First for the last? Thank you, John, for all the interesting (sometimes nerdy but never boring) hi-fi content that you bring to us in such an approachable manner. A great end of 2024 to you and all your followers! Looking forward to more and even better in 2025!
Hi John and crew, thanks for all your reviews and work this year, wishing you and your family and friends and all other audiophiles a merry Christmas and also best wishes for 2025.
Fellow LG V60 here. I no longer use it as my primary phone but as a secondary media device for music and movies. Perfectly usable as a daily for most people IMO but I needed a faster phone for RAW photo editing
I love how you spend time and energy on things that doesn’t matter much but it’s the perfectionist and detail on little things that makes this channel special, happy new year 🥂
Impressed at the guy who collaborated with Campfire DAP and transportable collection - he's deep into it which I find most musicians are not really into this sorta stuff.
No Tom Evans Mastergroove? That's the best hifi product of the century surely! On a more serious note, the MOONDROP MIAD01 looks cool! I carry a massive DAC with me, this beats that!
Thank you John for the great video. I love the utility of the FiiO R9 have it next to my sofa as well. One way i found to avoid using Roon ARC in the FiiO R9 (to avoid the bit perfect constraint) is by setting up presets of Oprah EQs on Roon Muse in the desktop app (i.e. per headphone). This allows me to switch EQs via these presents in the Roon mobile app and streaming it to FiiO R9 Roon app. It's not ideal as some prework is required but it keeps me from using the Roon ARC app on the R9 due to it not being bit-perfect.
I always find myself watching John in the lead up to Christmas. I did it last year, and I've done it again this year. Thank you for all the fantastic videos you make for our enjoyment! Love it all! Merry Christmas to you, Johnny D!
Hey John! Thank you for the early review of the Claras - question, I know its a matter of personal preference, but would you personally pick one over the other? (titanium or not)
Very interesting thanks John. I’ve started expanding my head-fi palate. My sony XM5 over ears failed and my friends at Sony would not honour the warranty. So, no more Sony for me - Sennheiser Momentum 4 have happily replaced them. I also scored a fantastic deal on some Focal closed back Celestee which i am also enjoying. IEM’s next? We’ll see but Roon Opra is keeping me busy for now
I bought The Fiio R9 solely on your recommendation. You are right about the sound and many other points, but the part that I had big problems with, is the complete lack of a user friendly user manual. Impossible to to find a timer, for instance. Falling asleep to music is what I do. It's a standard feature in any Blue Node. So for all the user friendly parts, it offers, I bought also the DMP8 from Eversolo. Great app, simple use and good sound, really only very slight differences compared to R9. So agree to disagree on your product of the year. User friendly, in these times is a must. Happy Holidays.
Headphone EQ repositories have existed for a long time, the most famous being AutoEQ. Don't see why plexamp (which uses AutoEQ) or foobar would want to switch to OPRA especially when the presets themselves are coming from the exact same community sources.
Thanks for a great year John. Looking forward to 2025! I had the opportunity to test the Fiio R7 against the Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 4, and thought it was no contest on ease of use in favor of the MA device. As far as I/Os are concerned they are very similar and can extrapolate all of this to the R9 I believe. I use Roon primarily and its integration on the MA device is rock solid. Whereas on the R7 (and perhaps the R9) the listed “Roon Ready Mode” really isn’t a mode (that you can set as the default startup like the real modes) but just the ability to download the app and run it manually every time. Was this the case on the R9? Have you seen or heard about the Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 4?
Despite having just brought in the Marantz M1 I'm now curious about the FiiO R9 just for the massive feature set. The Marantz will stay in the room where it is but that FiiO would be a great add on for a near field desktop type set up. I'm just a little hesitant due to the lower playback quality. Oh well, a new issue for the new year not right now. Merry Xmas John, and Olaf of course, and a Happy New year. Thanks for another year of great information and music.
