If I'll get another DAP in the future (I might just go "the Bluetooth Receiver Path") than that will surely be a Shanling device. Nice elegant design, musical sound, warm, but not muddy, engaging and detailed. Perfect tool with my Sennheiser collection 😉
How do you like your M6 Ultra? I am very happy with mine. Got the black with green case. Downloading full albums from Amazon to my 1 terabyte sd card. So much to like!
@@BrianVallotton A LOT! I've seen your posts on Head-Fi in the M6 Ultra thread, I'm e-dub on there. I got green and picked up a brown case, I think the combination looks good. And yes, I'm loving this sound. I'm thinking this won't be my last Shanling DAP.
@@ericburgos Hey Eric! Glad to hear that we are both happy campers. I don’t even find myself wanting to EQ anything. It just sounds good and I am enjoying the music! 🖖😎🖖
Good review. Even though this is my first DAP, I am very pleased with its performance, build quality, and the ease of user interface. Very intuitive, especially for me as I am most familiar with iOS. Very happy there have been no operating bugs or glitches. I have them paired with Moondrop Blessing 2 Dusk IEMs. Soon to have the Bowers and Wilkins PX8 to connect via bluetooth.
Hello, I am glad to hear you are happy. I am thinking of. buying this today from Amazon. I use Apple Music. If you stream music do you mind sharing with me how you use it and what service you use? Any words of advice? Thank you so much.
@@BrianVallotton I use Amazon music HD unlimited to stream and also a 256 GB micro SD card. I also listen to Radio Paradise via streaming. The Shanling is the only android device I own but I must admit that android os has come a long way in the last 15 years. You’ll enjoy it and all of the features and capabilities. And eventually will be using the Bluetooth for connecting to a set of Bowers and Wilkins PX8’s.
@@MrWinger1951 Thanks for your quick response! I have it sitting in my Amazon Cart ready to buy! Your input is so helpful right now. It is also funny that just an hour ago I watched a review on the Bowers and Wilkins! 😄 That thing is expensive but it looks like something I would love to own. I have a set of Hifiman Ananda’s and Sennheiser 58X right now. Also my everyday wireless is the Soundcore Q45 I got for 129.00. They work well and sound decent for the price. But yes, for a great sound I would take the B and W over the new wireless Sennheisers from what I understand. I also love that they used REAL leather. So with your input I am going to buy the Ultra! Thanks again! 🖖
I will put this here, hope you will get to it when not too busy, will you be reviewing the Shanling M5U? A comparison with this DAP would also be useful..
Hi Jack, I'm always trying to give a little bit more without rushing things. Did you check any of my written reviews? You might want to do that one day ;)
Hi. Thanks for this fantastical thoughtful review and for the equally good one of the Shanling M7. I am a bit torn between buying that DAC or the M6 Ultra. My key concern is that I’m now using exclusively planar over ears (Quad Era-1, Oppo PM-3 and hopefully soon DCA Aeon Noire or Meze Liric). My current DAP - FiiO M11 Pro SS - was great with my older B&W cans, but does not play nicely with the planars. The treble becomes a bit harsh and brutal at times. So, I’m keen to know whether there’s a risk of that with the M7 or, as your review suggested, Shanling’s implementation of the M7 will address that. If there is that risk, I’m inclined to go with the M6 Ultra. Thank you for any thoughts you have. Here in the Uk there’s no way to trial Shanlings (or much mid/Hugh end other than A&K) so reviewers like yourself are invaluable. John
Thank you for the review, sir! This is remarkable that this DAP can drive your Sennheisers well. I still use the Sennheiser HD800 these days and wondered which couple, let's say, "very good" and "the best" desktop DAC/amps/cords you recommend for my Sennheiser HD800? Can a portable DAP be a good substitute for a decent desktop DAC/AMP these days? Thank you again!
Looking for something more portable than my M17 and i think I've narrowed it down to this and the Ibasso DX240. I think I'm leaning more towards this one but I'm still doing my research. I love that they're both available on green, but I think I do like Ibasso's shade more, lol
I know it's been a while, but can someone comment on the synergy between this dap and fiio Fh9? I love the clear articulate sound, but on some recordings, it is just too bright for my taste. Would shanling tame nicely the treble?
