[jamato8]

  anyone using HM901S + balanced amp card + TG334.. what is yr volume at low gain? Mine is range from 4 to 5 sometime 6 cause the music file too soft. I heard most use only 1 plus to 2 plus only.... i am quite alarmed...

Are you set on low or high gain? 

 

[ieno7215]

  The limitation will apply for whatever you plug in, but as you suggest this won't be an issue with IEMs since they are much more sensitive. If it's 110dB / mW for instance you would have destroyed your hearing log before you reach to the limitation.
 
 
With headphones the limitation will be real, but I assume the difference between 3.2V and 3.9V is marginal in practical use unless you use really ineffective headphones.

I`m pairing my 901 with HE500, so I was really hope that elfidelity will improve my listening experience...  But from another side, that`s good that I figure out about output limitation before order new amp - never wonted to be a beta tester...

 

[nakedtoes]

Are you set on low or high gain? 

low gain....

 

[flinkenick]

Just received my 901. The listen begins.
Carry on 

 

 

[KT66]

well.......?

 

[flinkenick]

Well usually I need a really long time to hear all the subtle nuances that provide the full sound, but my first impressions (about 3 hours listening) is that the P1 appears to be more mid centric, and has a more precise rythmic timing or 'digital' feel. Also more bass.
 
The 901 on the upper hand has more clearer upper mids / treble, and trades the P1's precision for a more analogue or 'musical' flow.. The 901 with Fen Li card also appears to have quite an intimate soundstage. But I use the P1 with a Headstage amp which noticeably widens the soundstage so I'd have to do a check on that to see how it compares without the amp..
 
I wouldn't have called the P1 digital, but it sounds a lot more digital compared to the 901. Which is obviously not good or bad just different, and better or worse for certain genres. So far I'm liking the 901 a lot for instrument-based music but prefer the P1 for synthesized music as EDM, pop, etc. 
 
It helps that I knew what I was getting concerning the UI and design and had made peace with that before I got it. So I'm cool with the long start up and slow UI and big design. Only thing that is bothering me a bit is that it scrolls really slow, I feel I'm spinning the wheel 5x faster than the screen is moving
 
The P1 starts in 3s, and has the easiest touch screen UI to navigate through. Which is another digital vs. analogue distinction I guess that matches their sound. But I bought the 901 to use at home and will use the P1 on the go so the size and UI of the 901 isn't an issue for me.

 

[jamato8]

low gain....

That might be right for low gain. See where high gain puts you. 

 

[nakedtoes]

That might be right for low gain. See where high gain puts you. 

Thx.. High gain I will switch about 1 to 2 marking down.

I thought I listen too loud..but I am using high gain at volume 6 to 7 for grado rs1.. Thus getting the discrete amp card to provide higher gain.

 

[nakedtoes]

Enjoying this DIY yellow amp card now with TG334.... best  amp card for vocal..

 

[flinkenick]

Which is it?

 

[nakedtoes]

  Which is it?

Discrete amp card.. or so call the fen li card

 

[flinkenick]

Have you also tried the minibox? Wondering if it's worth getting as well

 

[nakedtoes]

Yes i have tried the minibox gold.. but the card is pretty brand new and not yet burn in... my comparisons below.. with 10 the highest.
 
Discrete, Mini box Gold & Balanced
 
Lows   7,9,8
Mids  9,8,8
High  9,8,7
Soundstage 8,7,10
Clarity 9,8,9
Detail 9,8,9
Power output 8,10,9
 
Thus for the widest sound stage nothing beat the balanced card even running single ended.. Discrete has a more intimate type of sound.. superb for Vocal and string instruments (both which are my favorite). The minibox gold amp card i tried is quite new thus the soundstage is abit congested and sound abit muddy....i believe it might open out abit after burn in...  the bass quality is the best  of  the 3 amp cards. it is quite a fun card to listen to but not as lively or lifelike as the discrete card.
 
My humble opinion testing with TG334 and RS1.

 

[flinkenick]

Thanks that's very helpful. I use the P1 > Arrow 5P for bass, minibox can't top that anyways so doesn't look like there's any reason to go for it.

I might try the balanced card as I do love a good soundstage. Just hesitant about changing the plugs of some of my cables..

 

[nakedtoes]

Thanks that's very helpful. I use the P1 > Arrow 5P for bass, minibox can't top that anyways so doesn't look like there's any reason to go for it.

I might try the balanced card as I do love a good soundstage. Just hesitant about changing the plugs of some of my cables..

See yr inventory u holding to the HM901 with fenli card which is the discrete card... surprisingly u ask me what card is that....LOL  BTW u still can use single ended with balanced card.