Review in Head-Fi * NEW *

Tales of the Unknown - the Shek h1 portable dac/amp combo

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f15/tales-unknown-shek-h1-portable-dac-amp-combo-266695/

This is a warm and musical source. It really removes the digital edges of digital sources. Bass is clear and defined. Highs are smooth and natural. Midrange is where it excels. Great head-stage. With the AKGs significantly improves upon any of these sources unamped. With the Crossroads, bass is tight and punchy. Midrange is less edgy than usual with them. With the AKG it is musical and magical. Of course that’s playing to the AKGs strengths.

Weakness – well not so much weakness as preference. This is a warm musical combo. That’s at the expense of the hyper detail and extended highs. That’s my preference. AKG 500/501 over Beyers 880s, etc. Of course, it would really balance systems with analytical components or digital sources.

Comments from Greg * NEW *

Hi Derek,
 

Comments from Harold * NEW *

Hello Derek,

Just to let you know that I received the USB DAC/headphone amp this morning.

It is a delightful device and the photographs do not do it justice, it is just lovely to handle.

So far have only used it with my computer to test it, for some reason it will not work with Windows Media Player 11 (out of interest my Bluetooth headphones will not work with Media Player 11 either).

The Shek h1 works fine with RealPlayer and my other audio/tv programmes so assume that there is a setting in Windows Media Player 11 that needs tweaking.

I've just finished listening to a CD "All Is Yes" by The Blessing and it sounded excellent using Shek h1.

Comments from Frank (Belgium) * NEW *

Comments from Andrea * NEW *

Hi Derek,

I've received the H1 the 23, a magnificient christmas present, many thanks.
I do not understand why the custom has charged the item with 30 E. of custom duties, you had declared only 50$ of value and they charged me for more than the 50% of the value of the object.

That apart I'm satisfied of my purchase, it sound good with the AKG K501 and I hope it will prove a good Dac for the PC even if used with normal loudspeakers.

Best regards,

Comments from Josh

Hi Derek,

Found the other email now (was in my spam folder).

This is a very, very enjoyable dac - really impressive.

When I post the review I'll send you a link.

take care,

josh

Comments from Charles

Most of my music listening is via a streaming radio station, Radio Paradise(radioparadise.com). Of the streaming options the station offers, the one I use is offered in partnership with a Danish company called Octoshape(octoshape.com). The company has developed a new streaming technology based on the peer-to-peer file sharing model, that is, listeners both receive and contribute bandwidth as needed. I currently use the 64k AAC+ stream and listen through iTunes. My cans are a pair of Sennheiser PX100s, quality entry level.

Under these conditions, the h1 is clearly superior to the stock iMac soundcard--much more open, airy sound, good voicing, punchier transients. I would say that sounds like cymbals,difficult for any stereo, could be a bit more crisp. As to the soudstage, it's certainly better than stock sound through a pair of earbuds, but without better source material and headphones, it's harder to be more descriptive.

Comments from Nick

Hi Derek,

By the way, I have never told you what a fantastic product I think the H1 is, truly great.

I actually have it feed my NAIM headline a lot of the time, and it is awesome. I also use it from my Ipod just as an amp, and there is such a difference, it comes everywhere with me.

Would you like me to do a testimonial for your site?

Cheers,

Nick