Colorfly CDA M2

Review Of The Colorfly CDA- M2​

Introduction​

This is the first time I've had the opportunity to review a device from the well-known business Colorfly, which specializes in DACs and AMPs. The business has also experimented with IEMs, most recently releasing the Quintet as a flagship model. The firm also produces excellent items such as the U6 music player and the CDA M1. Though I was able to obtain their CDA M1 replacement, the CDA-M2, before starting, I'd like to clarify a few items.

Disclaimer​

*This is a review unit, courtesy of Concept Kart. All thanks to them for providing. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link. https://conceptkart.com/products/colorfly-cda-m2-portable-usb-dac-amp
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to this device as “M2”
*Finally, I will only evaluate the M2 based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

M2 features a twin CS43198 dac chipset that supports 32-bit/786kHz PCM and native DSD256. The M2 supports both 3.5mm single ended and 4.4mm balanced connections, as well as type-C and lightening data transmission, making it a more consumer-friendly device. There are three buttons: two volume rockers that are near together, and one for switching between settings and filters on the device itself. The M2 also features a tiny display that shows the current volume, gain, filter, and other data values. Other technical specifications are included here:

Screen: 128*64 OLED
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 130dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz ~ 20kHz
Dynamic Range: 130dB

THD+N:
-114dB@RL =600Ω，0dB/Balanced
-106dB@RL =32Ω，100mW/Balanced
-112dB@RL =600Ω, 0dB/Unbalanced
-108dB@RL =32Ω，100mW/Unbalanced

Output Level:
2Vrms @RL=600Ω Unbalanced Output
4Vrms @RL =600Ω Balanced Output

Maximum Output Power:
125mW@RL =32Ω Unbalanced Output
250mW@RL=32Ω Balanced Output

Design And Aesthetics​

The M2's design is rather asymmetrical, however it is distinctive in that the bulged out area shields the buttons from being accidentally pushed. The measurements are 58*25*13.5mm and weigh around 27g. In terms of construction, it is incredibly solid and premium in appearance; in fact, the feel and weight make it one of the best-made dongle dacs. As previously stated, the M2 features a tiny display and brand identification on its side. Overall, the device is full with useful functions and high-quality materials.

Usage ​

I had no problems utilizing the gadget with any sources and generally utilized it out of the pocket, owing to the device's multipurpose features and the display that indicates the current arrangement. And when it comes to size, I don't anticipate it to be more compact and fit perfectly in my eyes. I used both jacks and had no noise or channel switching. Aside from that, the ribbon cable is a nice looking cable that appears to be able to withstand severe times.

Sound Impressions ​

IEMs​

Thieaudio Prestige LTD

Prestige LTD is the very reason I am now able to find the truth in my musical dreams; I have never heard another IEM that plows your ears with faith in each note, no matter how those notes should sound, and nurtures your senses with dynamics and presentation as if I were hearing reality. Previously, I owned the Monarch MKII, which established what one would expect, but once the prestige's magic began to flourish, I knew I could explore so much more with it, especially when it came to the air and presence of each nuances the notes were able to grasp over and tingled my senses. To summarise the prestige's response sounds as if the Monarch MKII were given steroid and enhanced the upper frequencies in all directions with better authoritative flow in the lower response. The response is neutral with sub bass boost, similar to the Monarch MKII, with the exception that the notes are airier and more revealing than any other IEM prior to this era. However, the thinner notes and excessive clarity provide obnoxious features that expose bad mixing and recordings, which were highly obvious when heard on my V6 but smoothed out on my WM1A, indicating source dependence.

When listening to LTD with M2, the reaction appears subdued in terms of the airiness of the voices and instrumentation, but it also sounds more realistic and deep. The clarity was reduced, but the response was similar to how the monarch MKII sounded, but with more precise imaging and positioning. Of course, with the upper frequencies controlled and pulled back, the bass sounded louder and more integrated into the mix, making it seem more melodic.

