Introducing Shanling M8T - New Flagship Portable Android Player with Tubes

[Kiats]

you just saved me a few dollars, haha

Well, you should have a listen yourself. No substitute.

 

[ijisi]

Well, you should have a listen yourself. No substitute.

Second that—there’s no substitute for hearing it yourself. Of course, it depends on your gear and setup, but I’d wager that trying Onkyo HF will change perspectives if you prefer an analog sound. I’m solid with low-gain Transistor mode for the most part, whether wired or Bluetooth across all my gear.

Stock player? Maybe—I can see how it might feel like something’s missing. But with HF unlocked and a few fine-tuned settings, it’s a whole different experience.

For me, the M8T holds its own against any DAP—it sounds nothing short of magical. Even watching movies with VLC sounds grander, delivering an immersive and cinematic experience.

 

[Kiats]

Quick Q: has anyone tried the BT amp/DAC mode. Even though I had selected LDAC only for BT codec, I got SBC only during playback from an Android mobile. Puzzling

 

[Endine]

Quick Q: has anyone tried the BT amp/DAC mode. Even though I had selected LDAC only for BT codec, I got SBC only during playback from an Android mobile. Puzzling

I didn’t have any issues using ifi go pods, ldac automatically when first connected

 

[Mhog55]

Second that—there’s no substitute for hearing it yourself. Of course, it depends on your gear and setup, but I’d wager that trying Onkyo HF will change perspectives if you prefer an analog sound. I’m solid with low-gain Transistor mode for the most part, whether wired or Bluetooth across all my gear.

Stock player? Maybe—I can see how it might feel like something’s missing. But with HF unlocked and a few fine-tuned settings, it’s a whole different experience.

For me, the M8T holds its own against any DAP—it sounds nothing short of magical. Even watching movies with VLC sounds grander, delivering an immersive and cinematic experience.

Other than the analog sound, what separates the Onkyo music app from others such as Hiby, Poweramp, etc? It doesn't get very good reviews on the Google play store. What do you like about it? I've been using the Hiby player for several years now.

 

[Kiats]

I didn’t have any issues using ifi go pods, ldac automatically when first connected

Ah… slight difference: this would be BT from the M8T to the transducers. I am talking about BT from android mobile into the M8T.

 

[ijisi]

Other than the analog sound, what separates the Onkyo music app from others such as Hiby, Poweramp, etc? It doesn't get very good reviews on the Google play store. What do you like about it? I've been using the Hiby player for several years now.

I never paid much attention to these comments—I prefer trying things for myself, especially since these apps are relatively cheap compared to the cost of these DAPs. But after checking based on your feedback, Onkyo HF Player sits at 3.8/5 across 22K reviews. Here’s my quick take—your mileage may vary, but this is based on my experience.

Most of the negative reviews focus on the software design or interface, which I haven’t had any issues with on both my R8II and M8T—unless there have been recent updates. That said, I’m not here for a fancy UI; I just want a simple interface with great musicality. When it comes to sound quality, those who actually describe it tend to do so very positively.

To get the best out of Onkyo HF, some fine-tuning is needed. My M8T and R8II setups are different, and my habit of tweaking settings comes from my Cowon DAP days. Unlike Cowon DAPs, which could take months to dial in, this took me just a few minutes per day over a few days to find the optimal settings.

Customization with HF unlocked may seem weird or silly at first, but they actually work. Once dialed in, the improvements are significant. Here are just a few of my unconventional settings—not all:

• Auto Sync – Off (M8T), On (R8II)
• Volume Control – On (M8T), Off (R8II)
• Upsampling Limit – 192kHz on both
• Direct Transfer Output – 11.2MHz (R8II), Auto (M8T)
• Startup Pop-up – On (M8T), Off (R8II)

Without fine-tuning, I can see why some might find it flat or unengaging, which is likely why a few users are disappointed. But this may also explain why others end up liking it after making adjustments. A good pair of headphones or IEMs is essential, but once my settings were dialed in, I never had to adjust them across different gear.

With my preferred settings, the mids are clear, the lows are well-controlled, and the overall presentation feels natural. The sound is balanced yet rich across the frequency spectrum, with a well-defined midrange, smooth treble that avoids harshness, and tight, controlled bass. Vocals and instruments stand out distinctly, creating a sweet, warm and engaging listening experience.

This fits the design of both the M8T and R8II—improving balance, timbre, midrange tonality, wider space, and better-defined bass on the M8T compared to the stock player, while the R8II benefits from a more refined treble presentation, tonal improvement in the midrange, eliminating digital harshness, and achieving an overall smoother and more balanced sound compared to the stock player.

