Introducing Shanling M8T - New Flagship Portable Android Player with Tubes

[armstrj2]

I am also really loving this DAP… not only does it sound quite musical and dynamic but the versatility between the SS and tube modes are wonderful and easily noticeable as others have stated. It also offers a great software based LO for the Fugaku and it can drive the Storm really well… there’s a lot on offer here for what would be considered “mid fi” pricing in 2024/2025. Good stuff.

Now I am just curious as to what’s going on with the random charging bugs/issues/whatever but I'm assuming we'll hear back from Shanling after CNY.

The bugs are quite annoying but from a sound perspective I love this DAP. I think it's an absolute bargain at its price.

 

[aaf evo]

The bugs are quite annoying but from a sound perspective I love this DAP. I think it's an absolute bargain at its price.

Fully agree, it needs a tiny bit of TLC (for me literally just the charging, and the LO setting the gain to high upon activation) and I am satisfied.

 

[leylandi]

It really seems the tube mode on the M8T is a marketing point and do not add much to the regular M8 and there are some DAP's which sounds more Tuby without any tubes.

+1

Definitely a clear difference to my ears: less incisive. Definitely warmer. Less analytical.

I think it's soft enough without the tube. In fact, it is closer to the original M8 in this setting, but there is still a fret in the middle. The sound signature in tube mode can also be achieved with software. Hiby MSEB settings give more successful results. So I got the idea that the Tube was a marketing gimmick.

 

[max1903]

+1

I think it's soft enough without the tube. In fact, it is closer to the original M8 in this setting, but there is still a fret in the middle. The sound signature in tube mode can also be achieved with software. Hiby MSEB settings give more successful results. So I got the idea that the Tube was a marketing gimmick.

Hiby MSEB settings may sound similar but in medium to high volume doesn't sound clear to me, bass distorted

 

[elnineteenth]

for those who have tried the Hiby R8ii with XE6, and RN6 how do you guys compare the M8T? Am I missing anything?


Specifically how’s the stage,Imaging, and bass on the M8T?

 

[leylandi]

There is more sub-bass in the R8II with the ier-z1r. M8T is more balanced here. On the other hand, they are technically similar. I don't think there will be an upgrade. I think I would choose the R8 due to battery life and feel.

 

[zlayde]

There is more sub-bass in the R8II with the ier-z1r. M8T is more balanced here. On the other hand, they are technically similar. I don't think there will be an upgrade. I think I would choose the R8 due to battery life and feel.

The r82 has amazing battery life and it's dac stage is INSANELY detailed due to it's particular hiby Darwin architecture.

The m8t is lush, organic and very smooth. I actually think they're quite complementary.

 

[elnineteenth]

The r82 has amazing battery life and it's dac stage is INSANELY detailed due to it's particular hiby Darwin architecture.

The m8t is lush, organic and very smooth. I actually think they're quite complementary.

If you had to choose only one and why?

 

[zlayde]

If you had to choose only one and why?

For me personally M8T. I'm a fan of shanling house sound and with tubes it's more versatile.

If you want crazy detail and dynamics, R8ii.

 

[subguy812]

I find this situation interesting. I have my R8II up for sale and an M8T arriving today. The R8II is an amazing digital audio player (DAP). It's been a while since I've owned a Shanling, but I've always appreciated their signature sound. I’m excited to hear the M8T, but I'm glad my R8II hasn't sold yet so I can compare the two.

The software and user interface on the R8II are solid and bug-free. It does have a volume alert, but once I adjust the volume, I'm aware of the change, so it doesn't really bother me. I know some others have complained about it, though.

I wanted the M8T for two main reasons: its power to drive headphones as a DAP and its tube amplification. When I need driving authority, I usually pair my R8II with the WooAudio Tube Mini with Base, and they work great together. Both the R8II and the WooAudio are up for sale, so we’ll see if the Shanling can replace them both. I love the footprint on my desk...and yet have authority to drive.

 

[elnineteenth]

I find this situation interesting. I have my R8II up for sale and an M8T arriving today. The R8II is an amazing digital audio player (DAP). It's been a while since I've owned a Shanling, but I've always appreciated their signature sound. I’m excited to hear the M8T, but I'm glad my R8II hasn't sold yet so I can compare the two.

The software and user interface on the R8II are solid and bug-free. It does have a volume alert, but once I adjust the volume, I'm aware of the change, so it doesn't really bother me. I know some others have complained about it, though.

I wanted the M8T for two main reasons: its power to drive headphones as a DAP and its tube amplification. When I need driving authority, I usually pair my R8II with the WooAudio Tube Mini with Base, and they work great together. Both the R8II and the WooAudio are up for sale, so we’ll see if the Shanling can replace them both. I love the footprint on my desk...and yet have authority to drive.

Will be waiting for your assessment.

 

[subguy812]

I will be happy to provide a simple comparison....need a little seasoning time.

 

[elnineteenth]

I was gonna pull the trigger on the M8T since Shanling have it discounted but I need more impressions also, I’m only motivated to get the M8T is because I’m expecting the Grand Maestro anniversary edition by the end of this month and I have heard that the R8ii wouldn’t drive it to its full potential.

Also, from what I can gather the M8T doesn’t offer an upgrade over the R8ii it’s more like side-grade.

 

[aaf evo]

I was gonna pull the trigger on the M8T since Shanling have it discounted but I need more impressions also, I’m only motivated to get the M8T is because I’m expecting the Grand Maestro anniversary edition by the end of this month and I have heard that the R8ii wouldn’t drive it to its full potential.

Also, from what I can gather the M8T doesn’t offer an upgrade over the R8ii it’s more like side-grade.

R8II not drive Grand Maestro?? Who said that... R8II is an excellent DAP for power hungry IEMs.

 

[elnineteenth]

It was this guy during his review of the R8ii, also if I remember correctly Fatfreq themselves use Fiio M17 which has 3k output power.