I’m using my Mark Levinson 5909’s with LDAC Bluetooth aand also passively via a Dragonfly Cobalt dongle with the UAPP app.
Now, intuitively, one would assume that the second option would be superior, however:
Listening to a HD version of BC’s “Spectrum”, the Bluetooth LDAC version sounds detailed, relaxed, musical and thoroughly enjoyable.
Using the Cobalt connection and the UAPP app, it sounds artificial, over-etched and forced.
Hmm. I had been considering buying a dedicated portable DAP (Astell&Kern SR35) to use cabled in pursuit of best possible SQ but now I’m wondering if this would in fact, simply exaggerate the already negative experience with the Cobalt plus UAPP.
Maybe you just prefer a slightly more relaxed sound to a less forgiving one. Headphones tend to magnify these characteristics I think. It is not necessarily what is better or worse, but what you enjoy.
Maybe try an alternative to the Cobalt?
As for A+K, I am on my 4th different model. All have been generally neutral in tuning which seems to be a brand character. Fiio in my limited experience of their lesser models are a bit warmer/richer. Not sure that helps you!
Interestingly, I reverted to my old Dfly Red that I pulled out of the cupboard, used with the 5909’s in true passive mode, and there was an immediate improvement over the Bluetooth method. The best way I can describe it is that the tone of instruments was fuller and richer where the LDAC replay sounded, now in retrospect, somehow thinner. Clearly down to the reduced Kbps with LDAC.
The reason why I’m looking at a portable DAP with ANC headphones is because I will then be able to listen to my Qobuz “downloads” via lossless cable whilst still having ANC on.
At the moment, with the cable/Dfly/UAPP method, it doesn’t access the Qobuz downloads, which are what I will be listening to in a walking/transport environment.
So I’m going to pay attention to the different sound signatures of the A&K Vs Fiio in reviews and maybe see if I can source a dem somewhere.
As far as the Cobalt performance is concerned, I’m moved to ask “WHAT were they thinking?”
I’m running a FiiO M15S with senn ie900 and Qobuz sourced material. I was using it a lot with loads of work travel. I’m using it less now, but every time I go back to it I’m delighted with the combination. A really enjoyable and musical pairing.
I have an Astell and Kern SR25, which I bought for travel. Coupled with a pair of Shure 1540 cans, it punches well above its tiny size. I use it a lot when I am at home and cannot be bothered with the main HiFi rig. I also have a pair of Shure IEM’s which I use when travelling.
Though worth considering LDAC Bluetooth is lossy, though slightly less so than regular Bluetooth, so lossy signals can better as there is typically less information sent. A direct connection, depending on connected equipment such as headphones will be more of a test.
I find the cobalt DAC very very good.. and I use to drive my dedicated headphone valve amp. But clearly equipment synergies play. The Auduiquest Cobalt uses the ESS ES9038Q2M which is a bit of a darling DAC chip for portable devices.
FWIW for portable play on the move I use an iPhone with the AirPods Max… dial in a bit of EQ.. and one has a superb portable replay system…
Bizarrely aggressive and rude response.. sorry if I have touched one of your raw nerves
Don’t ask on this forum for thoughts if you don’t want people to respond with views or tips that you may find helpful or in this case not. Very disrespectful.
Yes, however I find when travelling with portable use Bluetooth can work reasonably well.ie standardized Bluetooth protocols. I certainly find with AirPod max it can be quite an inciteful and emotional rendition on Appleless lossless media… but yes I can understand those not wanting to buy into the Apple ecosystem… it doesn’t bother me.. I can’t get an idealistic about it… if it works for me, then I can use it.
