Portable/small DAP sound quality help please

[TestWhat456]

I'm trying to buy a DAP for my decently resolving and sensitive IEMS but I'd like it to have at least the sound quality of my 2019 16" MacBook Pro. From what I gather, these Intel Macs don't have the same audio circuitry that the newer models with M1/2/3 do, but they're still quite decent (unlike for example my M2 iPad Pro which sounds like nothing worthwhile and worse than the computer despite being much newer).

Something small and portable - I was looking at Shanling M0 Pro and even tested it somewhat, but not for long enough to be able to pinpoint the differences. It seemed a bit less clear/clean than the MacBook and from what I hear, Hiby R3 II and Hidizs AP 80 Pro-x use the exact same SOC with the exact same dual ES9219C so I don't think they'd sound significantly different from the M0 Pro.

Does anyone have some idea of how much it'd cost to get something at least on par with that 4-5 year old MacBook?

 

[Dunring]

I'd first start with an Apple USB or Firewire 3.5mm adapter and play FLAC files from your existing. I have one for portable use, and it sounds great with lots of power for something so tiny and cost $9.
The Tanchjim Space is a more noticable upgrade. I've had higher end DAPs like the Astral & Kern and just not worth the expense and hassle of another device to charge. Even your phone will sound really good, and so simple compared to lugging another device around.

 

[TestWhat456]

I'd first start with an Apple USB or Firewire 3.5mm adapter and play FLAC files from your existing. I have one for portable use, and it sounds great with lots of power for something so tiny and cost $9.
The Tanchjim Space is a more noticable upgrade. I've had higher end DAPs like the Astral & Kern and just not worth the expense and hassle of another device to charge. Even your phone will sound really good, and so simple compared to lugging another device around.

I appreciate your thoughts but I should have specified, please: no DACs, I'm specifically looking for DAP opinions and quality ideas.

I have the Apple adapter and another small CX31993 one, and the sound quality out of either my iPhone or the iPad isn't as good as it is out of a MacBook (or the Shanling, actually). Even if it were, I'm really not looking for a DAC because I'd like to have the simple combo of DAP + IEMs without having to use my phone for everything and have another device attached to it to boot.

I should have also added: I don't have any plans to stream or use Bluetooth and have no problems navigating smaller screens, so this is not a consideration to me in DAPs. Only sound quality and size (as small as possible with the most sound quality possible for the physical footprint).

 

[Somafunk]

I have a couple of small dap’s for use with my 7hz Zero 2’s, a Hiby R3 ii and more recently a Tempotec V3. They both use Hiby OS so are practically identical in use and if you asked me what dap sounds better I’d have to shrug and say I can’t tell any difference (being honest). The Hiby is light and very pocket friendly being rounded but the volume dial could be more secure as it does have a slight wobble. The Tempotec is built like a tank and rather heavy, sharp corners and the buttons for operation could be a bit more positive in their action but overall I’m satisfied with it. Both have airplay/bluetooth/wifi/tidal/quobuz etc.

If it’s size and pocketability (new word alert) you are after then choose the Hiby R3 ii.

 

[ZolaIII]

If you can find old Hiby R3 Pro with CS43131 go for it but I doubt you will be able to find it.

 

[DVDdoug]

"Sound quality" is rarely an issue as long you can drive your IEMs/Headphones loud enough without distortion.

I don't claim to have "golden ears" but the ONLY time I've HEARD a defect or difference from a DAC, it was a noisy soundcard that made noise when the hard drive was accessed.

I've also never HEARD distortion from something unless it was broken or over-driven into clipping.

I've heard frequency response variations but most modern electronics is excellent. (Speakers/headphones/IEMs all have frequency response imperfections and differences.) And all analog electronics have SOME noise and sometimes it's audible.