The Fiio device appears visually appealing. However, its high price point of $1500 raises concerns. It is currently running an almost four-year-old version of Android, which is a significant drawback. This version of Android will likely become unsupported in the near future, if the operating system isn't updated. Consequently, the device will become finicky within 2-3 years with apps not getting updated, rendering many applications incompatible or malfunctioning. It is illogical to sell a $1500 device that doesn't receive timely updates. The Fiio device should be running the latest version of Android, ideally Android 15 or at the very least Android 14.
@1TechCritic420 Rightly said, mate. Per their support and fan forum, updates for several devices are in the works. FiiO, in particular, has a good reputation for supporting their devices for a long time. So I hope that the R9 will be on their list.
Thanks for your exceptional music sharing and maintaining such a high level of integrity & quality in your channel. So looking forward to your 25 broadcast.
Thanks John, and thanks Olaf. Great videos from you this year, you just keep getting better. I've made some good choices thanks to you, and I listen to more music than ever before. All the best for the new year and good luck.
I appreciate and enjoy your production quality and b-roll as well as your self-taken photos throughout your videos. I also like your Best Of rules. I'm looking forward to your review of those nice looking Technics loudspeakers too. Best regards. 🎵
Happy New Year John! Thanks for another year of excellent, interesting, and thought-provoking videos and podcasts. I do appreciate the efforts you and your team apply to everything you publish. To be honest I never notice the video thumbnails, I just watch every video and podcast you publish because, even if I have no particular interest in the product you're reviewing, I'll still find something interesting/enjoyable/thought-provoking. I've learnt a lot from you over the years, not least, your attitude toward hifi. All the best for 2025.
Best wishes for you in 2025 John, have fun and stay healthy ! Your videos in 2024 were very useful and /or informative for me. I hope (and trust) you will continue making the very professional made/set up videos in 2025. In this video I saw some Luxman and Grimm audio-gear in your (white) hifi-rack. Since I am very curious about your opinion on those, when can we expect your review / comparison on that equipment ? Or have you already made a video on those and I somehow overlooked your video ? I cannot imagine that, since I watched (and mostly liked) all your videos. 😊😊Greetings from the Netherlands. Best regards, Jan
Dear John, thank you ever so much for making all these fantastic videos in 2024 and the years before. They are the best. I am looking forward to all the reviews of the new products and music that 2025 will bring us.
I have been an elementary teacher for 19 years. The frustration of having to explain things over and over because people don’t listen is the same frustration I see in John. It’s exhausting. Remember, if we burn out the good ones, all that is left is the bad reviewers.
Great stuff John. Both 2024 videos are like a box of Quality Street, there may be a few things you don’t fancy but there is always something you want to have.
Thank you so much for your views and opinions and suggestions for all of the products you have reviewed in 24 your videos are very much appreciated have a great holiday and best of luck for 25 ❤🎉😊
The R9 was going to be my next audio purchase. Was waiting for that update you mentioned. By the time I pull the trigger they might had a 2.0 on the way. But you are right, it seems to be the perfect table side amp that also connects to a tv + speakers.
John, I think there are plenty of us that appreciate the journey and the time you put into the production of your videos. It really does shine above most, if not all, other reviewers.
Thank you for all the time and effort you put into your videos , I appreciate all that you do it shows in the quality of the great videos you make, keep on doing what your doing you are my number one go to for great advice in the hi fi world
Robert Leiner - Analogue Days Hardfloor - Still Lost in the Silver Box Alva Noto - Xerrox Vol. 5 CRC vs VC-118A - Flowzone Monolake - Studio The Future Sound of London - Mind Maps 5 Djrum - Meaning's Edge VA - Virtual Dreams II Alessandro Cortini - NATI INFINITI Floating Points - Cascade 💥
I get the impression that the last video brought out the elitists and general moaners, I thought it was really good and gave me ideas for stuff id like to save for, whilst I cant afford a lot of the stuff on Darkos vids I can dream and it inspires me, and for that Im grateful
The General Moaners™️ are ever present but I've no interest in talking to them. This video features many of the thoughts that I wanted to include in my original video but couldn't due to its length.