I'm on the fence to get the R9. This will actually replace a my Cambridge Audio DAC Amp. For me Apple Music is a must, and I don't like Airplay. The front Balanced connections also are a great option. I plan to get it in the next couple on months after pay for my daughter wedding. 🤣😅
HNY John! Big fan of your show! Maybe I missed it in 2024 ... Did you review the Dali IO 12 headphones? If not could you please review in 2025 Thank you!
Plexamp has headphone presets and has had for a few years now. It's quite hidden but seems to use much of the same data as Roon. It's works well but the UX doesn't seem as polished as Roon.
Thanks John! To be clear, are you saying that I can use the R9 to get the best out of top end headphones like the Meze Empyrean II, or is it not quite that capable?
Man, that R9 is a package if there ever was one, especially with the Opra, HDMI and that sleek desktop look and footprint. Do any of you guys know if it takes the same external, linear PSU that the R7 does? I believe it was from Jade audio (from FiiO).
John,many thanks for your informative videos and knowledge over the past year,its much appreciated,i think fiio make some great stuff,when i was looking to upgrade my portable listening from the lgv30 the fiio m11 plus was my dap of choice due to the good value compared to others,i have the fiio r7 now for bedside listening on the headphones and its excellent with the hifi man sundara,i then upgraded to the Cambridge audio Evo one which is excellent but no headphone amp,i then added the Cambridge audio alva tt v2 after watching your review and it sounds great hooked up to the evo one but i would like to try other speakers too once I can afford it,merry xmas
Hi John, as always really nice approach to explain us gear with good valid reasons. I have a question to ask you what kind of plug you use to connect all the gear I assume you have like everyone else maximum 2 sockets on the wall, what realiable plug you use … not talking about filter noise and non sense 400 euros plugs can’t be even prove they do what they say. But I’m sure you have a sensible approach
Hey, John. I often watch your reviews, I like them. I'm interested in your opinion on the sound on the Asus ROG 9 phone. Asus are the only ones with DiRAC. Interested in your opinion of using this phone as a high definition player
Lovely video like always thank you for all the work you're doing. Talking about OPRA on R9, is there any difference in sound when using ARC vs Roon Mobile App or even Fiio Roon app, you have been observing? I thing the DSP in all the scenarios is done on the Roon server anyway, so choosing between them is only a matter of convenience, or is it? I am using R7 on my desktop and ended up with Fiio Roon app, as I also had a feeling the other 2 scenarios might no be bitperfect on the R7.... But OPRA seems to work in my scenario quite well..
Great video as always, John. Just in case you might see this, how would you say the Fiio R9 compares to other streamers/DACs similarly priced? I'm undecided between purchasing the R9 or the Eversolo DMP A8. Thanks in advance if you are kind enough to answer. Wishing you Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!
Sir , am a big fan of your audio reviews. I closely follow. I use Fiio R7 via spdif out to my soundbar , I use apple music , Spotify primarily. Music quality is good , somewhat spacious , clear , somewhat instrumental separation could be felt. Would using a linear power supply over the ac powerd cord provided make any difference on the music quality ? I need your guidance around this . Happy Holidays 🎊🎊
I wonder if the R9 has "media volume limiter" which automatically lowers the volume after awhile to protect your ears. Even if you don't want to. It comes with Android phones and is not able to turn off on some phones. Would be disaster on this device.
Whew...am I do glad I can't stand IEM's and the 2 of your 3 picks...Opra is up my alley... but 😂 the rest of the word salad...not in my diet. But John I certainly respect and enjoy your enjoyment.
Darko, im fairly new to experiementing with audio devices, i recently bought a momentum 4 for 400 usd, is that good or is there a better headset for the same price?
Thanks for this 2024 wrap up video. Helped me to buy an R9. Does Apple Music restrict the music quality on Android Apple Music app? Does it restrict to CD quality only? If yes, then the amp/dac is gimped in terms of its offering.
Can you share what cable you're using for the senheiser iem? I have the 900 and the original cable ripped, and I'd like to get some decent quality cable replacement. Any help is appreciated
Miad01 got lot better with Android 14 that was released few weeks ago, as GPS works flawless in Sweden at least... Merry Christmas, Miad01 is a really strong cardy... As ISN EBC80, Tangzu Bajie and Pula Anvil 114
Excellent Review John! Do you think the R9 synergy works well with a planar headphone like the Dan Clark E3? It has the power needed but power is not everything. Do you have good separation and soundstage?
