Please, more info how is the sound stage vs desktop amp/dac
Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org
Sharppain
Ichos
As written, the soundtage is truly exceptional for a portable player and can be equal or even best some desktop set ups.
But as you understand the comparison is a little vague without something specific to compare.
As an instant example the Topping EX5 is not better but the Questyle CMA 15 is.
But as you understand the comparison is a little vague without something specific to compare.
As an instant example the Topping EX5 is not better but the Questyle CMA 15 is.
Sharppain
Great reply!
ASpencer
Since FiiO made a name for themselves with affordability, how does this compare to the highest priced offerings from Astell & Kern and others? Is it competitive?
Ichos
@ASpencer
I don't have any experience with Astell & Kern DAPs but comparing the M11 Plus ESS to let's say the M17 or DX300 or even N8ii , I can honestly say that it is very competitive.
There are sound signature and technical differences here and there but the M11 Plus ESS is just excellent and holds on his own.
And when we come into comparing the prices then it is a real bargain.
I don't have any experience with Astell & Kern DAPs but comparing the M11 Plus ESS to let's say the M17 or DX300 or even N8ii , I can honestly say that it is very competitive.
There are sound signature and technical differences here and there but the M11 Plus ESS is just excellent and holds on his own.
And when we come into comparing the prices then it is a real bargain.
ASpencer
Thanks. Your well written review made it clear the M11 Plus ESS is punching far above its weight for a reasonable price.
Vamp898
@ASpencer I own the M11 Plus (ESS) and owned the LTD version before and also the ZX300, ZX500, WM1A and WM1Z from Skny
On terms of features and usability it is significantly better. It feels much more responsive and does have higher output power.
In terms of sound, at least against the Walkmans, it sounds slower with smaller soundstage and overall everything sounds less authentic and real.
I'd personally say that it sounds different than the ZX500, but not better, just different. Compared to the WM1A/Z (which are now 6 years old) it doesn't sound as good. But these devices are more expensive, so that's an unfair comparison. An used WM1A costs as much as an new M11 Plus
But I disagree with good battery life. Everyone says that in their review but it's just 14h. If you use things like the Bluetooth Receiver mode, it's significantly less.
The ZX500 has 20h, the WM1A 33h and the WM1AM2 40h
So 14h really isn't that good, don't know why everyone is hyped about that
On terms of features and usability it is significantly better. It feels much more responsive and does have higher output power.
In terms of sound, at least against the Walkmans, it sounds slower with smaller soundstage and overall everything sounds less authentic and real.
I'd personally say that it sounds different than the ZX500, but not better, just different. Compared to the WM1A/Z (which are now 6 years old) it doesn't sound as good. But these devices are more expensive, so that's an unfair comparison. An used WM1A costs as much as an new M11 Plus
But I disagree with good battery life. Everyone says that in their review but it's just 14h. If you use things like the Bluetooth Receiver mode, it's significantly less.
The ZX500 has 20h, the WM1A 33h and the WM1AM2 40h
So 14h really isn't that good, don't know why everyone is hyped about that
Ichos
14 hours from the balanced output with full sized headphone like the Focal Clear Mg and continuously streaming high resolution over WiFi, is very good for a portable player.
The WM1A is rated at 250mWPC/16Ω and the FiiO 400mWPC/16Ω.
The WM1A is rated at 250mWPC/16Ω and the FiiO 400mWPC/16Ω.
Dixter
mate it with the ifi Diablo and you can listen to anything....
Ichos
Or better with the Cayin C9...
dsrk
@Ichos
Another excellent review.
I have been looking for a pocketable DAP trying to decide between this and DX240 with AMP8 mk2 (because of it's form factor and more power output for my HD6XX and LCD2C). M11 Plus ESS is $400 cheaper in India.
Is the power output on AMP8 mk2 worth the extra cost or I am better off with M11 Plus ESS?
Another excellent review.
I have been looking for a pocketable DAP trying to decide between this and DX240 with AMP8 mk2 (because of it's form factor and more power output for my HD6XX and LCD2C). M11 Plus ESS is $400 cheaper in India.
Is the power output on AMP8 mk2 worth the extra cost or I am better off with M11 Plus ESS?
Ichos
Thank you!
The M11 Plus ESS drives the HD650 very well.
I don't know about the LCDC2C.
If you ask me power output wouldn't be the factor for deciding.
The M11 Plus ESS drives the HD650 very well.
I don't know about the LCDC2C.
If you ask me power output wouldn't be the factor for deciding.
Ichos
Balanced of course, that is.
