A/B testing phones vs DAPs vs DACs?

[rooster81]

Hi everyone! I'm looking for any reliable A/B or A/B/X tests, specially regarding phones vs DAPs or DACs? Trying to convince a friend they probably don't need to spend north of $1,000 for "better quality".

I remember seeing a test at an audio show several years ago with an ipod vs high end CD player and folks couldn't tell the difference. Looking for something similar to that.

Thanks!

 

[sonitus mirus]

You should have your friend try and provide reliable ABX tests showing an audible difference where none would logically be expected, as you only need one of those. Good luck finding it.

Archimago's Musings had a relatively recent public listening test. Here is the link to the results and summary.

"High-End" DAC Blind Listening Results - PART II: Results & Analyses

A blog for audiophiles about more objective topics. Measurements of audio gear. Reasonable, realistic, no snakeoil assessment of sound, and equipment.

archimago.blogspot.com

 

[rooster81]

You should have your friend try and provide reliable ABX tests showing an audible difference where none would logically be expected, as you only need one of those. Good luck finding it.

Archimago's Musings had a relatively recent public listening test. Here is the link to the results and summary.

"High-End" DAC Blind Listening Results - PART II: Results & Analyses

A blog for audiophiles about more objective topics. Measurements of audio gear. Reasonable, realistic, no snakeoil assessment of sound, and equipment.

archimago.blogspot.com

I'll check it out, thanks!

 

[kemmler3D]

If your priority is sound quality and not DAP features, it's a no-brainer to go for a USB DAC instead of a DAP.

For example:

You have this $1500 A&K unit coming in with fair-to-good performance depending on what you need from it: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/astell-kern-kann-ultra-dap-review.62216/

Then you have this $25 JMCALLY unit (just reviewed today) that makes some desktop DACs look weak: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...cally-jm20-max-headphone-dongle-review.62260/

It beats the DAP in raw performance easily, and in bang-for-buck it beats it so badly even Mike Tyson would feel sorry for the DAP.

Bottom line, spending more on digital audio sources in search of better sound quality is generally a mistake.