I also like the sound of MAX which is more neutral and cleaner sounding than M17, and which works nicely with HPs like Expanse and Stealth. I think M17 and MAX are slightly different in that, M17 is a feature rich player (dual USB ports, coax DAC mode, possibility of external power supply for more power and without battery operation, dual volume adjustment via buttons or pot, larger and better screen, stand in the box, roon ready on arrival, 4 types of HP outputs that can sense HP insertion and removal, screen not getting warm like MAX, etc etc.), whereas MAX is more like a boutique hand made player that cares only about sound quality and basic player functionality. Also MAX costs 2X the price of M17. M17 is not as clean sounding but someone that is not interested in a super clean, neutral sound can as well enjoy its fairly good and dynamic sound for a much lower price than MAX.
In the end, it comes down to the budget and use cases. I like the sound of MAX and the system has been stable so far and Poweramp EQ which provides system level EQ has been working without hiccups. But which one to own is a question everyone should answer himself.
By the way, what I like about both of them is that he volume control and the HP outputs are on the same side. This should be a standart. Especially those like from Hiby and Cayin with outputs on the opposite sides of the player will never be considered by me until they fix that weird design decision.
