[cathee]

Thanks. But M5S is too expensive for my budget. I hope that someone can tell me if the M2X is better soundwise than the M3S or not.

I've had the M2x for a while now and really enjoy it.

Unfortunately I don't have the M3s to compare directly, but do you have experience with any other DAPs?

What I can say about the M2x is that you definitely have to go 2.5mm BAL, for some odd reason the BAL isn't significantly more efficient but definitely sounds better. Without getting into that whole debate, let's just say I suspect the device feels like it's built around the BAL output. That's not to say the SE isn't good. It is, above average I would say - think Cayin N5ii but warmer more natural (I hope I'm using those adjectives correctly).

 

[Music Enthusiast]

I've had the M2x for a while now and really enjoy it.

Unfortunately I don't have the M3s to compare directly, but do you have experience with any other DAPs?

What I can say about the M2x is that you definitely have to go 2.5mm BAL, for some odd reason the BAL isn't significantly more efficient but definitely sounds better. Without getting into that whole debate, let's just say I suspect the device feels like it's built around the BAL output. That's not to say the SE isn't good. It is, above average I would say - think Cayin N5ii but warmer more natural (I hope I'm using those adjectives correctly).

Thanks. That's very helpful. I owned the Cayin N5ii at one point (sadly had to return it due to issues with its functionality). I wasn't bowled over by its SQ to be honest. Other Daps I own are the Cayin N3, Fiio X7, Fiio M9, Fiio M6, Fiio X5 2nd Gen, Ibasso DX90, Hidizs AP80, Shanling M3S, and Shanling M0. Of all of those, I like the SQ on the Fiio X7 and M9 the most. I don't have any balanced headphones, so this is all based on singled ended output only.

 

[cathee]

Thanks. That's very helpful. I owned the Cayin N5ii at one point (sadly had to return it due to issues with its functionality). I wasn't bowled over by its SQ to be honest. Other Daps I own are the Cayin N3, Fiio X7, Fiio M9, Fiio M6, Fiio X5 2nd Gen, Ibasso DX90, Hidizs AP80, Shanling M3S, and Shanling M0. Of all of those, I like the SQ on the Fiio X7 and M9 the most. I don't have any balanced headphones, so this is all based on singled ended output only.

Funny. So I thought the N5iiS was better than X7ii stock AMP, M9/M6 but eventually returned it within the first 30 days because of product stability and functionality issues too! (This makes me less optimistic about the N6ii now...).

I think soundwise it's a toss up between the N5ii and the M2x - just preference. Personally I think I prefer the N5iiS sound with my gear but I've settle for the M2x as it wins out in most other categories and in terms of practicality.

 

[vodanhkhack]

Thanks. But M5S is too expensive for my budget. I hope that someone can tell me if the M2X is better soundwise than the M3S or not.

This M2x review is for your reference, the sound of M2x is very closed to M5s

https://www.headfonia.com/shanling-m2x-review/5/

 

[Dobrescu George]

My little youtube video about Shanling M2X is live now!

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Does this play SACD iso?

 

[twister6]

Thanks to Erik (@Wyville ) for contributing his latest M2X review, soon to be posted on Head-fi as well.

 

[Shanling]

Back from European exhibitions, quickly trying to catch up, sorry if I missed your question, just send it here again please.

3. I use multiple SD cards and swap frequently - if I swap out A to B back to A, will the sd card need completely re-scanning and a long wait or will it only rescan the changed/new files?

If you swap cards frequently, I would advice to use folder mode, then you do not need to scan at all.

@Shanling - is there any prospect or timeline for Deezer to be added? Thanks.

We are now looking into different streaming services to be added.

Does this play SACD iso?

Our DSD iso files works without problems.

 

[Mikooki]

Will there be any price drops on the m0 now?

 

[cathee]

In my initial usage, I have two small concerns:

1. The EQ is a little difficult to work with (anyone else experiencing this?)
2. DSD playback cannot be gapless

 

[Shanling]

Shanling M2X Firmware 2.0 with Tidal support

Download from Shanling website or Google Drive

Note: Wi-Fi update will offer you firmware 2.1, which you can freely install. Firmware 2.1 only affects Chinese streaming services.


New functions：

1. Added music streaming media: Tidal. (limited to Tidal Hi-Fi and Online playback only)

2. Added the support of firmware file on Wi-Fi file transfer.

3. Added independent volume controlling system of Bluetooth receiving and playing mode.

Fixes:

1. Improved uncontrollable volume of Bluetooth output and Airplay on Apple Music App.

2. Improved wrong letters sequence of albums or artists.

3. Improved button invalid in lock screen mode.

4. Other bugs fixes.

 

[graphidz]

I'm curious. Was there any reason why Tidal couldn't be used offline for the M2x? Or will it be added in future updates?

 

[Music Enthusiast]

I hope Shanling will fix the reported very slow SD card scanning with this new DAP before it's widely available. It would be odd that when this DAP got released it had worse specs for scanning than older models. It's the one thing that's making me hesitant/doubtful about buying this. THis shouldn't be an issue in the DAP world circa 2019. I hope that Shanling will sort this before the DAP is in the shops.

 

[crashtest33]

I hope Shanling will fix the reported very slow SD card scanning with this new DAP before it's widely available. It would be odd that when this DAP got released it had worse specs for scanning than older models. It's the one thing that's making me hesitant/doubtful about buying this. THis shouldn't be an issue in the DAP world circa 2019. I hope that Shanling will sort this before the DAP is in the shops.

It's really not that slow. Certainly no slower than other non-android DAPs including the Fiio m6, iBasso DX120 and Hiby R3.
You really need a CPU with proper grunt to scan a 512Gb card with 15k songs on it really quickly.
The UI is typical Shanling. Really intuitive and not too slow. Album art isn't instant but again no slower than the other DAPs I've mentioned.
My only gripe with the M2x is the mediocre sound. Same as an iPhone. Luckily I stack mine with a Mojo so all's good.
I'd spend more money and get an Android/Snapdragon DAP like a Hiby R6, AK or a Cayin.

 

[Wyville]

In my initial usage, I have two small concerns:

1. The EQ is a little difficult to work with (anyone else experiencing this?)
2. DSD playback cannot be gapless

Had the same issue with the EQ and in my review I suggested that perhaps it would be helpful to put [+] and [-] options to add or decrease the settings in a stepwise fashion.