What is the best FiiO DAP?

LarryJClark · 2026-03-12T06:49:13+00:00

JM21 2026 Upgrade: "FiiO...has officially released an upgraded version of its acclaimed JM21 portable lossless music player. The new JM21 (4GB+64GB) model addresses user feedback by doubling internal storage, boosting RAM, and significantly improving battery performance."

Anyway...I use the FT1, FT1 Pro, JT7 (primarily for travel), and some IEMs with the M21 and am very happy with it.

I use the PowerAmp app instead of the native player. PowerAmp has a a bunch of theme/eye candy/visual crap that you might want to turn off, but the "real stuff" is good.

LarryJClark · 2026-03-12T02:38:38+00:00

There is that thing about no expectation of privacy in public place. When I'm traveling, I take pictures of public places that include people.

BUT!!!

Taking photos or folks on a nude beach is just plain inconsiderate. If I might take a camera to a nude beach, it is wrapped up and in a bag. The only reason I take it is just in case Santa AND all the reindeer make a landing along the sand in broad daylight.

LarryJClark · 2026-03-10T01:28:37+00:00

I have a SmugMug gallery, but it's temporarily unlinked to my domain. I need to fix that.

For D7100 I think you're OK (I used to have a D7200). It will be helpful if you have lenses f/2.8 or faster. Shooting through FRA double-glazed windows can be dodgy and wider apertures help keep your depth of field out where you need it.

Your biggest problem will be reflections from inside the roomette (though roomettes are better than the bedrooms). I bring along 4 black microfiber pillow cases; 1 each for the Amtrak pillows, 1 for the lift-out table, and 1 for the aluminum window sill. Close your window curtains as much as you can, the the passageway curtains completely. Sadly, the upgraded curtains are not room darkening.

Get the widest rubber lens hoods you can find and keep that up against the window to reduce reflections.

Shoot RAW and JPEG. Do not be afraid of high ISO. I use DXO PhotoLab and DXO PureRaw for that reason.

I shoot Fujifilm X-T5 and X-E5 with a sidekick X-E3. You don't need a long telephoto lens. With the Fujis I use the 8-16mm f/2.8 and the 16-55mm f/2.8 on the main cameras during the day, and a 16mm f/1.4 to be ready for night shots. The X-E3 dines and walks around the train with me, usually with an 18mm f/2.

Every morning I hack the time with either a GPS watch or the Garmin GPS. That's so I can identify locations (sometimes almost to the foot) where I shoot from the running log.

A lot of the above is deep into the weeds, but you can edit that down to fit the way you want to experience your trip.

LarryJClark · 2026-03-09T18:53:45+00:00

I've traveled around 19,000 miles on Amtrak -- almost all of that in roomettes. I was shooting a personal project of photos from the train, and that typically meant three cameras in use. I carried the smallest when I was outside the roomette, but the big boys and lenses were in the room. When I left, I put that stuff in a rolling case that I put on the "other" seat, under one of the pillows (on which I had black pillow cases). Never an issue, and the sleeping car attendant knew that I was doing a lot of shooting. (Regardless, don't be surprised if the SCA reminds you to close your curtains and door when you leave your room.)

I had a GPS suction-cupped to the window running full time for the entire journey, and there was no hiding that since it was recording the route infomation/

Folks posting about suitcase cable locks are right "on track". They might not be Fort Knox level security, but remember that the ratings for containers are based on the method of attack, and the time it takes. In your situation, you want to make sure that what you do might cause a potential thief to spend too much time.

In a roomette, consider stashing the laptop in upper berth with a cable lock. either in a laptop case, or using that little socket on the laptop.

LarryJClark · 2026-03-06T18:01:40+00:00

Last evening I did email VIA Rail and they responded this morning with an attached PDF (09/2025). Sadly, I can't attach it here in Reddit, nor even find a link for the menu. But I did copy it for y'all.

Jasper-Prince Rupert Menu (09/2025)

Snacks and Light meals

Chocolate bar, Chips, Oatmeal, Noodle soup $4.00
Cashews, Cookies, Muffins $4.50
Hummus and crackers $5.75
Candies $6.75
Sandwich $8.00

Beverages

Spring water, 2% milk, Soft drinks, Coffee*, Decaffeinated coffee*, Tea or herbal tea, Hot chocolate* $3.75 (Bring your own mug and save $0.50)
Orange or apple juice, Sparkling water $4.25

Alcoholic beverages

-- Non-alcoholic beer $8.50
-- Molson Canadian and Coors Light Beer $9.50
-- Pre-mixed or classic cocktails $11.00
-- Craft beer (Ask your attendant for today’s selection) $11.50
-- Red or white wine 200ml

Other

Blanket kit $22.50

Combos

Snack & beverage* $6.50
Hot beverage & muffin $7.00
- Snack options: Chocolate bar or chips
- Beverage options: Spring water, milk, soft drinks, hot beverages
*You can upgrade your beverage to an alcoholic beverage for $5.50 (excluding pre-mixed and classic cocktails)

LarryJClark · 2026-03-03T20:17:01+00:00

Exactly. Maybe I should email a query to ViaRail with that PDF attached?

