[jelt2359]

More details to come.

Second oscillator, gapless playback, 2 second startup, 24 bit playback, including ALAC and DSD, improved wheel... ESS9018x2, and amp with OPA627x2, OPA2107x2.

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

Just wondering if it supports DXD, thanks.

 

[pekingduck]

I got to try out the 901s at the product announcement event today.
 
The scroll wheel and the UI are a HUGE improvement over the original, and the attenuator now offers more steps which is a very welcome
change. The unit feels very substantial in your hand since it's all metal now.
 
Gain is now set in the UI, and the HD/vintage switch is gone too. There's also a separate balanced phone out.
 
I can't quite remember how the 901 sounded like (sold long ago) but I think the signature is more or less the same with the 901s being more transparent. Anyway it was truly excellent with my Hidition NT6-Pro and I think I would pick the 901s over the Calyx M (and probably the 240, too) any day, based on SQ alone.
 
 

 

 

 

[pekingduck]

By the way the 901s will be sold for RMB 8,999 with the balanced card, or RMB 10,999 with balanced card and a pair of RE1000 (a dual dynamic custom IEM, a collaboration with Unique Melody)
 
Existing 901 owners can get their units upgraded for RMB 999 but the upgraded unit is not exactly a 901s (no 3s bootup and probably some other features).

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

So a brand new 901s will have better sonics than an upgrade from existing 901?

 

[pekingduck]

So a brand new 901s will have better sonics than an upgrade from existing 901?

Will need HiFiMAN to clarify exactly what the modded 901 will not get.

 

[goodvibes]

That looks more pocket friendly than the 901 with the flatter surfaces and rounded edges. Looks slimmer. Is it smaller as well?
 
Seeing how they've stuck with the full size DAC chips, I'd expect it to be a bit better than the old one, certainly as good. 

 

[ClieOS]

Have to say I still find the old HM901 is bit more classy on the look, though the new industrial design is pretty good as well.

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

Will need HiFiMAN to clarify exactly what the modded 901 will not get.

Thanks for the reply. Really hoping the upgrade will have the same improved sound so that i can send mine in.

 

[rudi0504]

Thank you for sharing this thread
HM 901 S look better than HM 901

 

[jelt2359]

Agreed. I like the new look. I also find it amusing that they're touting things like gapless, fast startup.... Glad it's finally here, but the key word is "finally". That should have been there since 801!

 

[pekingduck]

  That looks more pocket friendly than the 901 with the flatter surfaces and rounded edges. Looks slimmer. Is it smaller as well?
 
Seeing how they've stuck with the full size DAC chips, I'd expect it to be a bit better than the old one, certainly as good. 

Could be smaller but the difference wouldn't be big. If anything I felt the 901s might even be heavier than the 901, probably due to the new housing.

 

[goodvibes]

  Could be smaller but the difference wouldn't be big. If anything I felt the 901s might even be heavier than the 901, probably due to the new housing.

Damn!

 

[pekingduck]

Thanks for the reply. Really hoping the upgrade will have the same improved sound so that i can send mine in.

So this is what the mod will bring:
 
1. New enclosure w/ improved scroll wheel and buttons
2. New phone outs
3. New stepped attenuator
4. New analog stage
 
So you will get the improved sound. The second oscillator won't be included, which is ONLY relevant if you use it as a DAC.

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

Thanks.
Ok, I am in.