As we reach the end of this review, let’s go back to the opening question: “What’s the point of digital audio players (DAP) in this day and age?”
From a pure performance/cost ratio perspective, No, there is no point.
But it does not mean that a DAP is not desirable. A device like M6U is a desktop setup you can put in your bag or pocket. From the convenience perspective, there is a sense of freedom when you don’t have to deal with separate devices, cables, and Bluetooth in your listening session. You pick up the brick, your IEM or your headphone and enjoy.
There is also a psychological perspective. As someone who is easily distracted, having a brick dedicated to music helps me to focus on the thing for which I buy all these gears: enjoying music. Not just playing music in the background but savouring it. Of course, a phone and a dongle serve the purpose just fine, but a dedicated brick feels better (to me).
Should you get an M6U? It depends on how much you want a music brick.
If you’ve decided that you want one, despite the performance/cost argument, then Shanling M6 Ultra should be one of your options. It’s a good one.