Hi Dragomir. I believe, the M6 Ultra or the HiBy R6 PRO II are exactly what you are searching for. These two are working great with bright sounding IEMs, can't think of a better recommendation.
Great review! I currently have the USB out (fixed) from the Shanling M3X paired with the original Topping D90 feeding my Keces E40 integrated amp on my desktop. How does the M6 Ultra compare as a replacement for the M3X/D90 combo in that setup? I also own the original E30 with the AKM 4493 chip and there is a clear difference between that and the D90 at the boundaries of the music (micro details, harmonics and resonance, bass and treble resolution).
Hi Keith, it seems that you're using the M3X as a digital transport to a dedicated DAC (D90 in your case). While digital transports can make a difference, I wouldn't upgrade to M6 Ultra for the sole reason of using its USB out. That's my honest opinion. M6 Ultra should be enjoyed as it is, as a really good portable music player
@@Soundnews Thanks for your quick response. The primary use case for the M3X is as a digital transport on my desktop. The wife acceptance factor is pretty low so my gear has to disappear into the background as much as possible. My consideration for getting the M6 Ultra would be to replace both the M3X and the D90 and connect it directly to the amp.
@@keithjohnson2863 Hi Keith, D90 is sonical beast from another planet, you will regret the change immediatelly. The problem with M3X USB output is Shanling' AGLO system, means for example USB audio Pro app with direct access to USB port will not funcion properly (in 10 min DAP will shut down). As a transport IBasso DX 170 is the right answer. You can feed D90 with coax digital as well. I'm using this combo with Topping DX5 as a desktop solution in my office, main system with MBL speakers and McIntosh amps is hosting D90. What is less than D90 is herd and dissapointment in this kind of set up.
How would compare this with the M8? I feel like the M8, while an older unit, is probably worth holding onto. I also just read your review of the Fiio M15s which sounds great. Would you choose the M15s or the M8? I've been sold on Shanling for quite a few years, and have never owned anything from Fiio.
Update: I bought and enjoyed having the M6 Ultra. Someone shared that MusicTeck had the Shanling on sale for 735.00. So I sent mine back to Amazon! Saved almost 200.00! It is also on sale now on Amazon as well for the same price. So I bought it twice! It is that good! ;-) These prices reflect Black Friday deals and probably will be gone by Nov. 28th, 2022. Hello my friend. I am thinking of buying this one today. If I continued to use Apple Music do you think I would be happy with my streaming? IF not, do you have any recommendations for me? I am open to your leadership here. Thanks again for all the help you give us with your wonderful channel! I used your Amazon link you provided to support your work here. 🙂 Update: I did order it through Amazon and will have it today! I would still love your advice on what you think is the best platform for downloading music to this device. I currently have Apple and I would imagine I should download in the highest format... ALAC? What is your favorite platform for buying and downloading music?
Which do you recommend between m6 ultra and fiio m11s. I'm looking for a compact DAP that's strictly under 5 inches, Good battery life and a dynamic + detailed sound. Also open to any other recommendations.
Hi there, I recently bought a Shanling DAP similar to this, was wondering how you got the app up and running to play music from their official app? All help appreciated thanks
tell me such a thing. I have problems with streaming services. After listening from the card, I want to listen to streaming, and there is no sound. Moreover, I understood the problem with the output or sampling rate. After listening to high-quality tracks with a frequency of 192kg from the card, streaming cannot work with regular tracks with a sampling rate of 44.1khz. Ie, the frequency of 192khz is lit on regular tracks and I understand that because of this there is no sound. You had these problems.? And yet, with a balanced connection, the player is very hot, is this normal?
I have the original M6 Pro and the sound is outstanding. I had a K9 Pro ess and returned it. k9 pro sound is just not good compared to the shanling sound. K9 is not a full note quality and bass does not go ghetto deep when it should be there. I like the shanling sound so much, I just bought the H6 for desktop use. I hope it is has that same deep bass shanling house sound. If the H6 is as good of a sound ill get a shanling em5 desktop.
Hi! Thx for suggesting to see this review before thinking about purchasing the RS2 for HD800S specifically: rather than spending 500€ for that DAP, it would make much more sense spending a little more while also waiting for a discount for this DAP instead, the Shanling M6 Ultra (maybe 11.11 discounts?). Got a request, could you please tell which music you used from 0:43 to 0:59? It felt pretty energic, loved it. I'd like to listen to more music like that.