I think the thing often missed is just how much audio work you do for your videos. Just listening on headphones is an experience in itself which I can’t say for any other “talking head” TH-cam channel.
In your video the display of the Moondrop MIAD 001 shows AutoEQ. Is this function implemented and does it function systemwide, for exampke when streaming Apple Music? Edit: Just seen its opra.
My heart dropped when you mentioned the Moondrop phone. It's a great idea, but lack of Google protect, Moondrop's poor track record with software updates, lack of commitment to any updates. Maybe version 2 or 3. Luckily, there's forward wind (as well as decent dongle dacs, decent wireless dacs...). Having said that I got the Sennheiser Momentum TW4 based on one of your reviews. The musicality of the Sennheiser TW4 has made it my go to wireless earbuds - using an aptx lossless supporting phone (xperia 1vi), and uncompressed lossless audio (terabyte SD cards are handy). Are there any nuts of audio you're curious about for 2025? Obviously, tricky to say without trying things, however for 2025, after having used the Sennheiser ie600 for some time, and selling my Pligim, Timeless, Davinci and a few others, the IEM I'm looking forward to for 2025 is the Dunu Brain Dance!
Regarding Fiio R7/R9 and Apple Music: Am I right to say that R7 could take 16/44 from Apple Music and then stream it bit-perfectly via Roon to another Roon-eready streamer (in my case, Roksan Attessa)? Apple -> Fiio -> Roon -> Another streamer
Early days I guess, but my first try on Opra has yielded no discernible change on any profile to my ears on my Focals. Somewhat disappointed really, but probably my lack of skill in listening more than the software.
Not many FiiO’s in Hifi dealers in the UK & it’s hard to avoid HIFI Rose. Either this is what Bill Hicks was telling us about marketing or one of these products is not a very good audio component.
SUCH A SHAME that the Moondrop is on Android 13, and probably WON'T get to latest version. Also, updates? IF it was released on latest Android and had 2, maybe 3 full OS updates with a further year or two security updates, then maybe.... 🤔😏 😎🇬🇧
Well, OK then. Yes, I'm a geezer, but I come from the time that people listened to LPs or CD through an amplifier and speakers. In other words, I'm interested in seeing reviews for that sort of equipment. Your "best of" flunks this test for me :D
By law, Chinese government have access to any data from any Chinese company. It is actually illegal in China to withhold information from Chinese government. This is also the reason for tictok ban in US
Very boring year, not much products that really stood out. We've seen it all before: 'retro / vintage' speakers + the modern ones often looked horrible, streamers showing artwork / vu meters, maybe cd-players becoming fashionable again for hipsters is a highlight (first time in more than 10 years I've seen female teenagers buying cd's in record stores - and it wasn't Taylor Swift). And Sonos ACE probably the flop of the century...
You would never buy an android phone for $1500 running a 5 year old version of android. WTF would you buy a $1500 DAC/Amp where android apps are essential and be running a OS that's 5 years back. Will be like 2-3 years and those Apps won't update. SMH. What garbage from FIIO. Do better. Not hard to have this with 14 or newer.
IMHO, this is an example of going over the edge and obsessing far too much with the minutiae of hardware. Of course, I understand Darko has to produce content, so...
First for the last? Thank you, John, for all the interesting (sometimes nerdy but never boring) hi-fi content that you bring to us in such an approachable manner. A great end of 2024 to you and all your followers! Looking forward to more and even better in 2025!
Thanks for that!
Thanks John ,Olaf,and Srajan for the past year's worth of audio banter, great work gentleman !
Agree. The podcasts are superb.
Hi John and crew, thanks for all your reviews and work this year, wishing you and your family and friends and all other audiophiles a merry Christmas and also best wishes for 2025.
Same to you, old chap! ☃️
I just saw Alessandro Cortini play this album live and it was MADNESS!