Thank you for all the videos this year, really appreciate your focus on the functionality. And, as always, the visual quality of your videos is on an entirely different level compared to other reviewers. Some feedback: bit disappointed on the heavy head-fi focus in the best-of-video :)
Thank you John for the explanation and frankly, I watch every video front to back. You are my favorite audiophile commentator. You put in the time and I appreciate your work. I try to do the same for my channel and I get that its hard. "Best" is what it is.
Someone else raised a real concern here about these Android operating system devices and their real world lifespan. I have some HiFi equipment well over 30 years old, my friend has quad gear that is with quad being serviced and upgraded but what about devices running apps and operating systems that will become unsupported within a few years, or at the very least will become buggy or even non-existant. Just how future-fi is alot of this software based new equipment. Might we end up spending on gear that simply has a very finite lifespan with no future options when it comes to keeping it running in the future. I have to say its a concern I have never really thought about before but in todays fast moving world is very real.
May I ask, what loudspeakers are you using on the Solid Steel loudspeaker stands in the background? Thank you for your time and consideration....best regards and Happy New Year to you as well.....John
Obsolescence is a big concern for all hardware/software items rather than cd players, turntables amps and speakers. Many comments reveal it is a concern for many.
Really love the production quality, if you can share details or image of the camera Rig, lenses and components used by the videographer/editor. That will be nice...
I was eyeing the R9 a couple months back but ultimately the extra features weren't worth the 1000€ difference in price so I picked up the R7 instead. The R7 has been a solid one for me so no doubt the R9 is even more so :)
The issue of playing HiRes music only upto 16/44.1 I just described in my comment below is related to Tidal on the Fiio R7 but also to Tidal on any Apple products, at least in my test where I used two different Apple phones, an iPad and a macBook.
Hi John, Happy new year 🎉 Maybe i missed it and u can help me. Did the R9 support CD ripping with a external CD drive like the Shanling ET3? I cant find definitv informations about this. Thanks Marc
Whoever needs the features of the Fiio might be best off with it, but, in my book, a good streamer has 1) not much to do (no screen, no other inessential apps and, in turn, a wealth of processes running that are detrimental to SQ); meaning there is no point in creating a noisy Android based PC to replace a noisy Windows or MacOS based PC as a streamer (note, the latter may be equipped with externally powered quality soundcard or low-noise usb output, see Sotm). 2) money put into quality HW & SW & SW maintenance supported by a big community, 3) good ethernet filtering and usb or i2s output to a stellar dac, that should be isolated from a noisy streamer. 4) great psu, clock, interfaces; 5) continued support for preferred services.
Dear John, many thanks for the great content. Any chance of a hands on review of the Fiio BT11 Bluetooth USB dongle? Might it be the ‘invitation to the party’ iPhone users have been waiting for? Reviews are suggesting early units are glitchy which would be a shame. I’ve enjoyed listening to Xperia 10 iv with Sony’s WH1000-XM4s and am hesitating on a move back to Apple via the iPhone 15.
I’m using an iPad and Apple mini and they both supply software to stream music directly from the various suppliers to a dac. Most streamers contain their own dac that are often bypassed anyway. Since streaming music is so easy that way, why are streamers with their computing limitations so popular? I also found that music I’ve downloaded to my SSD sounds better than the same music being streamed. WTF?
Hey John, any chance you could do an all in $2,000 set up using streaming as a source? Something that is suitable for listening at moderate volumes to those that live in apartments. Thank you!