Thank you for your review. I am thinking of getting this based on your review. I’d like to know if 4 dac’s makes a big difference over two dac’s? I listen primarily to classical orchestras and big band music. Will 4 dac’s make them more alive, as if I was sitting or performing in a concert hall? My primary IEM is the Fiio FD7. What other IEM’s pair well with the M6 Ultra?
Im looking for a dap that can drive headphones like hd800s, hifiman planar and other over headphones, do you think this dap have the power to drive them? Or maybe fiio m23 or m6 ultra? Thanks a lot
If I'll get another DAP in the future (I might just go "the Bluetooth Receiver Path") than that will surely be a Shanling device. Nice elegant design, musical sound, warm, but not muddy, engaging and detailed. Perfect tool with my Sennheiser collection 😉
Ordered earlier today and my green M6 Ultra will be here on Thursday, my first Shanling :D
How do you like your M6 Ultra? I am very happy with mine. Got the black with green case. Downloading full albums from Amazon to my 1 terabyte sd card. So much to like!
@@BrianVallotton A LOT! I've seen your posts on Head-Fi in the M6 Ultra thread, I'm e-dub on there. I got green and picked up a brown case, I think the combination looks good. And yes, I'm loving this sound. I'm thinking this won't be my last Shanling DAP.
@@ericburgos Hey Eric! Glad to hear that we are both happy campers. I don’t even find myself wanting to EQ anything. It just sounds good and I am enjoying the music! 🖖😎🖖
@@BrianVallotton Exactly! I loved it as it is, never used EQ, sounded FUNtastic from the start
@@Soundnews If it ain’t broke… 😉
Good review. Even though this is my first DAP, I am very pleased with its performance, build quality, and the ease of user interface. Very intuitive, especially for me as I am most familiar with iOS. Very happy there have been no operating bugs or glitches. I have them paired with Moondrop Blessing 2 Dusk IEMs. Soon to have the Bowers and Wilkins PX8 to connect via bluetooth.
Hello, I am glad to hear you are happy. I am thinking of. buying this today from Amazon. I use Apple Music. If you stream music do you mind sharing with me how you use it and what service you use? Any words of advice? Thank you so much.
@@BrianVallotton I use Amazon music HD unlimited to stream and also a 256 GB micro SD card. I also listen to Radio Paradise via streaming. The Shanling is the only android device I own but I must admit that android os has come a long way in the last 15 years. You’ll enjoy it and all of the features and capabilities. And eventually will be using the Bluetooth for connecting to a set of Bowers and Wilkins PX8’s.
@@MrWinger1951 Thanks for your quick response! I have it sitting in my Amazon Cart ready to buy! Your input is so helpful right now. It is also funny that just an hour ago I watched a review on the Bowers and Wilkins! 😄 That thing is expensive but it looks like something I would love to own. I have a set of Hifiman Ananda’s and Sennheiser 58X right now. Also my everyday wireless is the Soundcore Q45 I got for 129.00. They work well and sound decent for the price. But yes, for a great sound I would take the B and W over the new wireless Sennheisers from what I understand. I also love that they used REAL leather. So with your input I am going to buy the Ultra! Thanks again! 🖖
I have dusks as well and thinking of going this route. Do you noticed improvements in sound quality over a bluetooth dac?
wow this one is a pretty sweet combination of price and performance.
I will put this here, hope you will get to it when not too busy, will you be reviewing the Shanling M5U? A comparison with this DAP would also be useful..
So insightful! Although maybe a niche field, you are definetly a highly underrated youtuber! You give us the information we want and then some
Hi Jack, I'm always trying to give a little bit more without rushing things. Did you check any of my written reviews? You might want to do that one day ;)
Great review!
Nice review man, welldone!
Thanks for all your outstanding and useful reviews.
