CHANGSTAR: Audiophile Headphone Reviews and Early 90s Style BBS
Main Deck => Discussion for Registered Members Only => Topic started by: No_One411 on April 28, 2015, 05:42:34 AM
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Hey all,
HIFIMAN should have started asking you guys for payment regarding the HE1000 deposit.
I know a couple of you have already asked about alternative methods of payment. I'm still waiting to hear back and see what they can do instead.
I suppose we can also use this thread for impressions if you guys so choose to. Don't worry too much about the clause about build quality for now, unless there are major aesthetic or build issues with your unit. Fang was pretty sour about people saying shit about his HE560 wood cups, and now we have the most wonderful veneer cups instead...
These are coming with 3 cables: 1/8", 1/4" and 4-pin XLR with the 2.5mm plugs on the headphone side. I think they're pretty similar to the Oppo connectors. You guys should be set to go with most configurations. :)p1
Feel free to PM me here or on Head-Fi if any issues come up. They should be shipping soon once the payment is confirmed. I've been trying to push them to get some shipments in particular done by the end of this week.
Cheers,
--Jeff
PS:
UGH
OK.
I swear this was supposed to work about better. I literally just got the email from Fang that they will only be able to guarantee free shipping and absorb the PayPal fees, BUT not any custom/taxes fees that may come up. I know he spent the entire last week trying to figure out how best to accommodate international people and apparently they weren't able to work it out.
What it looks like they'll do is declare it at a lower price bracket, so you hopefully won't have to eat as much of the cost. I know this is a major concern for some of you guys, so I already replied asking if there were any other options. At this point, doesn't seem very likely to change. I need to make the announcement on Head-Fi soon as well...
PPS:
I have training for my day-job this week, so I might not be as responsive with my replies. Apologies in advance for the inconvenience!
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Oh Hi Jeff,
so its you on HF ! Well, you know my payment preference.
Regards
Koth
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:)p1
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I know it's unorthodox, but do you think Hifiman would allow some of the mod masters at CS (not me) to have a crack at "researching" the potentials of the HE1000? By this I mean to see if it's moddable--which I think would be a major selling point. No offense to HFM's research team.
Just wondering.
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There isn't a single top-tier headphone that I have owned and haven't tweaked.
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There isn't a single top-tier headphone that I have owned and haven't tweaked.
Exactly...I've been enlightened in the last several months that this is way. Amen.
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There isn't a single top-tier headphone that I have owned and haven't tweaked.
Their isn't a single phone, speaker, amp, firearm, knife, pair of shoes, car or house I haven't tweaked. I know every spouse or parent has tried to tweak their significant other or kids. I don't get why some people find that odd or hard to understand.
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Their isn't a single phone, speaker, amp, firearm, knife, pair of shoes, car or house I haven't tweaked. I know every spouse or parent has tried to tweak their significant other or kids. I don't get why some people find that odd or hard to understand.
Some people just don't get DIY.
OTOH the people I really don't get are those who like tube rolling on super expensive amps but look at you in horror when you start talking about modding expensive headphones...
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I know it's really tempting to open stuff up and make modifications.
For the time being, PLEASE don't make any modifications to the "beta" units.
I won't be able to guarantee any warranty agreements, and they may not accept returns if they need to make any changes after the program is finished.
--Jeff
PS: Make sure you include your phone number as well! They need it for shipping from China.
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What is everyone's experience with duties? I bought some headphones and an amp from Jan Meier, I was not charged any duty, but it was sent via German post and then USPS. I'm in the US.
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What is everyone's experience with duties? I bought some headphones and an amp from Jan Meier, I was not charged any duty, but it was sent via German post and then USPS. I'm in the US.
Usually, when there is a free trade agreement, and the government posts carry the products, there is no duties, just taxes.
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Pretty much everything cost more than 200 bucks will have to pay some duties.
For instance, I bought HD600 from Hong Kong (at that time it was the cheapest way to get it), the Headphone cost 289 dollars, and the duties was about 20 bucks.
The fact that HE1000 costs so much, I just hope I won't be forced to pay more than MSRP of final product. Best bet is they just put 150 bucks as the price and hope customs won't be bothered to search for it.
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To be honest, as I read more, more I feel folks at HiFiman are really unprepared.
