Hifiman HM-801 RMAA Tests - Page 2  

I have both the Sansa Clip+ and the HM-801 (along with a modded iRiver iHP-120 and Pico DAC).  And the HM-801 is easily better sounding to me than them. 

What sound card, drivers, and OS are you using for these RMAA test, dfkt?

-Ed

Keep in mind that the USB DAC implementation is not very good.  It goes through SPDIF rather than straight to I2S.  I was never a fan of the SPDIF input, would much rather have a proper USB only implementation as I have very little use for coax SPDIF in a portable.

-Ed

ftw!

HM-801 lacking treble and sounding veiled?  Funny.  Doesn't sound that way with me.  Shall we post part hearing test results for proof too?  (Show me yours, I'll show you mine. ) The JH13's and Shure SRH840 are seeing the most time used with the HM-801 here.

But then again, I spend my time listening to and enjoying music, not artificially measuring them.

Perhaps I should fire up my old RME HDSP 9632 rig...

-Ed

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfkt 

I can't be bothered to repeat my post here, since Head-Fi's disgustingly idiotic new forum system makes it extremely hard to post images and links. So for everyone interested, here's some initial RMAA tests of the Hifiman HM-801, over on ABI:

 

http://anythingbutipod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54879

So it's "extremely hard" to click on the little "Insert Image" button at the top of the post formatting menu bar?

Granted, the new forum is no longer allowing PHP codes for posting images.  It's an extra step and annoying for sure.  Extremely hard?   Hardly.
 

Well, the treble roll-off is definitely a flaw in my book. But keep in mind that it resembles Wadia's Spline filter which has this roll-off for a reason (namely for improved pulse response), so it can absolutely imply a sonic benefit, apart from the lack of upper treble. Although I don't sympathize with this approach as much as I did a few years ago, I still acknowledge a possible specific sonic advantage compared to the classic filter implementation. Wadia players do sound excellent despite (or due to) this measuring flaw, so let's not condemn the HM-801 just because of this feature!

As good as the Clip+ sounds to my ears for its intended (portable) use, it's far from approaching the sound quality of my home rig. So there's definitely room for better sound even from portable players. And maybe the HifiMan is one of them nonetheless (I haven't heard one yet).

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfkt 

The s-flo is the same (according to Shigzeo, whom I trust). There is no magical player that sounds "better" than the next one. I'm sick and tired of trying out all that nonsense, like the AMP3, Hifiman, etc - when a $30 Sansa Clip gives the same or better audio quality. The s-flo is yet another nonsense product with horrible firmware and usability, with some advertising claims about "better" sound quality that's simply can't be true. People, don't be gullible fools.

Have you ever try Imod or diymod?

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfkt 

The s-flo is the same (according to Shigzeo, whom I trust). There is no magical player that sounds "better" than the next one. I'm sick and tired of trying out all that nonsense, like the AMP3, Hifiman, etc - when a $30 Sansa Clip gives the same or better audio quality. The s-flo is yet another nonsense product with horrible firmware and usability, with some advertising claims about "better" sound quality that's simply can't be true. People, don't be gullible fools.

The Sflo is not the same, only on the HPO it is, the LO is flat all the way across.  Shig said he would keep and use the SFlo2 over the others if it didn't have a big screen and was smaller.  I think you should read more reviews and look at the hardware specs on the Sflo2 if that is the conclusion you came to.

BTW, the Clip+ doesn't sound as good as my 5 year old 2G iPod nano driving my dynamic IEM's go figure, might be a power issue.  A graph is a graph, take it for what its worth.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonic 748i 

That's a frequency response graph. The standard amplifier in the HiFiMAN like I've said plenty of times is the weakest link of the unit. They should redo those tests with the GAME Amplifier or line out to a much better amplifier. Also, they must be deaf if they don't hear how much better the HiFiMAN sounds over other mp3 players. Every person who has bought the HiFiMAN immediately heard the sudden increase in sound quality including our very own jude over at Head-Fi who said the HiFiMAN sounds like anything but a portable audio player. It sounds like something that belongs in a full size rack plugged into a wall. They're reviews of the HiFiMAN compared to other MP3 players in which the HiFiMAN downright triumphs them. But anyways, lol, this article doesn't convince me one bit because what I'm hearing right now no other MP3 player can come close to mimicking.

Unless I got a faulty unit, or I am deaf. When I first get them, using the GAME module, I certainly didn't have any wow factor. What I think HiFiMAN is better than iPhone 3G:

• HiFiMAN has a strong output, and music has more dynamic, or power.
• To my ears, HiFiMAN in fact has very good instrument separation and imaging. Good 3D presentation.

I am using GAME module, which is designed to use with IEMs as far as I am concerned. However, it turns out that HiFiMAN has very bad synergy with SM3, which is my current favourite. I am assuming the 'Normal' EQ setting means flat (EQ off), and SM3 straight out from HiFiMAN headphone jack gives me the most forward mids I have ever heard. Just mids, and mids intruding into bass as well as treble. Actually I have to admit that my last post was a litlle bit exaggerated, but I am very disappointed with HiFiMAN, at least when pair with my SM3.

I tried to pair SM3 and HiFiMAN as DAC, but not much changes compared when I use them as player.
 

Synergy is a big deal.  I think too many people chase their ideal flat DAP, flat amp, flat phone and expect nirvana.  It seems like chasing a mythical white unicorn and even if you catch it you won't necessarily like the ride.

That's exactly what I was after, a flat DAP ( HiFiMAN ), a flat AMP ( RSA The Protector ) and a flat earphone ( JH13 Pro ). I'm experiencing audio nirvana everyday.