[BennyLecter]

Quote:

It's the Standard amp module. The Standard amp has AD8397 opamp.
 
Here's the link to the amp in Head-Direct's Chinese netshop:
http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=18254902424&pos=2&uuid=b3db0229-1c86-43c4-8834-90f57725336c&scm=1003.3.03054.1_AB-LR32-PR32&acm=03054.1003.1.44.18254902424_1&tbpm=3
 
Google translate calls it HiFiMAN HM-901 8397 amp card Original Genuine

 Thank you LarsHP...
 
It's a pity, that WE buyers have to be guessing and searching about our devices. HiFi Man has terrible documentation and marketing around the HM 901. The device is really awesome, that is the only thing that in my case balance the situation.
 
I am coming from CLAS-DB + MK3-B, and DX100 + MK3-B scenarios, and found the HM901 better to my taste, not really a big gap though.
 
I am looking forward now to find where to buy the balance amp card, I cannot read chinese or brave enough to buy it in HiFi Man CN website, does any one knows how can I order this from the US? 
 
Does any body has an idea on how to connect the HE-500 balanced to the HM901 ? a TRRS adaptor perhaps?
 
My cables are balanced and have the XLR adaptor, I am using XLR to mini plug (3.5) and XLR to mini balanced for the moment.
 
Thank you!

 

[seeteeyou]

.

 

[LarsHP]

I read someone saying the U235 is going to be more powerful, but not as good sounding as the Balanced amp, and that one should be very careful with sensitive IEMs if using U235.

 

[BennyLecter]

Quote:

IMHO the point of getting that balanced amp card is moot when they're planning to sell an even powerful option called U235 in the future.

If you were still interested in ordering one for now and upgrade later, here are links

http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=17257050793

http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=17800873632

http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=19115621982

http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=23763676705

http://www.dma-audio.com/product_detail.php?id=2183

http://www.mingo-hmw.com/home/goods.php?id=2971

For that TRRS / XLR adapter for HE-500, you could ask Brian to make one for you

http://www.btg-audio.com/contactbtg.htm

That should look just like this

http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=20077423905
 

 
Thank you for the info ! I'll check on it.

 

[Poetic]

So you can get the 901 from Moon Audio Now if your in the US ?

 

[BennyLecter]

Quote:

So you can get the 901 from Moon Audio Now if your in the US ?

 
Yes, I got mine from them couple of weeks ago, I am not sure how many they have in stock though.

 

[pekingduck]

The IEM amp card is out now... RMB 1,299 / USD $210; uses OPA627 and BUF634
 
http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=19285710914&spm=a1z0k.1000783.2.98.OHqxJs 
 
Also Hifiman just released the official FW 1.080 earlier today.
 
Major changes over the beta version:
1. Files are now properly sorted in alphabetical order.
2. M4A files are now played at the correct speed
 
I just did the upgrade and can confirm sorting is working now (finally!!). Haven't tried any m4a files yet..
 
Download link http://down.hifiman.cn/HM901/update.zip

 

[Mimouille]

Quote:

The IEM amp card is out now... RMB 1,299 / USD $210; uses OPA627 and BUF634
 
http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=19285710914&spm=a1z0k.1000783.2.98.OHqxJs 
 
Also Hifiman just released the official FW 1.080 earlier today.
 
Major changes over the beta version:
1. Files are now properly sorted in alphabetical order.
2. M4A files are now played at the correct speed
 
I just did the upgrade and can confirm sorting is working now (finally!!). Haven't tried any m4a files yet..
 
Download link http://down.hifiman.cn/HM901/update.zip

The key question : does the iem amp sound as good as the balances amp with iems ? Otherwise what is the point ?

 

[pekingduck]

No idea about the sound, but one major advantage with the IEM card is that you get more usable volume range than the balance card.
Quote:

The key question : does the iem amp sound as good as the balances amp with iems ? Otherwise what is the point ?

 

[teddy-no-ear]

Looks like amp card is the cash cow for hifiman

 

[LarsHP]

Unboxing photos - click to enlarge:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
My brother took these today and will forward the unit after making sure all is well

 

[kkcc]

Congratz Lars! Which amp board did you get?

 

[kkcc]

No idea about the sound, but one major advantage with the IEM card is that you get more usable volume range than the balance card.

Yea I think having more usable volume range AND more importantly (I expect) longer battery life are the key selling point. However with the stepped attenuator there is no volume imbalance issue at even the lowest 0.5 step level. I'm thinking if the balanced amp is usable with the ultra sensitive TG334 (even on high gain!) I won't be too worried on usable volume.

Battery life (and maybe also heat) is a larger consideration as I expect the IEM board will sound very similar to the balanced board with same opamp/buffer and very similar circuitry implemented as single ended.

 

[LarsHP]

Quote:

Congratz Lars! Which amp board did you get?

Balanced - of course

 

[AnakChan]

Quote:

The IEM amp card is out now... RMB 1,299 / USD $210; uses OPA627 and BUF634
 
http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=19285710914&spm=a1z0k.1000783.2.98.OHqxJs 
 
Also Hifiman just released the official FW 1.080 earlier today.
 
Major changes over the beta version:
1. Files are now properly sorted in alphabetical order.
2. M4A files are now played at the correct speed
 
I just did the upgrade and can confirm sorting is working now (finally!!). Haven't tried any m4a files yet..
 
Download link http://down.hifiman.cn/HM901/update.zip

 
Excellent 'cos my James Bond ALAC was playing at chipmunk speed. Unfortunately download is slow again. Anyone has it that they could put on drop box please?
 
Quote:

The key question : does the iem amp sound as good as the balances amp with iems ? Otherwise what is the point ?

 
I thought the key question was when are you going to get one and tell us how it sounds? You're in the right country after all .