DAP Review

Cowon Plenue R2

Sound Analysis.

In this test I was using R2 with 64 Audio U18t while playing the selection of my favorite test tracks, such as Agnes Obel “The curse”, Sandro Cavazza “So much better” (Avicii remix), C-Bool “Never go away”, Ed Sheeran “Shape of you”, Alan Walker “Darkside”, Galantis “Hunter”, Iggy Azalea “Black widow”, Indila “Boite en argent”, Counting Crows “Big yellow taxi”, David Elias “Vision of her”, and Michael Jackson “Dirty Diana” to analyze the sound of this DAP.  Also, I had about 100hrs of playback burn-in prior to starting my sound analysis.

It’s never easy to describe the sound of the DAP because it will depend on pair up synergy of earphones or headphones you are using for monitoring.  Thus, most of the times I derive the “sound” of the DAP based on comparison to other DAPs and while pairing it with different IEMs and headphones.

Overall, the sound signature of R2 is neutral with a more revealing natural tonality and a good retrieval of details.  It won’t reach the same micro-detail level as PL and you shouldn’t expect the same level of sound layering as Plenue flagships, but R2 sound and technical performance is better than all the previous M, M2, and R models.

It has a good level of a vertical dynamics expansion and a dark noise-free background, literally no hiss even with Andromeda.  Soundstage is pretty wide, and I do hear a little more depth than width in overall expansion of the sounds.  No issues with imaging where it’s easy to distinguish the placement of every instrument and vocals.  Of course, this will also depend on the performance of IEMs or headphones you are using.

In terms of overall tonality, I do hear it being neutral with a slight tilt toward a more revealing nature, a little south of neutral, but it still felt natural.  Also, with a number of IEMs I tested I found the bass to have a little meatier body and a little more impact in comparison to some other DAPs where the same IEM bass sounded more neutral.  R2 definitely doesn’t color the sound too much, keeps it more natural, and gives it a little low-end enhancement and some more clarity in upper mids/vocals.

When comparing 2.5mm vs 3.5mm headphone outputs, I hear BAL output to have a wider soundstage expansion and a more transparent, more revealing sound in comparison to SE sound having a fuller body and being a little smoother and warmer in tonality.

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Comparison.

Here I tested and compared R2 vs other DAPs, volume matched in each comparison using U18t (w/Code 51 cable).  I will go over R2 vs R and R2 vs L in more details, and then briefly cover other comparisons.

Plenue R2 vs Plenue R

  • Despite different DACs, I hear a very similar neutral natural signature with a little more revealing tonality, though R2 is just a little more transparent and a touch less colored.
  • R2 sound dynamics (vertical expansion) is improved, making R sound a bit flatter in comparison.
  • R2 black background with zero hissing even with sensitive IEMs (Andro) while R hisses with sensitive IEMs.
  • R2 soundstage is wider and deeper, and the imaging is more 3D, quite a noticeable improvement.
  • The same design, dimensions, etc.
  • Noticeably more power (R2), making R2 more efficient where with the same track and the same pair of IEMs I need about 18 less volume clicks (9dB improvement, considering 0.5dB per volume step).
  • R2 now has USB-C plug, while R is still micro-USB.
  • R2 supports DSD256, R only DSD128.
  • R2 SNR 136dB (BAL), 130dB (SE); R SNR 123dB BAL/SE.
  • R2 Output 4.0Vrms (BAL), 2.0Vrms (SE); R 1.6Vrms (BAL), 1.4Vrms (SE).
  • R2 BATT 20hrs (mp3), 18.5hrs (flac); R 17hrs (mp3), 16hrs (flac).
  • R2 has AI, while R doesn’t.
  • Both R2 and R can run JetEffects over Bluetooth.

Plenue R2 vs Plenue L

  • R2 has more low end impact with a stronger bass response in comparison to more neutral L bass.
  • In a relative comparison, R2 mids/vocals sound more organic, smoother, more natural vs L mids/vocals being more transparent, less colored, more neutral, relatively brighter, more revealing, and slightly more resolving.  Treble is the same.
  • L soundstage is a little bit wider, but both have the same close to 3D imaging.
  • DSD256 playback quality is close between R2 and L.
  • R2 and L BAL output has the same power, identical volume setting (playing the same track with the same IEMs).
  • R2 battery has double playback time over L.
  • R2/L fw features and GUI are identical.
  • R2 BAL 2.5mm, L BAL 4.4mm.
  • R2 has USB-C, L still has micro-USB.

