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Review: iHiFi960 portable DAP and transport - Page 2

post #16 of 59
2/23/13 at 1:39pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by nfadeaway View Post

So it sounds like you are still liking the unit as you spend more time with it.  That's really good to hear.  I must admit, I was a hesitant to buy a DAP from a company that doesn't seem to have a big presence in the U.S.  But from what I read, it seemed like the 960 was in exactly the niche I was looking for; excellent sound & build quality but not an $800+ price tag.

 

 I'm thinking about picking up a Schiit Lyr, which I believe only has analog inputs. So no digital output for me yet, but good to have the flexibility. And actually, I have a Kingrex T-20U at work, so I'm going to try the 960 into that instead of using the computer as the source.  I can go into the T20U with a USB connection, but not sure how would I get out of the 960 with USB. There must be a converter or wire that can take the digital output from the 960 and put it thru a USB connection on the other end.  Anyway, the 960 shipped fast from China, and should be here early next week.  Can't wait!

 

 

Yep, I still enjoy it. A few tweaks to the UI, support for hi-res files, and this might be close to the perfect DAP. Of course, that would necessarily raise the price as it would require a more potent processor.

 

I don't think there's anything out there to convert an SPDIF signal to USB. Or if there was, it would probably be more expensive than it was worth in this scenario.

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post #17 of 59
2/25/13 at 6:31am

Seems like the perfect companion for the JH-3a and/or PP6. About time there was an affordable digital out dap. Been waiting on the fiio x3 for ever - seems like this is the way to go.

Nice review as always mate.

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post #18 of 59
2/25/13 at 6:42am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by customNuts View Post

Seems like the perfect companion for the JH-3a and/or PP6. About time there was an affordable digital out dap. Been waiting on the fiio x3 for ever - seems like this is the way to go.

Nice review as always mate.

 

 

Thanks! 

 

I agree, and I still don't understand why more companies aren't doing this. It can't add that much to the cost of a DAP to add digital out.... heck, I'd be happy with a pure transport unit. Something in a Cowon J3, iPod Touch format but with just optical out, and/or MHL USB, for connecting to one of the many portable DAC/amp units out there. I wouldn't even need a built in headphone jack. 

 

Can someone make that for me please?

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post #19 of 59
2/25/13 at 4:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by project86 View Post

 

 

Thanks! 

 

I agree, and I still don't understand why more companies aren't doing this. It can't add that much to the cost of a DAP to add digital out.... heck, I'd be happy with a pure transport unit. Something in a Cowon J3, iPod Touch format but with just optical out, and/or MHL USB, for connecting to one of the many portable DAC/amp units out there. I wouldn't even need a built in headphone jack. 

 

Can someone make that for me please?

Exactly - a small quality pure transport dap would be perfect. Concentrating on top quality clocking, jitter reduction & efficient UI. Optical,coax & usb out - omg I want it!! Pairing with a hi-end dac/amp like the intruder, International, etc,etc, and it would blow almost anything portable out of the water and completely customisable.  I can't believe it still hasn't been made.

The way things are going though - hopefully just a matter of time.

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post #20 of 59
3/10/13 at 8:49am

Anymore user's impressions on this iHifi960 DAP?

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post #21 of 59
3/10/13 at 12:21pm
Thread Starter 

User allyl just got one and mentioned how he enjoys it. Maybe we can get him to give his thoughts once he has some more experience with it. 

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post #22 of 59
3/10/13 at 8:20pm

Thanks. I came across HK_sends thread on unboxing the iHiFi960 as well. I will send him a PM.
 

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post #23 of 59
3/10/13 at 10:17pm

I've had mine for a couple weeks now and I've gotta say, I am really loving this thing. I know it's not really a fair fight, but the only thing I have to compare the 960 to is my iPod Classic and, well, there just is no comparison. I haven't sat down and compared the 960 and the iPod side by side with the same recording, but there isn't really a need to.  Listening to the 960 is a totally different experience, especially on high quality recordings.  Instruments are distinct and clear and have depth. You can hear where they are located in the room/on the stage. 

 

Like project86 says in his review, the unit has a very solid feel to it.  I keep forgetting to toggle the on/off switch to the off position, so my battery has a tendency to run down. And, it took me about a week to get the thing to stop talking to me in Chinese, but eventually I figured out how to change settings to English.  UI is basic but functional.

 

All in all, I am extremely happy with the 960.  I lack perspective as to what other portable DAPs sound & feel like.  However, I can say that the 960 has brought listening to a new level for me. Thanks for pointing me in its direction, project86.  Most appreciated. Now, time to go out and get some new cans :>)

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post #24 of 59
3/11/13 at 10:09am

I always liked your review of insanely obscure player reviews, it gives you a wider choice in selecting our gear

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post #25 of 59
3/12/13 at 7:05am

I am in utter disbelief. After reading you guy's opinions on this iHiFi960, I decided to take the plunge and place an order via the seller that project86 recommended. I did that yesterday. The package arrived today!!!

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post #26 of 59
3/12/13 at 7:16am
Give us what you think about it later on then, after you try to take it around asa portable rig
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post #27 of 59
3/12/13 at 7:18am

I am first thinking of finding an appropriate pouch for it. Say, something like a camera pouch. It's bigger than the Sony MW1 BT receiver and Hisoundaudio N3 that I currently use.

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post #28 of 59
3/12/13 at 7:43am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tkteo View Post

I am in utter disbelief. After reading you guy's opinions on this iHiFi960, I decided to take the plunge and place an order via the seller that project86 recommended. I did that yesterday. The package arrived today!!!

 

Yep, good seller, always ships very fast.

 

It amazes me that he can get me a sub $500 product shipped to the other side of the world in 3 days, but sometimes I spend thousands on a domestic product and it takes 5 days to get halfway across the country. 

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post #29 of 59
3/13/13 at 7:43am


Has anybody used a micro SD card with this unit yet? Any particular brand that didn't work with the unit?

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post #30 of 59
3/13/13 at 8:03am

I will be able to try using a Transcend class 4 32GB, a Toshiba class 2 8GB and possibly Sandisk class 6 or 10 32GB over the next few days. Update you as and when.

 

Update: okay with Toshiba class 2 8GB.


Edited by tkteo - 3/13/13 at 7:39pm
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