Sound Performance Change.
When it comes to the audio performance, I found the tonality, the soundstage expansion, and the layering and separation of sounds to be very close between P2 and P2mk2. One small difference I do hear from BAL output due to P2 having 1.2 ohm vs P2mk2 having 2.6 ohm output impedance. With a low impedance higher sensitivity multi-BA IEMs, I hear a touch more sub-bass when using P2, while P2mk2 is a little more neutral. This effect is subtle and will be audible only when dealing with lower impedance multi-BAs or hybrids.
Another difference, which I hear from both 3.5mm (SE) and 2.5mm (BAL) headphone outputs, is P2mk2 having a blacker background with a faster transient response of notes on/off which results in a faster and a tighter sound, making details pop up with more clarity. Coincidentally, SNR spec hasn’t been changed, but Cowon did specify an improvement in crosstalk separation going from P2 to P2mk2. From my experience, I usually find the improvement in signal-to-noise ratio to yield a blacker background. Perhaps, P2mk2 circuit was optimized to have a lower noise floor.
AI Audio.
Under the user interface, everything remained the same, except for one new section with an addition of AI Audio functionality. Here are the settings under this new section.
AI Volume – enabling this feature makes the volume between the tracks remain at the same level. Some might have noticed that different audio tracks have variation in loudness, and this AI Volume feature normalizes the levels. But it doesn’t normalize the tracks by compressing them, like it’s done in WM1Z which I personally don’t like. Instead, it’s done in a very transparent way without altering the dynamics.
AI JetEffect – enabling this feature randomizes JetEffect presets, which I think is done based on the ID3 tag of the song genre. I wasn’t too crazy about this feature since JetEffect can really alter the sound, while I prefer to be in control of this setting. It’s a fun feature, but if you decide to enable it, make sure to select AI Volume as well because some of the JetEffect presets can really change the volume. When both AI Volume and AI JetEffect are enabled, volume variation is down to a minimum.
AI Shuffle – I’m still trying to figure out how it differs from a regular shuffle, when enabled. It does come with additional settings, where you have Shuffle by Preference (normal, high, and reverse) and Shuffle by Time (normal and high). In my opinion, AI Shuffle is just an enhanced version of a regular Shuffle Play where you have additional controls, such as Preference and Time.
Conclusion.
If you are trying to decide which P2 version to buy, it’s very easy to recommend the new MK II upgrade. From what I have been told, based on MSRP the price will be higher, but not by too much. I think the increase will be around $120-$150, just keep in mind it’s relative to MSRP. Also, I have a feeling once P2mk2 is released, some distributors will discount the original P2 model. But if you take into consideration the increase of internal memory to 256GB, higher BAL output power, improved battery life, and addition of a premium Dignis case (sold alone for $78) – the price increase is more than justified.
But what to do if you already have the original P2? In my personal opinion, if you are happy with its performance, the upgrade is not really necessary, unless you want the latest and the greatest or can sell your P2 at a good price to put toward the P2mk2 purchase. I know that Cowon has been teasing lately with another new entry level DAP, but personally I’m waiting for the new version of Plenue S flagship and hoping it will be PS2, and not just MK II update. It’s about time for a new PS2!!!
Twister6 Reviews 
Hey Twister!
Thanks for review.
Have you ever listened to Plenue S and if yes, how does it compare to the P2 in sound quality? I’ve found a real good deal in my country, they sell a brand new Plenue S for 900$. Before, I was thinking about buying a Plenue R, but its only 300$ less at the same store, is Plenue S worth the extra money?
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Sorry, never heard PS, but a few people said it sounds warmer, with a fuller body. So, I assume it will be tuned more like the original Plenue 1, rather than Plenue 2 which is more revealing, more detailed. I hope they will announce/release PS2 soon.
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Thanks!
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Just received mine the other day from Amazon and loaded it up with music I got from hdtracks.com. The sound is amazing! and the level of control with all the EQ settings is also very impressive. The only complaint I have is build quality. If I’m spending $1500+ on a small electronic gizmo I want it to feel really premium. The chord mojo is 1/3 the price but feels like better quality. This device looks nice but the buttons are wobbly and make a cheap clicking sound as you turn them. The back of the case looks like plastic (even though maybe it’s a super thin layer of glass?). They should have just made the whole body with thicker metal something like the Astell&Kern. Overall it’s nice and the sound can’t be beat but the build quality has room for improvement.
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inside of the leather case, it all feels the same 🙂 With a volume wheel, they make it a little loose so you can easily turn it with your thumb, I guess?
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Hi Twister!
Thanks for the review!
In your opinion, what’s the stand of the P2MK2 and a&k sp1000 or se100???
And the comparison between P2MK2 vs PR???
I’ve been with with my Pioneer 300R for almost two years, feeling my dap sounds a little too soft and (powerless) for my iems and headphone! But loved the neutral natural feel of the songs from the 300r! So looking for an upgrade!! Hope to hear back soon!
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I have covered SP1000 and P2mk2 comparison here: https://twister6.com/2018/05/25/ak-aultima-sp1000-ss-cu/3/ and also covered PR vs P2/PM2 in comparison here: https://twister6.com/2017/11/10/cowon-plenue-r/3/ , just scroll down to comparison section. I haven’t heard SE100 yet. In terms of sound quality PR comes close to P2. Not sure how it will compare to Se100, but SP1000 is on a whole different level when it comes to a sound, but it’s not good if want to tweak your sound (its Parametric EQ doesn’t work, not dac filters, no effects). JetEffects are among the best.
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Hello my friend and congratulations do your review , I have questions I need your help, who’s better Sony Wm1A or Cowon Plenue 2 mkii?? Is very important for me, after the cowon Plenue R is a good dap, can fight with plenue 2??
Thanks so much my friend
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I never heard wm1a, only 1z. Tbh, I would rather go for Plenue L (read my review). PL is their update of P2mk2, better sound and design. A true upgrade and on the same level as other flagships.
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In your opinion the cowon plenue R can compete with cowon plenue 2 ???
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https://twister6.com/2017/11/10/cowon-plenue-r/3/ covered in depth here.
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Any suggestion on its JetEffect setting?
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It’s all up to you, based on your personal sound preference. Maybe start with presets and see what they do? Or try one effect at a time to check out the changes.
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Thanks for the review, it’s not easy to find a Cowon dap review online and then one ends up at twister6 lol. Thankyou for the thorough review on Cowon Dap’s, sure helps a lot!
Is the Plenue 2 mk2 still relevant in 2021? They are going for $800 since a while but less demand I suppose since they don’t offer much latest features. On a budget under 1k, If great SQ is all you care, do these take the crown? Between this and Lotoo Paw 6000 (which also basically is made to deliver best sound + good battery life comparitively) which one is a better dap overall?
(LP6000 open box goes for $950 so they do fall under 1k)
Are there any other DAP’s under 1k that you consider to be the best sounding one now? Not android/streaming Dap’s just a pure music/good battery life music player.
I have a Plenue D2 ( has the same dac as Plenue R CS43131) jumping towards the 1k mark is a big deal for me, is the upgrade in sound quiet noticable or am I gonna be slapped with diminishing returns ?
Thankyou for your time.
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