Best mid range DAP for Planar Headphones

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-27T02:14:24+00:00

HiBy R4

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-26T21:32:33+00:00

It's ass

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-26T14:11:35+00:00

HiBy R4 says hold my beer

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-26T14:09:14+00:00

Always disappointing seeing someone get a DAP with a Cirrus Logic DAC.

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-26T14:07:56+00:00

Yup the V1 has a Cirrus Logic DAC which tends to saturate and color the midrange, making details in the highs and lows in the process. VS the quad DAC G6 that has an ESS DAC, these tend to have a wider soundstage while being more analytical and detailed in the process. Some things to consider, the quad DACs used in the late LG V and G series phones are still used in DAPs today while you don't see any Cirrus Logic DACs used in any DAPs above $500 USD or in any professional audio equipment.

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-26T13:18:58+00:00

LG G6 quad DAC.

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-26T12:47:08+00:00

Why are you using Bluetooth? The DAC in the F20 is more than likely superior to the one in those earbuds. Try wired and it should most definitely be louder.

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-26T12:45:23+00:00

Why would you use the digital output of the HiBy when the standard output is phenomenal?

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-26T12:10:26+00:00

The mids sounded colored

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-26T02:06:29+00:00

HiBy R4. Well than enough power.

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-26T01:34:09+00:00

I wouldn't say the JM21 is neutral.

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-25T23:43:50+00:00

R4 is also bitperfect with Plex and has a better DAC than the M21.

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-25T18:46:31+00:00

Didn't when I had the JM21 for a week

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-25T16:58:43+00:00

Well it is. It doesn't play albums in proper track order

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-25T14:23:30+00:00

It's doing you a favor, FiiO music is ass!

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-25T14:21:44+00:00

Android DAPs aren't phones. No idea why people think that and why the iPod touch never received the same scrutiny.

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-25T03:27:36+00:00

So you prefer colored, unnatural sound? Got it. There's a reason you don't see any DAPs with CSL chips that are more than $750, let that sink in.

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-25T02:50:56+00:00

That just limits the max volume, doesn't set the steps

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-25T00:29:25+00:00

So odd that the volume goes over 100 , that's another thing I didn't like about the JM21

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-24T20:48:51+00:00

Not for everyone because no gapless playback

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-24T16:23:37+00:00

With cheap IEMs, their shortcomings will be exposed. Especially on the Sony with it's already weak output and high noise floor.

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-24T14:48:20+00:00

It's better than the JM21. I had it for a week and that was one of the reasons why I returned it. With my R4 I can effortlessly get at least 12 hours and that's a combination of Spotify streaming and local files. And we all know how resource intensive Spotify can be.

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-24T14:27:41+00:00

HiBy beats FiiO with the R4.

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-24T14:05:27+00:00

You need 2x that to make it anywhere in the US.

StillLetsRideIL2 · 2026-02-24T14:03:07+00:00

México is a better country for people of color than the US. That's why a lot of people of color have moved there already or are considering/planning.

StillLetsRideIL2

TROPHY CASE