There’s no substitute for trying it yourself—you may or may not like it, but I happen to be in the group that enjoys it a lot.

For my M8T, I am now settled on transistor mode and low gain—I don’t even switch to tube mode anymore. The M8T is my relaxation-focused DAP, while the R8II is my more engaging and fun DAP. Both are musical and natural-sounding. I also want to mention that I have LDAC enabled for all Bluetooth connections.

• Stock Hiby/Shanling players are solid but feel like they’re missing something.
• Neutron offers more tuning options, which can be useful but sometimes makes things more complicated than needed. Overall, to me, it leans toward detail and an analytical sound rather than musical warmth.
• Poweramp doesn’t really compare since it’s not bit-perfect.
• UAPP adds more bass but doesn’t feel as refined, at least not on these two DAPs. Fun but just cant get that perfect sound.
• HF leans more into musicality compared to all the others, which is why I keep using it. It prioritizes musicality over pure detail/analytical precision sound, making it a perfect match for the M8T by enhancing its natural character.

At the end of the day, preferences are personal—just sharing what works for me.

 

[Dron86]

I’m about 2 weeks with m8t. Hope, It’s fully burnt. I’ve listened to transistor mode at the beginning, then turned to the tube mode and didn’t change it till today. Right now I can say, it sounds amazing. I don’t know, maybe, the tubes here is the marketing stuff, but in my opinion, transistor mode sounds much better, balanced, lively, never too sharp or shouty. With Energy, perfect bass, stage, little hint of warmth.
I guess, tubes mode is better with jazz, blues, vocal oriented music.
Transistor mode is perfect for rock, metal, electronics, hiphop.

 

[subguy812]

I’m about 2 weeks with m8t. Hope, It’s fully burnt. I’ve listened to transistor mode at the beginning, then turned to the tube mode and didn’t change it till today. Right now I can say, it sounds amazing. I don’t know, maybe, the tubes here is the marketing stuff, but in my opinion, transistor mode sounds much better, balanced, lively, never too sharp or shouty. With Energy, perfect bass, stage, little hint of warmth.
I guess, tubes mode is better with jazz, blues, vocal oriented music.
Transistor mode is perfect for rock, metal, electronics, hiphop.

I like the Triode mode but also like the Transistor mode. It depends on my IEM/Headphone and the genre. I find myself switching between the two regularly.

 

[Mhog55]

I never paid much attention to these comments—I prefer trying things for myself, especially since these apps are relatively cheap compared to the cost of these DAPs. But after checking based on your feedback, Onkyo HF Player sits at 3.8/5 across 22K reviews. Here’s my quick take—your mileage may vary, but this is based on my experience.

Most of the negative reviews focus on the software design or interface, which I haven’t had any issues with on both my R8II and M8T—unless there have been recent updates. That said, I’m not here for a fancy UI; I just want a simple interface with great musicality. When it comes to sound quality, those who actually describe it tend to do so very positively.

To get the best out of Onkyo HF, some fine-tuning is needed. My M8T and R8II setups are different, and my habit of tweaking settings comes from my Cowon DAP days. Unlike Cowon DAPs, which could take months to dial in, this took me just a few minutes per day over a few days to find the optimal settings.

Customization with HF unlocked may seem weird or silly at first, but they actually work. Once dialed in, the improvements are significant. Here are just a few of my unconventional settings—not all:

• Auto Sync – Off (M8T), On (R8II)
• Volume Control – On (M8T), Off (R8II)
• Upsampling Limit – 192kHz on both
• Direct Transfer Output – 11.2MHz (R8II), Auto (M8T)
• Startup Pop-up – On (M8T), Off (R8II)

Without fine-tuning, I can see why some might find it flat or unengaging, which is likely why a few users are disappointed. But this may also explain why others end up liking it after making adjustments. A good pair of headphones or IEMs is essential, but once my settings were dialed in, I never had to adjust them across different gear.

With my preferred settings, the mids are clear, the lows are well-controlled, and the overall presentation feels natural. The sound is balanced yet rich across the frequency spectrum, with a well-defined midrange, smooth treble that avoids harshness, and tight, controlled bass. Vocals and instruments stand out distinctly, creating a sweet, warm and engaging listening experience.

This fits the design of both the M8T and R8II—improving balance, timbre, midrange tonality, wider space, and better-defined bass on the M8T compared to the stock player, while the R8II benefits from a more refined treble presentation, tonal improvement in the midrange, eliminating digital harshness, and achieving an overall smoother and more balanced sound compared to the stock player.

There’s no substitute for trying it yourself—you may or may not like it, but I happen to be in the group that enjoys it a lot.

