Supporting review page

HIFIMAN HM901s (Balanced) MP3 Player.

The HIFIMAN HM901s (Balanced) is a premium portable music player that delivers an exceptional listening experience. It is equipped with two top-of-the-line ES9018 DAC chips, which…

Brand: HIFIMANModel: HM901s

Product review summary

This page is intentionally secondary to the manual page and exists to provide review-oriented context.

Review:

The HIFIMAN HM901s (Balanced) is a high-end portable music player that boasts a premium audio experience. It features two top-of-the-line ES9018 DAC chips that provide a wider sound stage and high separation, resulting in excellent sound quality. The optimized analog circuit, with OPA2107 op-amp and two filter response curves, offers two different sound experiences. The device has a balanced output that delivers a wide, lifelike soundstage and offers high and low gain modes switchable for headphone and earbud loads. The replaceable amp card design allows for more compatible designs available and a chance for third-party designers to collaborate with HIFIMAN. The device also supports DSD 2.8MHZ file and has a dual-battery solution that delivers +/- 7.4 volts, 2,000mA, effectively reducing power-supply noise. The device has a sleek look and an exceptionally durable anti-glare screen. The TAICHI II UI is designed to achieve the most intuitive user interface possible, and the device has a faster power on/off in only three seconds.

Pros:

  • Premium audio experience with two top-of-the-line ES9018 DAC chips
  • Optimized analog circuit with OPA2107 op-amp and two filter response curves
  • High and low gain modes switchable for headphone and earbud loads
  • Replaceable amp card design allows for more compatible designs available
  • Supports DSD 2.8MHZ file
  • Dual-battery solution that delivers +/- 7.4 volts, 2,000mA, effectively reducing power-supply noise
  • Sleek look with an exceptionally durable anti-glare screen
  • TAICHI II UI designed to achieve the most intuitive user interface possible
  • Faster power on/off in only three seconds

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other portable music players
  • May not be suitable for casual listeners
  • Requires additional dock for CD/SACD playback
  • May not have a significant difference in sound quality compared to lower-priced models

FAQ

Q: What is the DAC chip used in the HIFIMAN HM901s?
A: The HIFIMAN HM901s uses two top-of-the-line ES9018 DAC chips, which are currently the most expensive DAC chips available.

Q: What is the THD of the HM901s in Line out mode?
A: The THD of the HM901s in Line out mode is 0.008%.

Q: What is the S/N ratio of the HM901s?
A: The S/N ratio of the HM901s is 106±4DB.

Q: Does the HM901s support DSD files?
A: Yes, the HM901s supports enhanced DSD (Direct Stream Digital) files with high quality playback. It can decode 24-bit 192 kHz high definition music files and offers upsampling to 24/192. It also supports DSD 2.8MHZ file.

Q: What is the battery life of the HM901s?
A: The battery life of the HM901s is 9 hours.

Q: Is it possible to replace the amplifier card in the HM901s?
A: Yes, the HM901s features a replaceable amplifier card design, which allows for more compatible designs and a chance for third-party designers to collaborate with HIFIMAN.

Q: What is the frequency response of the HM901s?
A: The frequency response of the HM901s is 20HZ-20KHz.

Q: Does the HM901s have a balanced output?
A: Yes, the HM901s features a balanced output that delivers a wide, lifelike soundstage. The driven power is four times higher under the same configuration than unbalanced output.

Q: What op-amps are used in the HM901s?
A: The HM901s uses OPA627x2 and OPA2107x2 op-amps.

Q: What is the weight and dimensions of the HM901s?
A: The HM901s weighs 7 ounces and has dimensions of 4.61 x 2.83 x 1.06 inches.

Specifications

Structured product details pulled from the latest available product data.

BrandHIFIMAN
ManufacturerHiFiMAN
Model NumberHM901s
CategoryElectronics > Portable Audio & Video > MP3 & MP4 Players
Weight7 ounces
Dimensions4.61 x 2.83 x 1.06 inches
First AvailableMay 22, 2015
Product Dimensions4.61 x 2.83 x 1.06 inches
Item Weight7 ounces
ASINB00XTIEWU4
Item model numberHM901s
Is Discontinued By ManufacturerNo
Date First AvailableMay 22, 2015
Departmentunisex-adult