Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
HM-602 Slim (8G)
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Storage: 8G
- DAC: Philips TDA-1543
- Features: High/Low Gain switch
- USB DAC functionality
Description
It is well known that Non-oversampling dacs offer great sound for little money. HM-602 is the first portable player using non-oversampling DAC: Philips TDA-1543. As younger brother of HM-801, HM-602 shares HM-801's great sound signature.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- HIFIMAN offers a wide range of headphone models, varying in tonality from warm to neutral to balanced, allowing for different listening preferences and catering to various audiophile tastes.
- The brand is known for their "Stealth Magnet" design which reduces wave diffraction turbulence to lower distortion and improve transparency.
- They incorporate planar magnetic drivers in many of their headphones, known for their speed, detail, and impactful bass response.
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EDITION XS:
- Positioning: An entry-level headphone offering compact design and affordability.
- Description: Features stealth magnets design with a frequency response from 8Hz to 50kHz and low impedance for basic home or portable use. Compared to the mid-range options like AUDIVINA and HE1000SE, it provides essential performance for smaller rooms.
AUDIVINA:
- Positioning: A mid-range headphone balancing clear audio performance with a reasonable price.
- Description: Uses refined driver technology to deliver a natural sound signature and balanced frequency response for typical home listening setups. Compared to the simple approach of Edition XS and the more precision-focused HE1000SE, it offers enhanced detail while keeping costs moderate.
HE1000SE:
- Positioning: A mid-range headphone engineered for improved clarity and dynamic range.
- Description: Offers an extended frequency response from 8Hz to 65kHz and higher sensitivity for clearer audio reproduction in critical listening. In contrast to AUDIVINA's balanced performance, HE1000SE emphasizes precise tuning and a robust build.
SUSVARA:
- Positioning: A high-end headphone crafted for immersive and detailed sound reproduction.
- Description: Incorporates advanced driver engineering that extends its frequency range from 6Hz to 75kHz, supporting a wider and more open soundstage. Compared to mid-range models like HE1000SE and AUDIVINA, it offers broader performance and refined tuning.
SUSVARA UNVEILED:
- Positioning: A premium headphone representing the pinnacle of the brand's lineup.
- Description: Features cutting-edge materials and driver technologies that produce exceptionally detailed sound across its wide frequency spectrum. When compared with SUSVARA and other models, it delivers superior engineering and an expansive performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
13
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
286
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
92
Founding Year
2007
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
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What if you spend more?
Primare
NP5 Prisma MK2
630
630
/
8
Reviews
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
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Product Strengths
- Open and transparent sound with precise placement and detail without being tiring
- Versatile streaming options through Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, DLNA/UPnP, and Roon Ready
- Good sound quality that enhances the listening experience compared to cheaper network players
- The Prisma platform receives long-term support with updates
- Compact size allows it to fit pretty much anywhere
Product Considerations
- Requires a separate DAC or an amplifier with a built-in DAC
- Basic control is limited to app use
- The included power supply is a cost-effective option that can be upgraded for improved performance
- Internet radio stream selection could be better
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cambridge Audio MX-N10—the NP5 has more mature, defined, transparent, and natural sounds, while the MX-N10 delivers more punch to the sound
- Vs Bluesound Node—the NP5 offers better levels of clarity, soundstage, and definition, but the Bluesound Node is more feature-rich
- Vs WiiM Pro—the NP5 has a bigger, more open, and more dynamic soundstage
- Vs Naim ND5XS—the NP5 is more detailed, tighter defined, and more precise in terms of placement in the stereo image
- Vs Argon Audio Solo—the NP5 has more resolution and separation, and it projects vocals and soundstage a little bit more viscerally
Takeaway: The NP5 Prisma MKII is a versatile streamer that offers great sound for the price. It is a good choice for anyone wanting to add streaming to their existing setup and is worthwhile if seeking an upgrade in sound quality from basic streamers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
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Holo Audio
Red
798
798
/
7
Reviews
Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
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Product Strengths
- High-quality build, feels substantial and well-made due to the aluminum casing and hefty weight
- Offers versatility by functioning as both a streamer and a DDC (digital-to-digital converter)
- Delivers very low jitter and noise
- Improves the sound quality, details, and soundstage compared to using a computer directly as a source
- Provides various connectivity options, including I2S, AES, SPDIF (BNC, Coax, Optical), and USB
Product Considerations
- Switching between DDC and streamer modes requires physically disconnecting the USB-B cable and power cycling the device, which is not ideal
- Initial setup and software flashing might be necessary for some users to ensure optimal performance
- Only connects via Ethernet, as it does not have Wi-Fi
- Some users have found that a power conditioner is necessary to get the best sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Red provides a wider and deeper soundstage, as well as a lower noise floor, compared to the Raspberry Pi
- Favored for its performance as a DDC and streamer combo, as well as for build quality, the Red is better than the iFi Zen Stream and iFi Neo Stream, the latter of which is considered a good all-in-one solution with a built-in DAC
- Sounds night and day better, the Metrum Amber sounds more distant, fuzzy, and not as crisp
Takeaway: The Hello Audio Red is a versatile device that can function as a streamer and DDC. It offers a clean and detailed sound, making it a worthwhile addition to a high-quality audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
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FIIO
SR11
515
515
/
6
Reviews
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
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Product Strengths
- Good value as a dedicated audio streaming device that easily fits into an existing desktop or hifi setup
- Wide range of digital outputs, including optical, coaxial, and USB
- USB-A and USB-C outputs are included
- Remote control is included
- Excellent build quality
Product Considerations
- Setting up the SR11 on WiFi can be challenging
- It lacks Bluetooth connectivity, though FiiO has indicated they are working on a firmware update to add this capability
- No analog outputs
- Misses out on AirPlay 2 and DLNA
- No Chromecast integration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SR11 differentiates itself with Roon integration, making it a great starting point for Roon users
Takeaway: The SR11 is a well-built, affordable streamer with good sound, perfect for those invested in the Apple or Roon ecosystem. With its various outputs, it easily connects to existing audio gear.
