Feedback from users after the release of the M17 is ideal. However, it is true that the price is quite high, especially at this moment when the market environment and economic conditions are not so good. To prove this point, I also did a small survey, inviting Chinese users to participate in it. The survey results showed that more than 42% of users thought that price is the biggest obstacle for them to purchase the M17. Secondly, 26% of users thought that the M17 is too big and heavy.

For users who think the M17 is too big and heavy, I believe they have other choices, such as the M11 Plus, M15, and even small USB DAC and amplifiers ( like the BTR5). But for sure, from the current technical conditions, there are no other alternatives that can compete with the M17 which has strong functions, driven capacity and rich connectors. Because whether by size or weight, the M17 has basically the highest power density among portable music players with such a high-driven capacity at present.

For those who think the price of the M17 is too high, I was thinking if I could do something for them. From the product itself, the highest cost of the M17 is the SoC module, followed by 2 ES9038PRO modules, and then the all-CNC integrated aluminum alloy shell, followed by a display screen and so on.

Can we simplify the M17 by giving up the processor and display screen for users? Anyway, we have smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers and other desktop devices for extra connections.

We can replace the Qualcomm 660 SoC with a single-chip module, and the display screen with a small one (or get it away). The price of the ES9038PRO is still rising. If we give up the SoC module, we can save more space to strengthen the power supply, ensuring the same sound quality as the M17's. As a result, the final price can be set to within 1000 USD.

Will you be interested in such a DAC/Amp?