Fostex HP-P1 Portable Amplifier and DAC for iPod/iPhone (Short REVIEW and Impressions Thread) - Page 42

So a bunch of us went to the Fujiya AVIC Summer Portable Audio Festival and I had a chance to chat with the Fostex guys about the HP_P1.

I asked about future firmware updates and they said that they're working on something for iPod Nano users because the Nano usually runs about 16 hours without amplification but that when paired with the HP_P1, the Nano ran down in only a few hours.

 

They asked me if I would pay for a firmware update that allowed the HP_P1 to charge my iDevice. I said I'd consider it but only if it didn't affect SQ.

 

The challenge is that any charging of the iDevice via an external source also invariably injects noise into the system so that's the balance that they're dealing with. They'd like for the HP_P1 to be an external power source but the impact to SQ is the concern.

 

I told Fostex politely that the OEM case sucks and that they need to come up with something better. IMO it's completely worthless.

I thought the Fostex trickle charged the ipod already?

Seems like that.

 

I'd be glad to find a nice case that actually WORKS with the HP-P1. The one that came with it tore around the netted area. Not sure why though and I rarely have it on.

I (and now some others) have been using this case for some time now:

 

http://www.head-fi.org/t/597926/cases-for-a-fostex-hp-p1-based-portable-rig

Ok, I will bite and give it a try. ordered.

 

*I am quite happy with my Fostex case (only me?) but it is kinda bulky:)

Edited by ExpatinJapan - 7/8/12 at 4:06am

Tried something today but like to have your comment on whether this makes sense or not. Reason was that everytime i increase the volume, there is always a annoying hissing sound. Though I am pretty sure the source music was very good.

iPod classic 160g LOD --> Fostex HpP1 ---> optic SP DIF ---> ibasso D12 optical ---> headphone from ibasso D12.

The thing is that all the volume control now is with ibasso, while Fostex function as volume, gain and filter don't have any impact anymore. The sound was loud and clear, but less digital feeling like Fostex. Hissing reduced anyhow.

Is this a waste of Fostex if I connect in this way? Or it is smart?

At the Fujiya AVIC Summer Portable Audio Festival, I had the guys at Fostex flash my HP-P1. So far, I'm pretty happy with it.  Before the flash, when I was using my iPod Classic with my HP-P1, I could run the batteries flat on my iPod classic in about 6 hours.  I had only run the battery flat on my HP-P1 only once or twice.  I tested it yesterday at Starbucks, and after about 4 hours, both my HP-P1 and the iPod was going strong.  The Fostex guys said that if I didn't like the new firmware, I can send it back to them chakubarai (they would pay for shipping both ways) but I think I will keep it this way.  It was kinda freaky seeing the battery on my iPod go down 25% after each album.  Now, it I know that even if the battery of my HP-P1 dies, I can still listen to my iPod unamped. 

what is your firmware

 

1.1.1

and

1.1.2 (hardware)

 

?.

 

I tried out three fostexs at the meet with three different amps.

 

It looks like they are planning to release a new version with a different amp.

 

??? Please elaborate? Separate amps or in-built amps? HP-P2???

Edited by Lillee - 7/8/12 at 7:12pm

That kind of sucks, i got mine pretty recently and they are upgrading it right after i bought it.......

I only had mine for about 2 months and they're going to come out with something new? :(

It was bound to happen sooner or later... Apple philosophy

Guess it doesn't make the current model any worse, but ouch.

Yeah I personally wouldn't upgrade unless the difference was night and day in terms of sound quality (and only sound quality) which I think will be difficult as I only use it with easy to drive IEMs. I can see an upgrade in amp for harder to drive headphones (600ohm) as a logical next step, but that may come with unwanted noise. A bass boost knob? highly doubt it. Balanced in/out? highly doubt it. 

 

Interesting never the less!