Sold: NPAudio modded Acoustic Research AR-M2
Listing ID: 65909 Views: 1587
0.00 EUR
Condition
Good
Negotiability
Firm
Ships to
  1. Europe
This is an NPAudio modded Acoustic Research AR-M2 with a new battery installed. You can read about the mod work here and here.

I had the the original and the modded version together, the mod cleans up the sound rendering the presentation more precise but without losing any musicality. If you want a muscular Class-A presentation with a lot of "meat" and dynamics, this is the DAP for you. Can drive HD800s on its own with ease.

New battery installed, which lasts at least 7.5 hours.

Note: I only use local library for playback. I would not buy this if you intend to stream given it uses an older Android OS. I ran this with 1TB SanDisk card and it worked flawlessly.

Condition is very good. Signs of use, but not dings. Screen in good order.

No box, but packed neatly and securely. Comes with 5V JBL charger. I'll also include a USB-C to micro-B cable. Case also included. FiiO stand *not* included.

No trades and I'm firm on the price.

Shipping from Vienna or Bordeaux.
Listed by: Nostoi (87)
Listed: 2024-04-10
Last edited: 2024-04-21
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DenverW

DenverW

Headphoneus Supremus
This is a fantastic dap. High end, flagship sound for a reasonable price. One of the best of all time, glws!
 
Klabauters

Klabauters

100+ Head-Fier
What a pitty, I recently spent my free budget on your Qutest, new Robot Mower + ordering a new car .... - this one would have definitely become mine - just too curious to see, what the NPAUDIO Mod can do to this outstanding, sound wise near perfect device, already in its standard appearance.

In my ears the AR-M2 is on par with the DX320 MAX TI, which I also owned. At least as long as the DX320 Max is playing in normal mode. In ultimate mode I found some traces of artificiality in the sound of the DX320 MAX, which did not like. Also the volume control is much better on the AR-M2 + I prefer the functions of the AR-M2s Pro Player and the responsiveness of the AR-M2s display. At the end, the DX320 TI left and my AR-M2 stayed for perfect and beautiful listening sessions.


Can only highly recommend both - the seller and the AR-M2 :)

I am absolutely convinced, this one will make the new owner definitely happy.

GLWS.
 
Last edited:
Nostoi

Nostoi

Headphoneus Supremus
Klabauters said:
What a pitty, I recently spent my free budget on your Qutest, new Robot Mower + ordering a new car .... - this one would have definitely become mine - just too curious to see, what the NPAUDIO Mod can do to this outstanding, near perfect (soundwise) device, already in its standard appearance.

Can only highly recommend both - the seller and the AR-M2 :)

This one will make the new owner definitely happy.

GLWS.
Click to expand...
Thanks, friend. The domestic commitments are relatable - reason for sale: I need to buy a washing machine. Sadly true!

Yes, would be great if an owner with a stock AR-M2 bought it for comparison. I did the comparison myself some time back and came to the conclusion that the modded version retains the magic of the stock unit but cleans up some of the presentation.

If it doesn't sell, I will not be disappointed to keep it (it'll only mean continued trips to the laundromat :yum:)
 
Klabauters

Klabauters

100+ Head-Fier
.... in some ears also running washing machines sound like music ....

- though the devices are far apart in their way of evolution; and I have to confess I never could fully understand this kind of fetish...

I would also always prefer the sound of the AR-M2 to be honest, although I have to admit the requirement of the other device.

Btw. I added some comparison to the DX320 MAX Ti in my comment above - just to make clear on which level the AR-M2 is located.
 
Last edited:
Nostoi

Nostoi

Headphoneus Supremus
Klabauters said:
.... in some ears also running washing machines sound like music ....

- though the devices are far apart in their way of evolution; and I have to confess I never could fully understand this kind of fetish...

I would also always prefer the sound of the AR-M2 to be honest, although I have to admit the requirement of the other device.

Btw. I added some comparison the the DX320 MAX Ti in my comment above - just to make clear on which level the AR-M2 is located.
Click to expand...
I guess if the washing machine is drowning out other noise, then music indeed!

I've not heard the DX320 - I'm put off by the reports of the step volume control - but it's impressive that AR-M2 continues to hold ground so many years after launch. The amp to my ears is really the magic of this DAP. I for one have not heard a better Class-A implementation in any DAP and indeed it competes with several desktop/portable amps on this ground.

As I say, I will not be sad if it remains with me! (And even then, I'm tempted to take the ad down in advance...)
 
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