[Sonic Defender]

Interesting. The ZX2 is way to underpowered for my liking so the AR specs at least on that front are promising.

 

[Levanter]

Interesting. The ZX2 is way to underpowered for my liking so the AR specs at least on that front are promising.

It's more than enough for IEMs unless you listen to really loud volumes. But if you use a bit more demanding headphones then you should definitely skip the ZX2.

 

[Sonic Defender]

It's more than enough for IEMs unless you listen to really loud volumes. But if you use a bit more demanding headphones then you should definitely skip the ZX2.

Can't handle IEMs and with headphones I typically like louder than average playback volumes so I would need a separate amp. I think Sony made a terrible decision under powering the ZX2 in favour of battery life. I just sold a PHA 3 and loved it (didn't need it sadly) and wish that Sony took power a little more seriously.

 

[Uncle E1]

 
Can't handle IEMs and with headphones I typically like louder than average playback volumes so I would need a separate amp. I think Sony made a terrible decision under powering the ZX2 in favour of battery life. I just sold a PHA 3 and loved it (didn't need it sadly) and wish that Sony took power a little more seriously.

The unbalanced output of the PHA3 is really weak but the balanced output is amazingly powerful and good.
 
If a good raw power is what you need, there is a better alternative in the Cayin N6.

 

[Sonic Defender]

 
The unbalanced output of the PHA3 is really weak but the balanced output is amazingly powerful and good.
 
If a good raw power is what you need, there is a better alternative in the Cayin N6.

I know, I had a Z7 with the PHA 3 and in balanced it was sublime. What I now need/want is a player with some moxy in the amp section as I don't want multiple devices and cables. I want a quality powerful player with an amp like the AR lists, an excellent DAC and of course a great UI. Sounds like the AR is moving in that direction.
 
I can understand Sony's direction (still a mistake). They think that the Z7 will also be a mobile device of choice for young audiophiles, but I doubt it. You have to chose if you are Sony. the Z2 is an audiophile player, or it is a crippled communication device with solid sound.
 
I think DAP manufactures need to take the gamble that their real customers are audiophiles who put sound above everything else and likely are willing to carry a phone as well. The reverse isn't true, the techno/communication mobile user may like audio, but not enough to carry an extra device or suffer a crippled phone. 

 

[Tony-Hifi]

The hifheadphones review of the Acoustic Research AR-M2 Hi-Res Player

 

Acoustic Research M2 - Review - Android on Steroids

 
Acoustic Research is one of those old names which has been connected with the world of hi-fi for some 63 years now, although it has changed hands a few times since. Responsible for quite a few innovations over the years, can this brand offer anything new to music fans in 2015? Fully equipped with Wi-Fi capability, the AR-M2 can work with streaming services such as Spotify; so now we're not limited to the tracks we have stored on our players.
 

Design and appearance

 
The M2 is a relatively large and weighty player, with the front side almost completely composed of glass; a fair amount of which is the touchscreen (62mm x 110mm to be exact). The back of the player is bevelled and it settles in the hand well. Its angular form and dark glass screen is reminiscent of a 1980s coffee table, but only a little one.
 

Key Features

 
Given the M2 is an android-based player, there's a fair amount of customisation possible - there's no bloatware or anything to get in the way, but users can always add items they wish to use. Spotify was installed without a problem, for instance.
 
Other than the touchscreen, there are 4 buttons on the side for track control and power on/off and a volume wheel on the top. Outputs are limited to headphones and line-level output. There's a little sliding door for micro SD cards if the internal 64Gb isn't enough for your music collection, and of course a slot at the bottom for connecting to a computer via USB.
 
The player can be 'locked' for when it's playing whilst in a pocket or bag; however the buttons on the side still function so there may be some issues there. The volume control wheel on the top is still sensitive when the M2 is locked so again, care is needed.
 
The player was taken outside on one of the brightest days we have in the UK (we do get bright days) and with the settings adjusted for maximum screen brightness, the screen was clearly legible. The only problem is the fingerprints on the vast expanse of screen which are also clear to see.
 
The Dac within, a Burr-Brown PCM1794A offers up to 24-bit/192kHz playback and supported formats include DSD, WAV, AIFF, FLAC and ALAC.
 
Being Android-based, streaming services such as Spotify can be installed on the AR-M2 for use over local wifi networks, making this player more useful still.
 

