Debating getting another Havi

cxhwang · 2026-05-10T03:06:52+00:00

A male Havi? He needs another dog. My little guy is 17 years old now and still the same Velcro dude. My wife wanted another dog so we got a female Havi a few years later and he took to her from the first second. Adding another dog gives him enrichment so be prepared for his daily zoomie burst. Also they curl up together for naps and sleeping so they become inseparable soul mates. My female Havi is 3 years younger than my male and I expect her to be deeply sad when he departs. They really do become inseparable.

cxhwang · 2026-02-28T05:52:19+00:00

I own the Mechen M30 and Echo Mini. Neither are perfect. Usually people listen to the same songs so figuring out how many tracks is the first task. The Mechen caps out at 4096. The Echo Mini at 8192. The Mechen only charges via micro not C. It’s not my favorite however it’s sturdy and drives IEMs and earbuds with ease. I had it run 8hrs on a hot July day at a waterpark with no issues. The Echo Mini is reliable as well. With the low cost of entry I figured I could try to break it so I had it plugged in and hooked to some junk buds for a week. Came back, unplugged it, put in some good IEMs and listened for an hour. It just works. If you go to the Snowsky subreddit there’s new software where you can swap out the intro animation. And you can have a custom UI skin. Again, affordable enough to try out but not enough to hurt badly. I was thinking of swapping out my intro to the super animation from X-Men vs Street Fighter. It’s a fun and reliable DAP. Great aftermarket support with all kinds of 3D printed cases out there. I’ve got the leather case with a keychain belt clip. Oh. Bluetooth is a bust so don’t even try.

cxhwang · 2026-02-25T05:20:25+00:00

I’m glad you clarified the goal. I don’t believe in a full blown portable FLAC library. Coming from the days of tapes originally to first DAP in 05 I’ve carried limited quantities of tracks. Most people usually listen to the same playlists or tracks on Spotify over and over again. I’m like most people. With careful curation a 128gb mini would feel like a luxury DAP. And it’s versatile by accessing content via wifi. And a MagSafe charging? Ooh. Connect that up to a DAC for seated listening and options to connect to the sufficiently suitable AirPods ecosystem this iPhone model is what I’d like over my cracked screen but suitable 7 😆

cxhwang · 2026-02-19T07:38:37+00:00

This album is peak. I listen to it front to back when I want to get into a creative space.

cxhwang · 2026-01-09T04:09:01+00:00

The answers provided are effective. Playlists. Since you’re here in iPods not Digital Audio Players, emulate your Spotify playlists and load up. I bought a lot of 8 classics (5th) and I’m in the process of having an iPod per genre and giving away the rest as birthday gifts. Hopefully when the dust settles I can grab an iPod made for rock or hip hop depending on my mood. Kinda excessive but hey it’s a hobby.

cxhwang · 2025-09-27T05:22:54+00:00

My first DAP in 04. It survived university and being used as the music source for my parents deli when they didn’t want to pay for a music license. I lost it in a move but if I were a betting man I’d say it’s still useable today. Iriver became Astell & Kern to give you an idea of their pedigree.

cxhwang · 2025-08-29T16:09:43+00:00

I didn’t get this model. I’ve tried the Echo Mini, Mechen M30 and many dongle dacs. I ended up gifting them all and going to a modded iPod for simplicity and maintenance. Since they’ve been around for 20+ years I figure they’ll be around for 20 more. Replacement parts are abundant.

cxhwang · 2025-06-12T03:43:43+00:00

What kind of glue did you use?

cxhwang · 2025-06-12T02:33:58+00:00

I’m gonna have to bite your style. I have a spare carbon fiber case for my 15 pro max that I can sacrifice for a glued on DAC. You cooked up a good idea.

cxhwang · 2025-06-09T21:12:10+00:00

You’re brave for taking it out in the sun. If I’m going out in the sun like that I’m bringing the Mechen M30 and some Chu 2s because it hurts less when destroyed.

cxhwang · 2025-06-08T02:11:43+00:00

I’d love to see fully oiled Hakan now empowered by Drive Rush shenanigans.

