I see many questions about
RS6 vs
N6ii w/R01. I guess the initial assumption was that RS6 with its discrete R-2R DAC architecture will be just cut'n'paste of R01 ckt. But in reality, R-2R DAC circuit in RS6 is tuned differently, utilizing the updated design in the heart of their own custom Darwin Architecture which includes FIR Filter (256-tap adjustable Impulse Response filter), Oversampling (removes sound aliasing artifacts), Nonlinear harmonics control, and Linearity compensation. There is also Non-oversampling (NOS) mode that bypasses FIR Filter and Oversampling for a more natural processing of the sound. So, overall, the design is not the same as N6ii with R01 module. And, we are also dealing with a superior
Android 9 and
Snapdragon 660 SoC (RS6) vs
Android 8.1 and
Snapdragon 425 (N6ii).
Of course, all this looks great on paper, but how does it translates into the actual sound comparison? I tested RS6 and N6ii w/R01, volume matched, in high gain, from 4.4mm BAL output, playing the same hi-res tracks and using the same pair of IEMs (Traillii w/First Time cable). Here is what I hear.
RS6 vs N6ii w/R01 - R01 soundstage spreads a little wider, while both have a similar depth/height. Other than this soundstage difference, the technical performance is very similar when it comes to dynamics and layering and separation of sounds. Tonality is where I hear a little more changes. Relative to listening with Traillii, bass has a similar sub-bass extension and overall weight and impact. But R01 has a fuller body lower mids while RS6 lower mids are a little more neutral in comparison. Then, when you zoom in closer into upper frequencies, upper mids and treble, the difference is reversed with R01 being brighter while RS6 being a little smoother. They both have a natural tonality, but as a result of above differences, RS6 sounds more neutral while R01 sounds a little more fun-colored. Not exactly a night and day difference, but it is noticeable.
Regarding
NOS (non-oversampling) mode, I could be splitting hairs, but after going multiple dozen of times back and forth, I can hear a very subtle change with NOS making the soundstage just a touch wider and dynamics a bit more expanded. But the change is subtle to my ears. The same when going between Low-pass antialiasing filter presets, I can't hear any difference. But when using the same IEM and going through different Customized IEM Presets, the changes to my ears are a little more noticeable, but still more on a subtle delicate side of tuning where I hear a shift in imaging, like mids getting a little more depth vs width, or a slight change in tonality of mids becoming slightly more revealing. Interestingly enough, when changing Customized IEM presets, the selection of low-pass filter changes as well, which makes me believe that it is not just a filter by itself but a combination of other blocks in the chain that affect the sound.
And as I already mentioned, RS6 is super fast, and despite the same 3D benchmark score as R6 2020 and R8, it feels snappier and more responsive. The solid copper chassis add a nice heft to it, feels good to hold it. The optional green leather case adds a nice luxury look and a contrast with copper looks sick. Great little pocket friendly super fast Android DAP with a high quality
default sound tuning thanks to its R-2R DAC w/custom Darwin architecture. For those who like tweaking the sound, you have access to system wide MSEB. For me personally, I like default settings, and while personalized IEM presets is a nice custom touch, I look at it as someone else's tweaking to fit their own personal sound taste.
