Question Help deciding where to go next

[too_many_details]

Hi all,

first time poster, long time reader.

I am suffering from analysis paralysis and would be grateful for your advice.

So I am by no means a audiophile but I want to experience better audio.

Currently, I play spotify (using my phone or Spotify Connect) through either my Sony WH-1000XM4 or my Amazon Echo Studio.

I am looking to go to the next level and since being able to listen to music on the move is a requirement, I am contemplating a DAP with some nice headphones.

The 2 DAPs that have caught my eye are the Sony NW-A306 and the Astell Kern S35. Headphone wise I was looking at the Grado SR325x.

Sony pros - great reviews, will probably work well with the existing BT headphones
Sony cons - its an android 12 system ans 15 just came out so converned about that. Its performance in the UI already lagging.

Astell Kern pros - amazing reviews, multiple year award winner, can double as source for a home music system later(right?)
Astell Kern cons - a big jump financially

I listen to mostly EDM (Underworld, 80s synth) and female dance music like Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Lizzo plus classic Pink Floyd.

I also listen to BBC Sounds quite a bit (Sounds of the 80s, Kitchen Disco, Michelle Visage, etc).

I would be prepared to subscribe to Tidal as I hear the sound quality is miles ahead of Spotify and would be a better choice if I upgrade.

Thoughts?

 

[Stuart83]

Can't help you much with your kit but there is a guy on here regular very knowledgeable on such things I'm sure will chime in.

What I can say is the difference in audio from Spotify to tidal etc is night and day.

Spotify at its lossy compressed MP3 quality music will only nullify any upgrades you make.
Upgrading your source/stream quality will make an instant improvement with your current gear to begin with but will definitely be needed to capitalise and extract the better sound any newer hifi has to offer.

 

[Vincent Kars]

Wonder why it must be a DAP. If you want to improve sound quality, all you need is a portable DAC.

 

[daveh75]

I would be prepared to subscribe to Tidal as I hear the sound quality is miles ahead of Spotify and would be a better choice if I upgrade.

You can easily test for yourself whether hi-res streaming is worth it or not.

Is your audio system really ready for lossless?

Do an ABX test in your browser, and see if you can tell the difference between lossless and lossy audio

abx.digitalfeed.net

I'm with Vincent on why a DAP?

You have a perfectly good source in your phone.

 

[Rodolfo]

I've been a DAP guy since the dawn of the century, and decades later I still wouldn't be without. I have become a fan of HiBy units because of what I consider a best sound-quality:cost ratio + reliability. Sony and A&K appear to produce excellent units as well.

For head and earphones, I use 2 Sennheiser HD598s, one with balanced cables, a Sony 7506, and Fiio FH3s for still-preferred wired connections. For Bluetooth, I require LDAC for both sources and headgear, and have Soundcore head and earphones, valuing the same ratio/equation, first, plus fit and size being primary for earphones. For a speaker, I use the Bose (first-ever) Revolve II because of its sound-quality:compactness ratio.

My phones are also dedicated devices, but for other important things. They're fine for Bluetooth-connecting automatically to my nice car audio, but there I can plug them in to the car to power them when needed. Otherwise, I don't need the bulk nor the phone-battery management requirement to enjoy my music files and streams. I don't use DAPs because I require them; it is because I prefer them.

For streaming service, I moved from Spotify to Amazon when the latter stopped charging extra for their HD offerings years ago. That Spotify started prioritizing their podcast investments instead of forever-promised HD around that time, cinched it. To boot, Amazon costs less (as a prime member?), plus they offer an annual plan for additional savings (for all?).

For all of the above, as always, tastes vary and you should prioritize and trust your own. I am the most music-intense and least phone-centric person in my circles.

I value Amazon.com most because of their generous and simple-for-me return practices. Speaking of... I plan to trial another HiBy DAP during the coming holidays.

 

[Friesiansam]

Grado SR325x are entirely unsuitable for mobile use, they are notably leaky open back headphones. They offer no isolation from ambient noise and, everyone nearby will hear what you are listening too. You'll make yourself very unpopular...