Hi. Thanks for this fantastical thoughtful review and for the equally good one of the Shanling M7. I am a bit torn between buying that DAC or the M6 Ultra. My key concern is that I’m now using exclusively planar over ears (Quad Era-1, Oppo PM-3 and hopefully soon DCA Aeon Noire or Meze Liric). My current DAP - FiiO M11 Pro SS - was great with my older B&W cans, but does not play nicely with the planars. The treble becomes a bit harsh and brutal at times. So, I’m keen to know whether there’s a risk of that with the M7 or, as your review suggested, Shanling’s implementation of the M7 will address that. If there is that risk, I’m inclined to go with the M6 Ultra. Thank you for any thoughts you have. Here in the Uk there’s no way to trial Shanlings (or much mid/Hugh end other than A&K) so reviewers like yourself are invaluable. John
Thank you for the review, sir! This is remarkable that this DAP can drive your Sennheisers well. I still use the Sennheiser HD800 these days and wondered which couple, let's say, "very good" and "the best" desktop DAC/amps/cords you recommend for my Sennheiser HD800? Can a portable DAP be a good substitute for a decent desktop DAC/AMP these days? Thank you again!
Looking for something more portable than my M17 and i think I've narrowed it down to this and the Ibasso DX240. I think I'm leaning more towards this one but I'm still doing my research. I love that they're both available on green, but I think I do like Ibasso's shade more, lol
If you want a different type of sound to your M17, then M6 Ultra is the one to get. DX240 is still powered by ESS silicon.
@@Soundnews I got an M6 Ultra and I LOVE it.
I know it's been a while, but can someone comment on the synergy between this dap and fiio Fh9? I love the clear articulate sound, but on some recordings, it is just too bright for my taste. Would shanling tame nicely the treble?
Hi Dragomir. I believe, the M6 Ultra or the HiBy R6 PRO II are exactly what you are searching for. These two are working great with bright sounding IEMs, can't think of a better recommendation.
Great review! How do you compare its sound to Hiby R5 gen 2, specially the resolution?
Thank you so mucho for this review i was waiting for it, one question do you think is better than Ibasso 240 ?
DX240 will sound a little different, maybe closer to M7 than to M6 Ultra.
Does anyone know what is the maximum micro SD card size that can be used in this device?
Hi mate, 2 TB is the maximum supported capacity.
@@Soundnews thanks a lot for your answer!
Great review! I currently have the USB out (fixed) from the Shanling M3X paired with the original Topping D90 feeding my Keces E40 integrated amp on my desktop. How does the M6 Ultra compare as a replacement for the M3X/D90 combo in that setup? I also own the original E30 with the AKM 4493 chip and there is a clear difference between that and the D90 at the boundaries of the music (micro details, harmonics and resonance, bass and treble resolution).
Hi Keith, it seems that you're using the M3X as a digital transport to a dedicated DAC (D90 in your case). While digital transports can make a difference, I wouldn't upgrade to M6 Ultra for the sole reason of using its USB out. That's my honest opinion. M6 Ultra should be enjoyed as it is, as a really good portable music player
@@Soundnews Thanks for your quick response. The primary use case for the M3X is as a digital transport on my desktop. The wife acceptance factor is pretty low so my gear has to disappear into the background as much as possible. My consideration for getting the M6 Ultra would be to replace both the M3X and the D90 and connect it directly to the amp.
@@keithjohnson2863 Hi Keith, D90 is sonical beast from another planet, you will regret the change immediatelly. The problem with M3X USB output is Shanling' AGLO system, means for example USB audio Pro app with direct access to USB port will not funcion properly (in 10 min DAP will shut down). As a transport IBasso DX 170 is the right answer. You can feed D90 with coax digital as well. I'm using this combo with Topping DX5 as a desktop solution in my office, main system with MBL speakers and McIntosh amps is hosting D90. What is less than D90 is herd and dissapointment in this kind of set up.
How would compare this with the M8? I feel like the M8, while an older unit, is probably worth holding onto. I also just read your review of the Fiio M15s which sounds great. Would you choose the M15s or the M8? I've been sold on Shanling for quite a few years, and have never owned anything from Fiio.
I see a Fh7s there. We will have a review of them soon?
Yep!
Update: I bought and enjoyed having the M6 Ultra. Someone shared that MusicTeck had the Shanling on sale for 735.00. So I sent mine back to Amazon! Saved almost 200.00! It is also on sale now on Amazon as well for the same price. So I bought it twice! It is that good! ;-) These prices reflect Black Friday deals and probably will be gone by Nov. 28th, 2022.
