Some considerations:
-Unlike what has been stated by others, I am happy that the dac is a non-upsampling chip, since I think 24 bit upsampling converters have high chances to fake the sound. Other dac's based on the same Burrbrown chip, like the Opus 21, are well regarded for not having the upsampling glare proper of sources like the 840c and others. It has to be see how far the circuitry can bring the hifiman's chip, especially given the size limitations and the need for low power consumpion.
-Being a native rock listener, then come to classical, jazz and electronica, I don't consider gapless absolutely necessary in a portable, but I can understand others, like nc8000, feeling otherwise. A software update in this regard would be well appreciated and could increase the interest from classical listeners.
I'd be more interested in how quick and responsive the file browsing will be, especially if I had to use a 32gb sdhc card, holding lots of files.
Someone suggested Rockbox, but I personally think it's unlikey to happen. From a simple percentage of people interested in buying something as nichè as this HiFi-man, it's hard to think that Rockbox would use their resources to develop rockbox on it. It's legitimate to hpe that Head direct could contact them in future, depending also in how sales, as well as real use feedback, go.
-My next concern regards quality control, which must be higher than the first Minibox E+ amps: some of those units had to be sent back for repair due to working issues. The manufacturer isn't the same, so hopefully build quality will be higher and closer to Yuin products, anyway I think this is a crucial point for something this expensive and potentially delivering a lot.
-I'm fine with the battery life of eight hours, having owned players like the Rio Karma, the 4th gen iMod and the iRiver E10, which didn't last much longer. I am wondering if the player works also with an ac adaptor, useful for home source purposes. As to 32 sdhc, it's not bad for portable use since the card can be swapped, and an additional sdhc card takes next to no space (in the wallet or any pockets).
-The modular amp stage is intriguing and can offer some sound tweaking. I'd be especially happy for a modular amp using the same opamp as mini3 and pico, rather the ad8620 used in the Minibox or those used with iBasso amps. Question: will the amp have to be absolutely modular, or can people use portable amp that they already own? The second option, although taking more space in the pocket (or in a waist pouch), would offer a lot of tweaking even before more modular amplification stage will be available from the manufacturers, allowing people to use what they want and also save some pennies.
-Will warranty last the usual year, or given the price point of the product, more time?
Tony
|