[Kiats]

Shanling M9 Plus will be available in May!

MSRP 2959 USD

Visit out website for all the details:
https://en.shanling.com/article-IntroM9Plus.html

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Look forward to giving this a listen when it lands in Jaben Singapore some time this week. I do like the fact that the M9 Plus has gone back to the convenience of the more traditional 3.5mm and 4.4mm sockets. Much as I do like the sleekness of the M8 and M9 with the interchangeable socket.

 

[Kiats]

The M9 Plus. Was listening to it at Jaben earlier this afternoon.

 

[DarginMahkum]

The M9 Plus. Was listening to it at Jaben earlier this afternoon.

I hope the treble is not castrated.

 

[Kiats]

I hope the treble is not castrated.

Excellent treble extension and sparkle.

 

[twister6]

Excellent treble extension and sparkle.

How does it sound relative to OG M9? OG M9 has slightly boosted treble response while Shanling mentioned that M9+ will follow M8 tuning which has more organic tonality (and that goes for treble as well).

 

[DarginMahkum]

Excellent treble extension and sparkle.

Nice. I am considering a smaller than M17 DAP. I set my eye on M15S but I am not sure if I should give this one a chance. From the feature set and the level of engineering, I am sure that FiiO will satisfy my requirements, but M9+ has a larger battery and the new AK DAC *might* be more energy efficient than ES9038PRO. Technically ESS chip is still as good as 4 AK chips (both cases are more than any DAP needs, anyway). Measurements specs of M9+ seem to be better than M15S but whether that difference is audible is another topic. M9+ has slightly higher output power, but M15S can be driven from an external power supply, which is a huge benefit and unique. Also the hold switch and volume adjustment on M15S are perfect additions.

What worries me with M9+ is a castrated signature, killing the clarity and focus of the mids, and the sparkle of the highs. Hiby, Cayin and iBasso are (for me) lost cause with their design (especially Hiby and Cayin with their volume knobs on the top, and output ports on the bottom).

 

[Kiats]

How does it sound relative to OG M9? OG M9 has slightly boosted treble response while Shanling mentioned that M9+ will follow M8 tuning which has more organic tonality (and that goes for treble as well).

I will have to revisit the M8 but yes, the M9 Plus has gone back to a more organic tonality. And good treble extension.

 

[Kiats]

Nice. I am considering a smaller than M17 DAP. I set my eye on M15S but I am not sure if I should give this one a chance. From the feature set and the level of engineering, I am sure that FiiO will satisfy my requirements, but M9+ has a larger battery and the new AK DAC *might* be more energy efficient than ES9038PRO. Technically ESS chip is still as good as 4 AK chips (both cases are more than any DAP needs, anyway). Measurements specs of M9+ seem to be better than M15S but whether that difference is audible is another topic. M9+ has slightly higher output power, but M15S can be driven from an external power supply, which is a huge benefit and unique. Also the hold switch and volume adjustment on M15S are perfect additions.

What worries me with M9+ is a castrated signature, killing the clarity and focus of the mids, and the sparkle of the highs. Hiby, Cayin and iBasso are (for me) lost cause with their design (especially Hiby and Cayin with their volume knobs on the top, and output ports on the bottom).

Well, give it a listen and see what you think.

 

[Kiats]

The M9 Plus is a nice size compared to the M9 as well. Easier to hold and handle.

 

[RIGATIO]

Don't like golden volume wheel but everything else looks stunning.
The main question is- how does it compete against RS8 and even way cheaper Cayin N7.
All of them seem to be on a more organic side of things.

 

[FooFighter]

I will have to revisit the M8 but yes, the M9 Plus has gone back to a more organic tonality. And good treble extension.

Couldn't you write this before I ordered some used Sp3k?
Looking forward to more impressions

 

[Kiats]

Don't like golden volume wheel but everything else looks stunning.
The main question is- how does it compete against RS8 and even way cheaper Cayin N7.
All of them seem to be on a more organic side of things.

RS8 doesn't really compete, to my ears. I never really thought it was that organic to begin with. For an R2R, I thought it had a decidedly more DS sound. But that is just me listening to the demo unit over a few days.

Not heard the N7.

 

[RIGATIO]

RS8 doesn't really compete, to my ears. I never really thought it was that organic to begin with. For an R2R, I thought it had a decidedly more DS sound. But that is just me listening to the demo unit over a few days.

Not heard the N7.

Thanks! So how would you compare it to the M9 and M8? Is it some kind of a mix?

 

[Kiats]

Thanks! So how would you compare it to the M9 and M8? Is it some kind of a mix?

Closer to the M8

 

[RIGATIO]

Closer to the M8

Great!