Supposedly, there’s been a resurgence in the popularity of the iPod in the recent months for all sorts of reasons. While I’m well aware of “MP3 Players”, such as the original iPod and the old Sony Walkman, these are not devices I grew up using. As a “new-gen” audiophile myself, getting a DAP (Dedicated Audio Player, its the new term for these sort of devices as they can play much more than just MP3s) was certainly an interesting idea. However, modern day audiophiles now have an arsenal of methods to enjoy music, even when it comes to portable playback.

PREFACE

I’ll assume that you already have some basic audiophile knowledge, and that you have your own reasons for maintaining an audio library independent of streaming services.

I’ve reduced it down to 3 main categories: 1. Using your phone with a dongle DAC (Digital to Analog Converter), 2. Wireless DAC (via Bluetooth), 3. Dedicated DAP. Now that I own one of each, I’d like to share my opinions on each one.

Phone with Dongle DAC

This is probably something most people are familiar with so I won’t go into too much detail.

+ easy access to streaming services
+ excellent user interface (software)
+ excellent audio quality so long as you don't buy a SUPER cheap dongle
- distractions whether from notifications or having to fiddle with app
- drains your battery
- dongles/cables are annoying when tethered to your phone
- if you maintain your own music library, it will take up additional storage/use data (especially for FLACs)
- minimal physical button media controls

Wireless DAC

A wireless DAC is exactly what it sounds like. Rather than a traditional dongle DAC that plugs into your phone, a wireless DAC connects to your phone over Bluetooth. Your headphones/IEMs then plug into the DAC itself which is what makes it a wireless experience.

This effectively allows you to use any IEM or Headphone as a wireless one, and provides a largely tangle free experience since you’re free to leave the DAC in your pocket while you take your phone out to do things.

For reference I have the FiiO BTR7, so most of the points below will be focused on that.

+ connects to phone, so easy streaming, great UI
+ largely tangle-free, you can take your phone in and out of your pockets without the dongle getting in the way
+ can also be used as a wired DAC with PC or phone
+ EQ customization, even if your phone doesn't support it software-wise
+ support for high bit-rate coding technologies (such as Sony's LDAC which supports up to 990kbps) (1)
+ drives high-impedance headphones
- still drains your battery a lot
- have to charge it, or else its no better than a dongle DAC
- better physical button media controls, but for most DACs its minimal
- can get pricey (relatively to what you are getting)
- you still need to use data/storage whether you are streaming or listening to files

(1) If you're on iOS only AAC is supported, thanks Apple (250-260kbps)

This option alone has been excellent for using my IEMs on the go just for the sake of not having to fiddle with a dongle. Usually the battery life on these things are fantastic, and they last a really long time. Most streaming services also likely won’t exceed 990kbps regardless, so its not a huge compromise either.

The biggest caveat here is that it suffers from a lot of the same issues with battery and data/storage usage that listening from a smartphone has.

Dedicated Audio Player

There is a wide variety of DAPs out there. Some of them even run Android which almost makes them a phone. I’ll focus more on a budget option, that being the Snowsky Echo Mini.

+ distraction free listening, hassle free in terms of tangling
+ physical buttons to control media + volume
+ stores your music, doesn't take up storage
+ EQ customization
+ looks cool :)
- need to charge it or else its a brick
- can get pricey as well, but lots of budget friendly options
- you'll probably have to buy a micro-sd or equiv. to expand the storage on it
- need to manually add music to it (duh...)
- doesn't do streaming (2)

(2) Some DAPs also have the option to do music streaming, although in my opinion that largely defeats the whole purpose since it would probably be more worth it to pick up a cheap phone just for that

Another benefit of the Echo Mini is that it can also be used as a dongle DAC if necessary. The main caveat here is that you need to be good about maintaing/tagging your audio library, and of course you don’t get any audio from your phone (although that’s a plus in terms of cutting out distractions for me, if I need to take a call I’ll just use the built-in speaker as is)

Conclusion

I find myself using my DAP the most, since it doesn’t drain my phone’s battery and has been helpful in training my patience in terms of not doomscrolling (since I literately will not be able to hear the audio). Although I do usually bring the wireless DAP along too on most days in case I want to watch a video or something. Both devices are tiny so its no big deal.