Thor Mjolnir MKII

Mjolnir is a very bassy set which has a lot of sub bass emphasis. The treble and upper mid range is also very forward in the mix. The upper treble has great extension as well. The bass is very punchy and boomy while acting fast. Mjolnir is a great V-shape sounding IEM with a different approach to explosive bass that has better technicalities, especially in this price range. The stage is great with nice surround stage and depth where the separation of each element sounding distant enough them to procure space to breathe and distinct themselves. The attack and decay of the driver capability is really quick and performs great. The vocals may feel lean and sparkly, the warmth or the fuller experience is something that these lack. Th bass response does vary from sources to sources whether I listen to a warm source or a neutral one, the bass becomes either overwhelming or authoritative or both.

When listening to Mjolnir with M2, the response seems less lively but more balanced than a V-shape sound. The spiciness in the top frequencies is reduced, and the bass is more regulated, while the mid bass presence is increased. The bass is more repetitive than before, yet it sounds as gratifying as before.

Celest Plutus Beast

The Beast's sound is more of a V-shape than balanced, with booming bass and energizing highs, making it a really dynamic and entertaining concert to listen to.This may be the only uniquely designed IEM available in this price range, raising the question of whether they sound as well as competitors.It is not the finest sounding IEM, but it provides a unique experience when compared to other clinical or analytical IEMs, which are not as enjoyable.To be more specific, I have tried all of Celest's IEMs and have fallen in love with them all because of their unique approach to keeping the listener happy and interested while listening to music. However, the Beast tackles rivals and produces a highly pleasing response, which may be preferred by many.

While listening to Beast with M2, the response seems more expansive, and the forwardness of the top frequencies feels stepped back, making it sound more airy and better positioned in my opinion. However, it did lessen the clarity of the notes, which I feel was owing to the raised noise floor in this combination. However, the less forward approach made it sound much more comfortable and warm, since the bass seemed as if nothing had changed except for the lack of drive.

Kefine Klanar

Instead of having a neutral tuning, the Klanar's sound tends to be lean and bright, with a V-shaped tuning. It's a very interesting IEM for the price, with plenty of exciting bass and a focus on clarity and nuances. Since I've heard so many Planar IEMs employing a full range planar, I don't think this is particularly novel or exceptional—rather, it's more sophisticated in some respects and stunning in others. In order to illustrate such a response, I would use the Timeless as an example, since they shared a similar sound profile. They sound inviting and subjectively either lean or incredibly detailed and clear due to the emphasis in the vocal region and the quality of the planar driver. Yes, even though it sounds more accurate than warm, the bass is still good for a Planar. The Planar drivers do have some sense of that wet response, but they are far better than the Timeless, for example.

While listening to Klanar with the M2, the response sounds more present back and forth, with a more roomy presence of the vocals. The energetic and metallic presence is tamed, allowing for a more smoothed and clear response, so the overall response sounds much more pleasant and dynamic in my opinion.

BQEYZ Wind

With a strong bass and an upbeat feeling in the higher frequencies, the Wind's sound tends to be more V-shaped. The Wind, in my opinion, has a nice upper mid range intensity that provides strong clarity over the elements and makes for a pleasant listen. It's really encouraging that other IEMs that are priced similarly to these have had different responses from customers, since it breaks the monotonous loop of adopting the same goal that all businesses pursue. These sound similar to the EA1000, in my opinion, but not quite the same. I mean, the way the midrange and treble are handled feels like it was tuned for the EA1000 by SIMGOT. I think this is not the most detailed out there, even if I think the driver used in it is truly of a very high caliber.

When listening to Wind with M2, the response is nearly identical to Snowy Night, but it sounds much more balanced, with a better sense of spaciousness and placement along with a bit of warmth. When compared to Snowynight, the treble sounds more expansive and the intensity is more subdued, especially in the 2-3k range. Rather than punchier and more precise, the bass seems warmer.

HiSenior Mega5EST

I could tell the Mega5EST was a well-tuned IEM from the start because of its outstanding tone and great technical skills. The tuning is more in accordance with my own preferences, which are polished neutrals with a subbass boost flavor. I've tried the Variations, OH700VB, EJ07M, and all of its competitors, and while each of these IEMs has my preferred response, the tonality is by far the safest and most pleasant sounding. The bass is strong yet well-controlled, the midrange is forward-sounding, and the treble is spacious and smooth. Except for the fact that they are not warm-sounding IEMs, they sound as peaceful as any other.

