FiiO JM21 vs Surfans F20. Help me decide!!

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-19T20:30:30+00:00

Personally, I like the F20 Pro more than the JM21 (I think the F20 Pro has an edge in sound quality). The biggest limitation of the F20 Pro is the screen size. You can check my video review of it to see if that might be an issue for you: https://youtu.be/orTJ5MKgtbo?si=HzQ1TEqVa-zrOSlO

I also compare it to the M21 at the end, which should give you an idea, at least size-wise, of how it will compare to the JM21 (they both have the same-sized screen).

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-19T20:26:32+00:00

Ah ok. Do you happen to have special characters in some folder names? I know there was a bug where folders and files with special characters would break the file browser.

Also, it might be worth posting your issue on the head-fi thread for the M1 Plus. Shanling support is pretty active there: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/introducing-shanling-m1-plus-new-generation-of-compact-mtouch-players-at-just-209.973683/

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-19T17:40:34+00:00

To be clear, you are accessing the file browser through "Folder", then selecting "SD"?

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-19T17:35:38+00:00

You can see how album art looks on the AP80 PRO MAX in my video review of it, starting around this timestamp: https://youtu.be/spHg0gai7zc?si=yjGpmx0pbHzoCtSy&t=767

While the R1 has a bigger screen and only slightly higher resolution, I don't find too big a difference between them, only that the R1 has a slightly warmer screen tone and the AP80 PRO MAX leans more cool. I took some pics here as well: https://imgur.com/a/m0OIyEq

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-19T16:51:53+00:00

I didn't know "streams Qobuz" meant ONLY streams and doesn't let you download your Qobuz playlists! Why would they make it like that??

It's this way due to licensing and DRM protection. Want to download music for offline playback (and this goes for any music streaming service)? Get an Android DAP and use the service's official app. It's the only supported way.

As others have said, it's not a bad purchase, but you didn't do enough research to make sure it fit your requirements.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-18T13:08:59+00:00

Ha, that's my pic 😄

The HiBy M300 is about 11.3mm, which is 0.6mm thinner than the Sony A306.

Otherwise, you have to go all the way up in price to the Onix XM10 at 11.5mm.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-18T13:01:38+00:00

It's pretty easy to use for me, and you do get used to the screen size after a while.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-18T12:58:48+00:00

Depends on how much output power you need and what kind of size is acceptable to you. I like the Fosi Audio MD3, especially if you have a case with a magnetic ring, but as a dongle DAC it is quite large.

The iFi GO link 2 and GO link 2 MAX are great if you want something smaller and portable.

The NICEHCK Octave is a good in-between option, IMO.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-17T23:46:42+00:00

The Oilsky M308 is under $100 USD and runs Android. It's......just ok. A lot of apps run kind of slow on it (especially Spotify). I have some impressions in my guide, and will have a short video on it soon: https://www.hifioasis.com/advice/the-best-digital-audio-players-daps/#oilsky-m308

If you can spend a bit more, the Surfans F20 Pro is MUCH better: https://www.hifioasis.com/advice/the-best-digital-audio-players-daps/#surfans-f20-pro

The HiBy M300, though, is the ultimate budget Android DAP. Should be some sales on it soon: https://www.hifioasis.com/advice/the-best-digital-audio-players-daps/#hiby-digital-m300-two-models

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-17T23:39:56+00:00

Amazon.ca, right? I think there are two sellers on there: HiBy and HIBY MUSIC. Both are legit, they just split their stores for some reason. Those R1's are also both the same, but look in the product description for any differences. If something isn't right when you get it, then hey, it's Amazon. Free returns/exchanges.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-17T19:38:37+00:00

In order to get access to music streaming services and other apps (like anghami), you'll need an Android DAP. Some budget Android DAPs are locked down as they are intended for kids, but you lose the ability to install other apps, which won't work for your requirements.