That said, this is probably their first time, which is understandable. I hope next time (maybe successor for HE-6?) will be better than this. walk the plank
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I suppose we can also use this thread for impressions if you guys so choose to. Don't worry too much about the clause about build quality for now, unless there are major aesthetic or build issues with your unit. Fang was pretty sour about people saying shit about his HE560 wood cups, and now we have the most wonderful veneer cups instead...
I love the wood cups. They're things of beauty. Not giving up my pre-ordered 560.
I know it's really tempting to open stuff up and make modifications.
For the time being, PLEASE don't make any modifications to the "beta" units.
Sorry if we're giving the impression that the betas are fair game for modding. I was just throwing out a suggestion. PLEASE DON'T MOD THE BETAS.
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What is everyone's experience with duties? I bought some headphones and an amp from Jan Meier, I was not charged any duty, but it was sent via German post and then USPS. I'm in the US.
Ugh I hate bringing things across the Canadian border. I've probably had more issues with brokerage than actual duties though. But I also have stupid bad luck. *shrug*
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Jeff, what's the verdict on alternate modes of payment?
Thanks
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Jeff, what's the verdict on alternate modes of payment?
Thanks
I don't think they will trade for blankets or bales of curry. Sorry, couldn't help with the 'Indian' references. Bad Anax... :spank:
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ROFL...Anax, your sense of humor is exactly what I miss in India...freaking guys here are too stuffed up....used to have this on Wall St...
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Hey all,
I know that this program has been kinda shitty from the get go. Now that I'm actually working on it as well, I see a lot of things that were really rushed and not thought through at all. Even in my communications with the team, some things seem really clunky, and that's not just because of the time zone difference.
However, I have already given them plenty of suggestions about what went poorly and what could definitely be improved. In the event that there is going to be another program like this, I'll make sure things are better. This includes proper wording so you guys don't dick around with semantics forever. :)p1
I'm writing up PM's for alternative methods of payment for people now.
Cheers,
--Jeff
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Jeff,
Dont let Anax scare you. He's harmless, really. ;D
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Jeff,
Dont let Anax scare you. He's harmless, really. ;D
haha Mike's a hella cool guy in person. Probably one of the nicest guys ever.
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Jeff, actually I have not received any replies from the HiFiman in China yet. Are they still figuring out how to ship these headphones?
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Jeff, actually I have not received any replies from the HiFiman in China yet. Are they still figuring out how to ship these headphones?
I'll PM you the tracking number once the factory ships it.
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It's a shame information is not a bit more forthcoming. This isn't pointed at you Jeff; I know you pass on what they provide.
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It's a shame information is not a bit more forthcoming. This isn't pointed at you Jeff; I know you pass on what they provide.
Ah, but think of this way. It'd be much worse if I were not here. :P
I can only apologize for the wait, since my work is only as fast as the largest bottleneck, which is currently on their end, meaning things like time zone differences and Chinese sense of time come into play.
All the orders that have been paid for have been processed. I honestly don't know what's holding back the factory from shipping out the units like...yesterday. My contact hasn't actually responded to email for about a day and a half now.
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Figured that was the case Jeff. I'll just assume they're being very deliberate in vetting each headphone / accessories to insure they're production quality. Course, they may have found some last minute issues - but we'll hope not.
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Would this be related? It's a long weekend here. May 1 is a public holiday.
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That very well could be it :-)
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Would this be related? It's a long weekend here. May 1 is a public holiday.
Chinese Labor Day? It's possible. I tried pushing them to ship before that though...
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Yeah May 1 is huge, usually 3 days minimum vacation.
No courier companies work 5/1 to 5/3, China customs is also closed, so if it wasn't sent out don't expect anything before 5/4.
Upside is that if they are putting this much attention into the betas, we won't have to worry about getting a production unit, we'll get the special units!
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Jeff,did you get my PM on HF re the payment link?
Koth
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Jeff,did you get my PM on HF re the payment link?
Koth
Yes, I don't have an answer for you yet likely for reasons stated above.
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Ok lemme know.
Cheers
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HFM did let me know a while back that delivery could take a while. Just sit on tight.
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I can only apologize for the wait, since my work is only as fast as the largest bottleneck, which is currently on their end, meaning things like time zone differences and Chinese sense of time come into play.
Can someone explain this "Chinese sense of time"?
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Can someone explain this "Chinese sense of time"?
Ah, ok.
Growing up, when I'd call my Mom to come pick me up, she'd tell me "I'm almost there, 5 minutes". After some amount of time, I realized everytime she says that, it means she isn't even close to even leaving the house.