While listening to Mega with M2, the response seems more centered, as if the layering and imaging of the notes helped to bring the notes closer together while yet achieving a wide sounding response, as the voices sound somewhat more expressive. In addition, the bass and treble are more subdued, which makes it seem a little uninteresting in my opinion. But altogether, it sounds enjoyable to listen to.

Tracks​

Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

In conclusion, the M2 has a magnificent and refined presence that exudes boldness and luxury. I think it sounds better than others that weigh more, given its sound performance. I have no complaints with such response, fantastic features, and a long-lasting build, therefore M2 gets this recommendation.

Colorfly CDA-M2

I would like to thank @gadgetgod and ConceptKart for sending this unit as part of the review tour.

You can purchase it from ConceptKart at the following link (not an affiliate link): https://conceptkart.com/products/colorfly-cda-m2-portable-usb-dac-amp

Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer or a seasoned audiophile, so whatever I say are purely my observations and your results may vary.

I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.

Introduction:

The Colorfly CDA-M2 DAC marks a significant step forward from its predecessor, the M1, boasting enhanced performance and a slew of new features. Equipped with dual CS 43198 DAC chips, this device delivers a power output of 125mW at 32 ohms for the single-ended output and 250mW at 32 ohms for the balanced output. Capable of decoding up to 32-bit PCM and DSD256.

Let's delve deeper into its design, performance, and overall user experience.

Physical Unit and Specifications:
Crafted from Zinc-Alloy Electroplated Chassis with a small glass section on the face, the CDA-M2 exudes a premium and robust feel. (I felt that the design was inspired from Sony’s WM1A/1Z series DAPs) Despite its sturdy build, the device remains compact and lightweight, making it highly portable. Notably, it features a 100-step volume control at the hardware level, along with a volume memory feature, enhancing convenience and user control.









Setting Options:
The CDA-M2 offers two gain modes and five filter options, providing users with flexibility to customize their listening experience according to their preferences.

The following settings and display options are available:

Volume Display
Format Sampling
Gain Modes
Channel Balance
Source Specifications
Filter Modes
Gaming Mode
S/PDIF Output
Inverted Display

Sound:

All of testing was done on NOS filter and the following IEMs were used for testing:

Supernova (for vocals)
IER-Z1R (for bass response)
Xelento remote 2nd gen (fun factor)
JVC FDX1 (because I wanted to)
Final E5000 (to check power)

Do know that my assessment was done keeping in mind that this is a $160 device.

Tonality:
The Colorfly CDA M2 presents a neutral and transparent tonality, free from coloration or added warmth. Its sound signature leans towards a highly analytical profile, providing an uncolored representation of the audio source. This neutrality contributes to accurate instrument reproduction and a faithful rendering of the original recording.

Bass:
The device offers a controlled and precise bass response, aligning with its neutral tonality. While it may not emphasize the lower frequencies for a warmer or more pronounced bass, the CDA M2 delivers bass that is well-defined and detailed. The lack of artificial enhancement allows the listener to experience the bass frequencies in a manner faithful to the recording.

Vocals:
Vocals on the Colorfly CDA M2 are presented with clarity and accuracy. The neutral tonality ensures that vocals are neither overly forward nor recessed, allowing them to sit naturally within the overall soundstage. The device excels in reproducing vocal nuances, making it suitable for those who prioritize clear and unaltered vocal performance.

Treble:
The treble range on the CDA M2 maintains the device's analytical approach. Treble frequencies are articulate, providing a detailed and extended presentation. While not overly bright or sharp, the treble reproduction on the CDA M2 contributes to the overall clarity and precision of the sound signature. The device excels in handling treble nuances without introducing harshness or sibilance.




*Overall Impression:*
In summary, the Colorfly CDA-M2 DAC impresses with its performance, versatile setting options, and refined sound quality. While it may not cater to everyone's sonic preferences, it excels in delivering a detailed and transparent audio experience.

Introduction:-

Its the Colorfly CDA-M2 in for review today! This dongle dac has an OLED screen and a dual CS43198 dac chip with support for SPDIF via the 3.5mm.


I have also shared a video version of the review at YouTube any support there in form of a view, A like or A subscribe is greatly appreciated. But if you so wish to read the written version you can read this.




This was a review unit sent in Shenzhen audio, all the thoughts and opinion you are about to hear are my own.


