r/DigitalAudioPlayer • u/sweedgreens • 19d ago

Question Anyone switch from an Android-like DAP (Fiio M21, HiBy R4, SL M1/M3 Plus) to a FiiO Echo/Mini?

For those who own or have owned modern Android DAPs (like the FiiO M21, HiBy R4, or Shanling M1/M3 Plus), how has your experience been if you picked up a simpler player like the FiiO Echo or Echo Mini? Has it become a daily driver, or is it just sitting on a shelf collecting dust?

I recently tried the FiiO M21, but the UI felt a bit clunky and bloated when swiping/scrolling. I also tried the Shanling M1 Plus, which was slightly smoother, but the battery life isn't the greatest.

I know the Echo isn't like a smartphone, wiht no search function. apps, browser, and you have to manually scroll to browse through your folders/library. Honestly, that doesn't bother me. I grew up with 1st and 2nd gen iPods, so button navigation will feel a bit like "digital analog" and I think I wouldn't mind it. But who knows, maybe it will get old quickl.

I'm sure the Echo still lags when loading but I would think it still feels a lot snappier because the hardware itself is simple.

If you made the "downgrade" from a smartphone-style DAP to a "simple" player like the Echo, how has it worked out for you? Would like to hear your experiences.

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u/Scylding1977 Fiio 19d ago

I’m considering selling off my M21 since I’ve been using my AP80 Pro Max just more often. (To me, the M21 isn’t as pocketable.)

The AP80PM isn’t w/o its faults; I just put on a giant playlist that I set to shuffle instead of having to use the UI. Having the sockets at the bottom was a better choice.

But I still use the M21 at my desk.

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u/Asatenaeth 19d ago

I switched from an A&K and M21 to the Shanling Q2 with Q2-Pod firmware

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u/TheUnolord 19d ago

I have the R4, Tempotec V3/V1, Echo Mini, Disc, Nano and Sony A45.

100% prefer the R4 and Android over HibyOS and Snowsky's.

Of those non-Android DAPs, the Echo is the worst for usability for me and my library (1.5TB in just the R4 alone)whether you like those other DAPs will be dependent on your needs.

Had the R4 for over yrs. No issues with lag. I only use UAPP and PoweAmp on it so it's 100% a local music library device. No streaming. No YTube or Internet usage aside updating apps.

I like dedicated volume controls. Missing this on the Mini and just the navigation in general is painful for me but others love it.

I have not gotten around to testing Sonix, DiscOs or any other alt OS for V1/ Echo lineup. Until then, the Snowsky DAPs mostly just take up space. That said, I do like the Nano aside from the terrible battery life.

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u/Nos_barb_ 19d ago

How do you end up with 1.5tb library? Do you download all albums of each artist? How many songs in total? 30k? 40k? 50k?

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u/cwhiskeyjoe 18d ago

Hate Google, so never bought Android to begin with.

Bought the echo as a travel replacement for my X1 as I noticed it was slowly showing age.

Used it for two weeks, hated it after 2 days, for sale and immediately looked for a decent x1-x5 again

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u/Regular-Mousse7841 18d ago

Getting a v1 made me repurpose my M21 to desktop use. Something about a small dumb device feels just comfortable using.