The Computer Audiophile has a full review of the Aurender A30 digital music player over on Audiophile Style. If you have around $18,000 USD wasting away in a drawer you can have this player! Read the review and see of the it is worth the cost.
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Review of the Aurender A30
The Computer Audiophile has a full review of the Aurender A30 digital music server over on Audiophilesyle.com. Okay, this is out of my normal listing of mobile music devices reviews and affordable prices. The Aurender A30 comes in at around $18,000 USD. But, it is always fun to read great reviews of awesome gear from time to time. Maybe, we will be able to take a listen of this device at an upcoming meet.
FIIO M11 DAP Review with comments on the M7 and M9
NANOTECHNOS posted and extensive review of the new Fiio M11 digital audio player. Some comments and links to his reviews on the prior generation Fiio M7 and M9. It sounds like a real winner and at an amazing price of just under $500 USD. Check out the review by clicking below:
Review of the Cayin N6ii DAP with a Replaceable Audio Motherboard
Twister6 has a review of the Cayin N6ii digital audio player over on Head-Fi. The cool trick with this DAP is that it has replaceable DAC/AMP circuitry. The circuitry is on a motherboard (they should be calling it a daughterboard) which is removable from the top of the player. The remaining components such as the motherboard and battery are all static and are fixed in the case. This actually reminds me of my old HP 41c calculator of days long past. This is an intriguing concept and I will be interested in seeing where it leads.
Review of the xDuoo X3II DAP
Cqtek posted a review of the xDuoo X3II digital audio player. From the review it sounds like this is a neutral sounding DAP and is a significant improvement from its predecessor. Priced at around $160 it should be a contender in that pricing segment. Although, you can pick up some really great 1-2 year old DAPs that are around the same price.
Pros – Number of features (Bluetooth, DAC, Hiby Link, Line Output, Bidirectional USB, etc.). It is a very versatile product.
– Size and weight, in line with its predecessor.
– Screen size.
– Initial firmware with just a few faults.
– Gapless from the beginning.
– Battery life.
– Power.
– Great sound.
– A firmware with Rockbox is now available.
Cons – The layout of the buttons is original but not too ergonomic.
– Shortage of accessories, not even a case comes.
Cayin N8 DAP Review
Twister6 posted on Head-Fi his review of the N8 DAP. From the unboxing photos it appears to be a very attractive digital audio player and has a plethora of cable types include. I will leave the details for you to read in the review but the fact that you have the choice of vacuum tube and solid state amplification in 3.5mm headphone output is intriguing. The one downside is that if my math is correct the cost in US Dollars is over $3,300.
Pros – Solid State and Vacuum Tube (Korg NuTube) amp outputs, High Output mode, solid stainless-steel build, responsive interface, plenty of digital and analog outputs, selection of custom cable adapters, duplex LDAC Bluetooth support.
Cons – price, weight, touchy up/down dial, 5sec tube warm up delay (more of annoyance than Con).
CLICK HERE to read the Cayin N8 review
CanJam Singapore 2018 Review
Jude has posted his review of CanJam Singapore on Head-Fi. As it typical at the Singapore event there will be great stuff to hear. Maybe I will bump into you as we try to hear the new Focal gear.
Head-Fi Video of Upcoming CanJam
Jude posted his video review over on Head-Fi containing some of the equipment and software that will be at the CanJam NY show.
Cowon Plenue R Digital Audio Player (PLA) Review
Twister6 posted a review of the Plenue R over on Head-Fi. Twister6’s review is extensive and complete as always and the PR (Plenue R) sounds like a great mid-market product selling without the leather case for just under $500.
Pros – JetEffect 7, solid build, responsive touch-screen, neutral revealing tuning, customizable GUI (skins), 17hrs battery life, Bluetooth w/aptX, 128GB internal storage.
Cons – leather case is optional, power output more suitable for IEMs and efficient Full size.
Shanling M2 Review
Twister6 posted an extensive review of the Shanling M2 DAP over on Head-Fi.
Pros – neutral signature, transparent sound, excellent build, compact slim design, duplex Bluetooth functionality, HibyLink support, battery life.
Cons – high output impedance, no internal storage, no included case.
High Fidelity This Week 