Can someone please provide the link from which one can download the latest firmware for the HM-801? Also, it would be great if a member can detail how to update the firmware on the player itself? I gave up after reading 8 or so pages of the 28 page (YIKES!) firmware debug thread. Thanks in advance for this info.
I appreciate
jude's insightful review and continue to enjoy reading the responses to this thread.
Chimera-se's and
testrichard's recent posts reminded me about something that's been discussed in different ways in other threads in this and other forums. However, it is worth reiterating, particularly when assessing any highly regarded audio equipment, including the HM-801. To those who do not yet own or have yet to hear this player (and any other gear you are excited about), consider going to as many live, preferably acoustic or unplugged, performances in your area. This also applies to those who already have the player but do not often go to live concerts. If it's goosebumps you are after, then some of these live events will generate them, and perhaps you'll get more than you bargained for. Be patient with me. These ramblings will tie back to the HM-801. I promise.
Going to enough performances on a regular basis provides you with the ultimate reference to assess the HM-801's or any other gear or playback system's ability to reproduce the natural presentation, nuances including timbre, pitch definition (tonality), and mini as well as macro dynamics, and ultimately the magic of instruments or voices you become accustomed to hearing live. Trust your ears they say. This is so true, particularly since no two ears hear alike, and even if they did, no two brains interpret/perceive them the same way. So with the Holidays coming there will be plenty of great performances to attend to "recalibrate" your ears to live events, so that by the time your highly anticipated audio gear arrives YOU are best able to assess it's sound quality. I'll leave the discussion about value for others to address. However, when you finally get the chance to play on the HM-801 superbly recorded (absolutely important) high res files, ideally of acoustic or unplugged performances, it is likely that you will appreciate to an even greater degree how special this unit really is.
As you might have guessed, I really like the HM-801 and I have not come across any other portable player that equals it's SQ. In addition, when you factor in features that enhance its utility, it becomes difficult to part with such a player. I use it's coax line out to feed the Stepdance. Btw, if you have the opportunity it would be great if you continue to attend concerts regularly and well beyond just this Holiday season
Enjoy!
[Shameless WTB plug: I am looking for a Game amp module if anyone wants to part with theirs. Please send a PM with details.]
