[NateInBelgium]

I'm slightly sensitive to treble, and they're fine for me. Treble sensitivity can vary quite a bit from person to person for various reasons.

I agree. In fact I found listening to my Senn HD590s much more harsh than the ZSTs in the high end. I have found that foam tips tame the treble nicely.

 

[Dark Helmet]

How does the N3 compare to the Shanling M2?

 

[Meder Bakirov]

Very nice DAP, have it for 5 days. But for me it lacks emotion. I cannot dive fully into the music. Is it me or anyone also noticed it?
P.S. I listen to it with my LZ-A4 IEMs. 

 

[DBaldock9]

  Very nice DAP, have it for 5 days. But for me it lacks emotion. I cannot dive fully into the music. Is it me or anyone also noticed it?
P.S. I listen to it with my LZ-A4 IEMs. 

 
Today, I've been listening to my LZ A4 IEMs connected to my Cayin N3, using an Impact Audio Cables 3.5mm TRS Plug -to- 2.5mm TRRS Jack Adapter, and an Impact Audio Cables 2.5mm TRRS -to- MMCX cable.
 
My N3 mostly has FLAC rips of my CDs, and I've been listening to the acoustic music of Owain Phyfe & The New World Renaissance Band [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwl94yOHslQO9jghXP7u2EQ/videos ] and the Progressive Rock of Iona [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwTIW3nfjc3lM5vmDzIUhmQ/videos ].
 
I've been using the Black Backs / Gray Nozzles on my A4 for a month or so, and this morning I switched to the Red Backs.  (On my Onkyo DP-X1, I have some Bass boost applied using Viper4Android, so the Bass with the Black Backs sounds right.)  With the combination of Red Backs / Gray Nozzles, my music sounds good, listening to the N3.  Which back / front filters are you using?

 

[abitdeef]

I feel like this thread just took a trip to Oregon. Or maybe Colorado. LOLZ!!!

Ya dudes 4/20 was like 3 daze ago. Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit drinking...

 

[abitdeef]

Very nice DAP, have it for 5 days. But for me it lacks emotion. I cannot dive fully into the music. Is it me or anyone also noticed it?
P.S. I listen to it with my LZ-A4 IEMs. 

Nope,sweet emotion to me

 

[DBaldock9]

How does the N3 compare to the Shanling M2?

 
I haven't heard the original M2, but I've just ordered the M2s.

  (I like the knob/wheel interface on my M1, and thought I'd try the next model up, which includes Line Out.)

 

[Mr Trev]

I feel like this thread just took a trip to Oregon. Or maybe Colorado. LOLZ!!!

Wait a minute… aren't you already in Oregon

 
That post just reminded me of a pharmaceutical commercial… "I used to have treble sensitivity until my doctor recommended Shrill-B-Gone"

 

[rathgar]

I haven't heard the original M2, but I've just ordered the M2s. :bigsmile_face:   (I like the knob/wheel interface on my M1, and thought I'd try the next model up, which includes Line Out.)

Who did you order from? Think im going to get one also.

 

[originalsnuffy]

DBaldock,
 
If I recall you also have the M1.  Thoughts on the M1 vs. the N3?
 
I am looking forward to a shootout of the Shanling M1, M2, M2s, and the Cayin N3.    Somehow I am guessing the Cayin will have a similar sound signature to the M2s.  So it may come down to preferred user interface.   The Cayin does play native ISO files, which is a cool feature for me.
 
I am currently in Red - Black with the LZ-A4.   I find these are like a version of the Lz-A2 but on steroids.  Similar low end; much better high end.  For the money they rock; but I still think the FLC8S is a step up; but that step up comes at a price.

 

[nmatheis]

originalsnuffy: I put money on the Shanling M2s being a bit warmer...

 

[DBaldock9]

  DBaldock,
 
If I recall you also have the M1.  Thoughts on the M1 vs. the N3?
 
I am looking forward to a shootout of the Shanling M1, M2, M2s, and the Cayin N3.    Somehow I am guessing the Cayin will have a similar sound signature to the M2s.  So it may come down to preferred user interface.   The Cayin does play native ISO files, which is a cool feature for me.
 
I am currently in Red - Black with the LZ-A4.   I find these are like a version of the Lz-A2 but on steroids.  Similar low end; much better high end.  For the money they rock; but I still think the FLC8S is a step up; but that step up comes at a price.

 
Since I got the M1 last Fall, when it was first available, I'm more familiar with its UI (hardware & software).
After using the N3 for a couple of weeks, I can say I like the higher power output (150mW vs 35mW) for driving higher impedance loads, but even the M1 does OK with the levels I listen at.  
The sound of the M1 & N3, is very similar - as far as I can tell - but I haven't done any rigorous level-matched comparisons.
 
I do like the line output of the N3, for driving external amps, but I think I prefer the knob/wheel interface of the M1 (hence why I ordered a M2s).
 
 
I was thinking of switching back to the LZ A4 Black Nozzles this morning, but decided to stick with Gray for a while longer, with the Red Backs.
 
EDIT: Fixed typo.

 

[Meder Bakirov]

   
Today, I've been listening to my LZ A4 IEMs connected to my Cayin N3, using an Impact Audio Cables 3.5mm TRS Plug -to- 2.5mm TRRS Jack Adapter, and an Impact Audio Cables 2.5mm TRRS -to- MMCX cable.
 
My N3 mostly has FLAC rips of my CDs, and I've been listening to the acoustic music of Owain Phyfe & The New World Renaissance Band [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwl94yOHslQO9jghXP7u2EQ/videos ] and the Progressive Rock of Iona [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwTIW3nfjc3lM5vmDzIUhmQ/videos ].
 
I've been using the Black Backs / Gray Nozzles on my A4 for a month or so, and this morning I switched to the Red Backs.  (On my Onkyo DP-X1, I have some Bass boost applied using Viper4Android, so the Bass with the Black Backs sounds right.)  With the combination of Red Backs / Gray Nozzles, my music sounds good, listening to the N3.  Which back / front filters are you using?

I'm using Red back and Black front filters.

 

[ElMariachi]

Wowzers! I think this is the first dap in a long time that I personally have zero complaints about!! It's easy to use, has good battery life and sounds awesome, especially at it $150 price point. Great job Cayin!!!

 

[rikk009]

   
I haven't heard the original M2, but I've just ordered the M2s.

  (I like the knob/wheel interface on my M1, and thought I'd try the next model up, which includes Line Out.)

Pls do a sound comparison btw N3 and M2s.