Acoustic Research AR-M20 Digital Audio Player Discussions | Drop

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Showing 1 of 45 conversations about:

Acoustic Research AR-M20 Digital Audio Player

Audiophile

FULL DISCUSSION

besati

Nov 10, 2018

The M2 sounds analogue and much more holographic than the Fiio X7 mike, D200, Hiby R6 whatever new DAP with ESS9028 dac due to its highly esteemed BB1794 dac and Class A output stage. One does not need to listen attentively to immediately spot the difference. Even SE output sounds better than the low power 2.5mm balanced output of the said DAP. Stereophile said it is on par with AK240 which is priced double as much as the M2, and almost 5 times as much as the price of this drop. The other AP DAP that is on Stereophile Class A Equipment list is SP1000. The bluetooth is just a gimmick and never sounds better than wired, full stop. I have got the M2 for 2 years and driving the MrSpreakers Aeon Flow Closed sounds fabulous and musical. The M2 can drive all sorts of items. All one needs is an IFI iematch or ibuddy. Even the Hiby R6 needs an additional impedance adaptor to drive sensitive iems properly, so what is uncommon with M2 behaving similar? I missed the last drop and will be keen to buy another one as spare if the drop revives.

Nov 10, 2018

JoeBi

Mar 7, 2019

besatiFlognarde said this AR unit uses the same DAC as X3 III, which seems to be the case. So how could it be better than X7? What am I missing?

Mar 7, 2019

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besati

Mar 9, 2019

JoeBiThere are good and not so good designers of DAPs. AR has long been an reputable audiophile brand and knows how to design the amp stage. M2 has a class A ouput amp. Fiio does not know how to design an amp. That's from the actual words of Lee of Venture Electronics. What you are missing is an audition of the M2, if you are fortunate enough to spot one at the insane discounted price now.

Mar 9, 2019

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besati

Mar 9, 2019

besatiBought the R6pro and compared the 4.4 balance output to M2's SE output. The M2 sounds with higher clarity and absolute fineness and velvety of an audiophile sound equipment. Sound stage is about the same as R6pro although R6pro appears to be more energetic but a bit blurred and rough.

Mar 9, 2019