Surprising subjective feeling of iPhone DAC sound quality

For months, as I ride the train into Chicago to work, I marvel at how great Tidal sounds through my iPhone’s internal DAC. I know-audiophile blasphemy!

My references are a two hifi DACs (one Stereophile A and the other a tube based unit). 

Listening to Les McCan and Lou Rawls “Stormy Monday” album from 1962 this am made me finally post this. 

I haven't taken the time to find actual reviews and measurements of my specific phone.  I did however stumble on this assessment of an Apple lightning adapter, which discusses it being state of the art and measurements. https://www.kenrockwell.com/apple/lightning-adapter-audio-quality.htm
Regardless, I’ve been doing this hobby long enough to trust my ears and I know I like what I hear. 

So, I’m no longer going to say that kids with earbuds or phones are NECESSARILY missing out. It’s more complicated than that. If they have a decent source they can experience great sound through a phone. The choice of music is another story. :)

At any rate, I’m impressed with the clarity, smoothness, and realism of this.  

Give it a try. And to keep it honest, pop in Willow Weep for Me from that les McCan and Lou Rawls album to see if you hear what I’m hearing. 

Disclaimer: many moons ago (1996-2002) I was an apple fanboy. No longer. No hate, just not an all out fan. I try to call balls and strikes as I see them.