Fostex HP-P1 vs Cypher Labs Algorhythm Solo? - Page 2

however we won't be able to change the amps, or pair it up with another amp, right?

in this case, won't the CLAS be better, if one intends to change amps? (cheaper too)

sorry for the noob questions. kind of confused.

Quote:

Originally Posted by googleli 

I thought there is a line out from the Fostex where you can connect it to an external amp, no?

Yep, line out (but not co-ax) and optical too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foress 

in this case, won't the CLAS be better, if one intends to change amps? (cheaper too)

 

sorry for the noob questions. kind of confused.

I guess "better" depends on your priorities.  There is nothing about the Fostex amp section that makes me want to bypass it, but you can certainly do so via line-out.  Pairing the CLAS a high quality amp will probably not save much, if anything.  I have not heard the CLAS but the DAC section of the Fostex might trump it based on reviews.  In any event, I do not think you can make a wrong decision with either of these. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Il Mostro 

I guess "better" depends on your priorities.  There is nothing about the Fostex amp section that makes me want to bypass it, but you can certainly do so via line-out.  Pairing the CLAS a high quality amp will probably not save much, if anything.  I have not heard the CLAS but the DAC section of the Fostex might trump it based on reviews.  In any event, I do not think you can make a wrong decision with either of these. 

true dat. i've decided on the Fostex HP-P1 for myself.

is it exclusively made for iDevices, or can it be connected to other sources? (computer etc)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foress 

true dat. i've decided on the Fostex HP-P1 for myself.

is it exclusively made for iDevices, or can it be connected to other sources? (computer etc)

Yes, strictly iDevices if you want to use the DAC.  Fostex also makes the HP A3 DAC/AMP which has input & power from USB, using a very closely related AKM DAC chipset.  Japan-only at this moment, I think.

i see. thanks for the input. so there's no way to connect to a PC of any sorts huh.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foress 

i see. thanks for the input. so there's no way to connect to a PC of any sorts huh.

Nope -- set up for iPod and iPhone.  Evidently works with iPad too, although maybe not Apple certified for it.  

Quote:

Originally Posted by Il Mostro 

Nope -- set up for iPod and iPhone.  Evidently works with iPad too, although maybe not Apple certified for it.  

thanks for the info once again.

honestly i don't really care for the Apple certification, though it may extend credibility and attractiveness to others. apparently Apple's requirement requires that the iPhone and iPad must both be able to be charged from the CLAS, if not its not allowed to charge it at all.

next question - will we be able to play videos/apps with this? apparently you can't watch videos on the CLAS.

I was able to hear the Fostex shortly yesterday, I thought it sounded really similar to the CLAS. Very clean sounding with bigger soundstage. Using it as a DAC amp was very nice and paired really well with my Westone 2. For someone like me who already has several amps, I believe the CLAS was a good choice. However, the Fostex as an all in one package DAC-amp, is also very good. But if you're going to use another amp for it, then it doesn't seem like worth it anymore, plus the overall set-up would be pretty big. My thoughts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by airwax 

I was able to hear the Fostex shortly yesterday, I thought it sounded really similar to the CLAS. Very clean sounding with bigger soundstage. Using it as a DAC amp was very nice and paired really well with my Westone 2. For someone like me who already has several amps, I believe the CLAS was a good choice. However, the Fostex as an all in one package DAC-amp, is also very good. But if you're going to use another amp for it, then it doesn't seem like worth it anymore, plus the overall set-up would be pretty big. My thoughts.

Salamat po for the valuable impressions.  Now throw some crispy pata, lechon manok and Red Horse this way. And a few gwapitas, while you are at it. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by airwax 

I was able to hear the Fostex shortly yesterday, I thought it sounded really similar to the CLAS. Very clean sounding with bigger soundstage. Using it as a DAC amp was very nice and paired really well with my Westone 2. For someone like me who already has several amps, I believe the CLAS was a good choice. However, the Fostex as an all in one package DAC-amp, is also very good. But if you're going to use another amp for it, then it doesn't seem like worth it anymore, plus the overall set-up would be pretty big. My thoughts.

were you able to watch videos on the Fostex?

Has anyone compared the CLAS + Stepdance vs. HP-P1 yet? I'm a bit more interested with how they perform with IEM's and the Westone ES5 in specific.