But it from here (unaffiliated link) :-

https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/colorfly-cda-m2-dual-cs43198-portable-usb-dac-amp


I will be as usual following my bullet style format for better readability for those who are dyslexic and in general find it hard to read long paragraphs. I follow this guide in general from the British Dyslexia Association.


So lets find out how it is!

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Review:-



1. The packaging is very normal, it comes with dac and a very supple usb c to usb c cable.



2. The dongle is very lightweight at around 27grams and the build quality is top notch!



3. It has a dual CS43198 dac chips which supports upto DSD256 and PCM 32bit/768khz.



4. It has 5 digital filter options: Fast LL, Fast PC, Slow LL, Slow PC, and Non OS (Non Oversampling Filter)



5. It can deliver upto 125mw form the 3.5 and 250mw from the 4.4



6. Also there are 100 steps of volume which is independent from the source



7. It has three buttons volume up and down and the function button



8. Using the function button you can adjust the gain



9. Then you have a setting where in you can adjust the left and right shift to the music which is a fantastic feature to have specially if your hearing is a bit damaged in one side or if the source music or video you are playing has some issues with the audio being leaned towards one side



10. Then you can the access the filter modes of which there are 5 and I personally didn’t find any difference and I used Non OS filter for my testing



11. Then you have the function for S/PDIF on/off switch



12. After that there is the H-depop on/off switch. Now in the manual supplied there isnt anything written about this, So I had to use the Chinese manual and translate it. From what I understand that its a function which prevents the pop noise when plugging and uplugging your iem when connected to the pc.



13. Next setting is the display brightness settings of which there are 10 levels



14. Then is the display rotation which you can turn around 180 degrees. Its a nice addition.



15. Then is the display off setting which you can select from 1 second to 60 seconds or keep it permanently on. I wouldn't suggest the later option as it might cause burn in of the display since its an oled display.



16. Then you can see the firmware version.



17. And the last setting being the reset option



18. In the main display I will share a small picture of what everything on the screen means.




19. Now I tested my entire lot of iems with the CDA-M2.



20. Talking about the sound quality I would say it sounds very clean with no colouration of sound.



21. It powers everything on my iem collection without any issues and has enough power even via the 3.5mm



22. The bass sounds as it is meant to be without any humps or dips or anything like that with most iem I have tested.



23. The Mids are quite solid too and they sound open and spacious



24. The treble here is again very neutral too.



25. The overall sound is very nice and clean and with most iem it gives extra room and extra air a bit which sounds really nice.



26. When I was using it with my tanchjim kara, it seemed more evident. As the kara really shines with more power.




27. One of the best feature of the M2 I liked is the left right setting, which although a simple setting can actually be of use to many. This is the one setting which makes this dac very nice and that too it being inbuilt into the dac without using any app is awesome.



28. It would be nice if the function button acted as a play/pause button with single press and long press opened the settings.



29. The M2 is surprisingly quite power hungry and it does heat up a lot when its in use, although it was never so hot that it was uncomfortable to hold.



30. In terms of pairing it pairs very well with warm sounding iem like the penon fan 2. They perform really well and the pairing is really good.



31. This seems to be one of the few dongle dacs which seems to has S/Pdif so if that's a requirement you can have a look at this.



32. Compared to the Aune Yuki – The m2 is linear and clean sounding device and has more power and features than the yuki. But the yuki is a tad bit warmer sounding and the soundstage yuki offers is really good. M2 has more features and an oled screen while the yuki looks beautiful and is quite simply plug and play.



33. V/s the fc6 – Here the comparison is similar as last one. The fc6 being much more warmer sounding. But the M2 has S/pdif more power and the 4.4mm jack.



34. So ya that was my review of the M2 I think so it makes a great purchase if you want a clean sounding dac which has a lot of features specially S/pdif. I really like the left and right feature and I can see that being useful to quite a few out there specially someone with hearing loss.



35. So that was my review, i hope you liked it. Thanks for stopping by, have a great day ahead! Bye!

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Thanks for stopping by and have a great day ahead! Bye!


If you have any questions please feel free to ask me and also if you have any issues regarding this format of review please do comment I will try to mend it. Also sorry to those who are used to reading long paragraphs of review in headfi. I hope my review was upto the mark, I appreciate any feedback.

Again a big thanks to Shenzhen Audio for making this review happen.

Have a great day ahead