[nc8000]

That would depend more on the iems/headphones you are using.

The signature of r2r dacs in general are warmer, bassier, more analog presentation. Certain things like echo, reverb, decay that contribute to the euphonic effect are more apparent in the r2r dacs.

Its a big difference imo from the delta sigma dacs and if you have only heard DS dacs, it will take a little time to really notice the full difference. Its more easily noticeable when you listen to it for about a week then go back to the DS dac, I found that I did not enjoy the DS as much after experiencing the r2r dacs.

I’ll be coming from Sony S-Master on A55, ZX300 and 1Z so wonder how big the difference will be here

 

[dougms3]

I’ll be coming from Sony S-Master on A55, ZX300 and 1Z so wonder how big the difference will be here

I haven't heard the sony dacs so I can't compare.

Is it still a secret what they use? I know they use their own proprietary dacs which they won't disclose.

 

[nc8000]

I haven't heard the sony dacs so I can't compare.

Is it still a secret what they use? I know they use their own proprietary dacs which they won't disclose.

They use their own S-Master which is a fully integrated dac and class D amp

 

[countryboyhk]

Does the bass has good quantity, but still good quality to prevent bleeding into mids?

I think so, bass is not as heavy as my A55, but good quantity, no obvious bleeding.

 

[wolfstar76]

Just get a RS2 from a local shop, very handy little player, solid built. Comes with a leather case which is fitted tightly.

First Impression, kinda of Sony's tuning, warm, organic and musical, yet not that booming. Female vocals is quite addictive liked the older generation of AK DAP with very beautiful instrumental performance. The background is clean and dark, half of the volume (4.4 Low Gain) can drive my planar HOOK X well. The light at the side turns orange when playing lossless, and turns blue when playing hi-res.

I am so impressed on how good the RS2 sounds with its size. Its SQ is way better than the R5II ( I tried before ) to me. It's simply more refined than the DX170 I try the same time.

If bluetooth, wifi, streaming is not what you are concerned for a new DAP, then RS2 is good to go !

Wow, that's a crucial information for me. I was debating between RS2 and DX170.

 

[wolfstar76]

I think so, bass is not as heavy as my A55, but good quantity, no obvious bleeding.

I have A55, and my DX160 is way better than A55. I am a little confused by your impression.

 

[countryboyhk]

Wow, that's a crucial information for me. I was debating between RS2 and DX170.

I used to own a DX160. There is no doubt that DX170 have some improvements over DX160, but not a huge one. RS2 sounds more musical, more transparent vocals !

 

[countryboyhk]

I have A55, and my DX160 is way better than A55. I am a little confused by your impression.

Did you try Mr.Walkman firmware for your A55 ? I dont think you will have the same conclusion after flashing that fw.

 

[nc8000]

Did you try Mr.Walkman firmware for your A55 ? I dont think you will have the same conclusion after flashing that fw.

Yes the WalkmanOne fw deffinately lifts the performance of the A55

 

[wolfstar76]

Did you try Mr.Walkman firmware for your A55 ? I dont think you will have the same conclusion after flashing that fw.

Yes, I did. Still DX160 is better in almost every aspect, with the exception of battery life.

 

[Rockcoon]

I used to own a DX160. There is no doubt that DX170 have some improvements over DX160, but not a huge one. RS2 sounds more musical, more transparent vocals !

how does rs2 handles treble compared to dx170?
My Cayin ru6 in NOS mode feels kinda dark, bit soft and lacking some sparkle from upper mids to treble, sometimes even veiled compared to another dongle- xDuo link 2

 

[countryboyhk]

how does rs2 handles treble compared to dx170?
My Cayin ru6 in NOS mode feels kinda dark, bit soft and lacking some sparkle from upper mids to treble, sometimes even veiled compared to another dongle- xDuo link 2

I think RS2 still brighter in highs compared to DX170.

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

I've been using a Sony ZX507 for the past couple of years, had a AK SP1000M before that but the sound was a bit too sterile for me, I enjoyed the ZX507 more.

But now I have the itch for new gear again so I will be getting an RS2, was tossing up between DX240 as well but in the end curiosity of R2R got the better of me.

I wonder if the RS2 will be able to dethrone ZX507 in terms of dynamics as that is no easy feat, it's one of Sony's strong points. I need to feel the energy and attack in my music, I hope RS2 is not just a jazz and classical box.

 

[Barndoor]

RS2 ordered.
The Hiby site has the option to add the new Hela iem for $20 (currently listed for $89), so thought I might as well add it!

 

[Rockcoon]

I think RS2 still brighter in highs compared to DX170.

So far it seems, that rs2 tuned well, where “musical“ don’t means bloated bass, veiled mids, and muted highs. At least I’m hope so.