Beginner Audiophile Setup - Sony Walkman NW-A06 with FiiO FH3 IEMs

[johnsmith1]

I am coming from using an iPhone with FLAC music while using an Apple dongle and Apple wired ear buds ($20.)

 

Will switching over to a Sony Walkman NW-A06 with FiiO FH3 IEMs plugged in directly to them be a massive upgrade that is noticeable? And is there anything additional that can be done to improve this setup such as music apps, EQ or DACs to add before plugging the IEMs into the NW-A06? Completely new to this hobby but already slipped right down the rabbit hole on the possibilities, but think this will be my beginner setup to get into it and really appreciate my music more.

[jcbenten]

Is the Walkman Android based or a Sony OS? If Android the app USB Audio Player Pro is well worth the ~$10 cost. The Onkyo app is well regarded also.  As for the iems...check this recent post: 

 

I picked up the Quartets and they are quite nice.

 

An intermediate DAC/AMP might make a difference.  May have to pick one up and see.  I so not use one between my Sony NWZX2 and Quartets...I could not hear a noticeable difference on FLAC files.

[johnsmith1]

It's Android OS but I plan on debloating all of the Google from it and using substreamer most likely to connect to my navidrome instance to access my FLAC files. Should be a nice listening experience looking forward to it!