I would add a streamer like WiiM Pro to a Schiit DAC/Headphones amp with wired headphones.
HiFi on the Go - Dream or Reality?
I'm an audiophile who travels a fair bit. I've been looking to build a portable audio system that allows me to enjoy some of the SQ I have at home. I've no illusion that something that fits in my carry on will give me the full Lampi/dTZ/Kharma experience I have at home but I'm trying to get part of the way there.
A few years back, I purchased an Astell&Kern DAP and would borrow a pair of Focal Utopia from my main system when traveling. I was happy with the sound but the Utopia proved to be too big to carry around. Trying to avoid lossy Bluetooth and tiny earbud DACs, I purchased Audio 64 U18t IEMs. Out of the box, they sound bright to my ears. I've been playing them on a loop in case there is such a thing as burn in for IEMs and crossing my fingers.
I listen mainly to country music, female vocals and progressive rock
I'm keen to get opinions on whether the search for hifi on the go is a fool's errand or if there is a path I haven't found yet.
Many thanks
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Which Astell&Kern did you get? Based on your other gear, I'd guess one of the higher end models. There are just so many IEM's, I'd recommend seeing if you can try out various brands and models on a trial basis to see what works best for you, if any. Country music, female vocals, and prog rock - that's an interesting combination of preferred genres! |
@larsman, I bought the SP1000m which was their flagship DAP at the time.
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I have been a traveling audiophile for decades. Over that time I have tried all the evolving technology, head amps, DACs, in-ear, over ear etc. I own an Astell & Kern SP2000 with add on amp and Focal Utopia. Also UltraSonde Edition 8… which are easily driven by an iPhone. I travelled extensively and typically would find most of the time listening in airports, planes and noisy venues along the way. In all of these places the “audiophile” part of the experience is completely compromised by the noise. The noise floor is so high that the high end is nearly completely gone and the midrange is highly compromised.
Then on a whim while in Tokyo one weekend I picked up a pair of Bose Quiet Comfort headphones. They completely changed my life. They are made for noisy environments. The noise cancellation and the tonal balance is made to sound very pleasing and fun in noisy conditions. They are comfortable and wireless. I put them on when I enter the airport and take them off when I arrive at my destination. Often just leaving on the noise cancellation and not listening to anything. it simplified my travel sooo much and made the experience so much better. Not lugging a case with all my wires and batteries or the A&K brick is wonderful. Have a look at my headphone system under my userID. Now that is where to listen to headphones… where the noise floor is 30db. |
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