Pre-Order Placed: May 10th, 2008
Pre-Order Acknowledged: July 14th, 2008
Payment Request: August 23, 2008
Payment Sent: August 24, 2008
Shipping Notice Received: October 6, 2008
Pico w/DAC Received: October 10, 2008
Yes, it was a lengthy wait. My initial impressions are quite good. The piano black gloss finish is quite striking, alas the unit is SO tiny that there isn't that much of it to look at. No matter how many times people have commented about the diminutive size, it still amazes me how something this small can sound so good!
I have tried both my Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 250 ohm cans and my Shure SE530 IEMs. I used my iPhone 3G as the source for my initial tests and swapped back and forth between the built-in headphone output and the Pico headphone output. The Pico was connected to the iPhone via a Qables Performance series silver wire LOD.
The difference with the DT770s was quite noticeable, albeit somewhat wanting on the volume end of things. Even in high gain mode I can turn the volume on the Pico all the way up and still not find it overpowering. The soundstage difference between the iPhone and Pico headphone outs was however very telling - the Pico soundstage was so much more open and full. Resounding bass and crisp treble were both present, as was the somewhat duller mid-range.
The Shure SE530s on the other hand were a bit different. They sound quite good on the native iPhone headphone out but there is a subtle difference when listening through the Pico. Again, a fuller, more present soundstage. The oft-commented lack of treble in the SE530 was not as noticeable, and even with the gain of the Pico set to low, sometimes the treble was too much. That said, the SE530s will likely still see most of their use connected directly to the headphone out on the iPhone.
I then tried the Pico as an external audio DAC with my Macbook Pro. I plugged the unit in and it was recognized almost instantly by the Sound preference panel. I chose to direct output to the DAC and was immediately greeted with the same open yet full soundstage I had heard with my iPhone. Both the DT770s and the SE530 were tried, with my preference definitely leaning towards the DT770s.
So, after exactly 5 months wait, was it worth it? A most definite YES! Anyone sitting on the fence and wondering if the Pico is really worth the wait and all the fuss that people make over it should just get in line on the pre-order list. I do wish Justin the best and his continued success. The only comment to offer him is to try and improve communication and keep the masses informed about construction progress. It's very hard to keep your angst in check if you don't know what's going on.
Thanks again Justin... I'm sure I will continue to enjoy my Pico for years to come!
