daijoubu86
Head-Fier
So I did play around with BT receivers with the Denon and Oppo, the experience is a bit awkward, even just ergonomically. I think you will get a better experience with the Panda tbh. Just more refined, newer standards and built around the driver can never be a bad thing.
I hadn't listened to the PM3 for a while before listening to the Panda so I can't comment directly what has changed, unfortunately. It was similarly quite balanced and natural to my ear, a bit dynamically flat but an enjoyable listen.
If you want to invest in a desktop setup too, Atom is a great way to go, with clean power for IEMs as well if you use them too. But then I had no issue with the amp in the Panda either, the driver isn't too sensitive so no noise, but at the same time there was good extension and control.
I haven't really dabbled in the newer offerings as I've moved towards IEMs and open-backs for personal usage. And for pricing, I paid about $120 AUD for my MM-400 in Japan, mint condition, truly incredible value. The PM3 is around $300 still here which makes the Panda a more logical option for most.
Ah did you tried it with the Fiio BTR that you reviewed? It doesn't attach well on its sides?
Thanks for the advice though, I think I'll be more inclined towards that direction if you've done the deed and it doesn't work.
How did you find the Panda's bass compared to the Denon's? In your shootout the PM3 was linear whereas the MM400 has more emphasis and impact. Has the gap closed between the Panda's vs MM400? I tend to prefer a little more emphasis on bass but quality over quantity. Bloated/uncontrolled bass is a nono which is why I was hesitant on the Meze 99 initially. I tend to listen to both EDM as well as acoustic vocal/instruments.
120 AUD is a steal! The cheapest I can find now is 275 AUD and I thought THAT was a deal .