[audionewbi]

By the look of it this is strictly a PCM DAP. As much as I loved my HM801 and as much as I want to give this DAP a go exclusion of DSD when its capabilities on portable DAP, in particular the WM1 family, has been proven is puzzling.

I have asked few of my DIY DAC maker on having PMC1704 in such size and they told me it is possible however it is certainly limited in its resolution.

 

[musicday]

By the look of it this is strictly a PCM DAP. As much as I loved my HM801 and as much as I want to give this DAP a go exclusion of DSD when its capabilities on portable DAP, in particular the WM1 family, has been proven.

I have asked few of my DIY DAC maker on having PMC1704 in such size and they told me it is possible however it is certainly limited in its resolution.

Let's wait and see, better said, hear before any judgement

 

[audionewbi]

Let's wait and see, better said, hear before any judgement

They make no secret of there dislike of DSD, its in their powerpoint presentation.

 

[twister6]

They make no secret of there dislike of DSD, its in their powerpoint presentation.

Don't know what the title says (from HFM R2R2k presentation), but I would have guessed it's one of the supported formats?

 

[audionewbi]

They do support DSD, but not native. This is more of an evolution from HM-801, and HM801 was very good for redbook quality PCM.

Edit: It appears 24/96 should easily be handled natively, DSD 64/128 will be a miracle if they can achieve.

If they get the tonality right I couldn't care less if its only 24/96, I say bring it on!

 

[audionewbi]

For those of you who wonder what the letters after the end of 1704 represent they explain the quality of the DAC. The same way for instance OPA627AU/BM and SM are named, SM been the best variation of the OPA627 family, 1704K is the best version of the PCM1704 family.

They are not a new generation of DAC, it doesn't mean anything as PCM1704 is a legendary DAC that I love very much.

 

[audionewbi]

Detail of file support is still unknown however USB DAC feature supports 24Bit / 384kHz and 24/96 for hifiman own bluetooth codec.

Source http://tech.sina.com.cn/roll/2017-1...r_tech&loc=2&r=9&doct=0&rfunc=48&tj=none&tr=9

 

[musicday]

So far i know: 400 mW@32 ohm for the balanced output, 1800 mHa battery, 8 hours 24 bit playback and 50 hours when used in USB DAC mode?
Someone feel free to correct if I am wrong.
I would have loved to see the slidesheets in English also.

 

[alpha421]

The HM-801 is the best sounding DAP I've owned. However, I loathed the bulky balanced card implementation and proprietary charging brick. Has the price been disclosed yet? I can only imagine the price to be $1K+ as I'm assuming this replaces the HM802/901 product line, but won't be surprised if the price is closer to $2K.

 

[twister6]

The HM-801 is the best sounding DAP I've owned. However, I loathed the bulky balanced card implementation and proprietary charging brick. Has the price been disclosed yet? I can only imagine the price to be $1K+ as I'm assuming this replaces the HM802/901 product line, but won't be surprised if the price is closer to $2K.

price was already mentioned in post #4 on the previous page, $2.5k

 

[howdy]

That's a redicoulsly absurd price! What are some of these manufacturers thinking with these prices. One reason I like Fiio, shanling, Cayin and ibasso. Reasonable prices for a great product. I had the HM901 with the balanced card and yes it sounded great but nothing substantial more than the aforementioned.

 

[audionewbi]

I think the pricing is based on the other R2R portable DAP and simply because it is an approach never tried before. I certainly dislike the pricing and wish it was more in line with other DAP but naturally the market will decide it.

Part of me wants to be positive, I shall wait till I hear it and judge it for myself.

 

[howdy]

I think the pricing is based on the other R2R portable DAP and simply because it is an approach never tried before. I certainly dislike the pricing and wish it was more in line with other DAP but naturally the market will decide it.

Part of me wants to be positive, I shall wait till I hear it and judge it for myself.

I agree with what you say, I blame this on AK for there high prices and others think they can do it as well. I think a manufacturer would sell more and at lower price. I would happily buy this at around there regular price for top tier, generally around the 1500 dollar mark. Ive always like there product for many years.

 

[audionewbi]

I agree with what you say, I blame this on AK for there high prices and others think they can do it as well. I think a manufacturer would sell more and at lower price. I would happily buy this at around there regular price for top tier, generally around the 1500 dollar mark. Ive always like there product for many years.

I have people who are in the industry and told me they simply cant believe how well AK product sell at that high prices. The numbers are in thousand in the life time of the product. And that is only based on the data from two shop owners.

I think portable audio market doesnt follow the mainstream supply/demand economically theory. Without wanting to sound racist the Asian market, this is where audio markets is really hot, judge a product by price and if your product isn't price high to attract attention it will simply disappear in the mixture of its competition.

Simply put the high pricing attract attention and for some reason it sells. I think sadly, yes sadly the norm is no longer 800-1500 USD, the current norm is between 1500-2500 USD and sadly the majority of the Asian market will happily pay that.

If you price your flagship DAP less than the flagship product of your competitor for some stupid reason your flagship product will only be seen as a midrange competitor of your competition. Don't ask me why, it is the current cultural trend I see in many audio forums/sites.

 

[alpha421]

price was already mentioned in post #4 on the previous page, $2.5k

Thanks. I'm out. However, I'm looking forward into reading what all you early adopter buyers and lucky reviewers have to say about this $2.5K DAP.