Fostex HP-P1 Portable Amplifier and DAC for iPod/iPhone (Short REVIEW and Impressions Thread) - Page 54

It is a sweet piece of gear and a good value. I am a big fan of AKM Dac chips.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by longbowbbs 

It is a sweet piece of gear and a good value. I am a big fan of AKM Dac chips.....

It is all that! X2

I bought the Fostex because I did not have an amp that was remotely portable, I had an iTouch 2G that I used only as an alarm clock and SR325i (which already sounds nice from the Macbook). I thought I'd bullseye my audio quality lust with the HP-P1, only I'd like is ability to use the HP-P1 with my Macbook (it is an Apple device damn it).

I've been looking at Apple for a new idevice to use with the Fostex. I considered iPad Mini, iTouch 7G? or iPod Classic. I'm leaning toward something dedicated to audio like the iPod Classic, it's also the cheapest option, it still uses the 30 pin connector, has more than my crumby 8Gb storage presently and it is the most mature product of all. Considerations for the iPad Mini were, uses other than music, and new iTouch just because that'll be what it replaces. The iTouch is a bit annoying with the screen interface and no tactile navigation. Any suggestions?

With the DT1350 already taken it's pound of flesh, this nice HP-P1 and Head-Fi combined seems to be leading to a bit of rash purchasing.

BTW it keeps sounding better every time I listen, I put that down to both psychological (away from my home setup) and electrical bedding in.

IPC 7G>HP-P1>DT1350 is a sweet combo. I enjoyed it for quite awhile. I do not have the DT1350's anymore, but  The Sennheiser HD25-1 ii's sound great with the setup.

Thanks Longbowbbs, it looks like a good system for me.

I wonder if anybody has found a difference in the sound if they use a custom "high end" 30pin to USB A cable? I can't think of a reason it would be sounding better (maybe different) than the Fostex supplied cable, that being sufficient to satisfy demand of the system. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJHeadfi 

No. However I expect audiophiles would jump to CypherLabs -db and ALO mk3b using the "balanced" feature throughout, for at least double the cost of a HP-P1. It's audiophile logic.

Not really true... Not a fan of balanced output. Preferred the convenience of the Fostex on the go, with the option of adding on a better amp if i'm feeling muscular that day~ Bought mine recently AFTER the CLAS -db was released. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJHeadfi 

Thanks Longbowbbs, it looks like a good system for me.

 

I wonder if anybody has found a difference in the sound if they use a custom "high end" 30pin to USB A cable? I can't think of a reason it would be sounding better (maybe different) than the Fostex supplied cable, that being sufficient to satisfy demand of the system. 

I have a Toxic Cable LOD between the HP-P1 and the IPC 7G....I also use Toxic Cable's for my Sennheiser HD650's...Live the wire. Not sure if it enough of a difference for you to pay the premium, but they are available.

Quote:

Originally Posted by longbowbbs 

 

I have a Toxic Cable LOD between the HP-P1 and the IPC 7G....I also use Toxic Cable's for my Sennheiser HD650's...Live the wire. Not sure if it enough of a difference for you to pay the premium, but they are available.

So long as its properly constructed, I'm pretty sure all USB cables are equal for that 5cm of distance to travel. Mini-mini however I do believe in the material of the wires making some difference :)

Toxic Cables Silver Poison are silver with 1% gold. Fantastic....

Quote:

Originally Posted by longbowbbs 

Toxic Cables Silver Poison are silver with 1% gold. Fantastic....

 OH man....there goes more dosh out of pocket. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saraguie 

 OH man....there goes more dosh out of pocket. 

Easier to carry around than a canoe!

Quote:

Originally Posted by longbowbbs 

 

I have a Toxic Cable LOD between the HP-P1 and the IPC 7G....I also use Toxic Cable's for my Sennheiser HD650's...Live the wire. Not sure if it enough of a difference for you to pay the premium, but they are available.

Whoops! I think my question could start flamers or other nasties. One thing I've found in audio stuffs is that seems illogical but yet in practice something spooky happens. Maybe one day I'll try a "pimp" looking 30pin-USBA on the HP-P1. 

I still have my HP-P1. I did borrow a friend's CLAS/RX3 rig to try and while it was impressive, I ended up getting the Leckerton UH6MKII and have a Pico Power on order.  I don't reckon I'll be carrying orthos with me when I travel (unless it is to a meet) and SE performance with borrowed cans or regular IEMs is more important at the moment. For IEMs, I can just use the HP-P1 by itself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Currawong 

I still have my HP-P1.   have a Pico Power on order.  For IEMs, I can just use the HP-P1 by itself.

Glad i won't be the only one lugging around a HP-P1 with my Pico Power.   Also will work with the HM-801 of course.