Thank you for a year of great content John - wishing you a Merry Christmas and a FAB New Year - Happy Listening 🎧
LG V60 user here, they made improvements since V40, Meridian designed sound stage and HQ DAC. ☺️
Is the phone still usable now? I'm thinking of picking one up
Fellow LG V60 here. I no longer use it as my primary phone but as a secondary media device for music and movies. Perfectly usable as a daily for most people IMO but I needed a faster phone for RAW photo editing
Thank you for the bloopers and keeping it real.
I love how you spend time and energy on things that doesn’t matter much but it’s the perfectionist and detail on little things that makes this channel special, happy new year 🥂
I like your analogy of EQ - you're not changing the flavor of a dish, just adding seasoning
best blooper reel ever. Merry Xmas John. Love your channel.
Impressed at the guy who collaborated with Campfire DAP and transportable collection - he's deep into it which I find most musicians are not really into this sorta stuff.
Fantastic video - thank you for taking the time to make it.
No Tom Evans Mastergroove? That's the best hifi product of the century surely!
On a more serious note, the MOONDROP MIAD01 looks cool! I carry a massive DAC with me, this beats that!
Thank you for the info on OPRA! As a happy Roon user I look forward to trying this!
Danke für dieses sehr interessante HiFi-Jahr zusammen!
Thanks John! Like this recommendation but I just worried about the privacy and security issue on those China made smart phone. 😅
Thank you John for the great video. I love the utility of the FiiO R9 have it next to my sofa as well. One way i found to avoid using Roon ARC in the FiiO R9 (to avoid the bit perfect constraint) is by setting up presets of Oprah EQs on Roon Muse in the desktop app (i.e. per headphone). This allows me to switch EQs via these presents in the Roon mobile app and streaming it to FiiO R9 Roon app. It's not ideal as some prework is required but it keeps me from using the Roon ARC app on the R9 due to it not being bit-perfect.
Re the Moondrop phone, I still find the existence of 2Tb micro SD cards utterly mind boggling….
Glad to see Alessandro Cortini on your phone. Such a brilliant ambient artist!
I have the Fiio R7 and love it so much. For my use, I can't really justify upgrading to the R9 though.
I always find myself watching John in the lead up to Christmas. I did it last year, and I've done it again this year. Thank you for all the fantastic videos you make for our enjoyment! Love it all! Merry Christmas to you, Johnny D!
Thanks for watching! Again. 🙂
Just purchased a vintage Marantz 15 amp, I think I will sit this one out Johno. Latest products reverse patch pinned.
The design of the MIAD reminds me of the legendary Lumia 1020
I go for my existing Stereo, and nothing else! Keep live simple!
Hey John! Thank you for the early review of the Claras - question, I know its a matter of personal preference, but would you personally pick one over the other? (titanium or not)
Thank you JD.
Merry christmas🎄
Happy Christmas old boy🙂🙃🙏
Very interesting thanks John. I’ve started expanding my head-fi palate. My sony XM5 over ears failed and my friends at Sony would not honour the warranty. So, no more Sony for me - Sennheiser Momentum 4 have happily replaced them. I also scored a fantastic deal on some Focal closed back Celestee which i am also enjoying. IEM’s next? We’ll see but Roon Opra is keeping me busy for now
Have a merry Christmas!!
Cant wait to get my hands on the R9
Agree on FiiO R9. I got one immediately after release and this is my best purchase.
I bought The Fiio R9 solely on your recommendation.
You are right about the sound and many other points, but the part that I had big problems with,
is the complete lack of a user friendly user manual. Impossible to to find a timer, for instance.
Falling asleep to music is what I do. It's a standard feature in any Blue Node.
So for all the user friendly parts, it offers, I bought also the DMP8 from Eversolo.
Great app, simple use and good sound, really only very slight differences compared to R9.
So agree to disagree on your product of the year.
User friendly, in these times is a must.
Happy Holidays.
