DAPs

[lovinthehd]

They're discontinued but remember the Sansa Clips got pretty good reports for their DAC and they're still somewhat available https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Sansa-Player-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B002MAPSC6?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B002MAPSC6

 

[slipperybidness]

DAC may be excellent quality but as far as output goes I can't turn my S4 up loud enough when using the headphone jack either with headphones or with plugging it in to an aux input on my car's head unit or into receivers. I believe there are more options in this respect (and also using as a USB mass storage device) if I rooted the phone but I haven't....

I use this CMOY DIY Amp. Usually don't NEED it, but use it often. He doesn't use the CMOY terminology, that describes the topology, but that is what it is.
https://www.boxedkitamps.com/solop-headphone-amp-kit

I purchased his amp kit, a fine amp kit for the $120 that I paid. I purchased it as my Solid State class project--built it and measured it. The amp vendor told me that if I posted my review and measurements on his forum, he would send me the Headphone Amp Kit for free! Score!

 

[slipperybidness]

They're discontinued but remember the Sansa Clips got pretty good reports for their DAC and they're still somewhat available https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Sansa-Player-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B002MAPSC6?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B002MAPSC6

I had one of the earlier Sansa, it was good, but what I hated was the mandatory Rhapsody bloatware.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Headphones volume depending on how hard it is to power specific headphones.
I used tiny fiio headphone amp. It's decent as long as you don't use bass boost.

 

[lovinthehd]

I use this CMOY DIY Amp. Usually don't NEED it, but use it often. He doesn't use the CMOY terminology, that describes the topology, but that is what it is.
https://www.boxedkitamps.com/solop-headphone-amp-kit

I purchased his amp kit, a fine amp kit for the $120 that I paid. I purchased it as my Solid State class project--built it and measured it. The amp vendor told me that if I posted my review and measurements on his forum, he would send me the Headphone Amp Kit for free! Score!

Interesting but lots easier to just stream to something nearby with speakers than haul around another box and headphones with the phone; I rarely use headphones anyways, it was more about using the aux input in the car or with older analog gear in the house (and got a bluetooth unit that alleviates the issue anyways). Just a consideration if relying on the S4 alone....

 

[j_garcia]

S8 included AKG earbuds. Haven't tried them yet.

 

[MrBoat]

Yeah, you can get a dedicated DAP. I just don't see the value in it in the slightest. The majority of the population tends to agree, the sales numbers make that clear. Same for cameras, only the enthusiast has a standalone camera now, and the phone cameras are very good now anyway.

The smart phone really is an incredible invention. Basically a computer and internet in your pocket. I don't actually even talk on my phone very much.

Just because all of those other features are there, it does not detract from the music portion of the phone.

I do agree about the slimy marketing tracking! That is the drawback.

And, I understand the reluctance to move to a smart phone, I was the same way many years ago. Once I bought in, my entire attitude changed.

I tend to disagree with most of the population. I don't have any tattoos or piercings, either. I drink water from a glass, always, and am not dehydrated because of it. I wear jeans and tee-shirts and my sneakers don't have any extra flash or performance features.

With that said, I don't really believe the majority of the population is a good measure for practicality, over trendiness. A lot of people with 'smart' phones still ask me questions that their google or wiki could instantly answer.

I take most of my photos with a Canon Rebel.

I do agree the smart phone is a good invention. I think a better version is one that would be surgically implanted, since the majority of the population rarely puts them down, even to sh**.

 

[MrBoat]

I dropped mine many times. It only takes that one time that the curved part hits something. Mine happened to land on concrete.

My son's phone recently broke. His GF came in and plopped on the bed and it trampolined off onto the floor. He said it is a distinct sound when it lands just right. They call it the "celly flop." lol

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I do agree the smart phone is a good invention. I think a better version is one that would be surgically implanted, since the majority of the population rarely puts them down, even to sh**.