Shanling M0 or M0 Pro?

Submitted by JustARandomPerson135 t3_zxpw7d in headphones

The M0 Pro is available from AliExpress or maybe even official site depending on country. The major updates from their site are:

  1. Two pieces of ESS ES9219C DAC/AMPs ... improved sound quality and increased output power.
  2. A brand-new type of 3.5mm connector.
  3. Bi directional Bluetooth 5.0.

So does it mean the sound quality on M0 Pro is noticeably better now? what are the other improvements of M0 pro over M0? Are stuff like UI, button shortcuts and user experience changed/improved in any way?

Think I'm going to get the M0 because I strongly prefer the simple squared shape instead of the weird cutouts on the m0 pro. I'm just a casual user with casual equipment (pair of Sennheiser buds) to listen to MP3s, and these improvements seem to be aimed at audiophiles?

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ReaLx3m t1_j22fpei wrote

Its pita working on such a small screen. Rather get a bt receiver like Fiio BTR3K or Qudelix 5K, paired with short cable for your iems and clipped on the collar. A match made in heaven.

And use your phone as a player, a very flexible one regarding player apps and system wide GEQ/PEQ apps. Bluetooth with LDAC is practically indiscernible from cable, so you wont be really missing out in that regard.

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[deleted] t1_j26ljkv wrote

[deleted]

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ReaLx3m t1_j29pis9 wrote

I use tidal for streaming, so doing normal stuff. Like managing playlists, browsing albums, Artists etc. Doing all that on a matchbox screen is far from ideal because interface is cluttered, text isnt fully displayed, screen/device is not as responsive as a phone would be. Had the fiio M5 long time ago, and was pulling my hair almost instantly :), it got sold pretty quickly.

A reciver like im suggesting is about the size of the Sandisk Clip jam(slimmer in width). So id suggest at least giving it a try before deciding on a tiny DAP. There are pretty cheap receivers with dedicated dac/amps, like the Hiby W3 Saber(AK4377). That one can be had for around $40-45 on aliexpress and its the best bang for the buck. I see the official hiby website also has it on sale right now, and its $39.

Bit more feature rich solution would be Fiio BTR3K(AK4377) usually around $60-70(ive also seen it close to $50).

And last, the ultimate powerhouse, Qudelix 5K(ESS9219) at $110.

I find what i proposed much better solution, and thats the way i consume my music. In the end up to you to decide.

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Muttywango t1_j25d8jt wrote

There are no compelling reasons for you to choose the M0 pro over the original M0. It's highly unlikely you'll hear a difference or need balanced output. The M0 is a great little thing but the tiny screen can make things difficult - I need to alter my folder & filename structures when I export to it because text doesn't scroll. The Shanling Android app is a great help but very often I just want to turn the phone off and be alone with my tiny music player.

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JustARandomPerson135 OP t1_j26jgi5 wrote

I was using an even smaller screen (Sandisk Clip Jam) and I had no problems.

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Muttywango t1_j2a6dmj wrote

I came from a Sansa Clip Plus, the problem I encountered with M0 was no scrolling in the UI - e.g. 4 albums from 1 artist so had to guess which album I was accessing. Of course the UI's have so many different access methods but I'm rather stuck in my ways because I'm old.

Otherwise I really recommend the M0, great sound, size and feel.

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