M2 Stacking Thoughts
At first, second, and third listen, using my Hidition NT6pro I was excited to hear a DAP that didn't need an amp to sound its best -"wow, no need for a stack here". But then I started listening with my HD700 and more so with my LCD2.2 and found that stacked, it reached desktop SQ allowing high volumes with no fatigue or distortion. Not only that, unlike cheap amps that get louder, brighter, and fatiguing with volume, this stack just makes the sound bigger, more detailed, and moves me closer to the action as I raise the volume. Being greedy for that last ounce of SQ, now I am unsure and will be going back to the NT6pro to finish my tour turn to see if it is worth the weight. In my use case, I am mainly using it in bed at night to fall asleep after obsessing about SQ for a while so weight doesn't overly matter, but here are some notes that might be useful:- B1 Stack Value: I value the M2 for it unique clean transparency with the best treble I have ever heard. No fatigue what so ever while providing full on treble goodness in detail and reach - plus that tight punchy bass and rich plucky textured mids. Adding the B1 provides these values:
- Allows Higher Volumes: At higher volumes, the M2 starts to strain and gets that treble glare where it can become fatiguing. My interest in the M2 pro is to see if it resolves this with with an even better clock so your S version may be different. With the NT6pro being around 50 ohms it is easy to drive so I don't really typically play that loud given the CIEM isolation preferring to listen at low volume - so no issue for easy to drive CIEMs. This may be different for harder to drive CIEMs.
- Hum: Mim - Since I don't have a hum with my NT6pro, I cannot test this, but the stack may remove the hum with some of your low ohm CIEMs that you were complaining about - or it could make it worse.
- Mobile or Jamming: When moving around outside or enjoying a particular song, I do like to turn the volume way up for a short while. This is where the stack is of value to me with CIEMs and I will be testing further in the next couple of days.
- Full Size Cans: So, while borderline for CIEMs, it is absolutely a value for full sized cans. Easily justified for me given my LCD2.2 which they drive wonderfully and best my much more expensive and elaborate desktop in the pairing. They will bring my LCD2.2 out of retirement.
- Family Signature: The nice thing about the B1 is that it adds power and finesse without changing the perfected SQ that M2 already has. Considered using my BH2 instead, but it changes the signature away from what I like about the M2.
- Stacking Considerations: The M2 and B1 make a pretty stack as they were built to stack together at the same size and shape.
- Looks: The B1 is much prettier than the M2 adding looks to the equation.
- Weight: They are very heavy together. The M2 is heavy alone and the B1 is equally as heavy so portable use requires planning.
- Brushed Aluminum: The brushed metal on brushed metal has a damaging feeling/sound like grinding teeth. If I was to stack them with bands, I would absolutely need some cushion between to avoid damage. Velcro would probably work better, but is unclean when not stacked.
- Battery: Probably a non-issue given the same battery life as the M2, but at 7 hours (or less with an LCD2.2), an extra battery pack becomes a consideration to keep going throughout the day for long term use or flights making it a triple stack. Battery packs like mine are big and heavy adding to the already considerable weight. For me laying it next to me in bed, no problem except for maneuvering to find the forward button given my button pushing habits.
However Mim, given your spending habits, the B1 at $150 is pocket change for you and a no brainer that would work best with your harder to drive CIEMs.
