Finally, your budget is enough for me to do recommendation

Hi guys. Currently I have the Havi B3 Pro and 64 Audio V8 in-ear monitors as my daily IEMs. My budget can stretch to RM5,000 but preferably RM4,500. Oh, refer to #7 below.

The main question is whether if I actually need a portable amp WITH the portable player or not for the current IEMs I have. What I am currently aiming for is Fiio X5ii + Chord Mojo, with the IEMs mentioned above. Unless you guys know a standalone DAP that can diminish the need for a portable AMP, then fire away.

What I am looking for is
1) Of course, storage capacity (higher GBs : better, currently have 2 64GB MicroSD)
2) Smooth UI (Something that does not lag with total of 3k musics in it)
3) Good battery life, enough for travelling
4) Nothing enormous. As long as it doesn't get bigger than the portable stack mentioned above then I am happy    (because I might add a portable amp in the future)
5) Balanced OR Analytical sound signature, as my V8 screams BASS BASS BASS BASS. So nothing warm or bassy.
6) A volume knob/button that is not too sensitive to avoid accidentally destroying my ears!!!!
7) Last resort is the AK240 (fml)  (try to avoid this last option Hahaha)

I am planning to upgrade at the end of 2016 or hopefully mid 2016.  Thank you all in advance!

RM4.9k

http://shop.amplifiedhead.com/products/Questyle-QP1R/767

Massdrop is having a deal on AK240 at $1659 if you are interested -> https://www.massdrop.com/buy/astell-kern-ak240

Actually, Cowon P1 is not longer flagship

check Cowon Plenue S  

http://www.head-fi.org/t/790462/new-cowon-plenue-s

And AK240 soon to be replaced by AK320 (my prediction, due to price similar, sound 320 more punchy, unless goes for RWAK240)

Seeing how I am only driving IEMs, external amp won't be necessary la. so ENDGAME DAP AND FITEAR/NOBLE!

Afterall it is 2nd gen flagship vs 3rd gen second flagship

It is quite hard to make decision, especially native DSD vs DSD to PCM, 256GB etc.

there is no endgame for AK DAP, who knows? Maybe CHord next year comes out with DAP with its own signature DAC

And Fitear also not endgame for IEM yet, try VE6xc   and Adel A12  

Intended to sell AK100II but FW1.25 save the sound.

Almost jumped on MD Fostex, but managed to hold myself back haha

Did you succumb to any BF sales temptation?

DAP I have tried so far:

IBasso DX90
Fiio X3 and X5 and X7
IRiver AK Jr, 100II, 120II, 240, 240SS, 320, 380, 380+AMP
Calyx M
Sony ZX1, ZX2, D100
Lotoo Paw Gold
Aune M2
QuinStyle QP1R
Pioneer xdp-100r

go get the gold AK240

Either 334 or 335. Or the Noble K10. But first, a brilliant DAP that is good. Currently in my list is:

ZX2 and AK240. I'm in love with the caron fibre on the AK240. And SOMEONE selling his 2ndhand gold AK240

DX90 is not available, DX80 i havent listen properly, but not bad the UI, similar like Calyx M but a bit lagging at current FW.

I am not paying much attention at Aune M2, but it is quite good at that price, sound wise I recalled pairing with Hifiman RE400, not bad actually, cant determine its sound signature yet.

Why you need a backup DAP since you already have AK100II?

woiwoiwoi. Means I should avoid buying the AK240!? D:

lol yea AK customer services are quite questionable...

but now that DX200 is coming soon...  i'll be waiting for a X7 vs DX200 mash up!

That is another new player called Onkyo DP-X1

Can try that, from review, it does sound good, but need to be in balanced jack so that you can get the best experience

I havent tried yet, you tested it before and where is it?

I only tested its brother - Pioneer, output sound is so weak, even weaker than AK100II, I cant even hear properly at 50% volume and even in high gain mode

The saddest part is Onkyo DP-X1 doesnt have folder play option yet

Exactly the AK240 I haz in mind. My only concern is I am hoping that no one will buy from him

Anyways, the AK320 is like a newer but downgraded version of 240 in the sense that it lacks the QMS streaming and other features only a hardcore pro user would use. Basically the 320 is more like a DAP rather than a super DAP (if there's such thing lol) like the 240 and 380 (please correct me if wrong here). And it's cheaper, way cheaper than 240.

Sound wise, might really go listen properly. But then again a good secondhand AK240 might be worth the price.