Comparison.

Here are some quick notes of my comparison testing between N6ii w/E01 (in Class AB mode, high gain) and a few selected DAPs.  In every comparison, except R2R2k, I used U18t, volume matched in every test.

vs iBasso DX220 w/amp8 – N6ii has a little wider soundstage, DX220 has a little stronger bass impact which is typical of amp8 (stock, not modded), N6ii has more transparent and better layered mids/vocals.  I also felt E01 had a slight edge in sound dynamics here.

vs Sony WM1Z – similar soundstage width, WM1Z has a little more bass impact and noticeably brighter treble, while N6ii sounds more balanced in comparison.  Technical performance is very similar, the only difference is in tonality.

vs Lotoo LPGT – N6ii has just a little wider soundstage (compared to LPGT 4.4mm), N6ii bass hits a little stronger, LPGT is a very neutral source with mids being a little thinner and brighter and treble being brighter, while N6ii mids have more body and treble is a bit smoother, more natural.  Technical performance is similar.

vs Lotoo LP6k – N6ii has just a little wider soundstage (compared to LP6k 4.4mm); otherwise, lots of similarities from bass impact to tonality and body in mids, but the only difference that stands out is brighter treble in LP6k while N6ii treble is a little smoother, and more natural.

vs A&K SPK SS – N6ii has just a little wider soundstage; N6ii bass has more impact and faster speed, the mids are nearly identical in this comparison with U18t, and treble is close too, just a little more sparkle and airiness with N6ii/E01.

vs HiFiMan R2R2k Red – in Class AB the sound tonality and signature are nearly identical (tested specifically with Empyrean), though I did find N6ii w/E01 to have a wider and more holographic soundstage.  I’m sure there will be differences depending on pair up synergy with different IEMs and headphones, but I focused specifically on pair up with Empyrean in this comparison, and actually preferred N6ii w/E01.

Conclusion.

In my T01 review I expressed a preference for the original A01 module over the new combo.  Of course, that’s just my personal preference, driven by pair-up synergy with IEMs and headphones I use for listening.  With E01, I feel like this module brings up the best of A01 and T01, and I’m not in rush to take it out of N6ii.  Maybe not exactly the same as NuTube and Solid State amplifier outputs available in Cayin flagship N8, but I found E01 Dual Amp design to have a similar feeling where I was in control of fine-tuning the natural detailed sound tonality by selecting either Class A or Class AB amp modes, with AB being my personal favorite.

Also, it was nice to be reminded again that a Single Ended output, when implemented correctly, can sound as wide, if not even wider, than some other Balanced outputs.  You do need to keep in mind a lack of LO and that you won’t have access to ES9038 Pro DAC output, and there will be some reduction in playback time due to power hungry DAC and more demanding amp section.  But at the same time, you are getting DAC/amp combo which pairs up and sounds great with many earphones and even demanding full-size headphones.  Plus, you can still buy N6ii with either A01, T01, or E01 module, instead of buying a default one and paying extra to upgrade.