Just want to go back in time a bit, and applaud this responsiveness and customer service. This is how it's done by a vendor who cares about their customer base. I've been buying Cayin since the first A-88T integrated amp came out, and still have the 688R...

Any thoughts on the HiBy RS8 vs the Questyle QPM, AK SP3000, Lootoo Gold PAW Ti, and LP P6 Pro?

I'd be curious to know this as well.

This is a great thread for folks like me - you're opening up a new universe of possibilities, and appreciate all the perspectives and reviews. I'd gladly offer up a list of rankings, but haven't had the opportunity to audition many DAPs, as the local dealer I support only carries desktop items...

Agreed, but that's what I was told. The personnel in the HiFiMan room were uniformly kind and helpful, so if it was possible, I'm sure they would have done so.

You make a good point. I usually compare headphones as a group on a dedicated, relatively neutral system. That is how I arrived on the HE-500s some time back (I liked them over the HE-6, the HE-5, and the Audeze LCD-2 and LCD-3).    This kind of test wasn't possible, given the dedicated amp...

I agree, and that's actually what I meant by "stronger amp" in my earlier comment. It was more related to sound qualities that I personally favor. The CES HE-1000 set-up in the Venetian was excellent, but was missing a few small elements that I enjoy in an amp. Just a touch more warmth and...

The dedicated headphone jack/power arrangement is the one limiting factor. If I recall correctly, it similar to the Stax plug setup, but didn't pay much attention as I was more focused on hearing them. The headphones imparted a great three dimensional image, but I did feel they could really...

I was at CES 2015, and man, these sounded great. Wonderful air, imaging and presence - more like a quality floorstanding loudspeaker. The headphone was incredibly comfortable, and the design and finish were top notch. And in terms of sound quality, the headphones were a bit better than the Stax...