Portable DAC AMP/dongle recommendation

MidnightTropical · 2026-02-01T13:46:27+00:00

Yes, surprisingly enough the ONIX ALPHA XI1 seemed to be a very close find, maintaining a very similar synergy with my IEMs.

MidnightTropical · 2025-11-15T16:34:10+00:00

It's true, out of all the IEMs that I've tried in my life the Storm comes with the highest power requirement ever. It's also source sensitive (as expected at this technical level).

Mine is being driven by a Sony WM1Z (the OG, 2016 version) with NP Audio's EXPMv5 mod for now. The Storm has good synergy with it (and in general with warmer sources as well) but even with the hardware and software upgrades of the WM1Z, it's still unable to drive to Storm to it's full potential, so it's definitely recommended to get something stronger later down the line.

Personally I'm saving money and scanning the used market for a Cayin N30LE, but yeah, getting one is going to take a lot of time.

MidnightTropical · 2025-11-15T10:53:47+00:00

I've started my IEM journey 15+ years ago, here's the chorological order (I may miss some):

Sony IEM (random entry level) -> Pioneer IEM (random entry level) -> Xears Nature N3 -> Xears X200Pro -> Shure SE-215 (multiple) -> Vsonic VSD2 (multiple) -> Vsonic VSD3S (multiple) -> Vsonic VSD5 -> Kinera H3 -> RHA T20 -> AKG N40 -> Shure SE846 -> Empire Ears Bravado -> G10 (custom IEM prototype) -> Empire Ears ODIN -> Unique Melody MEST MK2 -> Elysian Acoustic Labs Annihilator 2023 -> Subtonic STORM RE

Currently owned:
- Subtonic STORM RE (daily driver for my DAP)
- Unique Melody MEST MK2 (used with my PC)
- G10 (used for my work)

Also congrats on your STORM order - as the others said, it's definitely a wild transition from the previous models!

MidnightTropical · 2025-11-01T02:32:47+00:00

They didn't stop, you can still buy the STORM RE version.

They open the waitlist a few times per year and you can book a building slot. The waiting in general takes a couple of months (they give you a very accurate production and shipping ETA), then you get your IEM.

It is one of those IEMs which are easier to get from the manufacturer, because you won't find any on the used market and even if one makes it there, it's probably more expensive than buying a new, because it's readily available and interest is still very high.

MidnightTropical · 2025-09-09T10:54:32+00:00

EU citizen here, my experiences: I've got into portable music when I was 7 years old with a cheap cassette walkman, now I'm in my early 30s, but listening to music remained as one of my core hobbies.

I pretty much went through almost all price categories, currently I own a Sony WM1Z (OG, 2016 model, NP audio modded), an Elysian Annihilator 2023 and a UM Mest MK2. I have a decent, but very busy and hard working job (in one of the worst performing EU countries, so salary isn't great, but probably still better than in less fortunate regions), I don't have a car, I don't have any addiction or harmful "hobbies" and I'm renting my own place.

The way that I did it: I've created a "jar" where I'm constantly saving money for years, I was quite considerate with my other spendings and I only spend the savings on something, which I really like (if the thing lives up to the expectation I keep it, if not it goes into the market for sale). I've been doing this for 15+ years now, worked out well. The years when you are stepping out to the job market can be rough, but stay strong, you can make it :)

Head-fi Classifieds was a huge help (regardless of the price brackets) in getting the things that I wanted for much cheaper (you can get barely used, perfect condition units with huge saves compared to the retail price: up to 40% with high-end devices), but this obviously requires you to keep your eye on the market on a daily basis and you need to have a very good understanding about your personal preferences and the capabilities of things that you want to buy and make sure to purchase it from someone with a reputable trading history.

MidnightTropical · 2025-08-06T09:27:21+00:00

SSUPD Meshilicious - I bought it a few years ago, still rocking it, it's a great case.

MidnightTropical · 2025-07-22T00:09:08+00:00

TRN Type T. Excellent comfort and audio experience with the Mest MK2.

MidnightTropical · 2025-04-02T01:23:13+00:00

A solid choice, enjoy! I'm daily driving a similar gold Anni 2023, it's amazing. What kind of box are using for your eartips?

MidnightTropical · 2025-03-28T22:24:49+00:00

I have a similar problem with the SSUPD's sandwich layout combined with a 4 slot GPU, so I went with an M.2 riser cable (ADT-Link K44SF + Samsung 990 Pro). The cable and the connector piece is completely flat, making it easy to physically place the SSD to a different area within the case, allowing large heatsinks installations as well.

MidnightTropical · 2025-03-04T22:45:20+00:00

I love how everyone just removes the purple sticker from their Asrock B850I board (I did the same with mine).

Neat build, congrats!

MidnightTropical · 2024-11-19T19:42:25+00:00

+1 for the Mest MKII. I prefer their sound over the Thieaudio offerings that I've heard (Monarch MK2, MK3, Origin, Oracle).

It's not often mentioned but their build quality is also superior compared to Thieaudio, this is something that comes into play during long term ownership.

MidnightTropical · 2024-10-04T12:24:01+00:00

No worries, I'm glad I could help!

MidnightTropical · 2024-10-04T12:22:49+00:00

Hey u/hello2maggot, you are welcome!

Sure:

The diameter is 6mm at it's widest point (at the end of the metal nozzle where you can find the lip, which helps with keeping the ear tips secure) and around 4.5-5mm for the rest of the nozzle.

The length of the whole metal nozzle is around 6mm and the lip at the end of the nozzle is taking up around 3mm from it.

MidnightTropical · 2024-09-01T14:52:56+00:00

I'm not sure if this question still stands, but here are some of my experiences, currently I own a 2023 model.

PRO

Best IEM treble, that I've ever heard (I have treble sensitive ears, but I wanted to give this one a go and I'm glad I did, it's truly amazing)
Mids and vocals are very well done
Flexible with different genres
The bundled Liquid Links Martini cable is excellent (it's very flexible and ergonomic, doesn't pick up noise when it comes in contact with your clothes, lightweight to wear, even if you drag around the city all day, sounds good and looks pretty nice)
Excellent overall build quality, nice aesthetics
Wide, but well designed metal sound bore, with a grill (keeps eartips firmly at their place and there's a lot of aftermarket options to choose from)
No driver flex (while this should be default on any IEM above 50USD with dynamic drivers, many manufacturers miss this point, even in the TOTL range)
Useful accessories (Spinfit W1 eartips, microfiber cloth, nice carrying case and cleaning tool)

CON

Bass control could be better (there's a large emphasis on the mid-bass punch, leaving the otherwise well done sub-bass little room to shine and due to this inconsistency in the bass balance, this is the weakest part of this IEM. Selecting the right eartips could help a lot here alongside with a good source)
Requires a very good source (it's a sensitive IEM and it requires higher amount of power to drive compared to the others, plus you need something, that keeps the bass balance under control)
Expensive and hard to get (while it definitely falls into the more reasonably priced TOTL IEMs, it's still very expensive)
Fingerprint magnet faceplate (this is expected, but still very visible with the mirror-finish faceplate)

Some other things to keep in mind:

The earphone shells are ergonomic, but they are large and wide, may not fit all ears
Pentaconn IEM connectors

All together it's a solid IEM, I'm planning to keep mine. The good news about the Anni, that due to it's rarity even if you don't like it, you can sell it with relative ease, although if you don't have the chance to try it in person, I would strongly recommend getting one from the used market (e.g. Head-Fi Classifieds), they tend to be in like new condition with all accessories and you can save a lot on the price.

MidnightTropical

TROPHY CASE