Need help with a lot..

[Thekill]

Hello! I'm new here, and fairly new to the audiophile world. Today I need some help with portable audio players. I have downloaded this android app called tidal for high fidelity music files, and I'm very impressed and would love to keep it. However, it's downloaded on my crappy Samsung s4 mini. I don't feel like I am getting the very best I can out of the app. I have the flac files, I'm using hd598SE and ATH-A500X, so the only thing needing improvement right now is a music player. My question is this- is there a Hi-Fi music player out there that has the capability of downloading apps? Please help me out!!)

 

[chayan]

Hi,
You have the same requirement that I had couple of months back. I generally dont have a fixed genre but try to listen to whatever I find interesting at a particular point in time. Hence mostly I listen to music on youtube, gaana, saavn and wynk (since Spotify etc. are yet not supported in India). So my requirement would be for a player that had internet connectivity and supported the above applications and others going forward. And I did not want it to be my phone (however it might not be the same for you).
So there is very little choice as far as good non-phone portable music players..the only one that is easily available is the ipod touch. I have got hold of Cowon Z2 (which is out of production now) and have been able to customize to my requirements and am satisfied for the time being.
On phone-audio players, there are more options - Sony Z3, Z3 compact, Z5; Oppo N1 etc. I have heard One plus One/Two are also good.
You have quite a choice here. Hope this helps.

 

[MaSh]

Hello! I'm new here, and fairly new to the audiophile world. Today I need some help with portable audio players. I have downloaded this android app called tidal for high fidelity music files, and I'm very impressed and would love to keep it. However, it's downloaded on my crappy Samsung s4 mini. I don't feel like I am getting the very best I can out of the app. I have the flac files, I'm using hd598SE and ATH-A500X, so the only thing needing improvement right now is a music player. My question is this- is there a Hi-Fi music player out there that has the capability of downloading apps? Please help me out!!)

Seen this to connect your phone to: Nobsound Hifi Mini Bluetooth Music Audio Stereo Receiver

• Bluetooth Audio Receiver and Stereo Power Amplifier(Headphone Amplifier) 2-In-1, Stream music from your cell phone to your speakers or headphone wirelessly.
• AUX (3.5mm) Input Connector Jack and Bluetooth 3.0+EDR , Support A2DP profile , Up to 30 feet wireless range in open space. Compatible with All Your Favorite Bluetooth Devices such as Smartphone, TV,iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad, Android,etc. Not suit for calling.
• Output Power(RMS):30W x 2 to speakers, 105mW x 2 to Headphone. Resistance: 4ohm
• Mini size and elegant design, aluminum body with volume knob.Net weight:154g Package Weight:0.36Kg Product DimensionsL)78*(W)70*(H)38mm
• Package: 1PC bluetooth amplifier 1PC AV audio signal line 1PC Record line 1PC English manual

If not, get an iPod touch with atleast iOS 4.2 for it to support Airplay and a headphone amp.

MaSh

 

[regeHA]

If you are streaming then consider something like Chromecast Audio. It has digital output so you're not limited to the DAC of the mobile.

If you are downloading then consider the wonderful Raspberry Pi as source/transport and an external DAC. You can simply copy/move the files to an external HDD. I also understand that Max2Play supports Tidal integration in the Pi, but I'm not sure if you can download the files or its limited to only streaming like internet radio.

I'm using Tidal with CCA myself.

A headphone amp + DAC from Schiit will really improve the SQ of your gear.

If its purely an Android based digital media player you are looking for and specifically audiophile grade then I've not really come across anything. Most are limited to Android sticks for streaming video.

If you have the $$$ you can consider building a PC with a Roon interface. That will take care of all your needs and then some.

@MaSh - Tidal streams lossless music... anything Bluetooth will kill and downsample the quality of music. A wireless streamer like Chromecast Audio is a better consideration over anything Bluetooth.

 

[MaSh]

@MaSh - Tidal streams lossless music... anything Bluetooth will kill and downsample the quality of music. A wireless streamer like Chromecast Audio is a better consideration over anything Bluetooth.

Totally agree. Was just trying to keep it simple for him. I personally use an ipod streaming to receiver via Airplay. It sounds really good.

MaSh