAC
@@donglemadness So I have a b550 aorus elite v2 motherboard (realtek ALC1200) I think I should buy a dongle and test it :) they are not very expensive anyway.
I bought the DC06 Pro, thanks!
However, I have a problem. When I try to record my laptop screen (using the DC06 Pro) the audio is so low. I realized that it is because the system volume (Windows) is low so the recording ends up having low volume and when I increase the system volume the recording also increases in volume. The problem is that if I turn up the volume of the system it's too loud so I have to lower the DAC volume, however I notice that the audio quality drops so much. Is this normal? If you could help me out with this I'd really appreciate it. Thank you.
Congratulations on your purchase. For any dongles that offer independent volume like DC06Pro, you will always need to max the volume on the host to 100% or 100/100 and just adjust purely on the dongle side, this is the most optimal setup to get the best output
I have dc04pro, I'm considering to upgrade to dc elite
Good choice, just to keep things into perspective, DC04Pro is already and still is a top performer among the very best, when you move to DC-Elite, you will get refinement of the same sound presentation, but best to keep it moderated because at this level we are dealing with "the rule of diminishing returns"
I have cca pla13 iem. My cable stopped working. Which cabel(3.5 or 4.4mm) do you suggest and which dac & amp do you suggest? Both cable and dac& should cost less than 100$ together
Get a NICEHCK Cable if you want to keep it under $50, especially 4.4mm BAL MixPP 6N OCC. Then with the spare money left, get AKLIAM PD5. Both the cable and dongle will be well under $100 and that include shipping I think
I would like to know if you have already tried the letshouer s12 pro since you put the simgot ea500 well above the normal s12. I don't know how much improvement there is in the s12 pro to reach the ea500 according to your criteria.
No I haven't tried the S12 Pro yet. S12 in all fairness is a good sounding IEM, but I feel that it is a bit brighter and drier sounding with lean texture compared to EA500
Happy new year! if you were choosing between xduoo xd05 plus2 and fiio q15, which would you choose? and is it worth buying these DACs if I have an ifi go bar? Thanks.
Thanks and Happy new year to you too. Between XD05 P2 and Q15 I have no idea how the compare until I can actually test them myself, sorry can't provide you any insights on this as which one would I choose, I don't make decisions on specs alone
@@donglemadnessok,thanks.
How much would you rate the iBasso DC03 Pro? I bought it last month, and I feel disappointed that I didn't buy one from this list. Will the DC03 Pro be sufficient for a mid-fi iem like the Simgot EA1000 or the Kiwiears Quintet?
DCO3Pro is not listed here because it was covered in 2022. Check the link in the description of this video for dongles ranking and you will see the overall tier list, you will find DC03Pro listed there