Shanling M2

[nmatheis]

I'm actually glad there are lefties on the tour. It's great feedback for the community and for Shanling.

Glad you're enjoying the sound of it fleasbaby. Might have to send the Shanling M3 your way some time.

And I think both you and alpha421 are also interested in giving the Soundaware Esther a listen, right?

 

[fleasbaby]

I'm actually glad there are lefties on the tour. It's great feedback for the community and for @Shanling.

Glad you're enjoying the sound of it @fleasbaby. Might have to send the Shanling M3 your way some time.

And I think both you and @alpha421 are also interested in giving the Soundaware Esther a listen, right?

I am indeed interested in the Esther. Did I miss an M3 tour thread? Where do I sign up?

 

[nmatheis]

I am indeed interested in the Esther. Did I miss an M3 tour thread? Where do I sign up?

Yes, Shanling H3 DAC/Amp + M3 DAP tour. I actually need to send them up to Canada soon, but I can give you a listen when they return. If others are interested in hearing them when they get back, just let me know. They're both quite nice, although the M3 is again very right-hand focused.

 

[fleasbaby]

Yes, Shanling H3 DAC/Amp + M3 DAP tour. I actually need to send them up to Canada soon, but I can give you a listen when they return. If others are interested in hearing them when they get back, just let me know. They're both quite nice, although the M3 is again very right-hand focused.

Color me intrigued...is love to hear the M3 after hearing the M2. If it isn't too much bother, please do sign me up...

 

[nmatheis]

 

[alpha421]

And I think both you and @alpha421 are also interested in giving the Soundaware Esther a listen, right?

 
Thanks for thinking of us nmatheis, but I'll pass on the Esther audition.

 

[nmatheis]

No problem alpha421. I know you're quite happy with your PONO. Nice to finally find a rig you're really happy with!

 

[originalsnuffy]

I appreciate the Yuin shout out.  My PK3s do not get as much play anymore as I have migrated to IEMs for the most part.  But those PK3 units do have a very wonderful sound.

 

[Shanling]

Yeah, but none of these Ingenic-based DAPs have accelerated scrolling in any way shape or form that I'm aware of. Not saying it's not possible, just haven't seen it implemented. Too bad, because it'd be very helpful not only for volume but also scrolling through lists.

@Shanling: Please mention this request to the engineering team

​

Thank you, it is a good suggestion but after discussion with our engineering department, this is difficult to be implemented.
 
It seems that 120 steps bring more accurate volume control, however also more difficult manipulation

 

[nmatheis]

[@=/u/422159/Shanling]@Shanling[/@]: Please mention this request to the engineering team ​

Thank you, it is a good suggestion but after discussion with our engineering department, this is difficult to be implemented.

It seems that 120 steps bring more accurate volume control, however also more difficult manipulation
[/quote]

Yes, 60 vs. 120 has been debated with other DAPs with proponents on both sides. I'm on the side of making sure we IEM users have good control over volume. 120 steps does that much, much better than 60.

It does frustrate users of higher-impedance cans. I understand that. However, those users can always set the default / startup volume higher to limiting the amount of volume adjustment needed to get to their preferred listening level.

Perhaps the ability to choose between a 60 or 120 volume step firmware would appease all parties without putting too much work on the engineers?

 

[alpha421]

I'm curious to which sensitive IEMs' warrants 120 volume steps? Of those, does it really make an audible difference going up/down  1-2 steps?

 

[nmatheis]

Yes alpha421. It makes a difference. With 60 steps, I was getting 2-3dB jumps with IEM. I'm coming from DX90 and X5 where I get 0.5-1dB per volume step. The difference was very noticeable.

 

[alpha421]

Hmm. I agree that 2-3dB is too high with sensitive iems.  Perhaps the firmware can be changed to the 0.5-1dB per step on low gain, and 2-3dB per step on high gain, but it sounds like from Shanling's response, this isn't doable.

 

[nmatheis]

I think it's an inherent limitation with these Ingenic-based DAPs. Parallel firmwares with 60 vs 120 volume steps would be a viable solution to allow end users more choice, but it would require slightly more attention from the developers. For those interested in using 60 volume steps, the previous firmware does have 60 steps, so you could always flash the previous firmware to test and then flash back to the current firmware before passing the M2 on to the next tour member.

 

[fleasbaby]

...its been a few days since I mailed the M2 off, and I have been thinking a little about what I want to write up about it. What strikes me most is how smooth, but un-stuffy (if that makes sense) it sounded. I et the same sense from my Pono, but not with a harder edge. The M2 was almost the next step forward in that sound signature...
 
Hmmm....going to be difficult to describe this adequately. More to come over the weekend I think. Also been insanely busy at the office.