Guide Looking for a portable media device under ₹5000

[ken_kaneki]

I'm looking for a dedicated portable media device with a good inbuilt DAC. I don’t want to use my primary phone for music playback. My main requirement is high-quality sound via the headphone jack — I have a large FLAC library, so FLAC support is a must.


Considering options like:

• LG V series (V20, V30, etc.) — known for their Quad DAC
• LG G series (G6, G7)
• Samsung S7 to S9 series (for decent sound output)

I'm also open to older iPods, but they don’t support FLAC natively and their DACs don’t compare to the LG V/G series or even some older Samsung flagships in terms of audio quality.
Should I go for one of these old phones or consider a budget DAP (Digital Audio Player) instead? Budget is ₹5000.
Suggestions and recommendations welcome!

 

[ibose]

You can also look at LG G8x, that was the last phone sold in India with the quad dac.

 

[Tobikage]

Should I go for one of these old phones

If you go for a phone , do check and make sure the thing has decent battery health left first.

Go for a phone if you feel you will use that little extra functionality you get from a phone compared to a similarly priced DAP.

Check what's available in the price range first and then weigh your options.

I've got a G7 solely for playing music.

 

[Simar]

If I were you, my first choice would be to use an older unused smartphone and buy a portable/dongle DAC like one of these [HPZ (Portable DACS & Amps)]. The key benefit (especially for someone like me) of this is having internet access and the ability to use Spotify or your choice of music streaming app, instead of just relying on your library. The audio quality is great, plus some dongle DACs can drive certain demanding headphones as well. Also, you end up saving money since all you're getting is a DAC + Amp and have the main device (phone) yourself.

From what I know, you might have a tough time getting a DAP at this price point from a good brand (lots of low-end chi-fi options) and might have to increase your budget. Although you can certainly check the used market for them.

 

[ken_kaneki]

You can also look at LG G8x, that was the last phone sold in India with the quad dac.

I bought LG G6 it has the same dac as LG V20. And I got it for 2k. So i think thats a steal

 

[ken_kaneki]

If you go for a phone , do check and make sure the thing has decent battery health left first.

Go for a phone if you feel you will use that little extra functionality you get from a phone compared to a similarly priced DAP.

Check what's available in the price range first and then weigh your options.

I've got a G7 solely for playing music.

I got LG g6 for 2k. The battery backup is decent. The back glass is a but broken but for 2k i dont thik there is anything to complain.

If I were you, my first choice would be to use an older unused smartphone and buy a portable/dongle DAC like one of these [HPZ (Portable DACS & Amps)]. The key benefit (especially for someone like me) of this is having internet access and the ability to use Spotify or your choice of music streaming app, instead of just relying on your library. The audio quality is great, plus some dongle DACs can drive certain demanding headphones as well. Also, you end up saving money since all you're getting is a DAC + Amp and have the main device (phone) yourself.

From what I know, you might have a tough time getting a DAP at this price point from a good brand (lots of low-end chi-fi options) and might have to increase your budget. Although you can certainly check the used market for them.

I checked out the DACs you mentioned — thanks for the suggestions! I get the flexibility of using an old phone with a dongle DAC, but I was actually looking for a dedicated device just for music.
I bought used LG G6 for just 2k. Compared to other dedicated dongle dac at this price I think i got a good deal