Introducing Shanling M6 Ultra - AKM Quad-DACs based Portable Android Player

[SGarfinkle]

@Shanling Does development have any ideas for a workaround (to say nothing of fix)? Roon support suggested disabling USB Audio Routing, but that didn't make any difference (not that I expected it would).

 

[Shanling]

@Shanling Does development have any ideas for a workaround (to say nothing of fix)? Roon support suggested disabling USB Audio Routing, but that didn't make any difference (not that I expected it would).

So far no update on the Roon ARC issue.

 

[SGarfinkle]

Month 2 with broken Roon. Since they can clearly reproduce it and it's on ALL your Snapdragon models, I would have expected this to be fixed by now.

 

[Shanling]

Month 2 with broken Roon. Since they can clearly reproduce it and it's on ALL your Snapdragon models, I would have expected this to be fixed by now.

The Roon main app is working on current firmware. For Roon ARC, software team is still working on fix.

 

[SGarfinkle]

The Roon main app is working on current firmware. For Roon ARC, software team is still working on fix.

Yes, the discussion is about Roon Arc, not Roon remote. Roon Remote is a lot more annoying to use anywhere but in the house. It only works if I install OpenVPN on the M6U and turn on the home VPN server.

 

[AntonD]

Hi, I have just purchased the M6U and cannot wait to start listening.
I have downloaded the latest firmware and copied to local system on M6U, and then started the local update.
Question to you seasoned veterans, how long does it take for the update to complete?
All the best.

 

[SGarfinkle]

...how long does it take for the update to complete?

I'm sure you'll love it (as long as you don't need Roon ARC)! Mine took just a few minutes to update, IIRC.

 

[AntonD]

I'm sure you'll love it (as long as you don't need Roon ARC)! Mine took just a few minutes to update, IIRC.

Many thanks for the prompt response. I don't use Roon.
Okay, its been running for over an hour now, just says on screen "Updating now, please do not turn off....."
Should I perform a restart?

 

[SGarfinkle]

Okay, its been running for over an hour now, just says on screen "Updating now, please do not turn off....."
Should I perform a restart?

That's always nervewracking. MY nonprofessional guess is that you're probably OK to turn it off as it probably isn't actually doing anything. Something similar happened to me (see earlier in this thread) where I accidentally tried to use the M3 Ultra firmware to do the update. But...it's always a crapshoot, sadly.

 

[AntonD]

That's always nervewracking. MY nonprofessional guess is that you're probably OK to turn it off as it probably isn't actually doing anything. Something similar happened to me (see earlier in this thread) where I accidentally tried to use the M3 Ultra firmware to do the update. But...it's always a crapshoot, sadly.

Ha ha, yes that correct regarding "nerve-racking!"
I have done restart, like you said nothing was happening as far as I know.
I have renamed the file to "M6 Ultra Firmware V1.3.zip" and started again. Same message as before so I'm not sure if anything is actually happening???
Not very good re software/indication that something is actually happening!

 

[AntonD]

Can someone please provide an exact guide on how to perform local update?
What should the filename be called?
Many thanks in advance

 

[AntonD]

Ignore my last response. It was my good old Mac opening the zip on download. I disabled this and downloaded from Shanling again.
All seems to be working now with status bar whilst updating
Definitely much quicker procedure than download option on M6U.
Hopefully will soon be listening!

 

[AntonD]

Well, just a brief update on a brand new M6U opened today that’s been playing music for about one hour.

I’ve never heard my Focal Celestee driven like that from any portable device! (I’m a little behind the times with DAPs)

I had to switch to "low gain" and generally have volume around 35 to 50, single ended. The music sounds so vibrant, full of emotion and details to die for. I’m actually blown away!

I’ve played red book, 24/96, DSD 64 and MQA as tester files and all worked flawlessly. Sound was superb for an initial test. My head was naturally bobbing up and down and foot tapping away.

I have a balanced cable on order so can’t wait for that to arrive. its running-in now playing an album on repeat.

What a device! I can only imagine what an M9 Plus must sound like

 

[AntonD]

Update for my new M6U:

It probably has 15-20 hours playback now and I have been impressed by the DAP. It runs very fast (GUI), scanning of library (Shanling Music App) is very fast, I have approx 7,000 tracks loaded so far and it literally takes approx. 15 seconds for "Library Update".

Oh, for context I use my local library of ripped CDs and downloaded HD material that has been built since 2010. I was fairly early to streaming local lossless files with a Naim streamer and was very particular with metadata and tagging. I have never browsed via Folder My local library for HiFi is full fat WAV, however I have used M4A format for DAP.

A few observations with the Shanling App:

1. I am aware of the gapless issue, what are users using as their preferred player App?
2. I have a large collection of Classical, meticulously tagged, I wish "Composer" and "Orchestra" were available as browse categories from the local library. Is there a way to configure this?

M6U is still impressing regarding sound quality. I always use "Prime Mode" when listening and turn off Bluetooth and WiFi. Bass and reverb are excellent imo and the highs are smooth and detailed. Hi-hats come through clearly when there and Vocals are very real to me. Using Focal Celestee for context. Its a very pleasurable listening experience and I can/could easily listen for hours without any fatigue

 

[joegreat99]

M6U is still impressing regarding sound quality. I always use "Prime Mode" when listening and turn off Bluetooth and WiFi. Bass and reverb are excellent imo and the highs are smooth and detailed. Hi-hats come through clearly when there and Vocals are very real to me. Using Focal Celestee for context. Its a very pleasurable listening experience and I can/could easily listen for hours without any fatigue

I did not hear a difference in "Prime Mode" vs. normal Android mode...
Can you explain your impression with "Prime Mode" compared to not using it?

Nevertheless: I confirm the great sound of the M6U!