I got a 1st world problem for you and curious what you’d do. I get 30% off of Marantz/Denon and Bowers n Wilkins. Do i really need any of their products? I have mostly separates but an integrated would solve some problems ( i have ls50 metas, q150s, magnepan lrs*, and Schiit Vidar, Wiimamp/ultra n schiit everything else that goes with that… ill say i do love vinyl). Who has the best built in phono out there? My holy grail is resolution, clarity and sound stage. Im keen to try a 40n but it doesn’t have preouts or a usb dac input, 50 doesn’t have any bass management,m. Help me Darko-Wan! If you got a huge discount on those brands what would you do if you had to pick one item (under $3000 usd)
Interesting stuff about the "best" term. And that's not the only one. There's also "worst" and the "lying to you" and "it's a lie" people. I consider these as click bait and remove them from my feed to get more healthy and informative content and not the so called scandalous press out there.
I’d love advice out from anyone on which Marantz or Denon i could buy. I have a 30% off corporate discount on both and even bowers. I have a pair of ls50s, lrs+, q150… have a schiit vidar for power/freya but I’m itching to use such a substantial discount. Tried the model m1, didn’t feel it was great enough vs the cheap wiim amp. Considering a 40n but it’s getting old. The 50, etc. would love to know what people would buy from Marantz with 30% off
Hi John. Here's a non related comment : I don't get Sonos. Can you or anybody else explain why people like there products? Sonos are not cheap, they got stupid amount of resonance in the badly made campers and the sound is not that great compared to what you could buy for the same kind og money. Looks are subjective so I don't think it's a good or bad thing. Owners tells me it's because it "so easy to use" I don't think any streaming device are particular "hard" to use 🤷♂️ I struggle like any other married audiophile with the wife factor and this may be the only reason (imo) why somebody would choose a sonos speaker but to be honest the reason people are buying sonos is because they are sheep's it's the same reason they also own a IPhone: it's expensive so it should be good right? 🤦♂️ sorry for the rant. I hope you understand my perspective in contrast I own a pair of KEF ls50 wireless II and for my portable streaming I use a HK citation 200. Love you videos ❤cheers
I will never buy a phone designed and produced by a Chinese based company - a big security risk. Same for laptops, routers etc. You can never elimitate that risk in today's world of global supply chains, but for me Miad is too much of a risk to take.
The R9 should go on a side table with all sources and long XLR cables to the amp (forget HDMI ARC, I don't watch TV) (or I could just use my phone, no need for a screen on my streamer. It is useless, just there for bragging rights). Headphones is just an entirely different ballgame, not really interested.
Again I will agree to disagree with you. The Fiio R9 lacks a UI giving you the comfort of a DSP 8 for instance. Give me a link to a comprehensive manual. I bought the Fioo R9 because of you. I bought the Eversolo because of the UI: and because of the app from Eversolo. I am a Android phone user. So for the time being, I'm hoarding a rather expensive, but very stylish, paperwight. Please help me a little
Many chinese stuff in best of 2024. Is the stuff of classic eu/us hifi brands so bad nowadays? Many of them producing in China as well ( i know ) but at least we support an eu/us brand, economy and in many cases better service during warranty.
The MU2 does indeed run rings around the R9. But that's from an ideallist's perspective. This video (and the one before it) takes more of a pragmatic approach.
Well, either you had a very dull year as a reviewer or the audio hobby is turning into a trainspotter's guide to digital gizmos. I tried to watch the add-on to the first video, but I simply didn't feel a compelling drive to try (or buy) any of those 'best of 2024' components. The so-called 'wow factor' is simply not there, and especially the Opra thing, which sounds like an overkill version of 20-year-old Foobar components with brass-knobs-on. Sorry, but I'll pass on all this.
Yea, after the other video i immediately started fast forwarding to spot anything interesting. Glad your comment was at the top as it mirrors my thoughts.
My persistent niggle with “Room is most important” is that there should be a disclaimer that states “only if your room is BAD - your room has bare floors and walls, is too small for speakers, or if you listen in an over-damped walk-in closet.” I don’t think most people listen in a “bad” room - vaulting loudspeakers to the #1 position!
