I've actually decided to finally try the MX for myself based on his review. I have the Fir 0 too. I'm mainly going to try listen to material that would benefit from more detail that M15 bass might otherwise hide, like vocal acoustic music.They do certainly seem to match his preferences. And as much as I like the bassy sound, I can definitely agree, the bass is not the tightest or cleanest on the nio. The z1r handily bested it there and my new ca dorado also has better bass quality in my opinion.
I know crins word can definitely move some units, but considering the price and that the u12t and trio are still rated higher overall, I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see a ton of further discussion about it.
I would also be interested to see how he would feel if he got his hands on the fir n0 module. It's not a huge change from the m15, but I thought it did a better job of taming the bass without really neutering it like the mx seems to. Mx just hasn't been my cup of tea personally.
Starting with one of my all-time favourite acoustic vocalists, Rosie Thomas (These Friends of Mine). Will report back here, but initial impressions are a cleaner, lighter tone, and since the tracks aren't bass heavy I'm not listening for thump or rumble I might otherwise miss. Layering seems improved too, as is imaging.
I think Crin hears the Nio very much like I do, and am very glad he acknowledges its superb tonality and, while not S-tier, I've always contended the technicalities were easily A+. Seems I'm not the only one