MrNailhead - you are asking the same questions as me - what's next.Does anyone here have an experience with both the Fiio M11 Plus and the Hiby R6 Pro II? Am looking to upgrade to a DAP with a 4.4mm balanced line out mode as my main source for my PA10, those two seem like two of the best options for $750 or less - is the Hiby worth the ~$250 difference between that and a used M11 Plus? Seem like they have pretty similar specs, the hiby just has the newer akm chips (versus a plus ltd - which seem to be selling for ~$500).
There's the new Fiio m23 coming out, supposedly this fall, but we don't know quite what that one will cost and I don't want to get sucked into too much FOMO (fear of missing out) - I would like a new device sooner rather than later.
Thanks!
I currently have a FIIO M11 Plus Ltd + A&K PA10 sandwich.
I had this DAP before buying PA10.
In my opinion, the FIIO Plus Ltd version on AKM4497EQ sounds better than the Plus version (without Ltd) ES9068AS
- but that's just only my opinion, I know there are ESS supporters and I respect that.
After all, FIIO M11 Plus ... is an old model with many limitations at 2023. (Android 10, CPU 660, BT 5.50, not all new codecs .....etc).
Has he currently purchased the FIIO M11 Plus ESS now - no
FIIO himself writes about it in this thread that it is an old model over 2 years old - read it.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fiio-2023-new-product-schedule.966914/
FIIO predicts as you write the new FIIO M23 model in the fall.
I'm waiting for him too.
Estimated price around $750 - something between the old M11 Plus and the new M15s (it was released in April but it's a late model from winter 2022)
I guess that FIIO M23 will have a configuration similar to HiBy R6 Pro II.
HiBy R6 Pro II, unfortunately, is not refined and especially the performance on the battery is disappointing.
Please note that the FIIO M17 and the FIIO DAC/AMP Q7 amplifier (without a display) are identical devices in terms of configuration.
At the last Cam Jam in London, the DAC/AMP Q15 was presented and the specification was given, it is supposed to be a twin to the M23.
I'm following the thread FIIO schedule and I'm waiting because I want to buy a modern device with a new CPU, AKM4499EX and newer Android with new codecs.
So that it will serve me .... two years when new specifications appear.
The A&K PA10 class A balanced amplifier stays and will be connected to it.