The Fiio device appears visually appealing. However, its high price point of $1500 raises concerns. It is currently running an almost four-year-old version of Android, which is a significant drawback. This version of Android will likely become unsupported in the near future, if the operating system isn't updated. Consequently, the device will become finicky within 2-3 years with apps not getting updated, rendering many applications incompatible or malfunctioning. It is illogical to sell a $1500 device that doesn't receive timely updates. The Fiio device should be running the latest version of Android, ideally Android 15 or at the very least Android 14.
I agree. An update to Android should be FiiO's number one priority for this device.
@1TechCritic420 Rightly said, mate. Per their support and fan forum, updates for several devices are in the works. FiiO, in particular, has a good reputation for supporting their devices for a long time. So I hope that the R9 will be on their list.
Thanks John for your lovely videos all round the year. Wishing you good health and happy holidays. Cheers
John, wish you a healthy and prosperous 2025 and thank you for all the work you put behind this channel. The quality speaks for itself!
Thanks for being my go to channel for audio equipment and also music especially your fave and also mine the electronic genre. Have a great New Year!
Happy New Year John! Thanks for everything
Happy new year to you and yours John
Happy new year, John! 🎉
Thank you Mr. Darko.
Your quality review, production, and perspectives are very-much appreciated. Best to you in 2025!
Thanks for your exceptional music sharing and maintaining such a high level of integrity & quality in your channel. So looking forward to your 25 broadcast.
I wish you all the best in 2025 and yes please keep providing us with this quality of reviews. Cheers
Thanks John. Hope you have a great 2025❤
Thanks John, and thanks Olaf. Great videos from you this year, you just keep getting better. I've made some good choices thanks to you, and I listen to more music than ever before. All the best for the new year and good luck.
Auguri Mr Darko!!!
"Best" wishes to you John and your team !
I appreciate and enjoy your production quality and b-roll as well as your self-taken photos throughout your videos. I also like your Best Of rules. I'm looking forward to your review of those nice looking Technics loudspeakers too. Best regards. 🎵
Happy New Year John! Thanks for another year of excellent, interesting, and thought-provoking videos and podcasts. I do appreciate the efforts you and your team apply to everything you publish. To be honest I never notice the video thumbnails, I just watch every video and podcast you publish because, even if I have no particular interest in the product you're reviewing, I'll still find something interesting/enjoyable/thought-provoking. I've learnt a lot from you over the years, not least, your attitude toward hifi. All the best for 2025.
Thanks for your support. 🙂
Happy New Year John!
Best wishes for you in 2025 John, have fun and stay healthy ! Your videos in 2024 were very useful and /or informative for me. I hope (and trust) you will continue making the very professional made/set up videos in 2025. In this video I saw some Luxman and Grimm audio-gear in your (white) hifi-rack. Since I am very curious about your opinion on those, when can we expect your review / comparison on that equipment ? Or have you already made a video on those and I somehow overlooked your video ? I cannot imagine that, since I watched (and mostly liked) all your videos. 😊😊Greetings from the Netherlands. Best regards, Jan
Dear John, thank you ever so much for making all these fantastic videos in 2024 and the years before. They are the best. I am looking forward to all the reviews of the new products and music that 2025 will bring us.
I have been an elementary teacher for 19 years. The frustration of having to explain things over and over because people don’t listen is the same frustration I see in John. It’s exhausting. Remember, if we burn out the good ones, all that is left is the bad reviewers.
Merry Christmas, John and here is hoping 2025 is your best year yet. Happy New Year. 🎵
Happy New Year. Bests whishes for 2025.
Hope you had a great Christmas John.
Love this channel. Top notch.
Happy New Year!
Great stuff John. Both 2024 videos are like a box of Quality Street, there may be a few things you don’t fancy but there is always something you want to have.
Your content is always first rate. I like the music and the video production. Thank you for your efforts.
