The Ultimate Portable ...? - Page 2

The 801 doesn't look any bigger than say, an iRiver H340 or something like that. How can you even compare that to a netbook? You can't put a netbook in your pocket...well, unless you wear those old Jnco skater pants I guess.

Amp recommendation? Sure How much are you willing to spend? If you aren't going to need an optical-in in the future, I'd suggest keeping the D4 on your radar as opposed to the D10. If you DO get the D4, you should really read up on the topflight opamp that is made by a member here (I forgot his name but I did talk to him about them. Very friendly and knows his stuff).
If you're looking to spend in the ~300 range, I highly suggest the ALO Rx. I have about.... 30 hours on mine and love the sound I'm getting. Great battery life and gets my 3Xs to a whole new level of sound quality.

Thanks for posting that pic man. I always though the HiFi man was bigger due to pictures and whatnot (also coupled with various RSA amps which are already small).

No problem man. Wow, I didn't know people actually thought the HiFiMAN was the size of a netbook? Lol, no, it's just a more thicker iPod Touch. It's about the size of 3 iPod Touch's stacked up. And, considering it's raw performance in terms of audio it's pretty small for it's size.

I am really disappointed with the Hifiman's form factor and its shortcomings. I like the dap and DAC sections but that is about all. I think it's too big. The amp section is the downside of the whole unit. Yes, I know I can line out to a better amp but I hate to do that to add size and weight to the whole combo. The build is at most average and the design is non inspiring. Memory is limited as well as the user interface. That was my impression and I was hoping that the second revision can improve some of the above areas, but I don't think it is coming.

Too bad we can't fuse them together, put the iTouch's screen and interface on the HiFiMAN, it's the right size (had no idea either)...

Yes, the amplifier built in the HiFiMAN though besting most if not all other media player built in amps is the shortcoming of this device. It has a DAC inside which is usually found in full size external DAC's costing thousands. Of-course a amplifier forced to be such a small size for portability won't unleash the true capabilities of this DAC.

I didn't mean comparing to usual netbooks, but those Sony p and x series netbook weighing 800g. The Sony p series netbooks are definitely pocketable.

I am still waiting for my S:flo2 to come. My next portable rig will definitely be tablet PC/UMPC + external DAC

I heard the HiFiMan on the HE5 phones at a meet and nearly fell on my face and broke a tooth!

I havent directly compared with every top player out there, but i can tell you that combo sounded better than what many people listen to at home.

I keep reading posts like these and it makes me want to try the HiFi man more and more.

 

 

Did you ever try the HiFi, Young Spade?

Nope. Funds haven't been where I wish they were. 

Ditto, I went for the S:Flo2 as it was under £100. A LOT less than the 801. I'd consider saving for a revised future version if it fixed some of it's shortcomings. The 602 looks interesting too, but again I'll see what they're coming up with over the next couple of years.