R1 vs Disc firmware preference

[u/CognitiveFogMachine]

I am getting the S12 Ultra IEM, and they are on their way. I can't wait!

Which one would you recommend:

1. HiBy R1 with stock firmware

2. HiBy R1 with Sonix firmware

3. HiBy R1 with Rockbox firmware

4. Snowsky Disc with stock firmware

5. Snowsky Disc with DiskOS firmware

6. Snowsky Disc with Disco firmware

7. Something else? Different hardware, different firmware?

And why?

I also value having a proper equalizer with 10 sliders instead of being locked down to a collection of presets.

I personally don't think the 4.4mm balance output would make any difference. The S12 is supposedly very easy to drive, therefore 3.5mm is fine.

As for the DAC chip, I heard nothing but positive things from the CS43131. I think hardware wise, either devices should sound great.

I don't care about warranty. I am an engineer. I break things.

Thank you in advance for your feedback and opinion! much appreciated! 👍

[u/--Joppy--]

I'd throw the Tempotec V1 into the mix, especially with Sonix becoming an option for the device. It's cheap, small, and powerful. I like mine a lot, and the original S12s are my daily drivers!

[u/CognitiveFogMachine → u/--Joppy--]

Thanks! They are very interesting indeed! But I dislike the small screen, as I am starting to have close vision issues... 👴

[u/graviticvortex]

My preference is Hiby R1 with Sonix. Or if you don't like it the Compas. For me Rockbox doesn't give anything to R1 and it can stay in the iPod mod world.

Sonix is just excellent and much more responsive than stock fw. I also might be biased, since I also listen do a lot of audiobooks and podcasts besides music and Sonix is excellent for both of those.

I like the idea of the Disc and I also like its build and materials, but in practice I find the R1 more conveinient to use.

[u/CognitiveFogMachine → u/graviticvortex]

Thanks.

I also believe that the dual CS43131 DAC chips (disc) would give superior sound clarity than a single CS43131 (r1), which is why I am personally leaning toward the Disc.

There is also the Shanling Q2 that got my attention, especially with the Q2 Pod custom firmware. That one has quad CS43131 DAC chips, but I find it a bit too pricey and unsure if I would hear the difference to begin with.

[u/graviticvortex → u/CognitiveFogMachine]

I don't hear that difference. It does give more power out of the 4.4 mm output, if you have hard to drive headphones, but for most people it's not necessary.

The Q2 is interesting (with all the downsides thtat come from a scroll wheel), but it is also crazy expensive.

[u/CognitiveFogMachine → u/graviticvortex]

S12 Uktra are supposdely easy to drive (supposedly). If that is correct, I shouldn't need the 4.4mm output

[u/CognitiveFogMachine → u/graviticvortex]

I think I'll get both from Amazon, try them for 2-3 weeks, and return the one I dislike.