Thanks to
@Joe Bloggs and
@Damz87 for the Australian tour. I had the opportunity to demo this for a couple of weeks in return for some impressions. All thoughts are my own.
The R3II is a little DAP, the OS is extremely easy to navigate, and due to the form factor very easy to use with a single thumb. It can operate as a USB DAC (which I briefly tested and worked fine, although other than offering 4.4mm didn't sound overly different to my MacBook Pro's output which find to be quite decent), however my main test was as a mini DAP. I used some files, and mainly used AirPlay with Tidal on my phone. There is a Tidal app however I was finding it a little cumbersome to get working and gave up due to AirPlay being sufficient and easy.
I don't really have anything like this, I do have some larger DAPS/Amps, and some smaller dongles and adapters, but nothing really in the space so wouldn't be fair to compare up or down, so I won't!
From a music point of view I listen to anything and everything, so that's what I tested on here, and I primarily used this with the YanYin Canon II being my flavour of the week and something decently mid-fi which someone may pair up with this as an on the go option. I also used my
Sound wise I thought it was a little warm leaning, not overly so but noticeable when switching to it from a neutral source. My preference is warm so no complaints
There was also a little bit of noise in the background, not a whole lot, but again when switching to it from something that doesn't have noise I noticed it then subsequently forgot about it as quickly. Overall it was a perfectly fine listen, better than what I get from a dongle / adapter and not quite what I get from a full size DAP, so pretty much delivering on its price point. It was a lot more convenient than a dongle using AirPlay, and given its form factor easily slipped into my pocket, so I really enjoyed using it.
I didn't really think I needed anything between a dongle and my DAPs, but maybe I do. This is a great piece of kit and one I'd easily recommend to anyone looking for something around this size and price point. Paired with a decently priced midfi set you can get a fantastic portable setup, I wasn't left wanting much when using this with the YanYin Canon II.