Thank you Chris! I was wondering about M2, but due to a lot of multi-BA driver and hybrid IEMs in my collection, sounds like it won't be a good match.
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twister6
HiFiChris
@twister6
Hi Alex, thanks for your input! It is a really good sounding DAP with a great balance between an analogue and digital sound with a tendency to the digital side (which basically what I personally prefer as well for long-term use), but then there is a bit too much hiss with very sensitive IEMs at low listening levels for my personal preference (hiss is about on the same level as the iBasso DX80's), but then again it is a brilliant DAP for dynamic driver in-ears like the Sennheiser IE 800 or the low-sensitive Etymotic ER-4S.
Still, I find that especially the dynamic range profits from using an externally connected amplifier via the Line Out, wherefore the M2 is a good DAP for stacking (and using a low-impedance, hiss-free amp or DAC would also bypass the rather high output impedance).
Hi Alex, thanks for your input! It is a really good sounding DAP with a great balance between an analogue and digital sound with a tendency to the digital side (which basically what I personally prefer as well for long-term use), but then there is a bit too much hiss with very sensitive IEMs at low listening levels for my personal preference (hiss is about on the same level as the iBasso DX80's), but then again it is a brilliant DAP for dynamic driver in-ears like the Sennheiser IE 800 or the low-sensitive Etymotic ER-4S.
Still, I find that especially the dynamic range profits from using an externally connected amplifier via the Line Out, wherefore the M2 is a good DAP for stacking (and using a low-impedance, hiss-free amp or DAC would also bypass the rather high output impedance).
mgunin
Thanks a lot, Chris! I wonder which low-sensitive or dynamic IEMs you'd recommend to use with M2 without an extra amp? Maybe Lear LHF-AE1d (which you're recommended me once) will work fine?
HiFiChris
@mgunin
Well, it might sound subjectively good in some cases (regarding the Atlas or any other multi-driver in-ears), but the high output impedance will likely alter the frequency response, making the in-ears sound different than if they were connected to a low impedance output (just see the high output impedance acting as some sort of unintended, fixed EQ that is differently applied depending on the in-ears' exact impedance response).
The IEMs I'd recommend highly depend on what tonality you are exactly looking for. For IEMs with dynamic drivers, I highly recommend the extremely versatile LEAR LHF-AE1d, imho one of the best resolving dynamic driver in-ears below $500 (and it costs just around $200). Quite balanced with a natural to slightly relaxed, warm-ish character that can be tuned to a massive basshead's IEM if desired.
For a strictly flat sound, I would highly recommend the Etymotic ER-4S.
DUNU's Titan series (esp. the Titan 5, the Titan 3 is comparatively more balanced) are also good for a more fun (v-shaped) signature with quick and arid lows without spending a fortune, but the amount of bass highly depends on your ear anatomy as the vent is located on the inner-facing side.
Well, it might sound subjectively good in some cases (regarding the Atlas or any other multi-driver in-ears), but the high output impedance will likely alter the frequency response, making the in-ears sound different than if they were connected to a low impedance output (just see the high output impedance acting as some sort of unintended, fixed EQ that is differently applied depending on the in-ears' exact impedance response).
The IEMs I'd recommend highly depend on what tonality you are exactly looking for. For IEMs with dynamic drivers, I highly recommend the extremely versatile LEAR LHF-AE1d, imho one of the best resolving dynamic driver in-ears below $500 (and it costs just around $200). Quite balanced with a natural to slightly relaxed, warm-ish character that can be tuned to a massive basshead's IEM if desired.
For a strictly flat sound, I would highly recommend the Etymotic ER-4S.
DUNU's Titan series (esp. the Titan 5, the Titan 3 is comparatively more balanced) are also good for a more fun (v-shaped) signature with quick and arid lows without spending a fortune, but the amount of bass highly depends on your ear anatomy as the vent is located on the inner-facing side.
