So, you believe the DX220 is better than the Fiio M11? How did they compare on vocals/bass and detail? I'm looking to upgrade my DAP (from an AK 120 II) but can't demo the M11 or DX220 and compare to my AK DAP. I'm yet to compare the specs of the M11 to the DX220 either to see what the non-sound quality differences are.
First of all - if you are considering the M11 I would say save a little longer and aim for the M11 Pro - everyone says it is better.
Here's what I'll say from today - obviously this is my opinion, based on my tastes and experienced via my ears - demos are essential to find out what's right for you.
N6ii - way too soft and slightly bloated in the low end. Or muddy. If not comparing to something else, it's a nice sound. But I found the M11 to have far more detail and a more controlled bass. Less bass, to be fair, but also more controlled. N6ii I tried with E02 which, after research, seemed to be my best bet. Perhaps I would have preferred T01. Ah well.
Lotoo PAW 6K - to my ears, a fraction more detail in the upper frequencies than the M11. But only a fraction. Definitely not enough to justify an upgrade. Didn't really notice the low end. I found the signatures very close.
iBasso DX220 - tried with Amp 9 which I wasn't originally aiming for (I wanted 8). First of all, this absolutely delivered the holographic image which everyone talks about. This was what I was after and I loved the staging and imaging. A solid few steps up from the somewhat two dimensional M11. I would say there's a touch more upper end detail in the DX220, while bass had more punch and reached down lower as well. Like I said, that soundstage was what I wanted and that really sealed the deal for me.
I would say that one thing that was made very clear was the remarkable bargain the M11 represents. Half (or less) the price of what I was testing and I thought it really stood its ground. I would still recommend it and won't be parting with mine any time soon. That said, received wisdom puts the M11 Pro a fair bit ahead.
I was listening on my usual dailies - Hifiman Ananda and InEar Prophile 8S. DX220 took my gear to the next level and showed that the M11 had been holding both sets back a bit.