Thank you so much for your views and opinions and suggestions for all of the products you have reviewed in 24 your videos are very much appreciated have a great holiday and best of luck for 25 ❤🎉😊
Keep it up John, the work you guys put in for your videos definitely shows,
Hope you have a Happy New Year!
The R9 was going to be my next audio purchase. Was waiting for that update you mentioned. By the time I pull the trigger they might had a 2.0 on the way.
But you are right, it seems to be the perfect table side amp that also connects to a tv + speakers.
The best of 2024: John Darko 😉👍
Not really but thank you.
John, I think there are plenty of us that appreciate the journey and the time you put into the production of your videos. It really does shine above most, if not all, other reviewers.
Thank you for all the time and effort you put into your videos , I appreciate all that you do it shows in the quality of the great videos you make, keep on doing what your doing you are my number one go to for great advice in the hi fi world
Hi John ! wish you a really happy new year !! Hope we will discover soon your review of the Grimm Audio MU-2 !!
This video was the best.
Happy New Year. Thanks for all the listening!
Happy New Year...🙂
1:09 Always cool to see another Jack Ladder fan. HURTSVILLE is such an underexposed record. Love it.
Such a wonderful record!
I'm kinda of half hoping you will do the best of 2024 techno/electronic music
Robert Leiner - Analogue Days
Hardfloor - Still Lost in the Silver Box
Alva Noto - Xerrox Vol. 5
CRC vs VC-118A - Flowzone
Monolake - Studio
The Future Sound of London - Mind Maps 5
Djrum - Meaning's Edge
VA - Virtual Dreams II
Alessandro Cortini - NATI INFINITI
Floating Points - Cascade
💥
YES!!
I get the impression that the last video brought out the elitists and general moaners, I thought it was really good and gave me ideas for stuff id like to save for, whilst I cant afford a lot of the stuff on Darkos vids I can dream and it inspires me, and for that Im grateful
The General Moaners™️ are ever present but I've no interest in talking to them. This video features many of the thoughts that I wanted to include in my original video but couldn't due to its length.
Thanks for the videos through the year..
Although this one is not quite ….. "A perfect 10."
Best wishes to you ..
KCB.😁🇬🇧👍
Thank you for all the videos this year, really appreciate your focus on the functionality.
And, as always, the visual quality of your videos is on an entirely different level compared to other reviewers.
Some feedback: bit disappointed on the heavy head-fi focus in the best-of-video :)
Thank you John for the explanation and frankly, I watch every video front to back. You are my favorite audiophile commentator. You put in the time and I appreciate your work. I try to do the same for my channel and I get that its hard. "Best" is what it is.
I appreciate the kind words.
Someone else raised a real concern here about these Android operating system devices and their real world lifespan. I have some HiFi equipment well over 30 years old, my friend has quad gear that is with quad being serviced and upgraded but what about devices running apps and operating systems that will become unsupported within a few years, or at the very least will become buggy or even non-existant. Just how future-fi is alot of this software based new equipment. Might we end up spending on gear that simply has a very finite lifespan with no future options when it comes to keeping it running in the future. I have to say its a concern I have never really thought about before but in todays fast moving world is very real.
Yep, the Android version is a legitimate concern.
I only clicked on this because I saw the word “Best” 😂😂😂
This is the best comment so far.
May I ask, what loudspeakers are you using on the Solid Steel loudspeaker stands in the background? Thank you for your time and consideration....best regards and Happy New Year to you as well.....John
Those look like the Technics CX700 wireless speakers.
Obsolescence is a big concern for all hardware/software items rather than cd players, turntables amps and speakers. Many comments reveal it is a concern for many.
A Fiio S15 is arriving shortly partially due to your R9 glowing review, opefully it's an 'Eversolo DMP-A8 killer'.
YeahJohn👍
Really love the production quality, if you can share details or image of the camera Rig, lenses and components used by the videographer/editor. That will be nice...
