DAP Review

Cowon Plenue R2

Pair up.

In my pair up test, I had R2 set in high (headphone) gain and noted either BAL or SE connection and volume level in every case.

w/64 Audio U18t (47/140, BAL) – wide, nearly holographic soundstage; natural revealing tonality with a nicely balanced signature.  Bass is articulate and has a good sub-bass extension and fast mid-bass punch with a nice balance between sub- and mid- bass.  Mids/vocals sound natural and very detailed, layered, resolving.  Treble has a nice controlled sparkle and good extension.

w/Meze Audio RAI Penta (49/140, BAL) – wide expanded soundstage; natural revealing tonality with a balanced signature.  Bass has a good sub-bass rumble and fast punchy mid-bass, mids/vocals are a little more revealing here, good upfront presentation but the tonality a little bit brighter, and treble is crisp and detailed.

w/Empire Ears LX (56/140, BAL) – wide expanded soundstage with sound a little more out of my head; a typical L-shape signature with a deep sub-bass rumble and a strong, fast mid-bass punch.  Mids/vocals are natural, detailed, and actually quite resolving.  Treble is crisp, well defined, non-fatigue, airy.  What I especially enjoyed in this pair up is how well bass and mids/treble are separated without being overlapped.

w/Westone W80 (49/140, SE) – wide holographic soundstage; a laidback, natural tonality with a slightly U-shaped sig due to mids/vocals being pushed a little back and bass and treble being more elevated.  Bass here sounds like it’s coming from a DD, goes deep, not the fastest, more rounded, smoother.  Mids/vocals are pushed a little back, smooth, natural, but not as upfront, especially with elevation in bass.  Treble is well defined, natural, non-fatigue.  It’s not a bad pair up, but I wish vocals were a little more upfront.

w/Campfire Audio Andromeda (30/140, BAL) – wide, nearly holographic soundstage expansion; natural revealing tonality with a very well-balanced signature.  Bass has a good extension, though I hear more mid-bass punch than sub-bass rumble.  Mids/vocals are clear, detailed, layered, a little bit on a brighter thinner side.  Treble is crisp and airy, non-fatigue, and actually well controlled in this pair up.

w/Meze Empyrean (76/140, BAL) – wide open soundstage; smoother, warmer, more natural tonality, overall balanced sig but with a little more focus on mids and treble.  Mids/vocals are very clear and detailed, treble is crisp and airy, but the bass impact is not as strong, and I actually hear more sub-bass rumble than mid-bass punch.

w/Beyerdynamic T5p 2nd (67/140, BAL) – wide holographic soundstage; natural revealing tonality with a balanced sig and a little more focus on mids and treble.  Similar to Empyrean, bass has more sub-bass rumble, not as much mid-bass punch, which brings up more attention to clear detailed mids and crisp airy treble.  The holographic soundstage expansion really stands out in this pair up.

w/Audio Technica ATH-R70x (106/140, SE) – wide open soundstage; smoother, natural tonality, nicely balanced signature with a focus on all frequencies.  Bass has a decent sub-bass extension, mid-bass punch is not as aggressive, mids/vocals sounds natural and all quite detailed and layered, treble has a great natural definition, and a very good airy extension.

cowon_plenue_r2-43

Other connections.

USB DAC.

I’m not a big fan of using a dedicated audio player as USB DAC because I usually look at a DAP as a portable standalone source.  If you are not happy with an audio output of your computer, there are plenty of dedicated USB DAC choices.  But in some cases, when you are traveling and don’t want to bring multiple pieces of equipment, using DAP as USB DAC has its advantage.

Using R2 as USB DAC was very straight forward.  Device was recognized within seconds after I connected my Win10 T480s with R2 and selected “DAC” from a touch screen of R2.  Also, when connected to laptop, better to select “power from laptop” option so R2 is not running off its battery.  The volume during the playback was adjustable from R2 (not laptop).  The sound quality of playing the same song directly from R2 vs R2+laptop was identical.  And it seems that after you disconnect R2 as usb DAC, it automatically powers down since there is no way to turn off DAC mode without rebooting R2 – this is the same behavior with all Plenue DAPs.

Using R2 as USB DAC from Smartphone (my Galaxy S9) was as simple as interconnecting usb-c to usb-c ports between devices using OTG cable, selecting “DAC” from R2 touch screen and starting the playback from my phone.  You can adjust the volume from a phone or R2, and the sound quality of playing the same track from my phone or directly from R2 was nearly identical.  Actually, used as USB DAC from my phone the sound was a little bit more revealing.

cowon_plenue_r2-40

Optical Out.

R2 vs R2 + Micro iDSD BL – With iDSD the sound is as natural and detailed (and slightly more revealing) as when compared to 2.5mm output of R2.  3.5mm output of R2 is a little warmer in comparison.  Also, directly from R2, the sound has a little more bass impact while with iDSD the bass is more neutral.

cowon_plenue_r2-41

Line out.

Plenue DAPs don’t have a dedicated Line Out port, and instead in their previous DAPs they suggest setting volume to the max in high gain where the HO acts as LO and there shouldn’t be any distortion.  While I have verified this in the past with previous Plenue DAPs, with R2 at high volume I was getting “over current protection” error message and volume was dropping from max 140 to 90.  Thus, this test was inconclusive.

Call notification.

You can view phone call notifications when paired up wireless to your smartphone. You need to enable Bluetooth Phone (icon in R2 BT menu), and then search from your phone to pair up with R2.  Even so it shows up paired up for Calls and Audio on your phone, you will only see an indicator of the incoming call in R2 Notification bar, no audio is being received.  Keep in mind, R2 can’t be used as audio BT receiver.

Bluetooth performance.

I tested Bluetooth pair up with R2 using Sennheiser HD1 M2 IEBT and was able to maintain a connection over 45ft in open space.  From wireless earphones, I was able to have a full remote control of playback, skip, and volume.  The sound quality was as good as being connected directly to my smartphone.

cowon_plenue_r2-39

Conclusion.

I still get questions from my readers asking to recommend them a compact non-streaming DAP.  Not everybody wants all the bells and whistles, and some only focus on sound performance as their highest priority.  That’s exactly the philosophy of Cowon, focusing specifically on sound performance, especially with their Plenue line of DAPs that still use the same processor, display, OS, GUI, and JetEffects for years.  With most of the new Plenue releases, the core of the design remains the same while Cowon enhances the audio performance using new DACs, updated amplifier section, balanced outputs, and other optimizations.

R models take one step further by including Bluetooth functionality, but it’s just for convenience of being able to use wireless headphones.  I still hope that in a future releases Cowon will consider 2way Bluetooth connection to be able to pair up wireless with your phone to get access to streaming apps.  But for now, if you are looking for a solid audio playback only device with a compact lightweight design, mature fast interface with lots of advance setting options, excellent sound quality, and some of the top sound-shaping DSP audio effects (JetEffects), Cowon Plenue R2 and their other DAPs are among the top contenders who deserve a serious consideration.

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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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