Rgc - Unfortunately, a single gadget that fits everybody's requirements is yet to be developed - and those that are out there often falls short in some respect.
e.g. the Pono of Fiio X5 are certainly portable and will play high res files, but
- their user interface may not be as flexible as other solutions
- their ability to interface to other "gadgets" is restricted
- and their SQ may also not be comparable to some other less portable solutions available.
Personally...
My own system uses an iMac + Audirvana to stream from a NAS drive to a v-link192 and then into a Schiit Bifrost DAC - not portable at all, but the interface offers the ability to view tracks by artist, album, genre etc..., the NAS drive is a RAID morror (i.e. data is safe), and the sound quality is extremely good, whilst I control playback from the comfort of my chair via either my phone or my tablet.
I am fortunate that both our cars can play music from a USB stick, so my need for portability is addressed by that. Although it can be a PITA to convert to MP3 - I see no need for 24/192 in my car - too much road/wind noise :-(
I have a quality portable mini-system that has USB playback ability for music in the garden
I do not have a requirements for a personal portable player - and if the need should arise - my smartphone does a reasonable job.
So to summarize...
- I looked at the gadgets I had and what they offered
- I decided I was happy with what I had from a portability perspective
- I decided that from a streaming perspective - I wanted very high quality playback via my audio system that offered a flexible interface and security of my digital library.
Since you cite portability and the fact that currently you use vinyl and SACD most of the time for serious listening - perhaps the Pono or Fiio X5 would be your best approach for the time being.
Other solutions start to get expensive and may require you attain some technical knowledge about routers, computers and software.
You may well find streamed music to be more convenient to use and opt for a more dedicated solution in the future.
By that time - there may well be a solution that does everything you want.
It took me about three years to get to the point I'm at now and advancement in technology provided solutions to my mobile requirements.
Bit of a ramble, but I hope it assists in some way :-)
e.g. the Pono of Fiio X5 are certainly portable and will play high res files, but
- their user interface may not be as flexible as other solutions
- their ability to interface to other "gadgets" is restricted
- and their SQ may also not be comparable to some other less portable solutions available.
Personally...
My own system uses an iMac + Audirvana to stream from a NAS drive to a v-link192 and then into a Schiit Bifrost DAC - not portable at all, but the interface offers the ability to view tracks by artist, album, genre etc..., the NAS drive is a RAID morror (i.e. data is safe), and the sound quality is extremely good, whilst I control playback from the comfort of my chair via either my phone or my tablet.
I am fortunate that both our cars can play music from a USB stick, so my need for portability is addressed by that. Although it can be a PITA to convert to MP3 - I see no need for 24/192 in my car - too much road/wind noise :-(
I have a quality portable mini-system that has USB playback ability for music in the garden
I do not have a requirements for a personal portable player - and if the need should arise - my smartphone does a reasonable job.
So to summarize...
- I looked at the gadgets I had and what they offered
- I decided I was happy with what I had from a portability perspective
- I decided that from a streaming perspective - I wanted very high quality playback via my audio system that offered a flexible interface and security of my digital library.
Since you cite portability and the fact that currently you use vinyl and SACD most of the time for serious listening - perhaps the Pono or Fiio X5 would be your best approach for the time being.
Other solutions start to get expensive and may require you attain some technical knowledge about routers, computers and software.
You may well find streamed music to be more convenient to use and opt for a more dedicated solution in the future.
By that time - there may well be a solution that does everything you want.
It took me about three years to get to the point I'm at now and advancement in technology provided solutions to my mobile requirements.
Bit of a ramble, but I hope it assists in some way :-)