Shanling M3

[Shanling]

I believe M2 will be a more pocketable model but still keep elements that make the M3 so unique. Hopefully @Shanling will release details for M2 soon!

This is very accurate, my friend
We are preparing the content of an M2 announcement thread.

 

[nmatheis]

 
This is very accurate, my friend

We are preparing the content of an M2 announcement thread.

Can't wait to see what you've go in store for us. Just tried out the Cayin N6, and while it sounds fine it's not much different from the rest of the DAPs I've tried recently. The M3 was the most unique looking and sounding DAP I've tried.

 

[hakushondaimao]

  This is very accurate, my friend
We are preparing the content of an M2 announcement thread.

Yay! Another DAP to look forward to...

 

[nmatheis]

Yay! Another DAP to look forward to...

S'up, meng!

BTW, the Shanling M3 is making a stop at Hisoundfi's PALACE OF IEM next!!!

 

[nmatheis]

Howdy boys & girls!
 
@Shanling just announced the M2 

 
I set up a dedicated thread and am posting new info as I receive it and hopefully one of us will be able to start filling it up with impressions soon 

 
 

 

[nmatheis]

@Shanling: I was wondering if the software engineers could implement finer volume control on the M3.  Twice as many volume steps would be awesome!

 

[ASpencer]

  Howdy boys & girls!
 
@Shanling just announced the M2 

 
I set up a dedicated thread and am posting new info as I receive it and hopefully one of us will be able to start filling it up with impressions soon 

 
 

Since you've discussed your feelings about the M3 and have handled the existing knob, what is your initial thought about this click wheel that seems to resemble Hidizs design?

 

[nmatheis]

Since you've discussed your feelings about the M3 and have handled the existing knob, what is your initial thought about this click wheel that seems to resemble Hidizs design?

Not sure I know what you mean...

AP100


Looks like it has a 4-way D-pad and lots of buttons compared to the command dial interface the M3 and M2 use.

 

[ASpencer]

Not sure I know what you mean...

AP100


Looks like it has a 4-way D-pad and lots of buttons compared to the command dial interface the M3 and M2 use.

It's hard for me to get a good look at the M2's photo on my phone and you've used the former, I haven't.  Nevertheless, what do you think of this change in design?  Did you like the extended knob on the M3 that seemed to control so much?

 

[nmatheis]

It's hard for me to get a good look at the M2's photo on my phone and you've used the former, I haven't.  Nevertheless, what do you think of this change in design?  Did you like the extended knob on the M3 that seemed to control so much?

I did like the command dial / joystick but wished that I didn't have to push straight in for Play/Pause. That was my biggest issue with it, as I sometimes mispressed and hit FFWD/REW instead of Play/Pause. A smaller issue I had was that the FFWD/REW functions were at the Top/Bottom of the joystick, respectively.

It looks like the M2 solves those issues by placing FFWD/REW on R/L and Play/Pause at the top.

From this picture, it also looks like all transport functions will be protected from mispressed by being shorter than the volume dial.

Does that answer your question(s)?

 

[swannie007]

I had the same issues exactly with the play/pause command and am glad to see that they seem to be addressed with the M2.

 

[nmatheis]

I had the same issues exactly with the play/pause command and am glad to see that they seem to be addressed with the M2.

Yes, it's awesome when companies take user feedback seriously. Good job Shanling!

 

[ASpencer]

I did like the command dial / joystick but wished that I didn't have to push straight in for Play/Pause. That was my biggest issue with it, as I sometimes mispressed and hit FFWD/REW instead of Play/Pause. A smaller issue I had was that the FFWD/REW functions were at the Top/Bottom of the joystick, respectively.

It looks like the M2 solves those issues by placing FFWD/REW on R/L and Play/Pause at the top.

From this picture, it also looks like all transport functions will be protected from mispressed by being shorter than the volume dial.

Does that answer your question(s)?

 
Yes, because most people cited the joystick as the most distinguishing feature on the M3… but the caveat was always it took a very long time to become acclimated using.  The M2 operates with a more straightforward, traditional click wheel with clear labeling and I assume that’s based upon feedback they’ve gotten.  I’m hoping that same feedback shapes the new sound signature as you’ve praised it, but offered the prerequisite it’s somewhat relaxed.  I would think a redesigned DAP wouldn’t offer the same sound.

 

[nmatheis]

Yes, because most people cited the joystick as the most distinguishing feature on the M3… but the caveat was always it took a very long time to become acclimated using.  The M2 operates with a more straightforward, traditional click wheel with clear labeling and I assume that’s based upon feedback they’ve gotten.  I’m hoping that same feedback shapes the new sound signature as you’ve praised it, but offered the prerequisite it’s somewhat relaxed.  I would think a redesigned DAP wouldn’t offer the same sound.

I'm pretty sure the M3 has Shanling's target sound signature - analog, smooth, and tube-like. There's no reason to think they're going to change it, and I honestly don't think they should. I called out the smooth sound signature so others would go in eyes wide open - not expecting the same old DAP sound they're used to.

Shanling really is offering sonething quite different to other DAPs I've tried in this price range - both aesthetically and sound-wise. I think that's quite refreshing even if it isn't everyone's cup of tea.

 

[audionewbi]

Got up this morning to a wonderful sunny Sydney. Despite been winter it is currently 27 degrees outside. I was having a great day till I saw another picture of M3. I collect DAP, single ended amp and anything which has a dynamic IEM so naturally I had to try M3 but due to the poor Aussie dollar I avoided ordering anything from overseas. I thought why not trying googling Shaling m3 Australia and boy to my surprise I found a hit! Called the shop, found out they had two unit, made my way, boy they had a lot of other gear from Shanling and Cayain infact they were the Australia dealer. Honestly I was geeking out so much that I could not hold myself.
 
I have not yet plugged it in, I havent listened to it but I have a lot of DAP to put it against, it will either pass or fail. I will post my impression as I get used to M3 and post my impression . To make it easier for members I will compile all my post regarding the M3 in this post.
 
I know nothing on the parts used inside this player, nor I can recall any review on how M3 sounds and preform. All I know is the FitEar owner has one, uses it often and that is enough for me to trust it.