[jmac700]

I had the output limited version EU version of the NW-ZX2 for a while and it was only able to drive more efficient IEMs reasonably well.
I have the R3 (non-pro) and it can drive the M9 to painful levels in high gain, single ended. (SQ is quite bad though)

Thanks for your input. I have the ZX-2 uncapped version and haven't found any IEM's that I couldn't properly drive (Noble K10, Encore's, Westone W80's, etc) but wasn't sure how much power the M9's needed.

 

[jmac700]

Why not a HiBy R6 Pro. The aluminum ones are very reasonable. Has good power and S/Q. The gray aluminum ones are $479 on Amazon. You pay extra for Black and stainless steel. Sounds the same.

The R6 is also on my list if I do get something different. I should probably decide on a set of earphones first. Do the M9's pair nicely with the R6?

 

[vulkarie]

Have you guys tried Fiio m11 pro paired with the M9? is it a good combo? i want to upgrade from hiby r3 to a better android dap/dac

 

[vulkarie]

I have the R3 (non-pro) and it can drive the M9 to painful levels in high gain, single ended. (SQ is quite bad though)

is it that bad? how is the r3 compared to the chord mojo?

is the fiio m11 pro a good dap upgrade from hiby r3? my budget is under $1000, any other recomendation? (prefer android dap but if the dac is bang for the buck then i will go with that)

 

[surfgeorge]

is it that bad? how is the r3 compared to the chord mojo?

is the fiio m11 pro a good dap upgrade from hiby r3? my budget is under $1000, any other recomendation?

I love the Mojo, so I am naturally “biased”
It is not easy to describe the differences, because I can’t easily put my finger on any kind of resolution, impact, clarity or other typical criteria used to describe for example IEM characteristics.
To me the R3 sounds soulless, even though it is clean and detailed enough. It makes me feel physically unwell to listen to it, while I relax and dive into the music with the Mojo. Objectively, the qualities of the Mojo became clearer when I connected it to my $6000 integrated amp. It opened a huge and especially a deep sound stage, delivered micro and macro detail I had not heard on my system before and did away with congestion in busy orchestra pieces. And it sounded very natural and engaging. Made me kick out my old, $4000 DAC and replace it with a used CHORD 2Qute.

The Mojo is not as convenient as a DAP, and if you want to listen on the move you’d almost have to add the Poly module, which makes it rather expensive. Or you could use the R3 as a digital transport and stack it with the Mojo, as I did.

 

[surfgeorge]

I wrote a review of the Sony IER-M9 here, with comparisons my my custom Viento-B from Hidition: https://www.audiodiscourse.com/2020/09/sony-ier-m9-review.html

Thanks to @tma6 for allowing me a couple weeks to play around with them on loan!

Excellent review!
Very balanced and refreshing, no hype, great description of the characteristics.
I can relate to every word you write.
The comparison with the Viento is also really interesting.
Thanks for sharing

 

[GiullianSN]

M9 is the best less hyped IEM on the market.

 

[claud W]

is it that bad? how is the r3 compared to the chord mojo?

is the fiio m11 pro a good dap upgrade from hiby r3? my budget is under $1000, any other recomendation? (prefer android dap but if the dac is bang for the buck then i will go with that)

I have the Hiby R3 and R3 Pro Saber. The Pro Saber sounds better than the R3. These are both cheap but very portable DAPS. With your budget you need to be looking at the better DAPS like the Z507 Sony, the Hiby R6 Pro, at least the iBasso 160.

Can anybody tell me how long do I need to breakin my new M9s??

 

[AlexCBSN]

is it that bad? how is the r3 compared to the chord mojo?

is the fiio m11 pro a good dap upgrade from hiby r3? my budget is under $1000, any other recomendation? (prefer android dap but if the dac is bang for the buck then i will go with that)

Hiby r6pro, shanling m6pro, lotoo s1 (outstanding quality from a dongle), cayin n3pro(not android), Sony zx300 (not android, but superb sound quality with modified fw), cayin n6II and of course wm1a though it’s a bit more than 1000usd though there’s a couple of offers

 

[claud W]

I have been breaking in my M9s since about 9 this morning along with a Penon GD 849 gold and copper cable. I expect to play these for a week, but I just tried listening to them and ooOOOOOO , just DAMN !! They are going to get better than that!!!!!! Source is an A & K SE200.

 

[claud W]

I have been breaking in my M9s since about 9 this morning along with a Penon GD 849 gold and copper cable. I expect to play these for a week, but I just tried listening to them and ooOOOOOO , just DAMN !! They are going to get better than that!!!!!!

 

[claud W]

Just when I got VERY excited about my M9s, what should arrive but Thie Audio Monarchs. What. Yes, I did order them. I will have lots of fun breaking in these two TOTL IEMs in the next two weeks. THESE are the last IEMs I am buying in 2020!! I Swear !!

 

[vulkarie]

Just when I got VERY excited about my M9s, what should arrive but Thie Audio Monarchs. What. Yes, I did order them. I will have lots of fun breaking in these two TOTL IEMs in the next two weeks. THESE are the last IEMs I am buying in 2020!! I Swear !!

Can you make a comparison between sony m9 vs thieaudio monarch? looks interesting, both of them are on crinacle's S tier list

 

[DynamicEars]

Just when I got VERY excited about my M9s, what should arrive but Thie Audio Monarchs. What. Yes, I did order them. I will have lots of fun breaking in these two TOTL IEMs in the next two weeks. THESE are the last IEMs I am buying in 2020!! I Swear !!

excitedly waiting for your comparison!

 

[gto88]

Congrat. on your Monarch, it is on my list as well.
Please do share your impression.