[Lieon]

Oh, i didn't know that other cards do not offer balanced mode. Guess i'll try out the IEM card and see how it goes from there. I'm pretty sure i'll never get my hands on one of those phantom cards you mentioned  

 

[awry]

  I'm pairing my JH Roxanne with the balanced card, but sometimes wished I had a little bit more control over the volume. The step increments are too large with the balanced card and now i'm considering on getting an IEM card instead. How does the SQ compare to the balanced card? Thanks. 

For me, I feel the balanced card gives slightly more details but overall details are not as nuanced or refined as on the IEM card. Case of quality and quantity. This is of coz to my ears.  
 
Also as @kkcc said, the staging is definitely wider on the balanced card with better volume control with these two being the most similar in sound compared to the rest. 

 

[Kiats]

For me, I feel the balanced card gives slightly more details but overall details are not as nuanced or refined as on the IEM card. Case of quality and quantity. This is of coz to my ears.  

Also as @kkcc said, the staging is definitely wider on the balanced card with better volume control with these two being the most similar in sound compared to the rest. 

Agree with kkcc and awry: the balanced card is a bit "blunt" in its sig; the iem card still has the most refined sig and best volume control.

 

[Lieon]

Thanks for the input... you guys have helped me make up my mind to purchase the IEM card lol. I've been on an audio spending spree for the past month.... not a good sign 

 

[jamato8]

It does make it very interesting to have all the card options. Trying the 3rd party V1.2 discrete card right now. Excellent extension, width and depth. Shows what the 901 can do. 

 

[jamato8]

Is anyone having any issues downloading the new beta? I can't seem to get the 901 to update with it. 
 
Never mind. I got it to work. I had to download the zip again. 

 

[Mimouille]

To make your choice complicated again, with my SE5 iems, the balanced card sounded much better than the iem card. Maybe because SE5 is high impedance? Anyways, discrete card is excellent too.

 

[fengwei007]

It does make it very interesting to have all the card options. Trying the 3rd party V1.2 discrete card right now. Excellent extension, width and depth. Shows what the 901 can do. 

Yes, the latest discrete card is really the best sounding amp card to me. I've sold all other amp cards 'cause I don't think I'd use any of them at all. The only problem is the battery can't last for more than 5 hours with this card in. But I got two batteries and an external charger, not really a big deal.

 

[Lieon]

Yes, the latest discrete card is really the best sounding amp card to me. I've sold all other amp cards 'cause I don't think I'd use any of them at all. The only problem is the battery can't last for more than 5 hours with this card in. But I got two batteries and an external charger, not really a big deal.

Thanks. And where may I get the v1.2 discreet card?

 

[fengwei007]

Thanks. And where may I get the v1.2 discreet card?

Sorry the only place you can get is from China, second hand market.

 

[Lieon]

Sorry the only place you can get is from China, second hand market.

Sadness Will be heading to singapore on feb 2015, any chance I can find it there?

 

[Mimouille]

Nope it exists only in China mainland.

 

[Lieon]

Oh well... IEM card it is! 

 

[fengwei007]

Sadness Will be heading to singapore on feb 2015, any chance I can find it there?

Unless someone decides to sell the card here ...

 

[jamato8]

Unless someone decides to sell the card here ...

I am sure there will be other cards. And with the competition for amp cards for the 901, initiated by Hifiman, there should be some fun with new cards.