[ken6217]

What is different between Hifiman 901U and 901S?
 
Thanks,
Ken

 

[jasoncd2]

Hi Ken, I have tried to look into the Hifiman players and it's not always easy getting info! The 901U is the same internals as the older 901 with the exterior of the 901s. The biggest take away I got was to expect the U to be more sluggish in the UI. Can't comment on any SQ changes unfortunately.

 

[ken6217]

Hey Jason,
 
I did some more research and I found this on Hifiman's website: 
 
"HM901U has better treatment of noise than HM901.  
HM901S differs from HM901 and HM901U. It has much better stereo isolation and musical quality.
Both HM901U and HM901S are equipped with TAICHI UI. However, HM901S does have faster power on/off in three seconds.
HM901S has no high/low gain switch on side of the player.
Compared with HM901U, HM901S has much better stereo isolation and musical quality."
 
​I don't know if the differences are significant or not. I think they use the same DAC- dual Sabre 9018.
 
I'm thinking of getting the 802S. It has the older WM4490 DAC which is warmer.
Ken

 

[jasoncd2]

Ha! I was looking at the 802s as well, preferred the DAC, it has the aluminum body and quick boot up, and it's half the price of the 901s. Seems like a comparative steal to me.

I emailed Hifiman a while back to ask about the difference between the 802s and 901s besides the DAC, and got the same line about better "musical quality". I appreciated the response...but that's not really giving me much info ha.

 

[DavidRose]

I'm coming to the States in two months and want to buy for so long the best Dap that is value for money.
Is the HM901S is the best choice for Rock and sometimes Metal music? 
Or any other Dap out there like the Sony ZX2 ?
I'm using HD800, Beyerdynamic DT1350 and UE18 PRO.

 

[dynamiteguitar]

Hey, I'm also using the UE18Pro, with the Calyx M. Used to have Colorfly C4, but the Calyx M is a big step up. Only downside is battery life of only 4-5 hours, but I use a fairly small battery pack to get more. Listening to many genres, also a lot of Rock, only little Metal, most stuff sounds great with this combo. Not too expensive as well.