My HifiMan 601 arrived today. First impressions- it is a brick, a good looking (in a retro way) brick. Certainly fine for my needs (physical size) but would definately make a large impression on the average pocket for those using these "on the go". It appears very well made, feels sturdy, with the only exception to that being a bit of movement (looseness) on the silver square menu navigation bar; it rattles audibly if I shake the unit.
The menu navigation is ok, nothing to rave about, but fairly simple and I have picked it up quickly enough, it just isn't what I would call intuitive by design.
There has been some debate about the sound quality, particularly from the "lets measure it" brigade, who believe that the HifiMan DAPs are rolled off and not up to scratch. In the other corner is the " it sounds like a quality old school tape machine, just the way a good DAP should."
I couldn't care less how something measures, particularly when measurement is focused on frequency response, as I think that there is so much that isn't measured, like soundstage, and overall sound signature traits. I am a "how does the thing sound" Headfier and so I was interested in how the Hifiman sounds, particularly in comparison to my faithful Sony NWZ-A816, which is a great sounding DAP; with a very slight hissing issue as its only real fault, however I use supra -aural headphones as opposed to IEMs so it isn't really an issue.
Well I have only listened to the 601 for a couple of hours, but my initial sound impression is:
I love it. It is a big sound, full, lush, warm; it works for me. If the high end sound is rolled off, it doesn't impact the overall enjoyment for my ears, treble nuance and clarity are great from what I hear. It is a warm sounding DAP but it is not so warm that one would call it dark. The fullness of the sound, very full bodied and the depth of sound are what I notice as the biggest difference to my Sony DAP. At around $200 AUD landed ( taking out the RE-Zero), I think it is a bargain.
EDIT: When the music stops the HiFiman is black, no hiss. Instrument separation is also outstanding, the 601 has a very clear and detailed sound.