Product Strengths

• Device is versatile, offering many functions like DAC, headphone amp, DSP, preamp, and digital-to-digital converter
• The DAC implementation is excellent, rivaling standalone DACs costing almost as much
• Amplifier stage is powerful, dynamic, and highly resolving, capable of driving both low and high impedance headphones
• Offers a powerful, dedicated digital signal processing (DSP) chip, enabling a 31-band parametric equalizer and dynamic range control (compression, enhancement, limiting)
• Sounds neutral with impressive clarity, resolution, and dynamism, adapting well to various IEMs and headphones, faithfully reproducing their sound signatures without adding coloration

Product Considerations

• Some design elements feel undercooked, leading to a clumsy and confusing user experience
• Menu navigation uses backwards-turning knobs, which can be unintuitive
• There are five gain settings, which may be more than necessary and lead to confusion
• The digital outputs do not benefit from the DSP
• Soundstage width could be better when compared to similar devices in the same price range

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Matrix Audio J2S: It holds its own in resolution and detail, but the J2S provides more layering and depth in the soundstage, though it offers a crisper sound character
• Vs FiiO K9 Pro ESS/AKM: Offers significantly higher output power
• Vs Chord Hugo 2: Soundstage width is slightly lacking
• Vs Matrix Audio X26: It can tackle some of the higher-priced DACs when it comes to resolution

Takeaway: The FiiO K19 is a versatile device with many features and excellent sound quality, providing a powerful and precise listening experience. It is a great desktop solution that looks fantastic and is worth considering if you want an all-in-one device.

Product Strengths

• The FiiO R9 is a versatile all-in-one device, functioning as a streamer, DAC, DAC/Amp, DAP, and transmitter
• Premium build quality with an all-aluminum construction
• Larger, high-resolution screen compared to its predecessor, the R7, with an improved pixel density
• The device has a monstrous, fully balanced, 8-channel module of THX AAA-788+ amplification, connected in parallel via a 2×2 array for a 4-way, fully balanced architecture, outputting as high as 7.3W into 32Ω
• An impressive range of I/O options and connectivity, with 6.35 and 4.4 phone outs, along with an XLR out on the front, and on the back panel, two sets of RCA lineouts, XLR Balanced Lineout, SD card slot, Optical In/Out and Coaxial In/Out options, a LAN port, a USB 3.0 and USB A Host port, and HDMI-IN and ARC function

Product Considerations

• The R9 features a vertical design, limiting it to portrait mode only
• The tilting angle of the device has limited angulation
• The mirror-like silver finish readily shows fingerprints
• It cannot directly power passive speakers
• It can be a tad difficult to key in details on the screen

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs FiiO R7: Has a larger, higher-resolution screen, increased Bluetooth support, HDMI digital inputs, more powerful amplification, and an upgraded DAC chipset (dual ES9038PRO vs single ES9068AS)

Takeaway: The FiiO R9 is a versatile, well-built, and great-sounding device that combines many functionalities into one unit, making it a great centerpiece for a modern audio setup. It offers a wide array of features and connectivity options, making it a convenient and powerful solution for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.

Product Strengths

• Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
• Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
• A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
• Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity

Product Considerations

• Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
• The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
• Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
• The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
• Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
• Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound

Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.

Product Strengths

• High-quality build and aesthetics, with a metal casing and elegant fascia made to a high standard
• A clear, powerful, and spacious sound, with a presentation that is appealing right from the beginning
• Plenty of power on tap, specified at 70W per channel into 8 ohms and 100W per channel into 4 ohms
• Fantastic connectivity, with three pairs of line-level inputs, an MM phono stage, and outputs for a recorder and subwoofer
• Capable network DAC/streamer with digital controls

Product Considerations

• The dimpled effect flanking the extruded front panel gives the unit a further distinctive look, but the finish feels like plastic upon closer inspection
• The HEOS app isn't bespoke to the 40n, many of the product's set-up options can only be accessed through the unit using the included remote control
• Bluetooth pairing took longer than expected, and there were occasions when the app stopped being able to see or display the music server when switching inputs
• The lettering on the remote control is impossible to read in dim light, and the buttons are too similar in size, resulting in fumbling in the dark

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Marantz Model 40n is a different proposition compared to the Marantz PM7000N, Marantz is keen to reposition itself as a luxury hifi brand and that intent is clear in the 40n's gorgeous build and aesthetics
• Rival systems such as the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and Naim Uniti Atom do a better job of engrossing listeners in the music, being more insightful, musically engaging, and dynamically exciting by degrees
• Is super-sexy and distinctive styling, a higher level of fit and finish, a much better remote, and access to Sound United's HEOS streaming/multiroom audio platform wanted—or more coaxial and optical digital inputs, Dirac Live room-correction capabilities, more power, a more efficient topology, and access to Lenbrook's BluOS streaming/multiroom audio platform
• At first glance it's hard to distinguish the Model 40n from its slightly costlier Marantz Model 30 sibling

Takeaway: The Marantz Model 40n is a stylish and feature-packed streaming amplifier that offers a musical and inviting performance. With its versatile connectivity options and impressive sound quality, the Model 40n is a great choice for modern, lifestyle hifi systems.