Yeah that's what I am suspecting too a defect cable or IEM. Sending back to the manufacturer after Lunar New Year as they are having holidays until 6 February. I did further test with my home rig on a 3.5mm cable. Out of Aune X1S it's dead silent no hiss unless I turn it up all the way to max...

Today I managed to try below DAP with 3.5mm unbalanced cable on S8 Freedom Sony ZX507: very minimal hissing. You need to focus on it or in a very quiet place to be able to notice it. It's warm and less muddy this time. Ibasso DX 160: hissing is noticeable. On second try it may be too bright...

Totally agree. I tried 3.5mm cable connected to Samsung S9+ and the hiss is reduced. Definitely will try again with the unbalanced cable.

I am currently in Hong Kong and there is a building that mainly selling portable audio and digital cameras. So I get to try all the amps within the building. I even tested the Sony WM1Z and Fiio M11 Pro both do have hiss at Ibasso DX160 level. It may be the cable is faulty or 4.4mm cable...

Reporting back after trying below DAPs starting with the less hiss with S8 Freedom all using 4.4.mm balanced cable except for AK SR15. Hiby R5: almost no noticeable hiss. However, the sound is the worst among the rest. Very tight soundstage, bass feel bloated and no control. Sony ZX507: very...

Got my DC01 and it works with my Samsung S9+ (Exynos EMEA version). Using on sensitive IEM such as Fearless S8 Freedom do have very loud hissing.

Finally got my S8F ordered during the Double 12 sales. Been using it with Ibasso DC 01 out of my Samsung S9+. There is very loud hissing. When using the stock cable 3.5mm direct to Samsung S9+ hissing is reduced to minimal but still audible but not as loud as in connecting to ibasso Dc01...

Ordered the S8 Freedom during the 12.12 sales. Delivery may takes a while. Can't wait to try it again

I have sent you a pm because I am not too sure if shops or website names are allowed here in public.

I should have try the Fiio M11 while I am at the shop in China. However, I am rushing for an appointment. Once, I get hold of my S8F, will try out various popular DAP when visiting China again.

Yes is considering this too and researching the pro and cons of dc01 and 9038s. Thanks

My iem cable is 4.4mm and planning to use the adapter to 2.5mm dc01 connecting to Samsung S9+. Is this going to be a problematic setup or will works just fine.

I demoed the S8F while in China. I am not good in using the terms to describe sound. At the shop, the owner is so kind to loan me the Astell & Kern SP2000 to test with the S8F. Listened to Rolling in the Deep by Adele coz that's the only few English song in the SP2000. It is eye opener...

I have a Exynos S9+ and going to get the ibasso Dc01. Asking owners who has tried this combo and the Fiio M11. I wonder if the Fiio M11 is half better than s9+ with the ibasso Dc01.

New member been lurking around for many years without registering as an official. Now decided to do it. My job requires me to travel alot. So if moderators see I am logging from various countries please do not put me in blacklist hehe.. IEM: UE Super Fi 5 Pro -> UE Super Fi 5vi -> Westone 2...