Shanling H2 vs Hip DAC 3 comparison review with volume test

[@christiharris292]

I have the shanling H5 and it is great. I also have an Ifi hip dac og. It is very musical still. Great review

[@exexgr6897]

I have the Shanling H2 and I'm very happy with it. It has two big problems. The lack of analogue input and the processing of audio files on the SD card. I would like a new firmware to solve the SD card problem. Audirect Team 1 is a big disappointment. I don't know what the volume buttons on the Bluetooth adapter do and when it's plugged in, the other buttons and functions on the Main unit don't work.

[@abhik6503]

I was hoping for a comparison. Thanks for it man.

[@eargasmic3060]

Thank you too. 😊

[@radiofreealbemuth]

Can i ask what is your favorite dac?

[@eargasmic3060]

It has to be Burson Playmate 2 with V6 Vivid set, if portable, iFi Micro Signature.

[@radiofreealbemuth]

@eargasmic3060 wow, ive never heard of the ifi micro signature before, but it looks like a beast. Can I ask how much of a difference you perceive in the sound quality/soundstage between the ifi micro signature and burson playmate 2?

[@eargasmic3060]

The difference is big, Playmate has better separation and air between instruments. Micro details and stage are better too. Micro Sig is better with versatility, it can work with IEMs too which is hard to do with Playmate 2.

[@radiofreealbemuth]

@@eargasmic3060 ah, is the Playmate 2 too loud for iems? I don't have a desktop dac amp, but I've always wondered how much it would improve the sound quality/soundstage for my iems (compared to portable dac/dongle)

[@eargasmic3060]

Not all desktop amps are powerful. It's not necessary that it will be difficult to work with IEMs. If you have headphones and power hungry IEMs, get a desktop amps. Or else, no need. Get the Micro Signature or Fiio Q15 and it will get the job done.