Power seemed just fine through the 6.3 mm port. However I don't have any really demanding headphones like the HE-6. I'm using Anandas and Elex.

And realistically it sounds like the best bluetooth implementation I have. But I haven't heard LDAC. Thanks!

As I expected, while the bluetooth side works fine, feeding high resolution into the usb-c sounds so much better. No problems driving the Focal Elex in balanced mode. And my initial listening session was one that I had planned on 30 minutes, and 2 hrs later I finally pulled the Angies out of...

My order number is 1653, and as of yesterday is in the fedex system on it's way to me. It's likely to arrive before the holiday weekend, so I'm looking forward to hearing it.

I've got to believe that all the shipping companies are totally slammed. And if the choice comes down to a new portable DAC, and supplies to save someone's life, I know which side I would come down on. So do what you can, and we will understand. Thanks!

I'm thinking that with the rework, it's turned into a bespoke product. With luck, the next rev of their boards will come in and allow a more reasonable turnaround.

I have both. I tend to go through phases where I will spend a week or two listening to one, and then shift over to the other. One day I should characterize what music sounds best with each, but I haven't started that project. Take Care-- Jerry

They're closed. And they sound very nice. Just the thing to use when recording with live mics in the room.

This looks like the same size as my mixer face r4. Which looks a little more streamlined than the original HiFi-M8 V1.

Yes, I trust you guys...

Michael---Sounds interesting. It would be nice if the new model offered a balanced output. I realize that the standard for balanced connectors is a bit in flux these days.

I agree it really is the seal. The Westone people make a set of custom earpieces, the um56, that can plug into a universal to give you a good seal. I have to admit, I didn't go with that solution myself, I just bought the custom version of the three driver IEM, the es30.

I would say it depends on your ear canals. In my case I can't really find universals that sound anywhere near what customs sound like. The Westone folks told us that only about 10% of the folks take the step to go to customs.

I've charged both my mini-m8 and hifi-m8 with their attached chargers while using it for music.  I do notice that if I've got the input switch in the mid position, I hear a very slight hum.  But that goes away when I select either the usb input or the iPhone  input.     Hope this helps--- Jerry

   I think the Nighthawks and the Grace M9xx is a pretty good pairing.  If I had to put in photography terms, the micro contrast is wonderful.