Shanling M3

[nmatheis]

Welcome aboard audionewbi!

I look forward to reading your thoughts on the M3...

 

[audionewbi]

I am so happy that I own it, it is optical out is exceptionally good paired to my HUGO. I will not comment anymore on the sound till the honeymoon period is over. I truly like the UI, simple and effective. 
 
I think it is safer to say I will be getting the M2 if it is the same part and sound as M3. Only if there was a way for me to fit in a pair of OPA627 inside this. 

 

[nmatheis]

I am so happy that I own it, it is optical out is exceptionally good paired to my HUGO. I will not comment anymore on the sound till the honeymoon period is over. I truly like the UI, simple and effective. 

I think it is safer to say I will be getting the M2 if it is the same part and sound as M3. Only if there was a way for me to fit in a pair of OPA627 inside this. 

Glad you're digging the UI. I thought it was really easy to get the hang of and quite effective. Can't wait to see what UI lessons they've learned that'll show up in the M2!

 

[audionewbi]

What kind of DSD file will the M3 accept? I have seen picture of people playing DSD files but I cant seem to let it work for me. Firmware is 2.0. 

 

[audionewbi]

I think new firmware is 2.1 and it can be found here http://shanling.jp/download/index.html

 

[audionewbi]

looking to sell a shanling m3, in case anyone might be interested.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/769800/shanling-m3-free-piano-forte-ii#post_11646370

This pairing works flawlessly.

 

[audionewbi]

I want to open this see if I can change the ad8610 to opa627, I can't seem to do so, is there a third screw somewhere?

 

[nmatheis]

I want to open this see if I can change the ad8610 to opa627, I can't seem to do so, is there a third screw somewhere?

If love to help, but the M3 I reviewed is out on tour - letting other headfi'ers check it out. Hopefully one of the other M3 owners will chime in soon. You could always PM Shanling.

Just a thought - maybe it's glued together. I just saw pics of s Fiio X5 tear down, and after all the screws were removed there was glue holding it together. The guy had to pry it apart. He tried to be careful but ended up tweaking some of the internals.

Anyways, I look forward to hearing more about your exploits trying to mod your M3. I've got OPA627 in my E12 DIY amp right now and can see the appeal.

 

[audionewbi]

Here is my wish, I would love for M3 to sound a little smooth. In large this sounds like C4 with much improved bass.

 

[nmatheis]

Here is my wish, I would love for M3 to sound a little smooth. In large this sounds like C4 with much improved bass.

What do you need to be smoother? I found it quite smooth but remember reading a review where they commented they'd prefer less energy up top. That wasn't my experience, though.

 

[audionewbi]

What do you need to be smoother? I found it quite smooth but remember reading a review where they commented they'd prefer less energy up top. That wasn't my experience, though.

Coming from things like ak120 and 627x I sort of have a different precpetion of what is neutral and smooth sound is.

In large M3 is the best bang for a buck dap that I own. Optical out works and so does the raw power. If I ever amp it it wouldn't not because it lacks power but because I want to change the sound.

 

[nmatheis]

Coming from things like ak120 and 627x I sort of have a different precpetion of what is neutral and smooth sound is.

In large M3 is the best bang for a buck dap that I own. Optical out works and so does the raw power. If I ever amp it it wouldn't not because it lacks power but because I want to change the sound.

Gotcha. I'm coming from DX90 and X5 and found M3 to be a smoother sounding DAP than I'm used to. I've gotten similar comments from others who've used it.

 

[audionewbi]

Gotcha. I'm coming from DX90 and X5 and found M3 to be a smoother sounding DAP than I'm used to. I've gotten similar comments from others who've used it.

For sure it is. I would say maybe dx90 is more balanced but power wise no comparison.

 

[audionewbi]

Okay I think the main issue with M3 might be crosstalk. It could do with more air between instrument.

 

[Shanling]

  What kind of DSD file will the M3 accept? I have seen picture of people playing DSD files but I cant seem to let it work for me. Firmware is 2.0. 

 
M3 accepts up to DSD128, in the format of .DSF and .DFF
 
But you must update to 2.10