Hi,
nodder64 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 04, 2021 1:54 am
What I am really looking for is concrete experience of using these devices with MM
I am not sure about Shanling Q1 and HiBy R2 but from list you provided But I would go for
FiiO M6 as cheaper model and
FiiO M9 as an more expensive model. But also Based on recent experience in my past tests (even I tested previous model NW-A100) I would also consider
Sony NW-A105 at same Price Range of
FiiO M9, but fully have Google Services and Play store, user I worked on extensive support testings say that its display is even better than more expensive
FiiO model M11 and you do not have to go thru process of installing Amazon Store and then purchase MMA so that you can use WiFi Sync with MMW/MM5.
That said here is my personal ranking based on my personal testing and user feedback I worked with directly:
- M3 Pro, M5: Do not support MMA install, no WiFi limited playlist support. Most likely due the form factor and OS/APPs itself
- Shanling Q1, HiBy R2: I suspect same issues as with M3 Pro and M5 due the fact you will be limited to native player support
- M7: OK device, I had it for week on test and it is nice, but no WiFi which was replaced by FM radio I listen rarely and Europe/US mostly already switched to DAB+ Digital Radio Broadcasting so wasted feature(*)
- M6: Same as M7 minus FM with added WiFi, MMA is Whitelisted and you can buy MMA pro from Amazon Store with a bit work(*)
- M9: Better DAC and Headphone support(*)
See
Comparison of FiiO M6, M7, M9
Finally
Sony NW-A105: I have tested NW-A100 and it sounded beautifully, also at time of testing I had FiiO M11 (on testing) and Sony was more responsive, but subjectively FiiO M11 sounded better with headphones I had at the time and could drive them better but again M11 is almost double the price and
M11 only partially supported Play store with a bit of hustle, while NW-A105 support it out of the box. So my PERSONAL recommendation AT TIME OF THIS WRITING Sony NW-A105 overall looks like more complete device, while I have not personally tested it and seen to what extent I can customize it and remove non needed apps from it to make it more mine I hold reserve on your choice and your experience. So I stick with AT TIME OF WRITING statement.
* FiiO Answer regarding Third Party apps
https://www.fiio.com/newsinfo/139014.html and there is a MM Forum step by step how to do that and it works.
I hope I helped more than confused you. Finally Happy Monkeying!