Hello my friend. I am thinking of buying this one today. If I continued to use Apple Music do you think I would be happy with my streaming? IF not, do you have any recommendations for me? I am open to your leadership here. Thanks again for all the help you give us with your wonderful channel! I used your Amazon link you provided to support your work here. 🙂 Update: I did order it through Amazon and will have it today! I would still love your advice on what you think is the best platform for downloading music to this device. I currently have Apple and I would imagine I should download in the highest format... ALAC? What is your favorite platform for buying and downloading music?
Is it enough power for hd650?
Yep, it has enough for them and a lil bit more
Which do you recommend between m6 ultra and fiio m11s. I'm looking for a compact DAP that's strictly under 5 inches, Good battery life and a dynamic + detailed sound. Also open to any other recommendations.
Which one did you get? I am getting the fiio m23
Hi there, I recently bought a Shanling DAP similar to this, was wondering how you got the app up and running to play music from their official app? All help appreciated thanks
Is it possible to connect this dap to external amp? Is there an LO port?
Yep, you can choose between PO or LO from the drop down menu for either its 3.5 or 4.4mm.
tell me such a thing. I have problems with streaming services. After listening from the card, I want to listen to streaming, and there is no sound. Moreover, I understood the problem with the output or sampling rate. After listening to high-quality tracks with a frequency of 192kg from the card, streaming cannot work with regular tracks with a sampling rate of 44.1khz. Ie, the frequency of 192khz is lit on regular tracks and I understand that because of this there is no sound. You had these problems.? And yet, with a balanced connection, the player is very hot, is this normal?
I have the original M6 Pro and the sound is outstanding. I had a K9 Pro ess and returned it. k9 pro sound is just not good compared to the shanling sound. K9 is not a full note quality and bass does not go ghetto deep when it should be there. I like the shanling sound so much, I just bought the H6 for desktop use. I hope it is has that same deep bass shanling house sound. If the H6 is as good of a sound ill get a shanling em5 desktop.
How much of an upgrade is this from the m3 ultra?
Hi! Thx for suggesting to see this review before thinking about purchasing the RS2 for HD800S specifically: rather than spending 500€ for that DAP, it would make much more sense spending a little more while also waiting for a discount for this DAP instead, the Shanling M6 Ultra (maybe 11.11 discounts?).
Got a request, could you please tell which music you used from 0:43 to 0:59? It felt pretty energic, loved it. I'd like to listen to more music like that.
With a budget of less than $500, perhaps the newly launched M3 Ultra is more cost-effective
you don't cover streaming like tidal of qobuz?
I have M2X, I was thinking about the M3ultra, but is it worth paying extra to M6 Ultra?
Thank you for your review. I am thinking of getting this based on your review. I’d like to know if 4 dac’s makes a big difference over two dac’s? I listen primarily to classical orchestras and big band music. Will 4 dac’s make them more alive, as if I was sitting or performing in a concert hall? My primary IEM is the Fiio FD7. What other IEM’s pair well with the M6 Ultra?
Now that you have used them all a little more - M6 or M7 as there’s virtually no difference in price - which one would you pick if had to pick one
Hi i bought this for 735 dollars today, would you say that was a good deal? I was originally going for a dx240 by ibasso but it had no 4.4mm out.
A very good deal ideed, you can't go wrong with M6 U
@@Soundnews thank you!
tell me, how will it work with apple music? Does it make sense to take it, or limit yourself to a usb dac? The cost does not matter
Usb dac wont sound like this
Which hi end DAP has eq live qudelix 5k?
Im looking for a dap that can drive headphones like hd800s, hifiman planar and other over headphones, do you think this dap have the power to drive them? Or maybe fiio m23 or m6 ultra? Thanks a lot
ThanksMuch !
Can I download my RUclips Music app's playlists to the micro SD card using this dap?
It should be possible.
can you put apple music on it ?
Can i use a Adapter from 3,5 Headphone to 4,4...or i need a Headphone with 4,4 jack.
Best regards
3.5 use 2 dac but 4.4 use 4 dac
How many DACs are being used with the 3.5mm?
2 dac
Подойдет для death metal, hevy metal?
of course
@@Soundnews будет сильно мягкий звук?
i also prefer dap since i mostly listen to music
used to use dap while playing games back then
Hey Mr Soundnews, you must be a gamer to be owning a HD800S?!?
Does it have a big difference in audio quality when compared with Fiio M11 Pro Ltd because this has 4 DACs? Thank you
Thanks!