Fiio M5 VS Shanling M0
Primeaudio Review
Of course, there needed to be a comparison with the Shanling M0 . This and the M5 are near identical in size and weight but they do have some physical differences. The most obvious is the wheel on the M0 where the M5 has the rocker and power buttons. Another difference is the M0 has a cover on the Micro-SD card slot and the M5 does not.
In terms of output power, the M0 has a little more but both have more than enough for just about any IEM which both are aimed at rather than full-sized headphones. Battery life is comparable between them as is display quality. The M5 has some additional features, such as the ability to answer calls using its built-in microphone, the pedometer and screen orientation.
When it comes to sound quality there’s actually very little separating the two and which one sounds ‘better’ will come down to personal preference more than anything else. Both players are very alike which is quite remarkable considering the M0 has been available for more than 2 years already.
Headfonics Review
You can easily relate the size of the M5 compared to the Shanling M0, a big hit since its release that has decent power for demanding in ears or even small cans. Putting the Shanling M0 and the FiiO M5 side by side there are some hints suggesting their different positioning.
The M5 has a more consumer-orientated approach with minimal physical buttons whilst the M0 features an avantegarde design with a cool volume knob. On both models UI, navigation experience and screen responses are similar.
Soundwise the M0 targets more demanding users with its higher output circuitry. You will hear solid, energetic bass impact along with the ability to drive more demanding iems regardless of its size. The newer contender M5 focuses on multifunction, packs in a stereo recorder, stepcounter, watch display and maintains a darker background with lower output power.
In comparison, the Shanling M0 sounds more balanced, has the better separation that works well with mid-tier, higher end earphones. The M5, on the other hand, boosts some frequencies to bring out details in the treble and mid lows, carefully compensating its lower output to pairs well with sensitive gear. The tuning on the M5 helps to breathe some life into flatter tunings, which some may find more engaging than the M0.
The user experience and newer functions puts the M5 into my daily carry. Soundwise it doesnt necessarily replace the M0 and in fact they complement each other with different signatures and power ratings.
Specification
Fiio M5
CPU | Ingenic X1000E |
DAC | AK4377 |
Bluetooth | supports LDAC, HWA, aptXHD, aptX, SBC |
Receiver (SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX HD/LDAC), Transmitter(SBC/aptX/LDAC) | |
USB | Symmetrical Type C connector, USB2.0USB DAC: Up to 384kHz- 32bit/DSD128 |
Screen | 1.54-inch 240x 240 touchscree |
Dimensions | about 45.3mmx42mmx13.97mm |
Weight | 38g |
Charging time | <2.5h (DC5V/2A charge) |
Battery life | > 10.5h (using earphones) > 13.5h (over Bluetooth) |
Standby time | > 22 days |
Battery | 550mAh lithium-ion polymer battery |
Accessories | Back Clip, USB data cable, PET screen protector (one already pre- applied) |
Storage | micro-SD card (up to 2TB supported) |
Power Output | > 42mW (16Q) |
Frequency Response | 5Hz~90kHz (-3dB) |
Signal-to-noise Ratio: | > 118dB (A-weighte) |
Output impedance | <0.5ohm (32ohm load) |
THD+N | <0.003% (1kHz/32Q) |
Recommended drive loads | 16~1000 |
Noise Floor | <2.5uV |
Shanling M0
Dimension | 40*135*45mm |
Screen | 1.54 inch 240*240 high definition touch screen |
DAC model | ESS Sabre ES9218P |
Endurance | About 15 hours |
Deep standby | A 30 days |
Charging time | About 2 hours |
Battery capacity | 640mAH lithium battery |
Storage | maximum support 512G TF Card |
Output port | 3.5mm headset output |
Output power | 80mw @ 32 Ohm |
Output impedance | 0.16 ohm |
Channel separation degree | 70dB |
Recommended earphone impedance | 8-300 ohm |
Frequency effect | 20HZ~20KHz (-0.5dB) |
Distortion | 0.004% (A-Weighting, output 500mV) |
Signal to noise ratio | 118dB (A-Weighting) |
Bottom noise | <3uV (HIGH GAIN) |
Ground noise | <3uv HIGH GAIN |
Dynamic Range | >105dB |
Colors | black / red / blue / Titanium / Violet(purple) |
Weight | About 33g |
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