R2 vs iBasso DX160 – a lot of similarities in this comparison, starting with the soundstage which is identical in both DAPs.  Tonal balance is nearly the same as well, being more balanced, more natural, and quite detailed.  But I do hear DX160 with better dynamics (vertical expansion) and with some improvements in layering and separation of sounds.

R2 vs FiiO M11 Pro – soundstage expansion here is very similar, in both width and depth, but there are differences in tonality.  R2 is more neutral and smoother, while M11Pro has even brighter sound with more forward mids/vocals presentation and a little more crunch in treble.

R2 vs Cayin N5iiS – when it comes to soundstage, they are close, just with R2 having a little bit more width. Tonality of R2 is more neutral, a little smoother, and more balanced from lows through mids and highs.  N5iiS has a slight boost of low end and a little more sparkle in treble when compared using the same pair of IEMs.

R2 vs Shanling M6 – starting with a soundstage, R2 has a little wider staging.  With tonality, both have a similar bass response, in quality and quantity, but mids are more natural and smoother in R2 and brighter and a little thinner in M6.  Also, M6 treble is a little brighter and higher in quantity in comparison to R2.

R2 vs Hiby R6 Pro – very similar soundstage expansion in this comparison.  Both have very similar mids/vocals tonality and presentation, but R6Pro has a stronger bass and more sparkle in treble, while R2 sounds more balanced, a little smoother, and more natural in comparison.

R2 vs Opus#1s – a few people asked me about this comparison, so I’m including it in the review.  Both were tested/compared from BAL output, and the first noticeable difference is a wider soundstage expansion of R2, very noticeable.  Tonality of #1s is brighter while R2 is more neutral and more natural.  Also, R2 sounds more dynamic, more vertically expanded and layered, while #1s sound is a bit flat and compressed in a relative comparison.

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Page 5 – Pair up, Other Connections, and Conclusion.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

22 thoughts on “Cowon Plenue R2”

  1. Hi

    You mentioned the Opus#1 in the review. When I go to the “The Bit” website, there hasn’t been and firmware updates for about 18 months. Are they still trading?

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    1. Opus#1 is a history, I mentioned Opus#1s in hte review 😉 But yeah, still an old product thus no fw updates. And, true, they haven’t released anything new in a while.

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  2. Thank you for the excellent review. I bought the original Plenue R based on your recommendation. I really like that player it has some firmware issues and the Bluetooth was nonexistent. But the sound was amazing and music was easy to load on the micro card. However I use a lot of Hi-Res files. They say you can use a 252 GB micro card. I found that not to be the case it really only takes a 128. That’s just not enough space if you use a lot of Hi-Res files. So again based on your recommendation I decided to go with the I Basso DX 160. After reading this review I think I made the right decision. The 160 has weak Bluetooth and you have to be sitting right on top of a Wi-Fi spot for the Wi-Fi to work. However the sound is absolutely amazing better than the Plenue R. So I was really curious when I heard the R2 was coming out if that would be worth the extra investment. The main thing I notice is that the memory capacity for the micro card is not changed. So it even if it really does take a 252 card in the I Basso I’m using a 512 GB card with no problems. And while I actually use my streaming more with my LG style 5 which has great sound by the way. It’s nice to have the option with the I Basso and if the sound is just the same and the price is $150 cheaper. I think the I Basso is a no-brainer. Thanks again for the great review.

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    1. What brand of micro SD cards are you using? Typically Sandisk is my go to since it works universally with any DAP. Also, did you format it fat32? I read many comments on head-fi and many do use 256GB cards with Plenu daps, some even 400GB. I think the issue with Cowon is that you can browse higher capacity cards by folder, but something in their fw prevents it from indexing higher capacity (indexed when you search by artist, genre, etc). But either way, there are SO MANY choices now in mid-fi DAP market sector, glad you found what you like. DX160 is one excellent DAP as well!!!

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  3. Thank you for your reply. Yes I was using Sandisk a 256GB card. The first one worked great. The next couple had a lot of problems. Some things would load some things some would not. So then I tried some other 256 GB micro cards. The exact same thing happen. No I did not do that formatting to fat 32. I’m not sure how to do that. So I tried to contact Cowon. I never heard back from them. So then I contacted the seller. Jet audio I think. They told me to use a 128 GB card. Once I did that I never had a problem. So I think the issue is I need to do that formatting and I’m not sure how. In any case I’m really happy with the DX 160. I recently picked up the Noble Falcon wireless. Best sound I think I have heard out of a wireless headphone. Sounds really good from a LG phone sounds way better with the DX 160. it doesn’t even work with the R hopefully the R2 has better Bluetooth.