Durability & build quality

 
As alluded to above, the M2 is solidly built and gives the impression of something which will last for a good few years. The back does have a hollow ring to it when tapped with a fingernail, but it doesn't feel hollow or flex with pressure.
 
The M2 will be fine in a trouser pocket, but tight trousers might not react too well. Bend over and you might gore yourself - the design is strong and unyielding! The M2 comes with a velvety pouch for protection - ostensibly for the player itself, but it might help avoid the odd nick or scratch elsewhere too.
 
The buttons on the side of the unit for play controls can be operated even when the unit has gone into standby/hold mode, so fishing the AR-M2 out of a pocket may cause an unintended change of track. Also, the volume control can be operated while in this state. Although it's firm, it's loose enough to be operated by material brushing against it in the tight confines of a pocket or bag.
 

Sound Quality

 
There's no question about the power available within the AR-M2; with a HiFiMAN HE-6 attached, volume gets up to a respectable level - even a little too loud for sustained listening, depending on the genre. Likewise with the Audeze LCD-3.
 
With IEMs such as the Dita Answer (Truth Edition), the AR-M2 is in its element with well controlled bass, excellent space and detail in the midrange, and a rich airiness which brings the best out of both the music and the earphones.
 
Within the supplied AR player app, EQ settings are possible with many genre-based presets but there's a limit to the control possible with the rudimentary 5 band on there. This can always change with future updates, however the unadulterated sound of the AR-M2 is perfect.
 

 

Pros:

 
Fast, responsive touchscreen
Large internal memory
Can run apps such as Spotify
 

Cons:

 
Side buttons can be pressed while unit is on 'hold'
Volume control can be accidentally operated
 

Summary

 
The Acoustic Research M2 (or AR-M2) is a fantastic sounding player which is well worthy of a position at its price point. Holding it gives the impression that it's a serious bit of kit, despite all the fun it gives. It has enough power to drive all commonly used headphones well; even 600 ohm cans with sensitivity below 90dB. The large internal memory and the adaptability offered by the Android-based operating system make this a very nice pocketful, although a large one. It's definitely one for a jacket pocket or bag.

 

[Duncan]

Picked one of these up today, got to say, immediately I am happy with this compared to the ZX2, much more power / heft to the sound, and even with no hours on the clock, the bass texture is so much more defined than the Sony, overall a better package for a (depending on location) equivalent price...

Much nicer screen too

 

[Whitigir]

Look like sticking with Sony from the trust I had 15 years ago carried on to the ZX2 is paid off. Still interesting seeing other DaPs in comparisons. Thanks you all for your comparision guys.

 

[Duncan]

Look like sticking with Sony from the trust I had 15 years ago carried on to the ZX2 is paid off. Still interesting seeing other DaPs in comparisons. Thanks you all for your comparision guys.

if you're replying to my post, then it is the opposite, the M2 is streets ahead of the Sony, it is NOT a subtle difference! Listening to some Roy Orbison, the presence is just so much more there than on the Sony, and the power... Ooh, the power, it gives some true authority to the Laylas, they're singing like IEMs possessed

IMO of course, although one failing is a lack of gapless, so it would seem... Cannot have it all though!

 

[Duncan]

There is currently not gapless playback possible with the stock music app (which is the only app that avoids the android audio path) which is a bit of a deal breaker (especially when you can change tracks INSTANTLY, whereby playing from one track to the next has a VERY pregnant pause!) also, needs a track scanning (fast forward / rewind) capability from the hardware buttons...

After 5 days of ownership, I give the below (out of 10)

Sound quality: 9
Hardware: 7
Firmware: 4

 

[Alje]

After looking at arforher.com i don't think i could ever take any product from Acoustic Research seriously.
Im surprised they don't offer a 'vibrating rabbit DAP '

 

[Tony-Hifi]

Take a look at the Hifiheadphones Review Video of the Acoustic Research -M2 Music Player.
 

 

[goodvibes]

You need to hire better dancers.

 

[kawaivpc1]

How can we buy it in the states?
When can we see this on Amazon?
How would you compare this to AK240, Calyx M, P1 and iBasso R10?
Does this sound comparably good?

 

[LuckyNat]

  After looking at arforher.com i don't think i could ever take any product from Acoustic Research seriously.
Im surprised they don't offer a 'vibrating rabbit DAP '

 
Haha - that site is hilarious! Not sure if it's patronising or if there really are people out there who it appeals to ( but certainly isn't all the female population! - maybe the site should be www.ARforannoying14yearoldgirlsandchildishwomen.com )