Shanling M8 flagship Android player review

[@PortaFi]

Text version of the review porta.fi/shanling-m8-player-review-flagship-with-its-own-approach/

[@kamakuzi]

Hey thanks for reviewing this and releasing it so quickly! I tried my friends M8 and I prefer it a ton over the M8! Going to order one soon :) cheers mate! Subbing ;)

[@PortaFi]

welcome :)

[@TheWorldTeacher]

You tried an M8 and prefer it over the M8. :/

[@kamakuzi]

@@TheWorldTeacher sorry over the r8 lol

[@TheWorldTeacher]

@@kamakuzi ☮️👍🏻☮️

[@rogerschofield3324]

Thank you for a thorough review. What are the ear bugs please?

[@PortaFi]

Maybe EarBuds? Common name for earphones that doesn't have spout (like classical Apple iPod ones)

[@michaelfinnerty4661]

Great review !! Do you plan to try out the ibasso dx300 dap in future?. It would interesting how it compares to the M8!!.

[@PortaFi]

I'd like to, but unfortunately due to logistics issue I can't get my DX300 for 4+ month already :(

[@michaelfinnerty4661]

@@PortaFi Thanks for your reply!!.

[@st200ol]

I've owned several Shanling players, four at last count and I still have the M0, they offered good value for money and I was watching this one from when it was first announced. However by the time the M8 gets to us in the west it's price is just too high IMHO I was expecting up to $1000. Most of the budget Chinese DAP companies appear to have lost sight of what made them successful in the first place, sound signature differences are very subtle so I don't count that as a reason to spend > $1000. Good review though, thank you. :-)

[@yuribillones5094]

Unfortunately, for you, this is their best player in the market. If you look at the head fi thread, many say this is the best in its category. Time to save up.

[@matusjurcik6974]

Hi :), i know it is a long time but just from the memory, can the cayin N6ii compete with this dap? In our country they cost about the same. Thanks :)

[@PortaFi]

well, formally, all daps can compete with each other :) but in this case, M8 will be slightly better in terms of dynamics and realism. difference won't be big of course, but audible but in general, probably yes, they can be competitors, as signature "goes in the same direction"

[@markreif1]

Does the balanced 3.5mm Pro need a special cable to use it's capabilities and does any standard 3.5 cable work with it?

[@PortaFi]

Pro need special cable. "regular" 3.5 mm can damage amp

[@markreif1]

@@PortaFi got it thanks

[@Abhi-wn7sw]

Which do you think gives most uncolored cleanest sound between sr25, m8, m15,dx300, and R8?

[@PortaFi]

I suspect that DX300 can be an option, as it's typical for iBasso to create neutral representation. But I didn't test it yet also R8 is closer to neutrality, but not totally neutral aslo you can consider A&K's Kann Alpha

[@maro3600sho]

Hi, can I ask what's your favorite DAP with Semper, I have the Fiio M15. It's a bit sibilant with it. Do you think the M8 can drive it better?

[@meest3r]

I need this answer too.. got the m15 as well.. but a lot of reviews are very positive about the m8.. mostly it says the m8 is powerfull and got more color in sound.. while the m15 is more analytical.. however I want to drive some good planars.. With the m15 I am missing some bass

[@PortaFi]

M8 won't reduce amount of sibilance, it's not a treble-hiding DAP either, so I'm not sure if it can solve your problem

[@PortaFi]

to be hones,t for me it's hard to believe that someone can lack lows with Semper, with bassy filters they deliver a really big amount of bass

[@maro3600sho]

@@PortaFi I don't think he's talking about the Semper. Planar HPs I think.

[@maro3600sho]

@@PortaFi Thank you, I ordered one anyway as It's been getting a lot of praise. :)

[@ondrejjirsa8547]

M8 vs Astell&Kern se180? Thanks

[@PortaFi]

sorry, but I didn't test SE180 unfortunately

[@utubeb14]

M3X is what I'm looking forward to.

[@PortaFi]

yes, it looks promising

[@craigmatthews4102]

Hi. Can you review the Shanling M3X please?

[@PortaFi]

hello, I don't have it currently, but as soon as I'll get it, of course I'll do the review

[@Sebastian-gc2hc]

You have very nice bricks for self defence my friend. Imagine somebody being punched by Shanling. Of course the presentation for this person must be energetic. Also its my favourite one too.

[@adriankasa4339]

Could you please review shanling m3x please?

[@PortaFi]

I don't have it currently, but as soon as I'll get it, of course I'll do the review

[@HiFiGOAudio]

It's really a tough choice right now between this and the iBasso's DX300.

[@PortaFi]

yep, this competition is really interesting but unfortunately my DX300 is in delivery for 3+ month already :(

[@HiFiGOAudio]

@@PortaFi ah :( hope you get it soon mate

[@mrfrosty3]

I suppose there are only so many ways to design a DAP but this bears a strong resemblance to some Sony Walkman players. I think the swappable sockets are a great innovation, much better than having several holes on top for debris to get in.

[@laurakim6297]

i love more lows, really quality of lows, but their price is out of my account.

[@samuelzulu9731]

Then go for their cheaper version, Mam

[@robinenbernhard]

In 2 days i go get shanling me700 but later this year i go from m11 to m15 or m8. Donno yet Which One go get. Do you know who faster cpu and runs beter m15 or m8 ? I got now m11 and some times it feel slow with qobuz

[@PortaFi]

if I remember measurements right, there is no big difference in performance, so both aren't faster than M11, Qobuz app not the fastest one in general :) so, it's better to decide based on the sound signature you'd like to achieve or if performance is critical for you, consider recent HiBy DAPs (R6 2020 and R8) or iBasso's DX300, they user Snapdragon 660 which is better

[@robinenbernhard]

@@PortaFi ty for answer Was at shop to get me700 and go home with me700 and m8 hehe Do need get use to how to controle apps its not same like fiio m11 who got extra on screen touch bar.

[@razvanmarcu3640]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@api8864]

👍👍👍

[@dinis758]

Hello, great review, I have the M8 and for me is one of the the best players I heard, of course my sp2000cu stays at the top, but one thing that I have a diferent opinion is the comparison with dx220max I had it before the M8 and I could not hear it for more than half an hour with the Sony ierz1r, the sound was spacious detailed but to sharp and tiring, this not happens with M8

[@garychowhm]

troublesome dap....

[@PortaFi]

no, at least I didn't find any big troubles

[@robinenbernhard]

@@PortaFi he not happy about that you need switch beteen 4.4 3.5 2.5 and 3.5 pro He say that on other reviews of M8

[@PortaFi]

@@robinenbernhard I don't see any problem here, as I don't switch headphones few times a day :) Instead I like a neat look of top panel with only single socket