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    1. I heard you can get original P2 at a killer pricing now, the same price as R2. So, if pricing is the same, I would go for P2. Otherwise, R2 is really good!

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  5. Great review as always , I have been using a good old Plenue D and an AP80 since quiet some time. Looking for an upgrade. I am confused after sleepless nights comparing R2, P2, DX 160 and Dethonray DTR1 ( or anything other better brand model if m missing) I don’t care much about streaming. I am looking for a dap with the best sq. I am sucker for Soundstage, imaging and details. Your help would be much appreciated. Keep up the good work.

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    1. the key words you just said “not much streaming, best SQ, soundstage/imaging, and details” – that spells out DX160 🙂 Though you can also stream with it, and Mango app has a killer regular EQ and parametric EQ.

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      1. DX 160 has better sq than DTR 1?? Are there any other options that I shud take a look at, if I stretch my budget a bit?

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      2. This is not a simple comparison. Dtr1 has a great sound but it will depend which iem or headphones. If it hisses really badly with half of my iems and can’t be used without iematch, but it can drive better some other demanding headphones, how do really do a true a/b comparison? Dtr1 has a great sound, but it will dependent on pair up and if you can tolerate its button clicking for navigation instead of touch screen. If you can stretch your budget, my favorites are LPGT and N6ii w/E02. But we are talking about much higher pricing.

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  6. What I liked about DTR is how simple and basic it looks . But the hiss issue might create a serious problem for me cuz I use a wide variety of chi-fi iem’s at the moment. As much as like the looks and old boxy feel of DTR 1, I won’t get a dap just based on that. Sq is my first and most important preference. Battery is the next but I’m willing to sacrifice a bit on that part (coming from plenue d) and focus only on sound. My budget is 600$ and I usually listen to a lotta fast music like metal and sometimes even jazz, ambient, ost. So detailing, separation and Soundstage is a must. LPGT and N6ii is sitting on a place where I can’t reach now 😔 I really enjoyed reading your N6ii review of both the dap and the module. Thankyou for your reply. It really helps a newbie like me and I have to say, your reviews are the best among all the others on internet.

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    1. I can sacrifice my love for old school buttons and designs for better sound. If it gives me great sound, I don’t mind touch screen or streaming or less battery life ( hoping I would atleast get 10hrs lol, is that too much to ask?) so going forward beyond all the look and features and functions, what is the best available option in my budget?

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  7. Vruksha I am also a regular reader of these columns. And I corresponded with him a few months ago. You can read my post. I think you would be happy with the I Basso DX 160. It’s definitely not perfect. But I think it’s going to give you everything you want detailing, separation and soundstage are all done extremely well. There are some minor problems I have the screen seems to freeze up quite a bit but it seems to restart right away. You mentioned battery life the battery life is just okay. It says 10 hours I don’t think you’re really going to get 10 hours, however it charges quickly once you get down to about 25% of battery left recharge it within an hour your back 100%. The touchscreen is very sensitive. So you have to be a little careful with the Mango player as your scrolling through the albums if you accidentally touch it it pops right up. More importantly the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are not very strong the Wi-Fi you have to be right on top of a signal and the Bluetooth you basically get about 5 feet no more than 10. You even have trouble if you put in your pocket with trying to stay connected. However these are all minor quibbles I think what you’re looking for you’re going to get it at $400 you can use the extra 200 to put into some new IEM’s.

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    1. i think it is the same color as original R case… Cowon sent it to me, and I thought it was the only case they sell for R2. Maybe the picture on Amazon is incorrect?

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  10. I read your reviews with great interest. Now I am facing a dilemma of choice. Cowon Plenue R2, P2 or M2. Which one would you choose from these three players?

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    1. tried to reply a few times, keeps crashing, so not sure if the previous reply showed up… don’t want to retype everything, but M2 is ancient and discontinued, P2 is very old and most likely discontinued as well. They might be selling R2 new, but if you can find Plenue 2 used for a price cheaper than R2, go for it. Though, keep in mind, it is so old, still uses micro usb port/cable.

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