HiFiMAN 602: Talk about your initial impressions and specs

[Anaxilus]

Yeah anything higher than level 5 can be touchy w/ certain players form my experience.  I don't think you are getting more than 30% w/ level 8 if even that.

 

[faichiu]

Just want to clearify.  602 can play 16bit wav without problem.  Most standard CD is 16bit 44khz.
Just cannot play 24bit wav.
 
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Well, FLAC decoders and compression standards can present their own issues w/ some players.  Don't really want to say anymore, hehe.  For some the 20% compression is worth it and sometimes its not a biggie.  Honestly, shouldn't all players be able to play .wav as a standard and FLAC secondary?  

 

[tds101]

The ColorFly is looking better and better every day.

 

[Anaxilus]

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The ColorFly is looking better and better every day.

It did till they released their 'competitive' price.

 

[DaveBSC]

Just for the record, 24-bit .wav files are ENORMOUS in size. For a portable player with limited storage, I don't see any reason to use .wav.

 

[Anaxilus]

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Just for the record, 24-bit .wav files are ENORMOUS in size. For a portable player with limited storage, I don't see any reason to use .wav.

That is true.  It's still the same compression ratio for converting to FLAC 16-bit files right?  But still its a missing option.  Not like most of us have that much 24 bit stuff compared to redbook content.  You are right though, 24 bit wav is ginormous.    

 

[gidion27]

Would 16 bit vs 24 bit make a difference in a portable device? I mainly use my portable rig on the road. (being bus, train and plane. ) and the back ground noise is to much to worry about the bit size

 

[kostalex]

Guys, you are nitpicking - 24 bit, hi-res, WAV... This is a player, not stationary DAC. I doubt it is capable to represent the difference between 16/44 and 24/96. It it would, it will cost and weight much more. I am a quite flexible person, but I can not imagine why anybody needs WAVs on portable.

 

[gidion27]

24 bit or 16 should not matter, if you are on the road or out and about. 
Will be also interesting to see what headphones the majority is going to use on the 602. At what stage will you notice a difference between Wav or any other hi quality format..

 

[cooperpwc]

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Guys, you are nitpicking - 24 bit, hi-res, WAV... This is a player, not stationary DAC. I doubt it is capable to represent the difference between 16/44 and 24/96. It it would, it will cost and weight much more. I am a quite flexible person, but I can not imagine why anybody needs WAVs on portable.

kostalex, although you seem to be in the minority here, I couldn't agree more. For portable use, LAME V0 vbr~new is perfectly suited to the task. (IMHO of course...)

 

[kostalex]

I do not convince to MP3s (even of highest rates) though I will likely use them myself with my HM-602. I am OK with FLACs, but I just do not get it why to mess with Hi-Res. This thing is a portable and has a multi-bit DAC, so I doubt Hi-Res would have any benefits over 16/44.

 

[customNuts]

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Fang meintioned It plays 24 bit musics at lower rez as 16 bit or something but still better than 16bit/44khz?Am not sure

It will down sample 24/96 to 16/96. Still better than 16/44 I guess, but doesn't bother me much as I probably wont ever use higher than 16/44 - unless just to test a song or two for fun.

 

[KonaRichard]

I just pre-ordered the Hi-Fi Man 602 but no earphones choice was offered. Is that going to come later or do I need to e-mail them? what are the choices I am supposed to see on the pre ordering step?

 

[Darksyde]

 

[Edwood]

I've tried the HM-602 with 24/96 and 24/48 FLAC files, it plays them just fine.  Like the HM-801, it shows the 24/48 as "16bit" for some reason.
 
-Ed