Product/Design Update Request

[markkr]

Since an overwhelming flood of Chinese amps are hitting the world market, how about a SERIOUS update to your small (Airhead/Bithead) amps. Maybe add an optical input for the DAC and rechargeable battery?

In a nutshell, I'm asking for an iBasso D10 killer!!

but with that pretty Headroom logo on top!

 

[Jamey Warren]

What source would you imagine using if we added an optical input?

 

[3602]

I come from China, and I seriously support Made in U.S.A.
No need to upgrade.

 

[aimlink]

I used to support the spartan appearance, but after being on these forums for a spell, I'd be darned if appearance isn't a very important aspect in audio!! IMO, they need a facelift and making the battery rechargeable is a good suggestion. It's this latter reason why I never got one and went with one of the RSA models.

 

[Jamey Warren]

Thanks for all the input. Now is certainly the time to influence future HeadRoom products. Keep all your suggestions coming. I'm all ears.

 

[logwed]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamey Warren /img/forum/go_quote.gif What source would you imagine using if we added an optical input?

I disagree on the optical input, I think that USB is more than enough. I for one, though, would love a metal case if that were at all possible.

 

[markkr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamey Warren /img/forum/go_quote.gif What source would you imagine using if we added an optical input?

any current MacBook pro/MacMini/iMac, which I see as a VERY popular source these days. Also optical cables are cheap (fairly) and all sound the same. (no fancy USB cable hype need apply)

 

[markkr]

A metal case would be nice, as for the appearance... I agree... it does not make it sound any better so I dont care but I'm certain that others do care.

Maybe offer a metal enclosure in black and silver? Get rid of the volume dial and go to a real dial or digital (not my favorite). If you're going to offer changable batteries (AAA) go with a battery door... get rid of the rubber plug type thing that you have now. I like the dual ouput jacks personally, makes for good A-B'ing. DO NOT put the input or output jacks at an angle on the case like they are now.

Offering the choice of rubber feet or velcro buttons is a nice touch

USB powered is good, but the option of battery powered is nice for bigger cans

And although it should be remain small, there is no reason for it to me ultra,micro, miniature... I think the target audience will be fine with more quality than less size.

Other than that... I have no opinion LOL

ohhh this my 666th post... not good

 

[markkr]

One more thing... you need to update the Headroom bags for the portable amps... I dont know why you stopped selling the strap and bag for the Micros, because that was a SWEET solution.

A bag for the Bithead replacement is a requirement, and no soft plastic on the face for iPods etc... make it a hard plastic face with interchangeable cutouts for different DAP's

I'm a picky SOB

 

[aimlink]

I don't get the need for Optical either. Optical cabling is a fragile option for a portable solution. Additionally, the DAC in the HeadRoom Bithead will do just fine with the USB feed. There'll be no advantage in going optical. Not unless you'll be processing 24bit music.

 

[markkr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aimlink /img/forum/go_quote.gif I don't get the need for Optical either. Optical cabling is a fragile option for a portable solution. Additionally, the DAC in the HeadRoom Bithead will do just fine with the USB feed. There'll be no advantage in going optical. Not unless you'll be processing 24bit music.

Less for portable, and more for when you're back at your desk. Portable will likely use the 3.5mm input from Sandisk LOD, iPod LOD, etc...

IMO, (and you know what they say about opinions...) People who buy a product like the Bithead, do so because they can't (or dont want to) pay for a portable solution, a work/desk solution, a bedside solution,etc... they want EVERYTHING in a small package that works everywhere. Just my 2 cents.

 

[plonter]

is the optical input is a real possibility anyway? I mean..if there is no room in the bithead for this than it is a total waist of time even discussing this. IMO,resizing the bithead to a bigger size is not a good idea if that is the case.

the optical input can serve those that will want to connect the bithead to a dvd player/cdplayer of some kind other than only the computer, it can be a good idea if this is not going to make it more expensive and bigger in anyway.
you can also use a 3.5 coaxial input like the one in the micro dac.

 

[markkr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by plonter /img/forum/go_quote.gif is the optical input is a real possibility anyway? I mean..if there is no room in the bithead for this than it is a total waist of time even discussing this. IMO,resizing the bithead to a bigger size is not a good idea if that is the case. the optical input can serve those that will want to connect the bithead to a dvd player/cdplayer of some kind other than only the computer, it can be a good idea if this is not going to make it more expensive and bigger in anyway. you can also use a 3.5 coaxial input like the one in the micro dac.

agreed... greats points. I suppose I could live without optical...

 

[plonter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by markkr /img/forum/go_quote.gif agreed... greats points. I suppose I could live without optical...

I think that your points are logical also,it may be a nice idea , I used a cheap dvd as a transport for some time so I understand the need for other devices other than the computer. let's wait and see what headroom has to say about this.
it is always a good thing to come with new thoughts and ideas for improvement

 

[Jamey Warren]

Well, I would certainly like an optical input to go with my MacBook but size and cost always come into play when developing products. That's not to say that it can't be done.

Rechargeable battery is high on my list of requirements.

I like the idea of a metal case. Something about machined aluminum that makes me go ooohhhhhh...

How important is 24/96 to you in a product at this price range and size?

Do you think you would use a new BitHead with both a computer and a portable audio player or would it make more sense to have separate units? Where do you see yourself most often using a new BitHead? With a computer or portable music player?