Headphone EQ repositories have existed for a long time, the most famous being AutoEQ. Don't see why plexamp (which uses AutoEQ) or foobar would want to switch to OPRA especially when the presets themselves are coming from the exact same community sources.
the MIAD01 latest update brought it up to Android 14 now.
Thanks for a great year John. Looking forward to 2025!
I had the opportunity to test the Fiio R7 against the Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 4, and thought it was no contest on ease of use in favor of the MA device. As far as I/Os are concerned they are very similar and can extrapolate all of this to the R9 I believe. I use Roon primarily and its integration on the MA device is rock solid. Whereas on the R7 (and perhaps the R9) the listed “Roon Ready Mode” really isn’t a mode (that you can set as the default startup like the real modes) but just the ability to download the app and run it manually every time. Was this the case on the R9? Have you seen or heard about the Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 4?
Despite having just brought in the Marantz M1 I'm now curious about the FiiO R9 just for the massive feature set. The Marantz will stay in the room where it is but that FiiO would be a great add on for a near field desktop type set up. I'm just a little hesitant due to the lower playback quality. Oh well, a new issue for the new year not right now.
Merry Xmas John, and Olaf of course, and a Happy New year.
Thanks for another year of great information and music.
Season’s Greetings, John! The R9 has been on my radar for a long time. Great recommendation!
Lovely video. You are the best hifi TH-camr for my money 😎. Happy Christmas!
Wow, thanks!
I'm on the fence to get the R9. This will actually replace a my Cambridge Audio DAC Amp. For me Apple Music is a must, and I don't like Airplay. The front Balanced connections also are a great option.
I plan to get it in the next couple on months after pay for my daughter wedding. 🤣😅
HNY John! Big fan of your show! Maybe I missed it in 2024 ... Did you review the Dali IO 12 headphones? If not could you please review in 2025 Thank you!
Had a pair of B&W P8’s but The Mark Lev 5909’s hit a sales sweet spot and I got a pair.
I’m loving them! Love the attention to the little details and quality of cables etc…
Nice to see jack ladder getting a run still :)
Plexamp has headphone presets and has had for a few years now. It's quite hidden but seems to use much of the same data as Roon. It's works well but the UX doesn't seem as polished as Roon.
Have you any suggestions which pair of active boxes fits good to the FiiO R9?
Interesting that it's not the usual! wish you a peaceful season
Funnily enough, this video was originally titled 'Not your typical BEST OF 2024 video'. But I changed my mind at the last minute.
Thanks John! To be clear, are you saying that I can use the R9 to get the best out of top end headphones like the Meze Empyrean II, or is it not quite that capable?
That was a terrific video, John, thank you and merry Christmas! 🎄
Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
@darkoaudio Great video and all that you do, Stay warm and happy holidays
Man, that R9 is a package if there ever was one, especially with the Opra, HDMI and that sleek desktop look and footprint. Do any of you guys know if it takes the same external, linear PSU that the R7 does? I believe it was from Jade audio (from FiiO).
John,many thanks for your informative videos and knowledge over the past year,its much appreciated,i think fiio make some great stuff,when i was looking to upgrade my portable listening from the lgv30 the fiio m11 plus was my dap of choice due to the good value compared to others,i have the fiio r7 now for bedside listening on the headphones and its excellent with the hifi man sundara,i then upgraded to the Cambridge audio Evo one which is excellent but no headphone amp,i then added the Cambridge audio alva tt v2 after watching your review and it sounds great hooked up to the evo one but i would like to try other speakers too once I can afford it,merry xmas
Thanks for your interesting and nerdy reviews. For 2025 I would appreciate if you bring more “classic” Hifi gear (speakers, amps and turntables etc.)👍
Great video❤
A ton of great info, but what a nerdfest. Merry Christmas.
What about HiFi stuff?
Hi John, as always really nice approach to explain us gear with good valid reasons. I have a question to ask you what kind of plug you use to connect all the gear I assume you have like everyone else maximum 2 sockets on the wall, what realiable plug you use … not talking about filter noise and non sense 400 euros plugs can’t be even prove they do what they say. But I’m sure you have a sensible approach
For every video he posted I learn Something, really wonderful person with really good knowledge of audio..His opinion really matters..