For my M8T, I am now settled on transistor mode and low gain—I don’t even switch to tube mode anymore. The M8T is my relaxation-focused DAP, while the R8II is my more engaging and fun DAP. Both are musical and natural-sounding. I also want to mention that I have LDAC enabled for all Bluetooth connections.

• Stock Hiby/Shanling players are solid but feel like they’re missing something.
• Neutron offers more tuning options, which can be useful but sometimes makes things more complicated than needed. Overall, to me, it leans toward detail and an analytical sound rather than musical warmth.
• Poweramp doesn’t really compare since it’s not bit-perfect.
• UAPP adds more bass but doesn’t feel as refined, at least not on these two DAPs. Fun but just cant get that perfect sound.
• HF leans more into musicality compared to all the others, which is why I keep using it. It prioritizes musicality over pure detail/analytical precision sound, making it a perfect match for the M8T by enhancing its natural character.

At the end of the day, preferences are personal—just sharing what works for me.

I'll download it and give it a whirl. I used both UAPP and Neutron for some time, before switching to Hiby. Hiby sounds better to my ears than the stock Shanling player. I didn't realize that different players could have as big of an impact on sound as your suggesting. Looking forward to hearing it.
I still can't decide between the M8T and the R8 2nd. Owning the OG M8, it might be nice to have a different flavor of sorts, but I can't do crazy resolution, sterile, overly dry, or hyper analytical. I prefer moderately warm, slightly dark, with a touch of extra extension up top. The presence region can make or break it for me. I'm okay with slightly mid forward, and a little extra something down low. Musical, engaging, organic, lively, realistic, and dynamic is also what I'm after.

 

[Stu Paddasso]

Does Onkyo stream Qobus?

 

[ijisi]

I'll download it and give it a whirl. I used both UAPP and Neutron for some time, before switching to Hiby. Hiby sounds better to my ears than the stock Shanling player. I didn't realize that different players could have as big of an impact on sound as your suggesting. Looking forward to hearing it.
I still can't decide between the M8T and the R8 2nd. Owning the OG M8, it might be nice to have a different flavor of sorts, but I can't do crazy resolution, sterile, overly dry, or hyper analytical. I prefer moderately warm, slightly dark, with a touch of extra extension up top. The presence region can make or break it for me. I'm okay with slightly mid forward, and a little extra something down low. Musical, engaging, organic, lively, realistic, and dynamic is also what I'm after.

Godspeed—stick with it for a while, and if the standard HF version isn’t enough, unlocking it is definitely worth a try. With the right tuning, I believe you can get either DAP to match exactly what you’re looking for. Stock R8II is naturally more dynamic and detailed than the M8T, but with some tweaking, both can be tuned to deliver that musical, engaging, and organic sound—zero fatigue, just all-day musical bliss.

As for Qobuz, I don’t use it myself and don’t know exactly how it functions within Onkyo HF, but I do see a Qobuz folder popping up—so there’s definitely some level of integration, though I’m not sure how it works. I only play hi-res lossless AIFF and DSD files offline, so streaming isn’t something I really explore.

 

[Yifang]

Thank you. Trying to find the warmest, darkest, punchiest portable

You need the Luxury Precision 6 Ti 7th Anniversary Edition (shortened to LP6 Ti 7AE).
Unfortunately however, these are extremely expensive, rare, and also difficult to use in terms of UI, but is most definitely by far the most suitable for what you are looking for.

Realistically speaking, I can't think of a DAP I would consider close to being dark other than 7AE. Most DAPs are quite neutral or even bright tilted, and you'd be better getting some amp or portable amp that can add the warmth and so on you are looking for. The differences in warmth levels between most DAPs are quite minuscule, given even the warmer sounding ones still have treble which doesn't make it dark enough.

Sony DAPs are an option to look into, but they don't really fit the punch aspect of your criteria as much.
M9 Plus is probably your top choice, at least you can get something along the warmer lines & punchiest. Not necessarily the warmest but still close to that end of the spectrum. Definitely the punchiest however. The con is that it isn't dark because treble is still present.

Luxury&Precision P6 Pro series also worth looking into.

 

[justsomesonyfan]

Thank you. Trying to find the warmest, darkest, punchiest portable

maybe OG wm1a? it can get pretty damn punchy and dark with the right mrwalkman settings.

 

[Shanling]

Quick Q: has anyone tried the BT amp/DAC mode. Even though I had selected LDAC only for BT codec, I got SBC only during playback from an Android mobile. Puzzling

This is up to software team, due to change to the new system, they haven't implemented LDAC into M8T yet.

Right now the BT Receiver mode works SBC ONLY.

It should be adjusted with firmware updates.