Now, I've found that applies to a lot of Chinese people in general, who tend to mislead you with times.
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So is it some kind of cultural thing to not really care about being on time?
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So is it some kind of cultural thing to not really care about being on time?
I mean, it just depends. Sometimes you get someone who's always early, and sometimes you get someone who's always late.
In all fairness, it's just a joke...
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In all fairness, it's just a joke...
That one makes sense.
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I think it's about time to clarify something important for this beta program: just what is HiFiman aiming to accomplish via this beta program?
I saw the TTVJ's advertisement from Head-Fi, and it seems HE1000 is slated to launch in late May. With such short time left for launch... I am not so sure what changes could be made on the final product before it officially launches. I guess any cosmetic changes are out of a window (at least I am fine with current design) due to such short time left. We can definitely talk about package materials (accessories)... but that's pretty much it.
I am not sure how much Fang can alter the sound signature of the headphones as well. The problem of sound change is that in order to provide accurate feedback, all beta units have to be shipped back to China, modified, then shipped back to the beta-testers, which will consume quite amount of time as well as possible spending on customs fee and other unforeseen consequences.
I understand product launch delays do not benefit companies in a short term, but I have a feeling we might are getting not well-cooked ones.
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Can someone explain this "Chinese sense of time"?
Many groups have similar notions about themselves; it's very common. If you go to a Jewish wedding at the time it's called for, you can count on being way too early (notable exception: German Jews ::)). Jews will they you that the wedding is "running on Jewish time." The black people in my family joke about "the C.P.T."--Colored People Time. Same story.
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The labour long holidays have started in the PRC. Traditionally this is a time for workers to travel (which is why in Hong Kong we are swamped with mainland PRC tourists these couple of days). Elsewhere it's just May Day / Labour Day but you can see why in a communist country the labour holiday is particularly important.
In other words, expect more delays.
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So... what's the status of this effort? I'm a bit wary about sending that much money into, essentially, a black hole, hoping that something will come out before I die of old age... only less dramatic.
I'm, apparently, not in the first group anyway, so I'm probably going to hold off or pass... but I am anxious to try them.
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So... what's the status of this effort? I'm a bit wary about sending that much money into, essentially, a black hole, hoping that something will come out before I die of old age... only less dramatic.
I'm, apparently, not in the first group anyway, so I'm probably going to hold off or pass... but I am anxious to try them.
First batch is shipping soon. Confirmed in conference call yesterday, unless their factory blows up or something. You can't be in the first group cause every unit in the first batch is already accounted for. :(
As to whether or not these are worth it, I'm afraid that's a decision you have to make yourself. I'm not comfortable with commenting on this any further. Subjectively, I really like the HE1000. They are just out of my own price range as well.
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First batch is shipping soon. Confirmed in conference call yesterday, unless their factory blows up or something. You can't be in the first group cause every unit in the first batch is already accounted for. :(
As to whether or not these are worth it, I'm afraid that's a decision you have to make yourself. I'm not comfortable with commenting on this any further. Subjectively, I really like the HE1000. They are just out of my own price range as well.
Thanks for the shipping update. I recall you mentioning something about refraining from modding the beta units, but would temporary easily-reversible mods still be fair game?
Of course impressions will be with regards to stock.
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Thanks for the shipping update. I recall you mentioning something about refraining from modding the beta units, but would temporary easily-reversible mods still be fair game?
Of course impressions will be with regards to stock.
I'd have to ask Fang. The concern here is voiding any warranty claims that you may have had.
Of course, Fang will probably get a heart attack if you tell him you want to mod his baby, so don't hold your breath.
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I'd have to ask Fang. The concern here is voiding any warranty claims that you may have had.
Of course, Fang will probably get a heart attack if you tell him you want to mod his baby, so don't hold your breath.
Well I'm not saying I WILL mod anything, just fancying possibilities.
Don't get me blacklisted bro :)p8
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Well I'm not saying I WILL mod anything, just fancying possibilities.
Don't get me blacklisted bro :)p8
haha It's a joke dude. Do you think anybody likes the idea of people messing around with their products? The general message is pretty clear: If you play around with our stuff, you'll risk voiding the warranty.
Again, just please don't do anything crazy to these units for now. This thing is one of those "what Fang doesn't know won't kill him situations".
