Quote:
Hmmmmmm , anyone read this ... it was linked on the headphonia site under "Need help importing HM-602"
http://www.techenclave.com/audio-zone/need-help-importing-hifimam-hm-602-a-173655-4.html
No, I haven't seen it but it is not the first time I've seen products being critiqued for whatever reason. If a product is substandard or it breaks or you simply don't like it, return it and buy something else. Vote with your wallet and share your experience, good or bad so we can all benefit.
In my opinion the comment about the NOS Phillips DAC was below the belt, because Fang has disclosed this when he announced the product. Everybody wants top quality for little money. That can't be done on a sustainable basis and something has to give. Using this quality DAC that was available at low cost was one reason why he was able to offer a smaller, nearly as well performing new DAP for about half the cost (even ignoring the RE-262 offer) than the 801 and customers who previously couldn't afford the 801 now can fit the 602 in their budget. For this, he gets dinged and that is not fair, in my opinion.
Most of these DAPs are handbuilt unlike an Apple iPhone or iPod without using automation. I've seen the HM-801 improve with each batch and I know Fang went back and replaced the first series free of charge. So, if the thing breaks--which could happen with any of electronic or mechanical device--the important thing is that if it breaks, the manufacturer stands behind it. Still an inconvenience, of course, but it is an iterative process.
For example, I did have to return a portable amp four times for various quality issues until one was sent that worked perfectly. I did it because I understood the difficulties in building and fine-tuning these super-compact devices and our feedback as customers is important. The builder took that feedback, kept replacing the device without any issue, and the 5th version included the requested improvements and now it's better than ever and one of my favorite amps. If the vendor has this kind of attitude and willing to stand behind their products--which Head-Direct has been doing--I have no problem working with them. If they do not, I'll take my business elsewhere and will not recommend them based on that experience. It is simple as that for me.
Unhelpful critiques stemming from whatever alternate agenda bothers me a great deal. If someone has a better idea or superior skills to design and build a better product at the same or cheaper price, fine, make it happen and if it is truly better, I'll buy that instead. But bringing a product to a competitive market requires far more than great soldering skills and critiquing is much easier than actually accomplishing something.
Sorry about the rant, I have nothing more to say about this.
