[jeffri]

The 4.4mm output seems to drive the cost up a bit, especially if we consider their use of Pentaconn-branded female jack, which I believe they did. There isn't many Bluetooth dongle with 4.4mm out, the only few I know is Shanling UP5, Oriolus 1795 and this.

 

[ClieOS]

The 4.4mm output seems to drive the cost up a bit, especially if we consider their use of Pentaconn-branded female jack, which I believe they did. There isn't many Bluetooth dongle with 4.4mm out, the only few I know is Shanling UP5, Oriolus 1795 and this.

Original Pentaconn 4.4mm socket is retailed for US$25/each in Japan. I assume large quantities on B2B order will see significant discount, possibly 30%~50%, especially since iFi also use it for quite a few of their other products. While it is an expensive part no doubt, I doubt it is the most significant factor in pricing, thanks to the magic of mass production.

 

[ClieOS]

Finally the local iFi distributor is taking pre-order, hopefully it won't take too long to arrive.

 

[LuckyPantsu]

Looking forward to hearing more reviews about sound as now
- no app so no control from iPhone, no eq
- no clip
- almost double price against Q5k
Also, a bit scare of “warm sound ” because a coloration of sound is not suitable for all iems and, in my view, it is much profitable to have an “honest” source with colored iems.

 

[iFi audio]

I doubt it is the most significant factor in pricing,

It's not, not even close. Sheer part cost is just a part of the final pricing. Running a company with worldwide distribution network, having in-house R&D, manufacturing lots of stuff internally (not to mention a whole lot of other aspects) etc. are also things that factor in and have to be included in a product's price

 

[Bondipix]

It's not, not even close. Sheer part cost is just a part of the final pricing. Running a company with worldwide distribution network, having in-house R&D, manufacturing lots of stuff internally (not to mention a whole lot of other aspects) etc. are also things that factor in and have to be included in a product's price

So UK consumers are subsidising US pricing by paying an approximate 20% premium. How does that work?
Apple, a US company, only screws it's foreign buyers.

 

[Ynot1]

Oh I didn't even realize the hip-dac was non-BT, been speculating on getting one but I think I'll take the BT flexibility. As you mentioned I'm curious about output power and battery life differences.

What about a bluetooth dap and a hip dac? Assuming hiby r3 pro, hiby r2, fiio m5, shanling m0, fiio m7, fiio m6, tempotec so on and so on supports hip dac via otg.

 

[Ynot1]

Maybe I'm missing something, but is there any reason this is double the price of the competition? I'm using the Shanling UP4, which sells for $99, and own the FiiO BTR5, BTR3, ES100, and a few other BT devices in a similar or cheaper price range. I don't see what makes this device better than the competition.

I think hifiman founder said it best. Someone's signature had this quote from him. "because it sounds good."

 

[iFi audio]

"because it sounds good."

Exactly

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

Will anyone have this product available for demo at CanJam Socal?

 

[Soundizer]

Exactly

I have not seen it in person yet, but do you know if the colour matches the new Focal Clear MG?

 

[iFi audio]

I have not seen it in person yet, but do you know if the colour matches the new Focal Clear MG?

Now I do

 

[zolom]

Most important for me, is how does it sound against the Qudelix.

 

[Hanesu]

Most important for me, is how does it sound against the Qudelix.

Warmer!

 

[zolom]

Warmer!

Than, No Go!