The price of the Maiad is the real selling point of the phone, when compared to the other phones out there.
I was eyeing the R9 a couple months back but ultimately the extra features weren't worth the 1000€ difference in price so I picked up the R7 instead. The R7 has been a solid one for me so no doubt the R9 is even more so :)
Wow - 40 hours per video. Puts things in context.
Happy New Year, John! Love your philosophy and your videos. They are the best.
You're the “best” 😉👍🏼
No, *you* are the best.
I think the Fiio R9 is a great concept but still relying on Android 10 nearly a year after release must be a worry for purchasers.
Any chance we can have the all-new FiiO JM21 reviewed? This might be a cheaper alternative to R7/R9 for those looking to get bit-perfect Apple Music 🤔
thank you for this youtube
The issue of playing HiRes music only upto 16/44.1 I just described in my comment below is related to Tidal on the Fiio R7 but also to Tidal on any Apple products, at least in my test where I used two different Apple phones, an iPad and a macBook.
Happy New Year, John. What do u think about ASUS ROG PHONE like Hi Res music player?
Hi John,
Happy new year 🎉
Maybe i missed it and u can help me.
Did the R9 support CD ripping with a external CD drive like the Shanling ET3?
I cant find definitv informations about this.
Thanks
Marc
Whoever needs the features of the Fiio might be best off with it, but, in my book, a good streamer has
1) not much to do (no screen, no other inessential apps and, in turn, a wealth of processes running that are detrimental to SQ); meaning there is no point in creating a noisy Android based PC to replace a noisy Windows or MacOS based PC as a streamer (note, the latter may be equipped with externally powered quality soundcard or low-noise usb output, see Sotm).
2) money put into quality HW & SW & SW maintenance supported by a big community,
3) good ethernet filtering and usb or i2s output to a stellar dac, that should be isolated from a noisy streamer.
4) great psu, clock, interfaces;
5) continued support for preferred services.
If the Miad 01 supports Bluetooth lossless or at least LDAC, that'd be something special
That is entirely not the point of that device
All modern Android phones do LDAC, no?
@@DarkoAudio I don't actually know. But if so, maybe it'd just be something, with out the special ;)
I bought the "NAD M10 V3" this month. For me the best all-in-one amplifier i had :)
But, does it have the Google Playstore?
Merry chrismas and happy new year, quick question, is an "online double conversion ups" recommended for a hifi system for best sound
What are theise red speakers behind you ?
I see some sort of fiio dongle dac in the background?
Dear John, many thanks for the great content. Any chance of a hands on review of the Fiio BT11 Bluetooth USB dongle? Might it be the ‘invitation to the party’ iPhone users have been waiting for? Reviews are suggesting early units are glitchy which would be a shame. I’ve enjoyed listening to Xperia 10 iv with Sony’s WH1000-XM4s and am hesitating on a move back to Apple via the iPhone 15.
I’m using an iPad and Apple mini and they both supply software to stream music directly from the various suppliers to a dac. Most streamers contain their own dac that are often bypassed anyway. Since streaming music is so easy that way, why are streamers with their computing limitations so popular? I also found that music I’ve downloaded to my SSD sounds better than the same music being streamed. WTF?
Hey John, any chance you could do an all in $2,000 set up using streaming as a source? Something that is suitable for listening at moderate volumes to those that live in apartments. Thank you!
Nobody quite does meta-commentary on their own channel quite like darko 👏
I got a 1st world problem for you and curious what you’d do. I get 30% off of Marantz/Denon and Bowers n Wilkins. Do i really need any of their products? I have mostly separates but an integrated would solve some problems ( i have ls50 metas, q150s, magnepan lrs*, and Schiit Vidar, Wiimamp/ultra n schiit everything else that goes with that… ill say i do love vinyl). Who has the best built in phono out there? My holy grail is resolution, clarity and sound stage. Im keen to try a 40n but it doesn’t have preouts or a usb dac input, 50 doesn’t have any bass management,m. Help me Darko-Wan! If you got a huge discount on those brands what would you do if you had to pick one item (under $3000 usd)
Interesting stuff about the "best" term. And that's not the only one. There's also "worst" and the "lying to you" and "it's a lie" people. I consider these as click bait and remove them from my feed to get more healthy and informative content and not the so called scandalous press out there.
