Any further experiences, @godmax ?
Even I returned my Z8 already some weeks ago, I am still convinced of that unit!I was mainly interested in how it plays, I heard that the Z8 is slightly sharper than the M500, which is why I am most interested in this issue because they both have the same bone and the parameters are almost identical.
It is as good as any recent well-implemented ESS9038Pro-based DACs and has a good headphone amplifier included (that could even drive my power hungry Aeon 2 Closed very well). The VU is really nice and response quickly without delay.
One futher gripe was fixed by another firmware update after I returned my unit: "Add long press function of remote control volume key". Before that you had to press for each volume step up/down the remote button over and over ... that was annoying (and returned the unit because of that).
Since I already had two other great ESS9038Pro DACs (Gustard X26 pro and Questyle CMA Fifteen), I opted to send the Z8 back (but maybe will give it a 2nd change in the future).
Its for sure a good unit and worth to consider!