Apple Music + EQ solution

[sushi2020]

Hi there,

I’m looking for advice on how to improve my setup.

Here’s my current situation:​

• Apple Music user.
• Mainly using headphones with EQ: Dan Clark Audio Aeon Open X with oratory1990’s EQ preset.
• Current setup:
• MacBook + AUNBandEQ + Topping E30/L30: Lossless Switcher app doesn’t change sample rates smoothly, which is frustrating.
• Android phone + Wavelet + Tempotec Sonata BHD Pro: Forced resampling to 48kHz, which I’d like to avoid.
• iPhone/iPad + Qudelix 5K: Considering if there are better options.


Given these issues, I’m considering focusing on iOS devices and a DAC (or Raspberry Pi) setup.

Here are my current options:​

1. RME ADI2 DAC/Pro: Best choice but more expensive than the D50III, which has a higher SINAD.
2. Topping D50III: Good option, but filter adjustments are limited to 0.5dB increments.
3. Qudelix T71: Not sure if it’s a significant improvement over the 5K.
4. Neutron Hifi DAC V1: Interesting, but lack of iOS control is a drawback.
5. Raspberry Pi/Orange Pi + CamillaDSP: Most flexible and inexpensive, but requires more effort and unsure about dynamic sample rate changes.

What do you think is the best option? Any other ideas or suggestions? (I may not notice a significant difference compared to my Qudelix 5K, but I’m curious.)

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[sushi2020]

Considering the effort and cost, these upgrades seem quite challenging for me

For now, I've decided to stick with the following setups and use my money for new headphones, downloadable music, and other living expenses.

• Android phone + Wavelet + Tempotec Sonata BHD Pro
• iPhone/iPad + Qudelix 5K

 

[sushi2020]

I realized that I highly value “being able to easily carry my setup in my house and listen to music anywhere.”

 

[Phorize]

Considering the effort and cost, these upgrades seem quite challenging for me

For now, I've decided to stick with the following setups and use my money for new headphones, downloadable music, and other living expenses.

All decent options, all with slight pros and cons. Personally speaking they can take my adi pro be, my t71 and my 5k when they can prise them from my cold, dead hands

 

[LoFiAudiophile]

Considering the effort and cost, these upgrades seem quite challenging for me

For now, I've decided to stick with the following setups and use my money for new headphones, downloadable music, and other living expenses.

Qudelix 5K has no competition. However, don’t write off the Neutron device - its DSP capabilities are far greater than any device on the market - as long as one is happy that they can’t really change any settings on a portable device. I have one and I have “paired” it to the headphones I enjoy the most. Crossfeed + Eq that’s matched to oratory curve + adjustments for my hearing loss is pure awesomeness. I would have loved the capability to change settings from my phone but it’s not a deal breaker for me.

 

[sushi2020]

@LoFiAudiophile
Yes, the Neutron dac is indeed a good choice.

However, it is probably not powerful enough for my Aeon Open X, and it is much more expensive than the Qudelix 5K...
Still, I look forward to the day when Amir reviews it.