[wirefriend]

   
Well, I've tried SilverFi, Null Audio Vitesse and FBI cables as balanced. On which earphone would you use it?

1964 Ears Adel A12 (recessed sockets)
Does HiFiMan+Balanced card work fine with standard 3.5 jack?
If it does, would you be able to say how much switching to 3.5 TRRS plug+balanced cable improves the sound?

 

[MikePortnoy]

1964 Ears Adel A12 (recessed sockets)
Does HiFiMan+Balanced card work fine with standard 3.5 jack?
If it does, would you be able to say how much switching to 3.5 TRRS plug+balanced cable improves the sound?

3.5 single ended works fine with balanced card (with normal section), but you should get a TRRS plug in order to get benefit from balanced card. With 3.5 single ended, when you listen to balanced, the sound would be distorted a bit.

Balanced card makes sound more dynamic and well separated with more alive notes.

 

[Duncan]

Looking forward to the AR M2 being added to this list, I have it alongside the Sony ZX2, and to these ears, it is a one horse race, with the M2 being substantially ahead, but it does come with novice firmware flaws that stops it being a giant killer.

 

[AmberOzL]

M2 seems like designed for headphones rather than c/iems. That volume control system, high power (so powerful for c/iems), hissing issues with sensitive monitors.

 

[Duncan]

M2 seems like designed for headphones rather than c/iems. That volume control system, high power (so powerful for c/iems), hissing issues with sensitive monitors.

I don't have hiss with the M2 and Layla (but do with the ZX2 and Layla, although that is far less than SE846 with Hugo) - I will agree though, that in all probability for those that like low volume levels, that it may be too powerful - thankfully I like it loud and proud

 

[MikePortnoy]

Looking forward to the AR M2 being added to this list, I have it alongside the Sony ZX2, and to these ears, it is a one horse race, with the M2 being substantially ahead, but it does come with novice firmware flaws that stops it being a giant killer.

 
 
AR M2 takes my interest with its BB chip. Hopefully, I'll add it to the list in future Also, AR M1 seems to be a good player..
 
 

 

[tonytony]

please add  "Shozy alian"

 

[Currawong]

Did you ever see my DAP-off thread? A bit different, but it may have some interesting discussion to add.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/714374/dap-off-astell-kern-ak240-hifiman-hm-901-sony-zx-1-fiio-x5-chord-hugo-calyx-m-aurender-flow-lotoo-paw-gold

 

[MikePortnoy]

  please add  "Shozy alian"

 
Sure, I tried to get one a while ago, but it was out of stock. I'll try to get soon. 
 
 

  Did you ever see my DAP-off thread? A bit different, but it may have some interesting discussion to add.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/714374/dap-off-astell-kern-ak240-hifiman-hm-901-sony-zx-1-fiio-x5-chord-hugo-calyx-m-aurender-flow-lotoo-paw-gold

 
Your thread is quite helpful. There are some sources that I haven't heard yet, such as Calyx M and Aurender Flow. And yes, some discussions would be nice

 

[goodvibes]

Definitely not how I hear some things. The AK120 sounds muffled to me, I don't get the width. The Tera has incredible bass unless you pair it with low impedance multi BA, but there is not point. Besides Tera dynamism is good to me. I am more in agreement on the 901 and Lotoo, except that the latest 901 UI is just fine.

Depends on FW and load with the 120. The latest ones are a bit dark but 1.37 is nice. I bypassed the resistor in mine and am getting a very good result. I'm also interested in MPs take on the QP1r, ZX2 and M2. I don't know if I'll ever let the 120 go simply because of storage, sound, form factor and ease of on the go use. These all have compromises and so much of selection is going to be personal preference and interfacing.

 

[MikePortnoy]

Sony ZX2 has been added to the chart.

 

[AmberOzL]

I would give a better point on bass section but lower a little bit on mid and resolution I guess. Nevertheless thanks my friend for such an awesome list

 

[proedros]

  Sony ZX2 has been added to the chart.

 
you don't seem impressed , how many hours have it been burned in ?

 

[MikePortnoy]

  I would give a better point on bass section but lower a little bit on mid and resolution I guess. Nevertheless thanks my friend for such an awesome list

 
Thank you buddy Well, I think ZX2's lows are a bit rough, like BA type of hit. 
 

   
you don't seem impressed , how many hours have it been burned in ?

 
Unfortunately not, ZX2 isn't in high class due to its separation, resolution.. The reviewed unit had more than 150 hours of burn-in. 

 

[musicday]

A bit that you wrote about the Tera player is true,but for me is still all around SQ music player ever made.