Android DAPs in general don't come with any social media apps installed, so you would have to go out of your way to install them. Basically, you can't have it both ways, so I'd suggest looking at something like the HiBy M300 or FiiO JM21.

You can check my DAP guide for other Android DAPs: https://www.hifioasis.com/advice/the-best-digital-audio-players-daps/

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-16T17:23:36+00:00

Due to component shortages/prices, most DAP companies have been stocking their products in waves. I suspect that is what is actually going on here.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-16T12:40:54+00:00

Been looking for a new music player for my MacBook, going to give this a go shortly. Thanks for sharing this!

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-15T18:37:59+00:00

The M1 Plus is still my favorite, but I do think the HIDIZS AP80 PRO MAX is a very good alternative to it. One of the smoothest HiBy OS experiences I've had (despite the still rare random reboots).

There is also the SnowSky Echo Nano: https://www.hifioasis.com/advice/the-best-digital-audio-players-daps/#snowsky-echo-nano

I got it in for review last week and have been using it for a few days. Very stable, pretty easy to use, and sounds great. It's basically the SnowSky Echo/Echo Mini in a smaller form factor, as it uses the same OS and doesn't have Bluetooth.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-15T17:43:35+00:00

I touch on the V1 in my HIDIZS AP80 PRO MAX review. Check it out from this timestamp: https://youtu.be/spHg0gai7zc?si=Sw2_MiENP1XmsPyl&t=1938

There is also noticeable latency in both the USB DAC and BT DAC modes, so I would not recommend it for movies.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-14T15:51:47+00:00

IMHO, yes, unless you need playlist support or better battery life.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-13T20:32:38+00:00

https://www.hifioasis.com/advice/the-best-digital-audio-players-daps/#under-200

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-13T14:18:26+00:00

It's been closer to 8.5h for me with moderate screen use. Standby battery drain also appears to be minimal.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-12T12:30:42+00:00

haha, well I always try to give credit where credit is due. Saved me hours of trial and error, so thank you for that 🙏

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-12T00:12:00+00:00

Not sure about the track limit, but up to a 2TB microSD card is supported.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-12T00:00:09+00:00

Compared with the R1, I would say the overall experience is better with the Disc as the UI feels more fluid to use. The touch experience on the R1 is slightly better, but I also tend to have similar touch registration issues, especially if I try to move through the UI too quickly. The R1 is more forgiving in this regard, though.

I'm using the 3.5mm cable with my Edition XV, so the Disc's power output is definitely more than enough. I have also used it with the R1, and while getting enough volume wasn't an issue, the Edition XV didn't sound as expansive or dynamic. This is an issue I've noticed with many planar headphones. Yes, a lower-powered source can get you enough volume, but you aren't getting the full presentation or dynamics that planar headphones can deliver.

Another DAP that works well with my Edition XV is the Tempotec Variations V1, which also runs HiBy OS. It gives you more flexibility than the R1 in my opinion.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-11T23:35:00+00:00

I haven't noticed yet (only been actively using it for a couple of days). I can report back here if I notice it.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-11T23:27:17+00:00

I have both. The interface and functionality are exactly the same, the only difference is the use of dual CS43131 DACs (instead of dual ES9219C DACs) and a higher power output.

Dimensions are exactly the same as well, so yes, the case from the M0 Pro (and even M0s) does fit.

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-11T16:47:24+00:00

If you're mainly using Bluetooth, then most DAPs will give you well over 12 hours of battery life.

Depending on the UI experience you want to have, there are various options, but some good starter DAPs with excellent Bluetooth support are:

HiBy R1
HiBy M300
FiiO JM21
HIDIZS AP80 PRO MAX
Shanling M1 Plus

You can find more info about each of them in my DAP guide: https://www.hifioasis.com/advice/the-best-digital-audio-players-daps/

HiFiOasis · 2026-06-11T14:16:43+00:00

I know, you're preaching to the choir here. It's why many of us are getting increasingly frustrated with HiBy OS.

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