Video review
Our take on the brand
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
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Laiv
Harmony µDDC
849
849
/
6
Reviews
Laiv offers stunningly built hifi products at prices almost as attractive as the products themselves. Their Harmony and uDAC R2R DACs feature discrete R2R digital to analog converters with the option to run NOS (Non-Oversampling). And their HP2A amplifier is one of if not perhaps the most powerful commercially available headphone amplifier, delivering over 60 volts of output, and over 25 watts into 32 Ohms as tested by Cameron.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Significantly lowers the noise floor, creating a 'black void' sonic background, resulting in a cleaner, clearer, and more refined sound
- Improves spatial holography, increasing three-dimensionality and separation in the soundstage, contributing to a more natural and organic sound
- Universally improves clarity and soundstage size, precision, and tone trailing
- Well-built with a machined aluminum case and compact size
Product Considerations
- Only has a single I2S digital output, limiting its compatibility to DACs with I2S inputs
- The included power supply is considered inadequate, and reviewers recommend an upgraded aftermarket linear power supply
- Improvements may be less dramatic on high-performance DACs that already have good clocking and noise suppression
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Live Harmony DAC, with the µDDC, can reach a similar performance level as the Denafrips Venus 15th
Takeaway: The Harmony µDDC can enhance the sound quality of a system by cleaning up the digital signal, improving soundstage, and lowering the noise floor. This device could bring out the full potential of music for those who have a DAC with an I2S input.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Laiv offers stunningly built hifi products at prices almost as attractive as the products themselves. Their Harmony and uDAC R2R DACs feature discrete R2R digital to analog converters with the option to run NOS (Non-Oversampling). And their HP2A amplifier is one of if not perhaps the most powerful commercially available headphone amplifier, delivering over 60 volts of output, and over 25 watts into 32 Ohms as tested by Cameron.
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What competes at this price?
iFi
ZEN Stream
399
/
Released
2021
Designed from the ground up to modernise your Hi-Fi, the ZEN Stream wirelessly casts Hi-Res PCM and DSD to your DAC, all while being fully controllable from your smartphone.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The iFi ZEN Stream offers a 'tremendously flexible specification' for a network streaming transport, supporting various streaming methods including UPnP, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon Endpoint, NAA, and AirPlay
- Offers great functionality and fine sound in a small package at a low price, offering an excellent price-to-performance ratio, making it accessible for a wider audience
- Designed to work with any DAC with a USB or S/PDIF connection, expanding its compatibility and usefulness
- Setup is generally considered easy, particularly for Roon users, making it user-friendly
- Solid build quality with metal construction indicates durability
Product Considerations
- The software experience might have 'minor stability and set up niggles,' sometimes requiring restarts or exhibiting finicky behavior
- The front panel design, particularly the large 'STREAM' logo and LED indicators, may not appeal to all users
- The included owner's manual may be inadequate for those who may want to access specific features of the device
- Some user's found Airplay implementation issues
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- vs AURALiC Altair G2: The AURALiC sounded more subtly delineated, but the improvement in no way reflected the price difference, showing what fine value the iFi is
- vs Raspberry Pi: Far easier to set up, more user-friendly, and sonically indistinguishable
- vs SOtM SMS200 Neo: The Stream makes the SOtM look decidedly limited in terms of functionality
- vs Bluesound Node: The Bluesound Node offers the addition of a solidly designed and road-tested, closed operating system, analog outputs, and Bluetooth inputs
- vs Pi2Design Pi2AES: A slight advantage to the Zen Stream
Takeaway: The iFi ZEN Stream is a versatile and affordable device for streaming music from various sources to a DAC. It is easy to set up and offers great sound quality, making it a worthwhile addition to any hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Versatile connectivity—offering a wide array of input and output options, including USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S (via HDMI), Bluetooth, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, providing flexibility in connecting to various devices and sources
- Good sound quality—described as balanced, detailed, neutral, resolving, and clean
- Local file playback—can play music from local sources like microSD cards, USB drives, and NAS setups, making it a standalone source device
- EQ and MSEB features—includes an equalizer and MSEB (Magic Sound 8 Ball) for sound customization, offering a way to tweak the sound without full EQ curves
Product Considerations
- Software is described as unpolished, buggy, glitchy, laggy, and finicky
- Streaming via DLNA/UPnP can be unreliable, with dropouts, freezes, and connection losses reported
- Some reviewers experienced issues with AirPlay connectivity
- Menu navigation is considered clunky, with key functions buried deep and requiring multiple clicks to access
- The display is small, making it difficult to read from a distance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Cambridge Audio A51n—the SD-9 connected via I2S offers improved sound quality compared to A51n's digital stream via optical
- Compared to the Allo DigiOne—the SD-9 provides a firmer bass and more energy and excitement, the DigiOne is smoother but rolled off on the high frequencies
Takeaway: The SMSL SD-9 is a versatile device with good sound quality and many features. It is a good option if one wants a single device that can play music from many sources, especially local files.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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NAD
CS1
349
/
Released
2023
NAD's affordable CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer lets you add music streaming capability to any stereo or home-theatre system. Or you can configure a low-footprint music system for your den or home office by connecting the CS1 to a pair of powered speakers. The CS1 supports the most popular network streaming and casting protocols, including Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, DLNA mobile and computer apps*, and Roon, so you can control playback with the music apps you use every day. The CS1 employs audiophile-grade components and can play high-resolution audio, up to 24-bit/192kHz.