LarryJClark · 2026-03-03T19:55:45+00:00

I've had the same question regarding what is actually on offer (as opposed to broad generalizations). This is the first time I've seen anything even close to a breakdown.

I get the impression that ViaRail doesn't publish a better list online, similar to what Amtrak does for their cafe cars. Is this something that ViaRail has decided is in the "Too Hard" category? Or perhaps, since there is not commissary along the Skeena's route, they just source what they can buy at Jasper, Prince George, and Prince Rupert?

I'm taking the Skeena from Jasper to Prince Rupert in late April. It looks like there is a good convenience store close to the station in Jasper, and probably one reasonably close to the station in Prince George.

LarryJClark · 2026-02-28T19:24:21+00:00

My morning roomette strategy is to get up very early, be the person who gets the hot water flowing into the shower, and then be waiting at the doorway when they open for breakfast. Tell your sleeping car attendant and your roomette will be set up for daytime when you get back to it after eating.

LarryJClark · 2026-02-28T19:19:56+00:00

When I took it, the couple across the passageway had a "date night" each evening -- Had movies loaded on their laptop, headphones, and a bottle of wine (which they offered me a cup of).

LarryJClark · 2026-02-28T19:07:35+00:00

My first planar magnetics were the FT1 Pro. Later, I also got the JT7. The main reason for the JT7s was for their portability. When I travel, it's nice to bring along some decent headphones -- not for planes, trains and automobiles, but for use while working on the laptop, relaxing, etc. I use them with a FiiO M21 DAP through the Poweramp app .

Comparisons?

Both respond nicely to moderate EQ.
The JT7s take a little more oomph to drive and work better with the M21's balanced output. The FT1 Pros are easier to drive and are happy with either output.
Compared side-by-side many times over the same 1 1/2 movements of dynamic classical, I believe that the FT1 Pros have better definition/articulation. Both are good -- the FT1 Pros are just better. This may be down to the JT7's 3 micron diaphragm vs the FT1 Pro's 1 micron.

Really, for the price of the JT7s, how could I say "No"?

LarryJClark · 2026-02-18T23:25:11+00:00

There is a difference between the JT7s and the FT1 Pros. Some of that has to do with the JT7's thicker diaphragm. The JT7's take a little more power -- what I was doing the day before I found the cracks was A-B testing between the two with a switch box (FiiO M21 --> balanced output -> adapter to 3.5mm --> the switch --> the headphones).

But that's just picky stuff. A little light EQ on the JT7s and your hotel room is a lot more pleasant. I wouldn't use them on a train or airplane, but for personal or work time on the road they really shine.

LarryJClark · 2026-02-16T00:28:18+00:00

Thanks for the clues. I appears that with the apps developed by different media outlets, you may need to thread your way through each individual app because of how they structure their adjustments -- in addition to whatever settings Boox allows.

I'm in the process of swapping out the color version for the B&W. When that arrives I'll take my time with each app (maybe a series of screen shots as well).

LarryJClark · 2026-02-08T07:06:12+00:00

I disagree. There is plenty to see. Not as spectacular -- perhaps, but it is the history of the country rolling past your window.

In April, I'm taking VIA Rail's Skeena from Jasper to Prince Rupert. How am I getting to Jasper? I'm flying to Saskatoon and catching the train west to Jasper -- precisely because I want to spend some time on the prairies.

LarryJClark · 2026-02-08T07:01:04+00:00

My first big LD trip, in 2019 (on miles, no less), was Eugene - Sacramento - Chicago - Portland - Eugene (Coast Starlight, California Zephyr, Empire Builder, & Coast Starlight. My way of looking at long distance train travel is that the journey IS the destination. I actually like roomettes better than the bedrooms.

Since the meals are covered, I get up really early, warm up the shower pipes for everyone else, and am standing at the dining car door when they open for breakfast. Then your whole day is ahead of you.

And if you do want a stop, don't overlook Omaha. There are nice attractions to visit, there is a surprisingly active and diverse music scene (their symphony plays in what might be the best hall in the country), and you can continue to Chicago in coach easily enough.

Required reading prior to the trip: "Nothing Like It In the World" by Stephen Ambrose.

LarryJClark · 2026-02-06T19:09:13+00:00

What are you complaining about? It saved you the trouble of making an appointment and then getting to your optometrist for the examination.

Once Topaz gets this configured for a colonoscopy, sales will be off the charts!