I like to keep this quote in mind: “Everything is a conspiracy theory when you don’t know how anything works.”
I’d love advice out from anyone on which Marantz or Denon i could buy. I have a 30% off corporate discount on both and even bowers. I have a pair of ls50s, lrs+, q150… have a schiit vidar for power/freya but I’m itching to use such a substantial discount. Tried the model m1, didn’t feel it was great enough vs the cheap wiim amp. Considering a 40n but it’s getting old. The 50, etc. would love to know what people would buy from Marantz with 30% off
Hi John. Here's a non related comment : I don't get Sonos. Can you or anybody else explain why people like there products?
Sonos are not cheap, they got stupid amount of resonance in the badly made campers and the sound is not that great compared to what you could buy for the same kind og money. Looks are subjective so I don't think it's a good or bad thing. Owners tells me it's because it "so easy to use" I don't think any streaming device are particular "hard" to use 🤷♂️ I struggle like any other married audiophile with the wife factor and this may be the only reason (imo) why somebody would choose a sonos speaker but to be honest the reason people are buying sonos is because they are sheep's it's the same reason they also own a IPhone: it's expensive so it should be good right? 🤦♂️ sorry for the rant. I hope you understand my perspective in contrast I own a pair of KEF ls50 wireless II and for my portable streaming I use a HK citation 200. Love you videos ❤cheers
I will never buy a phone designed and produced by a Chinese based company - a big security risk. Same for laptops, routers etc. You can never elimitate that risk in today's world of global supply chains, but for me Miad is too much of a risk to take.
The R9 should go on a side table with all sources and long XLR cables to the amp (forget HDMI ARC, I don't watch TV) (or I could just use my phone, no need for a screen on my streamer. It is useless, just there for bragging rights). Headphones is just an entirely different ballgame, not really interested.
Again I will agree to disagree with you.
The Fiio R9 lacks a UI giving you the comfort of a DSP 8 for instance.
Give me a link to a comprehensive manual.
I bought the Fioo R9 because of you.
I bought the Eversolo because of the UI:
and because of the app from Eversolo.
I am a Android phone user.
So for the time being, I'm hoarding a rather expensive, but very stylish, paperwight.
Please help me a little
Many chinese stuff in best of 2024. Is the stuff of classic eu/us hifi brands so bad nowadays? Many of them producing in China as well ( i know ) but at least we support an eu/us brand, economy and in many cases better service during warranty.
The dutch Grimm Audio Mu2 runs circles around the R9, but also around my wallet. The good stuff produced in Europe is all high end.
The MU2 does indeed run rings around the R9. But that's from an ideallist's perspective. This video (and the one before it) takes more of a pragmatic approach.
Well, either you had a very dull year as a reviewer or the audio hobby is turning into a trainspotter's guide to digital gizmos. I tried to watch the add-on to the first video, but I simply didn't feel a compelling drive to try (or buy) any of those 'best of 2024' components. The so-called 'wow factor' is simply not there, and especially the Opra thing, which sounds like an overkill version of 20-year-old Foobar components with brass-knobs-on. Sorry, but I'll pass on all this.
Yea, after the other video i immediately started fast forwarding to spot anything interesting. Glad your comment was at the top as it mirrors my thoughts.
My persistent niggle with “Room is most important” is that there should be a disclaimer that states “only if your room is BAD - your room has bare floors and walls, is too small for speakers, or if you listen in an over-damped walk-in closet.”
I don’t think most people listen in a “bad” room - vaulting loudspeakers to the #1 position!