HiFiMAN HM-602 Portable music player

I agree that the iPod interface is a masterpiece.

I would also like to mention that I had one of the first Apple Macintosh computers in 1984 and participated in a program at my University to further evaluate the interface and develop applications. I am a lifelong fan of Steve Jobs, and I have owned and used iPods since their launch.

However, when

no digital output
digital rights management
compressed music from iTunes
cheapo earbuds
cheaper DACs and

smaller, sleeker touch screen, and soccer mom friendly designs matter more than better DACs or internal amps

the only "real deal breaker" for me is that Apple has become the new Microsoft.

So the new new paradigm is anything but iPod and long live AUDIOgon,

cwlondon

LOL! You hit that one right on the nail. Good call. I can't argue with any of that. And I won't.

I was looking to the iCube a little more as of late and decided it really isn't worth the $700. I think one might be paying for the portability factor. Nothing else. And since I made the argument that I don't do serious listening while on the move I might as well just get a nice tube headphone amp and call it a day. Hell, even the Furutech GT40 is looking pretty decent.

But just wait, I'll be asking about small portable headphone amps again in six months when the mood strikes to buy something I don't need. :)

I repeat: Apple is the new Microsoft!

Anything but iPod.

I love the Hifiman players, it does have enough power to drive the most power hungry hp's.

The interface is ok...Ipod rules on that.