Hey, John. I often watch your reviews, I like them. I'm interested in your opinion on the sound on the Asus ROG 9 phone. Asus are the only ones with DiRAC. Interested in your opinion of using this phone as a high definition player
Lovely video like always thank you for all the work you're doing. Talking about OPRA on R9, is there any difference in sound when using ARC vs Roon Mobile App or even Fiio Roon app, you have been observing? I thing the DSP in all the scenarios is done on the Roon server anyway, so choosing between them is only a matter of convenience, or is it? I am using R7 on my desktop and ended up with Fiio Roon app, as I also had a feeling the other 2 scenarios might no be bitperfect on the R7.... But OPRA seems to work in my scenario quite well..
I got an used miad 01 for 155$, didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I have.
Can you use USBapp on the R9 for bit perfect, non-auto-resampled payback?
Great video as always, John. Just in case you might see this, how would you say the Fiio R9 compares to other streamers/DACs similarly priced? I'm undecided between purchasing the R9 or the Eversolo DMP A8. Thanks in advance if you are kind enough to answer. Wishing you Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!
Sir , am a big fan of your audio reviews. I closely follow.
I use Fiio R7 via spdif out to my soundbar , I use apple music , Spotify primarily. Music quality is good , somewhat spacious , clear , somewhat instrumental separation could be felt.
Would using a linear power supply over the ac powerd cord provided make any difference on the music quality ?
I need your guidance around this .
Happy Holidays 🎊🎊
I wonder if the R9 has "media volume limiter" which automatically lowers the volume after awhile to protect your ears. Even if you don't want to. It comes with Android phones and is not able to turn off on some phones. Would be disaster on this device.
Whew...am I do glad I can't stand IEM's and the 2 of your 3 picks...Opra is up my alley... but 😂 the rest of the word salad...not in my diet. But John I certainly respect and enjoy your enjoyment.
Hi John, when will you review those Technics speakers behind you ?
Jan or Feb next year...
@DarkoAudio Great!
Darko, im fairly new to experiementing with audio devices, i recently bought a momentum 4 for 400 usd, is that good or is there a better headset for the same price?
Thanks for this 2024 wrap up video. Helped me to buy an R9. Does Apple Music restrict the music quality on Android Apple Music app? Does it restrict to CD quality only? If yes, then the amp/dac is gimped in terms of its offering.
Can you share what cable you're using for the senheiser iem? I have the 900 and the original cable ripped, and I'd like to get some decent quality cable replacement. Any help is appreciated
Hello there! Great video! I’m in Berlin is there a physical or trusted web store to buy the Moondrop phone?
Miad01 got lot better with Android 14 that was released few weeks ago, as GPS works flawless in Sweden at least... Merry Christmas, Miad01 is a really strong cardy... As ISN EBC80, Tangzu Bajie and Pula Anvil 114
Excellent Review John!
Do you think the R9 synergy works well with a planar headphone like the Dan Clark E3? It has the power needed but power is not everything. Do you have good separation and soundstage?
Great video John. Anyone able to identify tips on the IE300?
You know Cortini! That’s super cool. Time for Darko to get into the insanely costly world of Buchla systems! Your GAS will ascend to new heights
Having seen how much space a Buchla takes up at AC's place, no way am I going anywhere near one! 😉
I think the thing often missed is just how much audio work you do for your videos. Just listening on headphones is an experience in itself which I can’t say for any other “talking head” TH-cam channel.
What's yall's preference? Headphone hi fi or physical speaker hi fi ....
In your video the display of the Moondrop MIAD 001 shows AutoEQ. Is this function implemented and does it function systemwide, for exampke when streaming Apple Music?
Edit: Just seen its opra.
Merry Christmas John,
How does the Moondrop sound compared to a Cobalt with the large camera adapter and IPhone?
can you use the opra roon on the pc?