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Good points. Take the thing apart and break it, and it's 100% your fault. HFM should not have to fix your stupidity or accidents.
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Many groups have similar notions about themselves; it's very common. If you go to a Jewish wedding at the time it's called for, you can count on being way too early (notable exception: German Jews ::)). Jews will they you that the wedding is "running on Jewish time." The black people in my family joke about "the C.P.T."--Colored People Time. Same story.
We prefer the term "temporally challenged".
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Update:
1st batch officially left China. International shipments should be direct from DHL. I'll message tracking numbers when they're up.
US orders are first being sent to Summer in Delaware, and then being forwarded via USPS. They made the last minute decision to do the shipment in bulk. I suppose it made more sense and was safer? I'll send USPS tracking once they arrive in the states.
For the fkers that b*tched to me everyday, you're automatically in 2nd batch...
In more seriousness, batches are determined by when your payment was received or whether you had to receive them by a certain date. Also, most of the first batch seems to come from people that replied in the thread. If you sent a message requesting to be added because you didn't follow directions, you're proooobably in the 2nd batch.
That said, 2nd batch is expected to leave China this weekend, so the delay should be minimal.
--Jeff
Can anyone tell I'm sick of this program? :)p13
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so if I paypal today, I'll be in the second batch?
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so if I paypal today, I'll be in the second batch?
Seeing as how the first batch already left...
Yeah, probably.
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Will they be randomly arriving at any time?
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I meant as opposed to a mythical third batch. :)
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Will they be randomly arriving at any time?
First batch arrives together in one gigantic shipment in Delaware, and is then being forwarded via USPS.
If you want the surprise factor, I can just leave out the tracking number. xD
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I meant as opposed to a mythical third batch. :)
I hope to god there isn't a 3rd batch...
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Yeah.. mythical like a unicorn with a [redickted] instead of a horn is what I meant.
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Thanks for the update Jeff.
Can you please send me my tracking number? I have not yet received a PM from you, I find that a bit annoying.
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I already got my tracking number, and my headphone hasn't even been built yet... First class operation they got there.
;)
What amp are you guys going to be using with these?
edit: that was a joke... I don't have a tracking number yet.
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JEFF!!!
Was the shipment to the US via air or container? Then are they going out with Priority or First class?
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Can we stop giving Jeff a hard time? The dude's not even being paid to deal with this. He has zero control over the actual shipping process and complaining won't make the headphones come any faster. I highly doubt anyone will keel over and die if the headphones take a couple extra days, or even weeks, to get to you.
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We are kidding with Jeff and he knows it. Any real concerns we have we just PM him directly or show up at his house and complain to him in person.
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Update:
1st batch officially left China. International shipments should be direct from DHL. I'll message tracking numbers when they're up.
US orders are first being sent to Summer in Delaware, and then being forwarded via USPS. They made the last minute decision to do the shipment in bulk. I suppose it made more sense and was safer? I'll send USPS tracking once they arrive in the states.
For the fkers that b*tched to me everyday, you're automatically in 2nd batch...
In more seriousness, batches are determined by when your payment was received or whether you had to receive them by a certain date. Also, most of the first batch seems to come from people that replied in the thread. If you sent a message requesting to be added because you didn't follow directions, you're proooobably in the 2nd batch.
That said, 2nd batch is expected to leave China this weekend, so the delay should be minimal.
--Jeff
Can anyone tell I'm sick of this program? :)p13
Thank you for the update.
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We are kidding with Jeff and he knows it. Any real concerns we have we just PM him directly or show up at his house and complain to him in person.
Yeah, Jeff's been great with the communication... Just the type of straw man sap I'd hire if I was looking for a scapegoat when setting up my Ponzi scheme. ;)
Seriously, though, we're all in this together.
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What pads were used on the HE1000s heard at meets? Was it the same Focus-type pads with leather on the inside? I am thinking I would like to hear a full velour version (similar to Focus-A).
It would be good if this was an alternative.
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As far as I know, Fang only has the focus-type pads available for the HE1000.
I'll need to ask about different options, and replacement pads.
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I tried pitching to Fang about maybe trying Focus-A variant for HE1000 cups...he didn't say anything back though.
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We could always slap on adhesive felt and see how it sounds.
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We could always slap on adhesive felt and see how it sounds.
Adhesive felt isn't very nice to the touch I think. For my jergpads, I used double sided tape and microfiber cloth. Nice and soft.
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That's a pretty good idea actually.