Shanling M6 PRO - Dual AKM AK4497EQ DAC, New Improved Amplifier, 600 mW Output, Android OS, Snapdragon 430CPU 4GB, 2.5 & 4.4 Balanced

[NewEve]

// Answered here

Cross-posted here.

@Shanling

With the release of the M6 21 and M6 Pro 21, would you be able to provide us with a summary of what to expect in terms of tuning?

From my research, you mentioned that, to your ears, the OG M6 tuning was closer to the M8. I agree that we’ll have to take this with a grain of salt as it depends on many factors from one’s ears to the IEMs/Headphones we use but...

Where does the M6 and Pro 21’s versions tuning fit?

M6 - “Warmer” than M6 Pro
M6 Pro - “Brighter” than M6
M8 - Similar to M6

M6 21 - ...?
M6 Pro 21 - ...?

Again, the idea here is to get an idea in terms of coloration/tuning, not overall technical capabilities.

Thanks in advance

// Answered here

 

[Newobbowen]

I can live on low gain with my M6 Pro and Solaris 2020 but it's true that the volume steps are quite consequent.
An ultra-low gain setting would allow to have better control over the volume steps.

While I am waiting for it, I finally compromised and brought both 2.5 mm balanced and 3.5 mm single ended iEMatches...which work perfectly.

 

[nekromantik]

Hmm now that m6 pro 21 coming it puts spanner in the works for me haha
Originally was getting hiby R6 21 but now this could come. Need to wait to see power output of the new m6 pro Vs R6 21

 

[kalibur]

Hmm now that m6 pro 21 coming it puts spanner in the works for me haha
Originally was getting hiby R6 21 but now this could come. Need to wait to see power output of the new m6 pro Vs R6 21

power output stated in another thread

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/shanling-m6-pro-new-version-coming-summer-2021.927985/post-16360256

 

[NewEve]

For those who are curious, here's a quick comparison/first impressions in-between:

• The Cayin N6ii/A01 (thanks to Audio Essence for the loaner) and
• The Shanling M6 Pro (both have AKM 4497EQ DACs)

Headphones, IEMs, tracks and settings

Headphones

• Grado RS2e - 32 ohms (SPL 1mW: 99.8 dB) - single-ended

IEMs

• Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 - 15.5 ohms (94 dB SPL @ 1kHz) - single-ended

Tracks

• From Tidal (Hifi/Masters)

Settings

• M6 Pro was mainly used in single-DAC mode as I prefer it that way
• Filter on both: Short delay Sharp Roll-Off

First impressions

Different form factors with each having their pros and cons.

N6ii pros:

• Volume and playback controls on same side, smaller, feels more premium.

M6 Pro pros:

• Lighter, bigger screen, has the better volume wheel of the two.

M6 Pro is much more powerful which can be an issue with IEMs as you'll have less fine tuning with volume steps.

Grado RS2e, low gain, vol. 36 on M6 Pro
Grado RS2e, high gain, vol. 40 on N6ii/A01

Campfire Audio Solaris 2020, low gain, vol. 20 on M6 Pro
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020, low gain, vol. 36 on N6ii/A01

There are un/plugging noises on the N6ii which are absent on the M6 Pro.

M6 Pro UI gets out of the way whereas N6ii gets tons of Google notifications with the wireless turned on (likely configurable).

Tunings are similar if not exactly the same with the M6 Pro perhaps being a tad less detailed and smoother, likely due to the single-DAC mode.


Conclusion after 1st impressions (subject to change)

The N6ii was released prior to the M6 Pro. Despite its age, it still is a great DAP.

In terms of pricing however, I find that the main reason to get the N6ii now is for its choices of audio boards, especially with the upcoming R01 R-2R board as well as the E01/02 which feature a Class-A amplification (think Calyx M).

What I enjoyed the most about the N6ii is its form factor and what bothered me the most was the Google notifications (which you can probably disable).

Being extremely satisfied with the M6 Pro, I will stick to it until Cayin releases an update to the N6ii which should take N6ii audio boards (or Cayin will face an insurgency from its N6ii customer-base) and / or see overwhelmingly positive reactions to the upcoming R01 board. The E01 board with its Class-A amplification is also on my radar should I make the switch.

 

[NewEve]

This morning's comparison is also a weird habit of mine forcing me to stay honest.

I compared Shanling's M6 Pro to Apple's Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter using the Campfire Audio's Solaris 2020.

The reason? Well, you'd be surprised at how good and close this little dongle sounds compared to some of the DAPs listed on this forum.

Doing so can often lead to... let's say difficult conclusions... I am however happy to report that there is a difference which favours the M6 Pro.

The M6 Pro actually manages to do something I find rare: it maintains the rounded sound of Apple's adapter while adding some clarity and detail.

 

[nekromantik]

Looks like HiFiGo has the M6 Pro 21 in stock.
Probably be Chinese version rather then International however.

 

[NewEve]

For those who are curious, here's a quick comparison/first impressions in-between:

• The Cayin N6ii/A01 (thanks to Audio Essence for the loaner) and
• The Shanling M6 Pro (both have AKM 4497EQ DACs)

Headphones, IEMs, tracks and settings

Headphones

• Grado RS2e - 32 ohms (SPL 1mW: 99.8 dB) - single-ended

IEMs

• Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 - 15.5 ohms (94 dB SPL @ 1kHz) - single-ended

Tracks

• From Tidal (Hifi/Masters)

Settings

• M6 Pro was mainly used in single-DAC mode as I prefer it that way
• Filter on both: Short delay Sharp Roll-Off

First impressions

Different form factors with each having their pros and cons.

