[schalliol]

Having just placed an order for the upcoming unit, and at ExpatinJapan’s recommendation, this is a thread for the new version of the Hi-Fi M8 portable DAC/Amp.

Photos! (Posted with permission of CEntrance)

*Not the final design.

You can now order via a pre-order link if you’re a previous buyer, and we can add the link here when it goes live.

CEntrance sent a survey and is adjusting the product based on feedback. Expected specs as of today are included here directly from the company:

Based on the first hundred responses so far, we plan to offer the following set of features (ranged by priority):

Battery 79%
Bluetooth 75%
EQ 73%
Dual Amp 73%
3.5mm line-in 58%
4-pin XLR 56%
SPDIF input 48%
LED Meter 47%
Stamina 46%

The following features aren't weighing in heavily in the survey:

4.4 mm output 39%
4.4 mm input 19%

Panel space is tight. There is space on the front panel. We will try to squeeze the 4.4 mm balanced headphone output jack on the front panel, but if it doesn't fit, we will give preference to 3.5 mm input, both analog and SPDIF (same jack). We will really try and let you know.

So, without the 4.4 mm jack we will have at least 3 other outputs: 4-pin XLR balanced, 2.5 mm balanced, 3.5 mm unbalanced. If we can fit the 4.4 mm jack, there will be a total of 4 (four) outputs on the device! That's a lot, but you will be able to easily compare headphones this way.
Other Features

Additionally, based on your feedback we will be implementing the following requests:

• A *modern* DAC chip TBA (AK4097/99/??)
• 6dB more output than DACmini (wow! loud!)
• Clean, digital volume control with no scratchy pots
• Reasonable EU shipping arrangement via distributors

Some things might still change based on the additional surveys received, but the above is a pretty good baseline. As with previous campaigns, we will keep in regular communication with you and give you frequent visual and written updates about the progress of this endeavor. It's our goal to make you happy!

Dimensions are 121 mm (4.76″) (L), 70 mm (2.76″) (W), 36 mm (1.42″) (H). Weight approx. 260 grams (9.1 ounces)

Note that the unit is lighter shorter, narrower and slightly thicker than the predecessor.

 

[jmills8]

So, connecting it to a dap will have cable going into the V2 on one end and headphone coming out from same end ? So one can put in jean pocket ?

 

[mgoodman]

So, connecting it to a dap will have cable going into the V2 on one end and headphone coming out from same end ? So one can put in jean pocket ?

Thank you for your feedback. We need to say that you would have to have larger pockets, since HiFi-M8 V2 is 36mm thick. We will work on implementing the "same side" solution, but need to say that the back panel is rathe packed already.... will say more about this later.

 

[ExpatinJapan]

Thank you @schalliol for making this thread.

Photos added to this new thread:











*Early mock up photos.

 

[jstachowski]

This looks like the same size as my mixer face r4. Which looks a little more streamlined than the original HiFi-M8 V1.

 

[kamcok]

Does the USB input also charge the unit? Say if we're using this for a desktop set up, would we need to plug it in for power as well?

 

[aj05hi]

You can now order via a pre-order link if you’re a previous buyer, and we can add the link here when it goes live.

CEntrance sent a survey and is adjusting the product based on feedback. Expected specs as of today are included here directly from the company:

Hi

Am I supposed to get this link via email (current BlueDAC & DAC portable owner)?

I have already participated in the survey.

Thanks

 

[schalliol]

Hi

Am I supposed to get this link via email (current BlueDAC & DAC portable owner)?

I have already participated in the survey.

Thanks

I just sent you the link via Private Message. They’re almost out of the early pricing, according to the email I recently received.

 

[aj05hi]

I just sent you the link via Private Message. They’re almost out of the early pricing, according to the email I recently received.

All done thanks.

 

[carlosgab]

Thank you for your feedback. We need to say that you would have to have larger pockets, since HiFi-M8 V2 is 36mm thick. We will work on implementing the "same side" solution, but need to say that the back panel is rathe packed already.... will say more about this later.

I may not have received the survey but I am among those who suggest for a line input. By the way, I have signed in!

 

[benzfong]

I already order too. Looking forward for V2

 

[doctorjazz]

I'm in (despite my pledge to self not to buy new gear...oh well).
Is there a time frame for the release of v2?

 

[benzfong]

I was inform that v2 will be ready in nov.

 

[toughnut]

Good lord. That’s lot of switches and buttons beating a helicopter control panel.

Make it thinner but wider, at least more pocketable. Transfer all similar switch/button to one side or other surface (see iFi micro BL). Remove unnecessary functions.

 

[benzfong]

I'm in (despite my pledge to self not to buy new gear...oh well).
Is there a time frame for the release of v2?

Me too. I told myself I have enough gears for myself. Don’t need more. Yet ........

Release time should be around nov.