HM-801 vs Algorhythm Solo+iPod Rig vs WhipMOD

Which generation of iPod Classic do you have? The newer 6/7 generation ones (the ones marketed as the Classic) use Cirrus Logic DACs. The ones with the Wolfson DACs are the 5th gen iPod Video.

Once you have tapped directly in to the Wolfson DAC output, why would one type of iMod be substantially different from another, other things being equal?

It is hard to agree with:  "...[considering the] WhipMOD. I have read about the iMod from RWA too, but I read a review that found it far inferior to the HM-801"

I have heard the HM-801 and it sounds great.  I own multiple RWA iMod's and they sound great too -- with lossless ALACs at 48000 created by decimating 96000 hi rez files, pared with good portable amps.  I am sure WhipMOD is just as good.

There are of course real differences between these three choices, but SQ is not going to be markedly better from one to the other IMHO when other variables are controlled for. 

BTW, I know personally and have done business directly face-to-face with the creators of all three (Fang, Vinnie, Craig) and you couldn't ask for three nicer guys, so I know your customer service will be fantastic, and they all stand behind their work.

Relax, enjoy the music, don't stress out -- I am sure you will love whatever you finally buy.  I really miss Gates BBQ, you are lucky to live in KC.

Based on the listening I did at CanJam Chicago, the Solo might indeed be an uptick in SQ ... so it might well be worth it.  There is a used one for sale in FS now.  But then you have a thicker device "sandwich".  I have not been able to do a direct comparison.

I am pretty sure I'll buy a Solo at some point.

I had 2 customers in KC but lost them both.  So I don't get there much anymore.  Need to try harder -- the food is worth it.  Also loved steaks at Plaza III, although newer reviews on the web say it is slipping.  Too bad.

I sold my whipmod rig (whipmod+whiplod reference "fat boy" + stepdance v1) to buy the HM801.

Whipmod rig has smaller soundstage, sound is quite flat,clean ,great detail.The back ground is very black.

HM801 is a bit warmer sound and has a bigger soundstage.

In preparation of android 4.0 and the fact that its nice having a device that can take to task multiple things I have been thinking of a portable USB dac to velcro onto the back of an Asus EEE Transformer.

Would like to know more as well,  So far the step dance seems to stick out though.

I dont know if any of these features are available already, but I heard they will be included with that tasty ice cream sandwich from google searching.

http://createdigitalmusic.com/2011/05/android-adds-usb-host-mode-open-hardware-development-with-arduino/

My main purpose is to have something I can read with, listen to music, and throw in my bag and carry around.  The default audio out on all android devices(don't even know which dac they use)  all suck on levels I have not seen since cheap radios(everything had that veil of being under 44.1khz).  I don't have the tablet yet mind you~

On a separate note, that will allow lastpass to support yubikey on the phone.

I guess you're right that no one has done a full-fledged comparison between those 3 sources, but I've made some notes here and there in various threads.

Basically, if sound quality is the only factor for you, the decision should come down to which flavor of DAC you prefer.  IMO, the CLAS is the most neutral and natural of the 3, but some may find it too analytical.  The WhipMOD is a little warmer, less adept at detail retrieval, but has the advantages of Rockbox-ability, the largest hard drive (240GB), and the ability to use the awesome Reference LOD on other iPods.  The HM-801 is the least neutral, but also the most lush and romantic, with possibly the biggest soundstage, and is the only one of the 3 with 24/96 capability.

If you already own a CLAS-compatible iDevice, then the CLAS would be the most cost-effective choice (especially since you already have a decent amp).  The HM-801 is potentially the most compact, if you are fine with using its internal amp.  Its UI isn't ideal, but is fine once you get used to it.  And the WhipMOD is a solid choice if you want an amazing LOD (the Reference LOD with black caps) and have music in a variety of formats, since Rockbox will play just about all of them.  However, I've gotten used to converting all my FLAC/APE to ALAC for my CLAS, using dBPoweramp.

All 3 sources have their advantages and drawbacks in different use scenarios, but basically I've settled on the CLAS with Pico Slim.  I'm a bit of a clarity and detail freak, and don't like anything resembling boomy or hazy bass, so this is the source I've reached for the most since I got it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj nellie 

[snip] I've gotten used to converting all my FLAC/APE to ALAC for my CLAS, using dBPoweramp.

 

When you do that conversion, are you going from 96000 to 48000?  Also, do you have album art embedded in the FLAC, and does it make it to the ALAC (FB2K messes this up)?  Any problems?

 

JTaylor -- I didn't do a comprehensive comparson of the WhipMod (never owned it).  And I think I won't -- I agree with you: thick sandwich it is.  (PS: I was in KC to sell my software for real-time text processing, which appeals to both Financial and Media firms ... there are two big ones in KC amazingly enought right across the courtyard from each other, in matching buildings, directly across the street from a hotel!  Couldn't be easier.  I failed to sell both, perhaps the worst result of my career.  Such is life.  But the food in KC made up for the 8 or so "wasted" trips).

I bought CLAS used and sold it within a week ... it was quite good ... but was missing heart ... and it was huge ... heavy and major sandwich ... need to charge 3 devices ... not fun!

I have 801 ... It sounds sweet but I find it rolled off and I find bass a bit light too ...

I am still waiting for a solid all in one source ...