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Oenophile
19
May 23, 2018
Does a DAC make sense when streaming music from Spotify on an iPhone with audiophile grade headphones?
OenophileNo. This is for when you record your vinyl to .WAV files stored on your computer and need a way to listen to the quality without lugging around all your records. Spotify is likely going to cap out at MP3 level quality. Don't get me wrong, a good pair of headphones can make a bit of difference, but this is for a higher quality than what spotify can offer.
Oenophile
19
May 23, 2018
JeremiahWasNotABullfrogThanks for the clarification. Hoping for the day that streaming services will provide a higher definition signal for our musical enjoyment. There are a few that do but their music library is limited.
Rodmunch
179
May 23, 2018
OenophileI disagree with Jeremiah, and I don't see the connection between your question and his suggestion about recording vinyl to .WAV (you would use an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) for that). If you listen to Spotify on the high quality setting, a DAC can make a difference. Lots of people do this exact thing with devices like the Audioquest Dragonfly (small combo DAC/Amp) and note an increase in quality. Although I've read that some iPhones have decent built in DACs already. I should add I don't have an iPhone, the above is just my opinion from reading other peoples' experiences. I can say this: I went from a Sony Xperia phone which sounded OK with decent headphones to an LG V20 that has better DAC/Amp circuitry (ESS Sabre Quad DAC) and there was a noticeable improvement when using Spotify and my own high bitrate mp3s.
Oenophile
19
May 23, 2018
RodmunchYes, I do recall reading about the Dragonfly. It was highly rated and was at a reasonable price point. I will look into it again. Thank you.
MarcSpence
180
May 23, 2018
OenophileI can hear the differences streaming tidal hi res from my iphone/ipad to different dacs, spotify premium has decent bit rate... you can get a decent dac for around 100 bucks. I can also also hear differences btw my amps, but this is a subjective hobby and placebo effect may come into play.. I consider my gear functional art as well, so construction quality and looks are also big factor for me..
MarcSpence
180
May 23, 2018
Oenophile
19
May 24, 2018
MarcSpenceAgreed. I have heard visible increase in sonic quality using Tidal but it’s just that their library is limited in the type of music I enjoy so Spotify is the more appealing choice. I will look into a reasonable DAC. Thanks again.
idaw
2
May 28, 2018
RodmunchWhich Sony Xperia phone was that? I have the X Performance and I was wondering if a small portable DAC/AMP would make a big difference with my EDC3's?
Rodmunch
179
May 30, 2018
idawIt was an old Xperia Z, the first one.
DCLawyer68
3
Feb 18, 2019
OenophileI believe the real issue is what quality the DAC is on the device your using. For instance, adding a $99 DAC to my PC made my system of powered speakers and a subwoofer sound much more powerful and clear, even with steamed files. But adding it to my Galaxy S9 changed little because I believe the Snapdragon chip has a decent DAC already.
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