Newbie here: looking for inexpensive DAP

[artshotwell]

The $110 Qudelix 5k works perfectly with LG Rebel via 3-wire OTG cable and USB. I have this combo by my bedside now - driving HE400i (balanced needed). Qudelix has a really great 10-band PEQ. You might consider it as a next step..

Not only can you tailor the headphone response, you might try adding a bit of boost in the 'dialog' range (500Hz-3kHz? Others with more experience advise?) and/or notch out any particular range that triggers tinnitus..

Now, whether to get new headphones or a Qudelix as the next step - I can't say. (Others advise?) - as I know nothing about the HD450bt. ( @solderdude?)

I'm partial to low distortion planar open back - hence my HE400i ($180). But I also use - a lot - a $79 Phillips dynamic open back - the SHP9500 (for tv, as it's extremely comfortable hours on end).

However, since you are ultimately thinking of HP replacement, and IMO need PEQ in any event, I personally would get the Qudelix first - and try it with the HD450bt you have. Then, if I were unhappy even after doing my best with PEQ, I'd then be considering HP replacement..

Note: this is the OTG cable you need to connect the Qudelix (also using one of its supplied cables) to the LG Rebel:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B6CRW6D/

When you power the cable thru the female microUSB connector using the LG supplied usb power brick, both devices will be powered from it.

I notice the battery level drops fairly fast... It went from 100 to 83% overnight and I wasn't using it. I'm still working on turning off services that I don't need, so I may be able to improve that.

 

[Cahudson42]

I notice the battery level drops fairly fast...

The charger that came with my Rebel I believe is 1.2A. The charger I am using with the OTG cable is an Amazon one I happened to have - 9w or 1.8A. I keep it connected full time and both devices stay fully charged.

It's possible the LG one is insufficient to charge both the Rebel and the Qudelix simultaneously. If you have a higher current charger, you might try it and see if you still get discharging.

 

[thunderchicken]

I just use my phone and port it to an Earstudio ES100. Waiting on someone to test Fiio's BTR5. I used to use a Fiio X5, but my latest phone has just as much storage space and doesn't have the wonky click wheel.

 

[JustAnandaDourEyedDude]

The Quad DAC ES9218P in the V10/20/G7 was 110db, a nice improvement.

"Quad" DAC in LG phones explained by charleski:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...p-to-replace-lg-v20-es9218p.13645/post-534555

The ES9038Pro on the other hand has eight channels, I believe, and so would presumably be described by LG marketing as an Octa-DAC at the very least.

Edit: But you probably already saw that post of charleski too, since you posted in that thread earlier the same day.

 

[artshotwell]

I have been using the LG Rebel 4 with my HP and streaming music services ( during trials). But, the better drain when not using it seems severe. I’m wondering if anyone has tried turning off services. And if so, which ones?

 

[Cahudson42]

Perhaps it's inconvenient for you if you are moving around, but I use my LG Rebel with a 3-wire 'charging' OTG cable, connected to a Qudelix 5k, and a 1.8a 9w charger. Rebel stays at 100%, as does Qudelix.

 

[artshotwell]

Perhaps it's inconvenient for you if you are moving around, but I use my LG Rebel with a 3-wire 'charging' OTG cable, connected to a Qudelix 5k, and a 1.8a 9w charger. Rebel stays at 100%, as does Qudelix.

Most of my listening is in the living room and your flow would not work well there.

 

[Cahudson42]

Most of my listening is in the living room and your flow would not work well there

Ok. Just thinking: The sim card should not be installed.. You might check display settings: minimal brightness you need, let it go off after a short time..

 

[artshotwell]

Ok. Just thinking: The sim card should not be installed.. You might check display settings: minimal brightness you need, let it go off after a short time..

Yes, I removed the SIM card first thing. It seems to lose more juice when it’s not streaming. Like over night.

 

[Brianc]

Thanks in part to all the great info provided here by Cahudson42 and others, I finally ordered a Rebel 4 to use strictly as a DAP. I plan on getting a Qudelix 5k as well, but initially I will be pairing via BT to a Topping DX3 Pro. I plan to use the Rebel 4 on transit and planes instead of my regular phone. I'm ordering the 3 wire USB cable recommended by Cahudson42 and will use with a mobile charger. On transit I typically use either a cheap pair of on ears or clip ons (JVC Flats and Koss, respectively) and I assume the Rebel will power these fine on its own. I will use the Qudelix with AQ Nightowls and Senn 6xx on longer plane rides and in home office. Looking forward to trying out!