I'm sure there is a thread for SMSL DACs here on Head-Fi. Happy hunting and enjoy the music!

Thank you @Joe Bloggs!

Going to try the rest of my IEMs this weekend with the R8II. So far, I have nothing but positive impressions. I'm very impressed with the R8ii. Everything about it is A1 to me. When I'm genuinely excited about a component in this manner, it's safe to say this is a keeper. Outstanding job Hiby!

Ahhh, metal is definitely not my speed. I appreciate you adding that additional context. The Mentor was doing everything I wanted it to do and then some for R&B, Jazz, Reggae, Hip Hop, Chill, Blues, Afrobeat etc. I can totally understand and appreciate why you would favor the EE Raven over the...

Looking forward to reading your impressions from the show if you care to share. There are a few IEMs I don't have access to that I'd love to try with the R8II. The U18s, Volür, QDC Anole V14/Emperor, Kinera Imperial Verdandi, all the Campfire IEMs, Noble Kublai Khan, and everything Empire Ears...

Going to have to try that sometime this year. My first encounter with the Raven at CanJam SoCal 2023 left much to be desired. I listened to at least 3 dozen IEMs prior to hearing it. So I'd have to give that another chance with fresh ears to gain a proper impression.

Hiby R8II + Unique Melody Multiverse Mentor.... 🔊👑🏆👑🔊🎼🎵🎶🎹🎻🎷🎺🥁🎸 Champion Sound....MSEB analog is a pretty sweet sounding setting. I think I'm going to leave this on for a while. The layering is magnificent. I can easily identify every element in this song. I'm really enjoying this pairing...

Hiby R8II + Empire Ears Legend Evo 🔊🎼🥰😁🥰🔊🎼 Something about this DAP is just so righteous. The layering, depth, width... The immersion... I guess this does sound like a personal amphitheater.. This is engaging and probably the only time marketing glossies accurately described the listening...

I previously owned an SU-9 DAC and SH-9 Amp, the background sounded as if the unit wasn't powered on.. So I think that would be worth checking out. It won't break your bank for the SU-9 + SH-9 combo.. They were neutral enough.

Thank you @Newsee! Their software has changed so much since the R6 Pro.. I'm loving my R8II so far.

Hiby R8II + Fir Audio Xenon 6.... 🔉🎶😁🔉🎵

2 Bone Conduction Drivers per side?? I'd definitely be looking to read your impressions/ review soon.

Love, LOVE, love Albert King's music.

@Joe Bloggs Is there a Guide that explains all these Filters and Darwin Controller Functions? I spent a few hours configuring and loading music on my R8II. The pictures don't do this DAP justice. It's a beautiful and exquisite device. I like what I was hearing with my IER-Z1R's.

There are other manufacturers out there like SMSL, Topping, & Xduoo but I cannot speak to all of their offerings. The Xduoo TA-22 may be worth researching as well. It may lean a little warmer than neutral as it has tubes but it seems to get glowing reviews. SMSL my only experience with the...