[nmatheis]

Like I said earlier, some people end up preferring their IEM with higher impedance sources. Andromeda seems to be one. Another guy I know prefers FLC8S out of the original Shanling M2. So who knows, you might fall into the save camp...

 

[dlayman]

People should keep in mind that the only IEM's that would be affected would be those with wide impedance swings that have a minimum impedance of 40-50 ohms or lower, and as mentioned, the effects might be positive or negative. At whatever frequencies have the lowest impedance, these frequencies will be boosted in amplitude. In most cases the changes will be subtle but noticeable. I wouldn't necessarily let the 4.8 ohms scare me away form this device, although I'm quite happy with my low output impedance M3. Shanling makes great sounding gear and the 2 series seems to have unique design priorities different from their other units. If I didn't have the M3, a Clip Plus, and another crowdfunded DAP maybe arriving someday, I would strongly consider this DAP. Shanling does a great job of providing ongoing support and improvements for their products.

I'd be interested to see what Shanling could do with an Android DAP.

 

[Shanling]

@Shanling
 , can you answer my previous question, I was wondering if the M2s is tuned with the Andromeda in mind. Already ordered the M2s so would be great to have the knowledge in advance. Thanks! 

Dear everyone ，we have noticed that the output impedance of M2s bring some confuse to you ，I am checking if we have used different testing and/or reporting methodology than other DAP manufacturers. I will let you know ASAP.

 

[nmatheis]

People should keep in mind that the only IEM's that would be affected would be those with wide impedance swings that have a minimum impedance of 40-50 ohms or lower, and as mentioned, the effects might be positive or negative. At whatever frequencies have the lowest impedance, these frequencies will be boosted in amplitude. In most cases the changes will be subtle but noticeable. I wouldn't necessarily let the 4.8 ohms scare me away form this device, although I'm quite happy with my low output impedance M3. Shanling makes great sounding gear and the 2 series seems to have unique design priorities different from their other units. If I didn't have the M3, a Clip Plus, and another crowdfunded DAP maybe arriving someday, I would strongly consider this DAP. Shanling does a great job of providing ongoing support and improvements for their products.

I'd be interested to see what Shanling could do with an Android DAP.

As I mentioned earlier, once I get an M2s in for testing I'll get some measurements with a few hybrid and multi-BA IEM I have at my disposal with M2s vs a low OI DAP and report back. As you point out, the effect did depend on the individual IEM, though. Some frequencies could be slightly lowered, some could be slightly raised, some not altered at all.

Just as a "for instance", I felt the impact the original M2's OI had on my FLC8S was minimal. A couple of my headfi buddies preferred FLC8S with M2 because they felt like they got a subtle boost in clarity. Another of my headfi buddies didn't like it because it made FLC8S sound a bit thinner than he was used to. Really depends on how the IEM is effected (if at all) and personal preference.

EDIT: And yes, I've poked and prodded Shanling a bit to develop an Android DAP

 

[Shanling]

Is this gonna be worth the 200 bucks? 
Also are the leather cases already released on alixpress?

The leather cases would be only 10USD,and it will be on alixpress about one week later.

 

[hqssui]

Shanling, Who is the authorised Shanling distributor in UK?

 

[abitdeef]

Is this going to be on amazon shortly like the m1? If it's fufilled by amazon I can get it so much faster.

Thanks.

 

[rockwell]

 

 
why usb-c when it's not usb 3.1? in my humble opinion, disguising usb 2.0 in a usb-c connector is eyewash. limiting the connector to usb 2.0 cuts off all of the benefits of ubs-c. so why not sticking to micro usb?

 

[nachocheese70]

why usb-c when it's not usb 3.1? in my humble opinion, disguising usb 2.0 in a usb-c connector is eyewash. limiting the connector to usb 2.0 cuts off all of the benefits of ubs-c. so why not sticking to micro usb?

I don't know of any DAP now that supports full 3.1 (gen 2) capabilities. For a budget device with no internal memory, I'd say it's the least important feature (assuming you still want the DAP at same price point). USB 2.0 effectively can handle all the bandwidth needed to stream 384/32 192/24. Adding faster charging would be only useful feature (say 15-30 min to charge from 5%-85%), but you'd need better internal power management chip and battery that can take the greater charge without shortening life.

The overall electronics industry is transitioning over to external USB-C just to have one "universal" physical plug (and the receptacle is the same cost as older micro-USB), but retaining all older USB 2 or 3.0 chipset to not increase any cost.

Edit: officially USB 2.0 with Asynchronous USB Audio Class 2.0 support only handles 192/24. While the bandwidth of USB 3.0 or 3.1/Gen 1 is more than enough for higher quality music (2.0 would be pushing the limit), you would need to develop your own codec and chipset on both ends to make it work. Maybe eventually they will release Audio Class 3.0 with full 768/32 support and needing USB 3.1/Gen 2 or even USB 4 speeds, but that's a long time away.

 

[DBaldock9]

  I really like the UI and compact size of my Shanling M1, so this new M2s is really tempting - but I am a bit concerned about how the higher output impedance will affect the sound quality of my IEMs, which are mostly 16Ω - 32Ω (some are hybrids, with Balanced Armature drivers).   A number of my earbuds are higher impedance 64Ω - 650Ω, so their sound quality shouldn't be affected too much.

 
Well, I ended up going ahead and ordering an M2s - since I really do like the knob/button interface, and the way the firmware works.
 
I'm wondering whether my IP Address should be blocked, to keep me from seeing any more tempting Head-Fi Forum threads?  

 

[rathgar]

Who did you order from? Looks like shenzheng or aliexpress. Is there a us distributor?

 

[MisterMudd]

Who did you order from? Looks like shenzheng or aliexpress. Is there a us distributor?

Its already on Amazon US.

Edit:shipping in 9-11 months.

 

[DBaldock9]

Who did you order from? Looks like shenzheng or aliexpress. Is there a us distributor?

 
Yep, Shenzhenaudio Store on AliExpress - and they don't offer the ePacket option, which is what I usually choose, if given the opportunity.  
 
Their AliExpress store does mention that they're currently taking Pre-Orders (before the end of April product receipt date).

Please Note:
This is Pre-order, Estimated delivery date is 28-30th April, please extend the shipping date. Thanks! (If the item is unavailble for some reasons, please contact us!)
Those Who place Pre-orders will get a Free Leather Case. 
Pre-orders will be shipped by EMS/FedEx/DHL.  

 
So, it appears that my package will be shipped via one of the "premium" shippers - and I should get one of the cases, as well (which will be a ~$10 option).  

 

[rathgar]

Just ordered one directly from shenzhen. Aliexpress wanted copy of driver's license and credit card. Shenzhen uses paypal.

 

[nachocheese70]

I'm currently located in China right now, so I'll try and pre-order. The official pre-order date is tomorrow at 10 AM China time - if I'm lucky I'll get one (hopefully if so, should arrive by 28th) and post my impression.