Cowon PLENUE M2 (Current Firmware and Manual Links in 1st post)

[sjcal]

Hi all, if anyone has PM or PM2 that they don't use for sale, let me know!

 

[jmills8]

Hi all, if anyone has PM or PM2 that they don't use for sale, let me know!

I have a new one , only used 8 times.

 

[Casco]

Does anyone know the battery dimensions of the Cowon PM2 ? (in terms of width, height and thickness)

 

[someyoungguy]

The first Cowon Plenue M2+

I was always intrigued by this mod that Nayparm posted back some years ago. Towards the end of last year I decided to go ahead with it too, but with COVID problems it took until now to get hold a DAC chip and get it sorted. I found someone who was advertising Plenue 2 modifications and explained what I was after, and they did the chip swap this week - it's a one-to-one swap to change the PCM1975 to a PCM1972:

I've been listening to it today. It's an interesting change. This is the 2nd time I've owned the PM2, so obviously I'm a fan but of course there's always that itch for improvement!

I found the PM2 had a great, slightly smooth, sound you could rock out to. But I could also tell there were details I was missing compared to other players, and sometimes certain elements like female vocals or more treble-y instruments could sound a tad unnatural. Having done the chip swap obviously I don't have a stock PM2 to do A-B comparisons, but given I've had it for some time I feel I can do a reasonable job from memory.

There's a noticeable improvement in detail with the PCM1972, and the overall treble performance is more natural, giving the sense of more resolution and transparency. Down low, the PM2 always felt a little emphasized in the bass, or mid-bass regions. Now it's lost that somewhat; the bass is a little less emphasized than before, but perhaps extends a bit lower. Overall perhaps a bit of a downside but easily adjusted with JetEffects.

In total it feels more revealing and transparent, and can probably be summed up as a bit more 'neutral' than before. I'm finding I prefer the slow roll-off filter, as the treble is a touch brighter or more forward overall than before. If I find a PM2 going cheap 2nd hand I might even pick up another unmodded version to compare it directly. I had a PS earlier but sold it last year, it would have been an interesting comparison too.

It's still pretty amazing that these Plenue DAPs are so useable, trouble-free and just keep cranking out good tunes. Even if I don't use it for a few weeks the battery keeps its charge, I can pick it up, switch it on, and within about 15 seconds it's ready to play tunes gaplessly with no fuss. They're like the Casio's of the audio world - a little bit dated and old school, but just keep going

 

[pholcus1975]

Hi all, my leather cover i ruined, does anyone know if someone custom makes covers? I cannot find anything onnthe web! Thanks