[tf1216]

JP, thanks a ton for sharing your thoughts.  I'm think the Jkeny MK3 converter is one of the best deals available.  It's next on my shopping list unless I keep reading glowing reviews of the Audio-GD DI.

 

[jp11801]

I heard great things about the Jkeny mods Audio-gd has been a bit more hit or miss

 

[Germs]

For anyone interested in a portable player with a digital out, have a look at an iriver H120/H140. It has an optical digital output but it can be modified to a coax digital out (still bit-perfect).
I did that mod: http://www.head-fi.org/t/497818/poll-who-uses-an-iriver-h1x0-with-digital-out/15#post_6998208
I am very happy of the result. The sound is clean and very detailed. (I am not audiophile enough to give you a detailed review)
With the Rockbox firmware it can read FLAC.
The only limitation is that it can't output 24/96, the best it can do is 16/44
You will have to look on ebay to find one of these things. I got mine for £70 ($110)
I use a small mini stereo (iriver) to mini trrs cable (jh3a)
 
Before buying it I thought about other options:
- a QLS QA-550 http://qlshifi.com/en/wzcapi/qa550.htm
  I actually bought one.
     + Bit-perfect output
     - Read only wav
     - no internal battery (you can use an external 9v battery or a charger)
     - UI very limited
     - Too big for me
 
  Another model, the QA-350, has an internal battery and a better UI.
 
- a Cowon D3. It has a cable (sold separately) with a coax digital output. However it is not bit perfect. I read on a french forum that you can change the volume of the digital output (therefore not bit-perect) and there is a bit of background noise. I haven't seen another similar report but the guy knew what he was doing because he also has an iriver H140 and a Cowon Q5 and he did notice the differences.
 
- a Cowon Q5. I think it uses a cable like the Cowon D3. The Q5 seems very hard to find on ebay so I did not investigate more.
 
- a Viliv S5. It is a UMPC with Windows XP or Seven. It has a usb port so my idea was to use it with a M2Tech Hiface. It is not easy to find but there are some on Yahoo Auction Japan. I was going to use a service like easyauctionjapan.com but I back off as the Viliv was too big for me.

 

[Roffensian]

For a portable setup where some compromise has to be considered, then presumably the 'best' sound would come from the best source and best available connector, even if that isn't the best overall interconnect. Therefore (on paper at least), an 801 with a mini to mini connection (and Whiplash offer oyaide connectors which I really like) should outperform a Cowon with a digital connector. Right??
 
I can easily understand that jp11801's optimal setup would beat any of those options because it removes weak link in the chain - the portable source.

 

[Germs]

With a digital interconnect you bypass a DAC (i.e in the 801) and a ADC (in the JH-3A).
Of course if both the DAC and the ADC are very good, the difference shoud be minimal.

 

[Roffensian]

Right, and I guess that's the decision to be made - is it worth compromising source quality in order to avoid a DAC / ADC process.  Not sure that there is a simple answer, but personally lean toward accepting the digital / analog / digital process if it means using a purer source.

 
Quote:

With a digital interconnect you bypass a DAC (i.e in the 801) and a ADC (in the JH-3A).
Of course if both the DAC and the ADC are very good, the difference shoud be minimal.

 

 

[Waazup]

I just sent back my earpiece to have the color changed to what i have originally ordered.
When i spoke to them when i first got it they said i only need to send back the earpiece, this i later confirmed but i thought they needed the amp to tune the earpiece as it will have to be remade or is this no longer the case.

 

[Germs]

Are they reusing the internal earpiece components?

 

[tf1216]

Germs, thank you for the link.  I am going to try that modification.
 
Would you gents mind sharing with me where you got your SPDIF cable?  I'm spring for an MK3 this week.

 

[bozebuttons]

I use the rwa 5.5g imod with the analog input .I just picked up a used audiophilleo2 to use with my laptop which is the primary reason I went with the 3a.
Just waiting for my black dragon bnc  to trss cable & cardas clear usb cable from Moon audio to arrive.
 I think the HM801 would be a good option for portable use

 

[tf1216]

bozebuttons, what made you go with the audiophilleo2 over another converter?

 

[Germs]

Quote:

Germs, thank you for the link.  I am going to try that modification.
 
Would you gents mind sharing with me where you got your SPDIF cable?  I'm spring for an MK3 this week.

 

I made it myself. Actually it's more an adapter than a cable:
http://i44.tinypic.com/2n171ps.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/jfhs2h.jpg
 
I have to improve it a bit because it is fragile.
 

 

[bozebuttons]

Quote:

bozebuttons, what made you go with the audiophilleo2 over another converter?

 I was considering the halide bridge,Jkenny MKIII,Stello u3 as well, I was leaning towards the audipholleo because of reviews one came up for sale used  for  a good price so I bought it.

 

[tf1216]

Guys,
 
Thank you so much for your replies.  I'll be reporting back once I try the converter myself.

 

[bozebuttons]

Cables from Moon Audio just showed up at work,the Back dragon cable looks good,Drew did a good job with it..
Just need to get some listening time now.