USB powered desktop mode is so convenient! Did I mention Roon Ready?
Build quality, solid. Volume dial, surprisingly good. Smooth with right amount of tension. Thought it would be difficult to make incremental adjustments with its small dial, but not the case. It's just as easy as quickly ramping up the volume. Plus, if you're not a fan, you can switch to button mode. Included case is well made. The darker subdued tone goes well with the device's mature aesthetics. The rear vents make it possible to use with the cooling stand with the case on.
SW seems stable OOTB. SW bugs and glitches are usually my biggest headache and annoyance with Android DAPs (and why I keep promising myself never to use DAPs again). Haven't noticed any issues with FW updates or downloading/running apps (Tidal, UAPP, Roon remote etc.). No issues w/ BT when connected to my Px8. Besides that, typical SD 660 speed and operations. No unusual battery drain.
In desktop mode, device stays cool on high gain while inside its case, and cooling stand isn't needed. Only time it gets a bit toasty is when quick charging and playing simultaneously. In this scenario, cooling stand does its job well (quiet in 'low' fan mode). Desktop mode via USB charging is very convenient, and I much prefer this over the barrel connector type charging on M17/Q7.
As is usually the case, didn't notice much difference between LPFs. Harmonic distortion regulation mode seem to smooth things out a bit, but unsubstantiated. "All to DSD" mode may add a tiny bit of air, but TBH, unsure of its effects and probably not worth the additional battery drain and heat it imposes (at least that's what the pop-up message suggests, albeit didn't notice increased heat in this mode).
Now,
Not sure this is an A10 limitation but folders can only display 2 icons per row when expanded, which is a bit annoying. Also, you can only have 4 icons in the favorite's tray in the bottom.
Pairing can be a bit picky/tricky IME. I've tried with many HPs, and seems to generally do better with harder to drive HPs. 800s and Noire sounded really good (in high gain, no need to go UH). Low imp/high sen. cans were hit or miss. Dynamics is exceptional all around, and perhaps the most impressive part about this device IMO. But there's something unnatural sounding about its treble presentation. Not always, but in some cases, it can be quite aggressive with this sort of unnatural reverb effect that didn't sound pleasing. Synergy with U4S is good, but I prefer the flatter sound out of the Questyle's M15.
Overall, for my use case, it's brilliantly convenient. I have it setup at bedside in desktop mode, and not worrying about battery life is great. And in Roon mode, I don't have to fiddle with the device at all and just use my phone for control. And when I need to move around, it's size and weight is much more palatable than something like the M17/Q7.
To be honest, I bought it mainly because it's Roon ready. It may be a hodge podge of aging parts (e.g. OS, screen, DAC etc.) with some new features added to extend its life cycle and remain competitive, but still quite effective and useful IMO/IME.
The next iteration will be quite interesting.