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality
- Simple setup
- Supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, DLNA, and Roon
- Delivers outstanding audio performance with support for up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution
- Offers both digital and analog outputs
Product Considerations
- No dedicated app or physical remote control, relying on third-party apps for control
- Uneven streaming service support
- No hi-res Bluetooth codecs
- Single RCA analog output
- Limited USB input is used only for power
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonos Port: CS1 has an edge with an optical output, which the Port lacks
- Vs WiiM Pro: CS1 lacks the ability to pipe an external source into the system, something the WiiM Pro can do
- Vs Bluesound Node: Unlike the Bluesound Node, the CS1 does not allow users to upload their own music files
- Vs Bluesound Node: NAD CS-1 is a full endpoint when the Bluesound Node isn't—thus it works better with Roon
Takeaway: The NAD CS1 is a well-built, compact, and simple way to add streaming to a sound system that might be lacking it. It's a great option for those wanting to explore streaming without a big investment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
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KECES
Ebravo
499
/
Released
2024
Easy setup. Sound quality up to 192kHz/24bit. Low jitter reclocker. Galvanically isolated input to output. Elimination of digital and network noise. Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, DLNA.
Keces Audio specializes in power conditioning and filtering through their high-quality toroidal transformers and circuits that separate digital and analog grounding. Their products use thick aluminum chassis to block EMI/RFI interference, and they're particularly known for their S3 DAC/AMP that offers balanced, uncolored sound with high resolution and transparency.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers superb sound quality, enhancing dynamics and musicality
- Isolates the user from noise, preventing the introduction of noise from connected devices
- Offers excellent build quality with a sturdy chassis
- Integrates flawlessly with Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect
- Provides a cleaner signal with more richness in the bass and a more brilliant treble compared to a computer source
Product Considerations
- The default power supply has a short wire
- Input switching is done via buttons
- An additional DAC is required to function, adding to the overall cost if the user doesn't already have one
- The included 4Stream smartphone app has received mixed reviews from users
- Does not have USB output
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Ebravo has easier streaming service integration for Tidal and Spotify, and improves sound drastically with a wider soundstage, compared to Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 4
- Ebravo sounds more musical, detailed, and has better resolution with a cleaner signal, compared to Soundaware A1x PRO
Takeaway: The Keces Audio Ebravo is a great digital transport that enhances the sonic qualities of music, making it more engaging and dynamic, and it's easy to use with popular streaming services. It may be a worthwhile consideration for a sonically improved listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Keces Audio specializes in power conditioning and filtering through their high-quality toroidal transformers and circuits that separate digital and analog grounding. Their products use thick aluminum chassis to block EMI/RFI interference, and they're particularly known for their S3 DAC/AMP that offers balanced, uncolored sound with high resolution and transparency.
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Topping
M50
229
/
Released
2022
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Supports many file formats and can decode PCM up to 24bit-768kHz and DSD up to DSD256 natively
- Offers a wide range of I/O options and wireless capability, including Bluetooth and WiFi
- The device is tiny, measuring 11.9 x 3.8 x 11.1 centimeters, which saves desk space
- The chassis is CNC precision milled with an anodized black finish and an all-aluminum cubic chassis
- Has LDAC / AAC / SBC / APTX Codec Support and USB OTG & Micro SD Support
Product Considerations
- Some buttons on the front side are slightly wobbly
- The screen could be bigger for more comfortable reading
- The M50 comes with old packaging that Topping was using for more than 2 years
- It was hard to see what was selected on the EQ settings screen due to dark blue on black color scheme
- The user interface isn't as smooth when browsing music directly on the device, recommending the Hibby Link app instead
Takeaway: The Topping M50 is a feature-rich digital music player offering versatile connectivity and high-resolution audio playback in a compact size. It is a good option for audiophiles seeking a convenient and capable digital source for their audio systems.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
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