[andyph666@gmail.com]

So I just recently got the jh 16 pro. Should I get the pico slim or protector? I'll be pairing it with the ipod nano, n900 and perhaps a hm602. I don't have a desktop rig. Not sure if I should go with portability or the best sound. I mean should I just use a hm602 and pair it with the jh16 when out and then get a protector, or I could get the pico slim and use it for everything cause it is so small.
 
 
After reading countless posts, I still can't make up my mind. Help please? hehe.
 
Pico slim
- High battery life
- Very Portable
- Sound is great but not the best
- Digital volume pot for good low level listening?
 
Protector
- Balanced
- Requires Balanced cable (seems a little clunky and inconvenient especially with balanced to 3.5 mm adapter, judging by the pics it looks like the balanced end is right angle so adding a cable to the right ankle just makes it weird in the pockets? Any input on this?
- Best sound? Good match apparently for jh 16 pro in balanced.
- Quite big and probably too big for pocket? Haven't used one.

 

[Jalo]

Hmm, if you asked me a month ago, I would say Protector.  But now it is a real toss up.  I have both of them and I have been listening to both.  Both are very nice with a different take.  One factor that I will consider is if this is you only portable amp, I might tend to lean toward the Protector as it can drive a number of bigger phones. I have six to seven portable amps and the Slim is just way too cute for me to let go.  I am holding on to my slim and p51.  I have sold the Predator and SR71a within the last month.  The slim and the Nano six paired together will give you a wow factor and chance to show off some miniature wonders.  But both sounds real good and close.  If you have a chance to hear them for yourself will be the best way to go.

 

[saisunil]

For me ...
 
hifiman 601 (no usb out) and 602 (with usb out if that matters) give you a better source than ipod but not as good an amp as Pico or Protector - but it is all-in-one portable solution that sounds very good (probably at par with ipod/amp) - of course 801 would sound better than any of the above - but it gets bulky and battery life is not so great ...
 
Go balanced if it is for sit down on desk type listening ...