I tried a pair of leather, non perforated pads I have with my SR2. I thought it sounded boxy, stuffy and boomy.

So it must sound quite different than the M6 Ultra. My M8 doesn't sound nearly as warm and gooey as the M6U, plus the M8 definitely captures details and nuances much better. I reckon I should grab an M5U sooner than later.

Subbed

Two of my favorite cans right there. They contrast yet compliment each other very well, mood and genre dependant.

Don't you tease me with a good time! But I'd hope they sound better than the 5000 if they cost twice as much. I wonder if it uses a different driver than the open back. I would assume so.

More of a monitor presentation? Makes sense. Did you find the 5000 more colored, fun, and musical?

I'm also looking forward to hearing your impressions. I'm going to hold off on purchasing either until I can make a better informed decision. Who am I kidding, I'll likely end up with both. The struggle is real.

It's called the AR3

Those look quite nice. I'm digging the color.

What are your thoughts on that cable? Hearing anything beneficial with it? There's a 4.4mm balanced Aune cable on Amazon for a great price, but it looks darker in color than this.

Yep and yep

I don't recall. I keep mine in high gain. I don't own any IEMs, just full size headphones.

Sounds like the M5U would be a good fit for rock and metal. I'm just a little concerned the overall presentation is going to be a little too close to that of the M6U and M6 Pro original. Or it's going to sit right between those and the M8. I kinda want a different flavor - a little more...

What is the XM5?

I was very much considering buying this dap. Never owned a dap from Fiio, but it sounds like a lot of issues with no resolve with firmware updates or other means. I can't support that. Sounds like the DX260 might be a better choice from that perspective. Too bad, I really want to hear what this...

In his review, Sandu States that the resolution and transparency of this device isn't great - thoughts? He said both the Fiio M23 and Hiby R6 Pro II are noticeably better in this regard. I would say that the transparency and resolution in my M6 Ultra are definitely somewhat lacking compared to...

Doubtful

So the treble on the R6 Pro II is double refined, lol? Just kidding. I appreciate this brief comparison and summary. Because of it, I've now made my choice. The M15S it shall be, for home use exclusively. I have on the move daps. Shanling has me a bit twisted up with the release of the M5 Ultra...

Different strokes for sure. I appreciate the Shanling house sound, as it's so easy to get along with. Plus I've always preferred a somewhat dark and warm signature, smooth and fatigue free for my piles of well known and rare 80s hair metal. Some of these recordings are hard to listen to with a...

Probably the M23, as it utilizes AKM, a known smoothish and velvet like presentation. I would imagine this to be the warmest sounding of the bunch as well, but I can't confirm that as I have not heard it. If you're looking for a sure fire different sound approach, I would recommend the Shanling...

Did the stand come with the AR5000?

I also own the M6U. I'll be getting this as money permits. I have zero need for android. I think it will be an update sound wise. Should be anyways.

Thank You

Can you describe the differences you're hearing in the upper frequencies between the 260 and M7?

I agree. Owning the OG M6 Pro (4497), M8 (4499), and M6 Ultra (4493), the Ultra sounds a bit blunted. I'm going to purchase the new M5 Ultra as well. It's very hard for me to venture outside Shanling AKM. It's a sound presentation I'm very familiar with and thoroughly enjoy. But I still want to...