[SibilantGoose]

We see M7 at the similar performance level as M8, but with quite different sound tuning(with M8 being significantly warmer and relaxed).
If you care purely about technical aspects of sound, I would recommend M7.

Very interesting, thank you for reply. How do you compare M7 to M9? Will M8 be outdated soon given scarcity of AKM chips and cheaper M7 release which hits relatively the same price point?

 

[harshkamboj]

We see M7 at the similar performance level as M8, but with quite different sound tuning(with M8 being significantly warmer and relaxed).
If you care purely about technical aspects of sound, I would recommend M7.



Most international users stick with APKPure app on the M8.

Please what issue are they facing with Coolapk?

The Coolapk does not download any streaming app nor does it update any installed app? I recently downloaded the Google play store app from my phone and transferred it to the M8. It works fine and I can download other apps now.

 

[Shanling]

Very interesting, thank you for reply. How do you compare M7 to M9? Will M8 be outdated soon given scarcity of AKM chips and cheaper M7 release which hits relatively the same price point?

M8 was discontinued last year in summer.

M9 is more neutral than the M8, but still keeps a bit warmer presentation than the M7.
Sound quality wise, M9 is step above both M8 & M7.

The Coolapk does not download any streaming app nor does it update any installed app? I recently downloaded the Google play store app from my phone and transferred it to the M8. It works fine and I can download other apps now.

I recommend to use Google Play store when possible, with APKPure as the alternative if some apps seems unavailable in Play Store.
honestly, i'm not sure if the coolapk is at all supported outside of China.

 

[Stu Paddasso]

Have you sent out any M7's to reviewers????

 

[Shanling]

Have you sent out any M7's to reviewers????

yes.

 

[Verificateur]

Can Shanling M8 be used as a 'dongle' amp/dac (or rather...a 'brick' amp/dac) fed from an iPhone as the source?
If yes - what is needed to enable this mode?
Would it still be possible to use M8's volume wheel in this scenario, and would there be any impact on SQ/power output in this scenario vs. using Shanling M8 itself as the source?

 

[Shanling]

Can Shanling M8 be used as a 'dongle' amp/dac (or rather...a 'brick' amp/dac) fed from an iPhone as the source?
If yes - what is needed to enable this mode?
Would it still be possible to use M8's volume wheel in this scenario, and would there be any impact on SQ/power output in this scenario vs. using Shanling M8 itself as the source?

M8 do not have support to be used as USB DAC with iOS.

 

[Verificateur]

M8 do not have support to be used as USB DAC with iOS.

I see. Ok, how to do it doing this with an Android phone?
And would there be any impact on SQ/power output in this scenario vs. using Shanling M8 itself as the source?

 

[Shanling]

I see. Ok, how to do it doing this with an Android phone?
And would there be any impact on SQ/power output in this scenario vs. using Shanling M8 itself as the source?

You just connect them with USB-C cable, most Modern Android phones have no problem with USB DACs. At most you will need to play a bit with exactly order of connecting, to make Android phone recognize it as DAC.

But we do not really recommend this, as the M8 will start immediately charging from your phone, draining it quick quickly. If you really have to play music directly from your phone, you could use the Bluetooth receiver function or DLNA/airplay if you are at some local network.

Power output will be the same. In our opinion, sound quality would be higher if you play directly on the M8.

 

[monsieurfromag3]

Hello good people of this thread
There are a few of these floating in the Classifieds and I ponder making a move.

I am looking at a straight SQ upgrade over my N3Pro, which is not so easy to do - I tried out a DX300 and found it glossy and unnatural, an SE180 which was incredibly resolving but made me yawn, and a Kann Alpha which sounded good - but for lighter iem loads didn’t really sound better than my Qudelix…
I briefly auditioned an M6 ‘21 and that was pretty great, I liked the thicker sound, the body and note weight, the emotional presentation. Liked it better than the M11 Plus which sounded too thin.
I wouldn’t be driving the most expensive iems out there with it, as I am generally more interested in a colored, engaging sound than ultimate, dry fidelity.

I am also weary of the N3Pro because I am big on streaming so I have to use it via LDAC or plugged into both my phone and an external battery. Bitperfect playback, which is my main concern and much more important to me than high-res, is a hassle.
So I want an Android DAP, but I don’t know if the bugs have been addressed. Paused playback and stuff. I don’t use MQA.

Does it make sense to get an M8 now? I am also looking at the much cheaper R5 Gen2 whose class A amp mode is supposed to bring some of that fullness I am looking for sound-wise.

Any response will be much appreciated! Best to you guys.

 

[claudiuschan]

This is a far too common occurrence for me as well, mostly with the Shanling player, but sometimes (rarely) with UAPP, which is what I use exclusively now to avoid the problem for the most part. It's quite disappointing.

I feel you. Not sure what happened. I could not figure out the root cause of the issue. I just let the player cool down or shut it down when not using it.
Now, the problem rarely happens, I think mostly my playing session is around 30mins ~ 45 mins.

 

[Shanling]

Firmware Update

Shanling M8 V1.63

Use OTA update or download file from links above for manual update (Files around 1.2GB)

New system functions and changes:

1. Fixed issue with playback from USB drives.
2. Added Czech language to the system.
3. Adjusted USB Out volume control.
4. Improved Synclink performance.
5. Added SMB support to Shanling Music app.
6. Other bug fixes and system improvements.

 

[szore]

I've been using the M8 in DAC mode off Roon and my PC, and I notice after about an hour of playing the volume knob stops working and the only way I can reactivate it is by unplugging the DAP and re-plugging it again... @Shanling is there a fix for this? Also, the max volume I can pump out in DAC mode is much lower than when I use the player as a DAP. It's important because I'm driving my lcd-x and i need all the power I can get.

edit: it seems to be ok now, so it is an intermittent problem...

 

[MPCK1967]

I've been using the M8 in DAC mode off Roon and my PC, and I notice after about an hour of playing the volume knob stops working and the only way I can reactivate it is by unplugging the DAP and re-plugging it again... @Shanling is there a fix for this? Also, the max volume I can pump out in DAC mode is much lower than when I use the player as a DAP. It's important because I'm driving my lcd-x and i need all the power I can get.

edit: it seems to be ok now, so it is an intermittent problem...

I have the exact same problem with the volume. It will just stop working sometimes. The newest update said something about fixing that but I'm not sure. Also, you can't pull down the notifications tab while the device is being used as a USB DAC so your best bet is to put it in Turbo gain before you plug it in.

 

[Shanling]

I've been using the M8 in DAC mode off Roon and my PC, and I notice after about an hour of playing the volume knob stops working and the only way I can reactivate it is by unplugging the DAP and re-plugging it again... @Shanling is there a fix for this? Also, the max volume I can pump out in DAC mode is much lower than when I use the player as a DAP. It's important because I'm driving my lcd-x and i need all the power I can get.

edit: it seems to be ok now, so it is an intermittent problem...

Will check with software team on the volume control.

In regards to output, M8 has same power output both as DAC and DAP. If you are getting less, it means something on software side might be affecting it. Either some software volume control (Systems side, app side) or EQ/DSP software.