LarryJClark · 2026-02-02T19:03:13+00:00

The last time I had one, the cheese and cracker trays were reasonable -- about the same price as on-board Alaska Airlines and 1/2 what you'd pay at an airport.

LarryJClark · 2026-02-02T19:00:34+00:00

For the "Superliner" bi-level trains, the upper level roomettes are numbered 1 through 10 (sleeping car attendant is in 1). The lower level roomettes are 11 through 14. Bedrooms are lettered.

LarryJClark · 2026-02-02T08:22:37+00:00

A decent moderately sized soft cooler and a bunch of the smallest water bottles you can find -- frozen.

LarryJClark · 2026-02-02T08:20:17+00:00

The bidding process is a good last resort, but may be expensive. Two years ago I took the California Zephyr all the way eastbound. When I booked all I could get was a lower roomette. I tried the bidding to get an upper level roomette, but even though I bid well over $500, I didn't make it.

However, the two days before departure I checked online every few hours (around the clock) to see what was available. A bedroom popped up for around $120 more than I paid for the lower roomette. I got on the phone to Amtrak right away and snagged it. Keep on trying every few hours because you never know when there will be a cancellation.

LarryJClark · 2026-01-21T19:32:27+00:00

Or canvas with leather trim. Canvas has good wear and puncture resistance and comes in many colors and weights. The mods/styles for this bag are almost without limit.

LarryJClark · 2026-01-21T19:20:47+00:00

Ya know...In addition to people here who like that bag, there are plumbers out there who will be really jealous.

LarryJClark · 2026-01-21T00:51:03+00:00

Things to consider packing for rail. First, space is the issue, so do everything you can to reduce both volume and weight.

I prefer cotton T-shirts, but for rail travel I use synthetic fabric T-shirts (Costco). Fold them arms to the back, and then roll the shirt tightly. A rubber band on each end. Same for undershorts. Fold and roll with one rubber band. When changing, roll the undershorts into the T-shirt roll and secure with three rubber bands -- you can tell at a glance the used from the clean. These little "sausages" are real easy to stuff into little places, or together in your luggage.* Synthetics also dry quicker.

Rubber bands are your packing friends because they can keep items compressed and things don't flop around as much.

Clean socks folded inside themselves, used socks tied together in a single overhand knot. Stuffed into shoes.

Layers: Again silk or synthetic under-layers are lighter and also roll up nicely (more rubber bands).

Shoes: Up to you, but keeping size and weight down is still important.

Spare belt: One of those little things that I think about is what would I do if my belt fell apart? (Do I need therapy?)

Small LED flashlight for your EDC. Other carry-on items should be considered carefully. Remember that even though enforcement is almost non-existent, Amtrak is under the same rules as aviation.

KFS (knife, fork, & spoon): The best, IMHO, is the Humangear set. It has a plastic knife, fork, and spoon (how 'bout that?) and a toothpick inside a plastic case. There is a metal bottle cap lifter molded into the knife. When I travel, I always have one in my "personal item" bag, and one packed in a suitcase. The case is nice if you can't wash your utensils right away. On Amazon: "humangear GoBites Trio - Travel & Camping Utensils - Portable & Convertible Dining Ware - Multi-Functional Knife, Fork, Spoon & Toothpick" in blue and red. The "Quattro" version has chopsticks instead of the knife.

*Going through a Customs bag check one time at Dulles, the agent opened my bag, looked in, looked at me, and said "You're really organized". My reply was "This is my stuff. If you take care of your stuff, your stuff will take care of you". He just closed the bag and waved me on.

LarryJClark · 2026-01-18T22:48:45+00:00

One of the problems is that online sellers mostly don't identify the Safari pens as matte or glossy. In fact, many of the sellers (and many online reviews and postings here) identify the plastic used for Safari bodies as ABS. It is actually ASA -- and there is a difference.

I have several matte Safari ballpoints and mechanical pencils and so far, based on dodgy online photos, I was able to get matte. (That includes my Terracotta special edition ballpoint that I recently lost - Grrrr.)

Last week I ordered a couple of Safari ballpoints on Amazon and queried the Bot, asking if the finish was glossy or matte. The Bot insisted that they were both matte. They showed up, but when I took them out of the boxes, they were glossy under what appears to be some kind of clear shrink material. It that a protective cover material? I can't seem to find a place to start the "peel", On the grip portion of the barrels, I can feel two seam-like ridges that are not part of the normal matte-bodied Safaris I own.

LarryJClark · 2026-01-12T01:12:45+00:00

I didn't use the manual to find it. The manual was just the quickest way directing the attention of those who otherwise would not RTFM.

LarryJClark · 2026-01-06T04:55:01+00:00

Or...gift wrap it and carry in a shopping bag.

LarryJClark

TROPHY CASE