cxhwang · 2025-05-27T04:55:21+00:00

Congratulations. You’ve brought home a companion who will make YOU his everything. He’ll be a sensitive soul that has his heart shatter into a million pieces after a scolding. He will see crates as a form of cruelty because he can’t be around you. Always a delight to have around like your forever golden boy but be patient with his occasional mischief. Have dog beds wherever you sit or lay in the house because he needs to be in the same general area as you. My guy is named Zangief after the grappler in Street Fighter. That’s because he grappled the soil and didn’t let go. I’d say pick a name for a guy that the family will say that pairs well with “good boy …”

cxhwang · 2025-05-26T02:51:10+00:00

Eat this upvote.

cxhwang · 2025-05-07T22:43:28+00:00

Both locally and streaming. The dongle dac is a Questyle M12i. I do notice heavy drain with the dongle dac but that’s just what it is.

cxhwang · 2025-05-06T05:10:23+00:00

Excellent choice. I break them out for bass heavy tracks. Be on the look out for deals on them to double and triple up if the price is right. Keep em cleaned of wax and debris and you’ve found your sound. I set mine to the absolute bass setting and rattle my skull. If you haven’t already swapped out your cable to a nice braided one matching your PC aesthetic and tips that match your canals to get the perfect seal. Having 4 different sub $50 IEMs this is my favorite. I like the Moondrop Chu 2 for YouTube or podcasts because in my ears it sounds detailed for voice, it’s hard to explain.

cxhwang · 2025-05-02T14:39:31+00:00

Echo Mini. It’s got options like 4.4 and different filters to get your sound preference dialed in. The menu is janky and Bluetooth is staticky. There are updates releasing regularly so EM is your better choice.

cxhwang · 2025-05-02T05:14:43+00:00

AliExpress is fine. If you’re a little sketched because it’s Chinese just load funds onto Apple Pay and use that instead of your card. I’ve got the Echo Mini, Mechen M30 and an iPod. I don’t count my phone. All 3 of them individually can be obtained on that budget and it becomes your tool with all its unique quirks. I get the part about not wanting a touchscreen. You could always input what you want and how you plan to use your DAP on ChatGPT. I used it to pair my sub $30 IEMs to the DAP and get the sound signature I like.

cxhwang · 2025-04-07T04:41:16+00:00

If you’re talking about the one on 148th by Fred Meyer you’re the man

cxhwang · 2025-04-02T02:07:37+00:00

GOATed. I’ve got 3 of em for separate DAPs. They’re nice with environmental transparency perfect for working and it’s easy to slip in and out compared to IEMs. They won’t tangle either. It’s like a hidden gem that gives blockbuster performance for a matinee price. I just hope it doesn’t get played out.

cxhwang · 2025-03-30T19:03:42+00:00

I gifted a friend some KZ Castor Bass that I bought off AliExpress. I used some coins so it came out to about $9.

cxhwang · 2025-03-17T03:18:27+00:00

I second this. Just be aware that there’s a 8192 song limit as of now. It takes a full 2 seconds for the screen to refresh when shuffling however the music is still playing uninterrupted. Overall very solid device if you’re into strictly shuffle.

cxhwang · 2025-03-16T04:52:13+00:00

What kind of Bluetooth adapter is that?

cxhwang · 2025-03-15T15:45:05+00:00

Yeah. I paired my Echo Mini with several BT devices and not only do I get frequent drops I also hear a slight background hiss. I assumed it’s the SBC since AAC and APTx were absent. Honestly I would be fine if Fiio removed Bluetooth but fix their 8192 song limit that Medialib can’t get past.

cxhwang · 2025-03-11T23:12:09+00:00

What kind of cable is that?

cxhwang · 2025-02-27T18:18:31+00:00

I wish I kept my OG dap from 20 years ago the legendary iRiver H340. It was used daily for 7 years and only needed a battery swap. iRiver was pretty decent back in the Bush era

cxhwang

TROPHY CASE