- Joined
- Feb 3, 2017
- Posts
- 47
- Likes
- 42
Wanted to share my impressions from comparing my new AR-M2 to my older modified Mezzo MS-AK120, using stellar recordings of Beethoven's symphonies and piano concerti as basis for this comparison and using the Alpha Dog and HE400i as headphones:
I found that the MS-AK120 drive these two headphones better than the AR-M2.
In general, I felt that the two DAPs have similar flavor - musical and somewhat warm in nature - but there are clear differences:
- The AR-M2 has faster and better response and dynamics with bigger soundstage and sub-bass.
- The MS-AK120, on the other hand, has smaller soundstage and less resolving presentation, but it has far better separation of instruments and neutrality of sound.
I would describe the MS-AK120 as the more analytical, while the AR-M2 is more musical.
I felt that the MS-AK120 is more fatiguing, while the warm musicality and bigger soundstage of the AR-M2 allowed me longer concentrated musical experiences.
But the story didn't end there, as there were either moments or musical pieces, where the analytical powers of the MS-AK120 seems to be be called into play and the experience was very rewarding and beautiful.
I am not sure, then, that there's a bottom line of one over the other, but I do feel that symphonic classical music and jazz would benefit more from the AR-M2.
What's next?
The addition of the Questyle QP1R to the mix...
I found that the MS-AK120 drive these two headphones better than the AR-M2.
In general, I felt that the two DAPs have similar flavor - musical and somewhat warm in nature - but there are clear differences:
- The AR-M2 has faster and better response and dynamics with bigger soundstage and sub-bass.
- The MS-AK120, on the other hand, has smaller soundstage and less resolving presentation, but it has far better separation of instruments and neutrality of sound.
I would describe the MS-AK120 as the more analytical, while the AR-M2 is more musical.
I felt that the MS-AK120 is more fatiguing, while the warm musicality and bigger soundstage of the AR-M2 allowed me longer concentrated musical experiences.
But the story didn't end there, as there were either moments or musical pieces, where the analytical powers of the MS-AK120 seems to be be called into play and the experience was very rewarding and beautiful.
I am not sure, then, that there's a bottom line of one over the other, but I do feel that symphonic classical music and jazz would benefit more from the AR-M2.
What's next?
The addition of the Questyle QP1R to the mix...