Hifiman HM-901

[Schreuder]

Hi all,
 
I'm thinking about purchasing a Hifiman HM-901.
 
Currently that is way overdone for my gear; Grado SR325i and some sennheiser IE pieces.
 
I'm searching for a high grade audio device, and noticed some great stories about the 901, but all other equipment is still in the game.
 
At the moment I haven't got an idea if I should do an upgrade of the AMP cards that are available.
I'm thinking about the mini-box and the balanced card.
 
Can you guys advise me in the choice of cards, or give me some recommendations regarding some other portable?
 
Kind regards
 
Jaap

 

[cel4145]

These days, people tend to talk a lot about the FiiO X3 and X5, or iBasso DX50 or DX90 DAPs. Not so much about the Hifiman DAPs. Even an X3 or DX50 would drive your Grados very well.

 

[Schreuder]

Ok.

What is the reason people talk more about the above players? I've had a look to them and after reading a while it looked to me the hifiman is more superior than them.

I agree those players will drive the grado pretty well. But how about a upgrade in cans, will the still manage to do well?

I will try to determine what player is suitable to me. The players you mentioned are far more pocket money proof

 

[952Buster]

Hi, I bought a Astell&Kern AK100ii combined with Shure SRH 1540, Superb. Big image, very balanced sound, very detailed. Conerning the DAP the AK is based on very performant CIRRUS chip and has a balanced output as well. The AMP is of A class. From my knowledge it comes with the most user friendly GUI interface, big touch screen. Furthermore you can stream via WIFI as well. If you have some questions do not hesitate...

 

[Rhamnetin]

Ok.

What is the reason people talk more about the above players? I've had a look to them and after reading a while it looked to me the hifiman is more superior than them.

 
Simply because they're more affordable.  The HM-901 is often said to be the best DAP.

 

[Schreuder]

Simply because they're more affordable.  The HM-901 is often said to be the best DAP.

That is the reason I'm interested in this piece. Have you any experience with the different cards? For now I listen most to my normal headphones. But maybe in the future I 'need' some upgrade in my ie. I don't see myself walking with full size headphones outdoor.

 

[Schreuder]

Hi, I bought a Astell&Kern AK100ii combined with Shure SRH 1540, Superb. Big image, very balanced sound, very detailed. Conerning the DAP the AK is based on very performant CIRRUS chip and has a balanced output as well. The AMP is of A class. From my knowledge it comes with the most user friendly GUI interface, big touch screen. Furthermore you can stream via WIFI as well. If you have some questions do not hesitate...

Thank you for your reply, I was off for the weekend and haven't found a little time to give a good reaction.

I did a look to those ak100ii, a also noticed the ak120ii. Those are very nice in ways of design an UI.

Unfortunately I only come across some reviews with the 'old' ak100 and ak120.

Tho it is quite a fortune these players cost, I'm willing to considerate it. Streaming thru WiFi is a great function I believe

 

[952Buster]

Hi Schreuder,
 
You can find some serious  review at : http://www.headfonia.com/astelkern-ak120ii-ak240-reference-daps/.
 http://hifilounge.co.uk/astell-and-kern-ak100-II
The AK100ii is better than de AK100 (better chip, better GUI, A-amp, balanced,...)
My logic is :
If you will not use a balanced headphone (these are very expensive : above the 1000$ easily) I suggest to go for the AK100ii (800$)
The advantage of the AK120ii (more than double price) is that this system has two Cirrus chips, one per channel.  This feature is really interesting if you use a balanced headphone.

 

[cel4145]

Ok.

What is the reason people talk more about the above players? I've had a look to them and after reading a while it looked to me the hifiman is more superior than them.

Because there are greatly diminishing returns on dacs/amps as you go up in price; electronics are not the best way to spend your money to improve audio quality. Having owned the SR225i previously, I would not invest in a $1000 DAP. If you want to spend that kind of money and get the best audio quality, time to invest in higher grade headphones where you will get more of an SQ improvement for your money.

 

[952Buster]

Continuing...
So, what I wanted to say is that you'll need a 500$ headphone the enjoy the SQ of the AK100ii and in that case it is a very good buy price/experience.
Regards,

 

[Schreuder]

  Hi Schreuder,
 
You can find some serious  review at : http://www.headfonia.com/astelkern-ak120ii-ak240-reference-daps/.
 http://hifilounge.co.uk/astell-and-kern-ak100-II
The AK100ii is better than de AK100 (better chip, better GUI, A-amp, balanced,...)
My logic is :
If you will not use a balanced headphone (these are very expensive : above the 1000$ easily) I suggest to go for the AK100ii (800$)
The advantage of the AK120ii (more than double price) is that this system has two Cirrus chips, one per channel.  This feature is really interesting if you use a balanced headphone.

Thank you,
 
what I actually meant was an equation between the Hifiman's 901 and an AK1x0ii

 

[Schreuder]

  Hi Schreuder,
 
You can find some serious  review at :website
The AK100ii is better than de AK100 (better chip, better GUI, A-amp, balanced,...)
My logic is :
If you will not use a balanced headphone (these are very expensive : above the 1000$ easily) I suggest to go for the AK100ii (800$)
The advantage of the AK120ii (more than double price) is that this system has two Cirrus chips, one per channel.  This feature is really interesting if you use a balanced headphone.

 
Thank you,
 
I was meant to have review in comparisation with Hifiman's 901 to an AK 1x0ii

Because there are greatly diminishing returns on dacs/amps as you go up in price; electronics are not the best way to spend your money to improve audio quality. Having owned the SR225i previously, I would not invest in a $1000 DAP. If you want to spend that kind of money and get the best audio quality, time to invest in higher grade headphones where you will get more of an SQ improvement for your money.

 
I'm planning to upgrade my headphones in the future. It would be sad to have a DAP that restricte me to listen to the quality that could be.
 
At the moment my doubs are on AK100ii, Hifiman901... If I should go on a smaller budget I'm considdering Ibasso x90 or Fiiox5 with or without E12 amp

 

[Schreuder]

does anyone know a review between the AK100ii en the Hifiman 901?
 
I'm not quite sure what to get. All the things  I can read is that the Hifiman is better SQ wise. Still the WiFi function of the AK is adorable, this would really nice to have in my house.
 
Having that said, a quick change in SD-card isn't that hard.
 
The Hifiman is known for his little issue's and simple UI where the AK's are know for there design and nice UI.
 
Really a hard choise, both players are the same price. Upgrade with the Hifimann with the balanced card will make this player more expensive but not as expensive as an AK120ii