N6ii pros:

• Volume and playback controls on same side, smaller, feels more premium.

M6 Pro pros:

• Lighter, bigger screen, has the better volume wheel of the two.

M6 Pro is much more powerful which can be an issue with IEMs as you'll have less fine tuning with volume steps.



There are un/plugging noises on the N6ii which are absent on the M6 Pro.

M6 Pro UI gets out of the way whereas N6ii gets tons of Google notifications with the wireless turned on (likely configurable).

Tunings are similar if not exactly the same with the M6 Pro perhaps being a tad less detailed and smoother, likely due to the single-DAC mode.


Conclusion after 1st impressions (subject to change)

The N6ii was released prior to the M6 Pro. Despite its age, it still is a great DAP.

In terms of pricing however, I find that the main reason to get the N6ii now is for its choices of audio boards, especially with the upcoming R01 R-2R board as well as the E01/02 which feature a Class-A amplification (think Calyx M).

What I enjoyed the most about the N6ii is its form factor and what bothered me the most was the Google notifications (which you can probably disable).

Being extremely satisfied with the M6 Pro, I will stick to it until Cayin releases an update to the N6ii which should take N6ii audio boards (or Cayin will face an insurgency from its N6ii customer-base) and / or see overwhelmingly positive reactions to the upcoming R01 board. The E01 board with its Class-A amplification is also on my radar should I make the switch.

Another (this time very) quick (and dirty) comparison in-between the:

• The Cayin N3 Pro (which I got back from my dad)
• The Shanling M6 Pro (OG with AKM 4497EQ DACs)

IEMs used

• Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 - 15.5 ohms (94 dB SPL @ 1kHz) - single-ended

I will leave aside the aspects in link with the devices per se although I'll briefly mention it in my conclusion.

Speaking about my conclusion, I'll jump straight into it


Conclusion

The M6 Pro sounds close if not similar to the N3 Pro in UL tube mode (perhaps a tad less smooth), yet has the advantages of being less fatiguing (especially in the higher registers), more powerful, doesn't have a tube warm-up time, and, as a device is overall more complete with its ability to stream not to mention the longer battery life. Yes the prices are different but the M6 Pro with the AKM DACs is an absolute no-brainer.

M6 Pro all the way (and now I can say it has a tube-like sound -- at least compared to the N3 Pro's ).

 

[Xinlisupreme]

M6 pro is still a good choice
I bet 2021 will be different with Sabre 9038.

 

[NewEve]

M6 pro is still a good choice
I bet 2021 will be different with Sabre 9038.

It certainly will be (click me).

Very tempted to get a second before they're gone but where's the fun in that?

 

[BoyNamedSue]

This is maybe a newbie question...can I use the m6pro as a transport to a DAC (specifically, m6pro --> Audio-gd Di20) using a USB OTG cable? Secondly, while using m6pro as a transport, can I stream music from my smartphone via bluetooth to the m6pro?

Thanks in advance! This may be my first high-end dap. Currently using my lg-g8 phone for portable listening. Ideally, would like a dap that can both be a transport, a streamer and a DAP!

 

[Shanling]

This is maybe a newbie question...can I use the m6pro as a transport to a DAC (specifically, m6pro --> Audio-gd Di20) using a USB OTG cable? Secondly, while using m6pro as a transport, can I stream music from my smartphone via bluetooth to the m6pro?

Thanks in advance! This may be my first high-end dap. Currently using my lg-g8 phone for portable listening. Ideally, would like a dap that can both be a transport, a streamer and a DAP!

M6 Pro can be used as transport for USB DAC, even when used as a BT receiver. If it will work exactly with your Audio GD is different question. Not sure how they USB is set up and don't think we ever tested it.

 

[Karrank]

After a few days using M6 Pro I have some insights:
- OS is too much stiped down
- there are some problems with translations (strange words)
- there is no charging animation
- using alternate launcher (i.e. Nova 6.2) doesn't work well, player returns to default launcher after every restart
(setting Nova as a default launcher doesn't work also)
- Android 7.1.1 is too old for some TWS applications i.e. Sennheiser Smart Control
- Google security definitions are very old.

 

[holsen]

After a few days using M6 Pro I have some insights:
- OS is too much stiped down
- there are some problems with translations (strange words)
- there is no charging animation
- using alternate launcher (i.e. Nova 6.2) doesn't work well, player returns to default launcher after every restart
(setting Nova as a default launcher doesn't work also)
- Android 7.1.1 is too old for some TWS applications i.e. Sennheiser Smart Control
- Google security definitions are very old.

I can help with the Nova Launcher Issue as I had the same experience.
You need to to go to Settings / Apps and clear the defaults of both the native launcher and nova
Then set nova as the defualt and it should hold.

 

[Karrank]

Nope, it won't work. I erased both and made Nova as a default launcher. Without success, after restart player still launches Launcher 3.
I think this comms from stripping down system - maybe some libs are missing.