I’ve been reluctant to put too many gadgets like mp3 players on the site because one can get into all manner of wanky nitpicking over details.  So, for one time only (maybe), i’m going to get into wanky nitpicking over the HiFiMAN HM-801.  With a name like Hifiman, it sounds a bit like something you’d buy from Argos for £20 quid, but let me tell you, it’s most certainly one for audiophiles.  Read more after the jump.

The HiFiMan packs a Burr-Brown PCM1704U DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) chip and can play back AAC, FLAC, WMA lossless, WMA, OGG, WAV and of course mp3 files. Files can be transferred to the HiFiMAN via USB. Unfortunately, the HiFiMAN’s lithium polymer battery only lasts up to 8 hours on a single charge.  Looks like it means business, too.

The most impressive thing about the HiFiMAN HM-801 however, is that it’s a portable audio player equipped with a modular amplifier bay.  Yes, for putting a dedicated amp in your mp3 player.  Sit down iPod.

It retails at $700, but I reckon it’ll be worth it.

Via technabob