My heart dropped when you mentioned the Moondrop phone. It's a great idea, but lack of Google protect, Moondrop's poor track record with software updates, lack of commitment to any updates. Maybe version 2 or 3. Luckily, there's forward wind (as well as decent dongle dacs, decent wireless dacs...).
Having said that I got the Sennheiser Momentum TW4 based on one of your reviews. The musicality of the Sennheiser TW4 has made it my go to wireless earbuds - using an aptx lossless supporting phone (xperia 1vi), and uncompressed lossless audio (terabyte SD cards are handy).
Are there any nuts of audio you're curious about for 2025? Obviously, tricky to say without trying things, however for 2025, after having used the Sennheiser ie600 for some time, and selling my Pligim, Timeless, Davinci and a few others, the IEM I'm looking forward to for 2025 is the Dunu Brain Dance!
Great info for headphones listeners. But for loudspeaker listeners...?
Why not send commands from your phone via Tidal Connect to your FiiO R9? I do the same with my iPad > Zidoo UHD 8000 > iFi iDSD. Very comfy.
Yep, this is yet ANOTHER use case for the R9.
Regarding Fiio R7/R9 and Apple Music:
Am I right to say that R7 could take 16/44 from Apple Music and then stream it bit-perfectly via Roon to another Roon-eready streamer (in my case, Roksan Attessa)?
Apple -> Fiio -> Roon -> Another streamer
Early days I guess, but my first try on Opra has yielded no discernible change on any profile to my ears on my Focals. Somewhat disappointed really, but probably my lack of skill in listening more than the software.
you're looking better. have you started going to gym, or just paying attention to what you eat?
Not many FiiO’s in Hifi dealers in the UK & it’s hard to avoid HIFI Rose. Either this is what Bill Hicks was telling us about marketing or one of these products is not a very good audio component.
All headphone gear on your best of list? Maybe I missed that that this was a HP only list.
SUCH A SHAME that the Moondrop is on Android 13, and probably WON'T get to latest version. Also, updates? IF it was released on latest Android and had 2, maybe 3 full OS updates with a further year or two security updates, then maybe.... 🤔😏 😎🇬🇧
You can’t buy the moondrop cellphone here. It’s $600 USD.
Hifigo sells it for $399.
2-3k for Clara earphones... Got to be joking
Well, OK then. Yes, I'm a geezer, but I come from the time that people listened to LPs or CD through an amplifier and speakers. In other words, I'm interested in seeing reviews for that sort of equipment. Your "best of" flunks this test for me :D
Woah, I didn't know that Alessandro is such a DAP and IEM dork as I am 😁
He's super into it!
@DarkoAudio maybe you can get him on the show sometime? It would be great to hear him. I love his music btw, both from Nin and his solo project.
Would you trust your banking apps on the moon drop?
Why not?
By law, Chinese government have access to any data from any Chinese company. It is actually illegal in China to withhold information from Chinese government. This is also the reason for tictok ban in US
It depends on your network supplier, which is not chinese
Wow, that bad of a year for audio
Very boring year, not much products that really stood out. We've seen it all before: 'retro / vintage' speakers + the modern ones often looked horrible, streamers showing artwork / vu meters, maybe cd-players becoming fashionable again for hipsters is a highlight (first time in more than 10 years I've seen female teenagers buying cd's in record stores - and it wasn't Taylor Swift). And Sonos ACE probably the flop of the century...
As I said in the video, 2024 wasn't a 'banner year for hi-fi innovation'.
This FiiO just dont work for me, looks like ATM
R7 vs R9
Ronaldo Nazario for me..
U lost me on I'm not really a NIN fan. Haha
You would never buy an android phone for $1500 running a 5 year old version of android. WTF would you buy a $1500 DAC/Amp where android apps are essential and be running a OS that's 5 years back. Will be like 2-3 years and those Apps won't update. SMH. What garbage from FIIO. Do better. Not hard to have this with 14 or newer.
IMHO, this is an example of going over the edge and obsessing far too much with the minutiae of hardware.
Of course, I understand Darko has to produce content, so...
what millionaires are you making these videos for?
You're best product has a rating of 3.9 on Amazon uk