H100 (iHP-100) vs. H300

[fcormier]

Since both are available (for a limited time), which is better or which do you prefer? From what I've read, the specs are pretty similar and both support Rockbox.

H100/iHP-100 pros:
- Optical line-in/line-out (or is it digital?)
- Less expensive
H100/iHP-100 cons:
- Monochrome screen
- Joystick

H300 pros:
- Color screen
- Buttons instead of joystick
- USB OTG (non US version )
H300 cons:
- MTP (with stock US firmware)
- "DRM keys missing" with Korean firmware

Anything I'm missing? Is the H300 worth the extra money? I presently have an iriver T60 and when I bought it, thought 4 GB would be enough, but it seems it's not. And I really miss the lack of line-out.

Thanks for your input.

[shadesbass]

Originally Posted by fcormier

H100/iHP-100 pros:
- Optical line-in/line-out (or is it digital?)

Optical is digital. I think you're thinking of a coax connection (usually terminated in an RCA phono connector), which the H1xx does not have.

Originally Posted by fcormier

H100/iHP-100 cons:
- Joystick

H300 pros:
- Buttons instead of joystick

(IMO) I would consider the use of a joystick on the H1xx a pro rather than a con - I much prefer it to using buttons like on the H3xx.

I think the sound quality of the H1xx is generally considered to be slightly better than the H3xx (see BBD's recent postings), but they both deliver excellent sound quality when compared to other DAP brands.

[mozetti]

Unless something changed with the latest firmware, the H300 is both MTP (syncing w/a MTP program like Win Media Player) & UMS (shows up as a hard drive).

The H300 has 2 USB connectors on the bottom labeled "MEDIA" (MTP) & "DATA" (UMS). So, that's one less knock against the H300.

If you need DRM keys then you can't put Rockbox on the H300. But, it's a wash when comparing the H100 and H300 because I don't think the H100 supports DRM keys anyway.

I haven't used an H100, but IMO the H300 is the better choice unless you know you'll use the optical connections.

[BBD]

Originally Posted by shadesbass

(IMO) I would consider the use of a joystick on the H1xx a pro rather than a con - I much prefer it to using buttons like on the H3xx.

The joystick is a bit more intuitive than the buttons, but not enough to be a deal breaker between the two.

I think the sound quality of the H1xx is generally considered to be slightly better than the H3xx (see BBD's recent postings), but they both deliver excellent sound quality when compared to other DAP brands.

The H300's sound Q was/is excellent, but the H100 is stellar! The signal is cleaner, too: no hiss.

Also, the H100 has a metal casing and seems more easily modded than the H300 because of the location of the screws, making HD and/or battery swaps potentially easier.

I love both, so I say: why choose?

Never a Good Influence,
BBD

[fcormier]

Thanks everyone for the replies, keep'em coming.

Originally Posted by shadesbass

Optical is digital. I think you're thinking of a coax connection (usually terminated in an RCA phono connector), which the H1xx does not have.

I know that optical is digital. I thought that optical was a square plug with a removable cap, but after doing some research, I have found that there are some optical cables with the square plug on one end and a 1/8" optical jack on the other end.

Originally Posted by shadesbass

(IMO) I would consider the use of a joystick on the H1xx a pro rather than a con - I much prefer it to using buttons like on the H3xx.

Originally Posted by BBD

The joystick is a bit more intuitive than the buttons, but not enough to be a deal breaker between the two.

I have a T60 and the joystick is so-so, but you get used to it. I was thinking of the buttons because of this.

Originally Posted by shadesbass

I think the sound quality of the H1xx is generally considered to be slightly better than the H3xx (see BBD's recent postings), but they both deliver excellent sound quality when compared to other DAP brands.

Originally Posted by BBD

The H300's sound Q was/is excellent, but the H100 is stellar! The signal is cleaner, too: no hiss.

Sound quality is a definite plus. I am weary of hiss as my T60 sounds good, but produces some hiss with lower impedance (16 ohms) headphones.

Originally Posted by BBD

Also, the H100 has a metal casing and seems more easily modded than the H300 because of the location of the screws, making HD and/or battery swaps potentially easier.

Interesting. I am not scared of modding stuff, so it would be another advantage.

Originally Posted by BBD

I love both, so I say: why choose?

Never a Good Influence,
BBD

I'm not even sure my gf approves, but I want one. The T60 is my first player and I've found out that 4 GB is not enough for my taste. I'm leaning towards the H100, but a colour screen is pretty nice, but not a must for music. I don't intend to play videos. Line out is a must, optical is not, but it's a plus. Standard USB plus is a must, both have one.

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

[BBD]

Originally Posted by fcormier

I'm not even sure my gf approves, but I want one. The T60 is my first player and I've found out that 4 GB is not enough for my taste. I'm leaning towards the H100, but a colour screen is pretty nice, but not a must for music. I don't intend to play videos. Line out is a must, optical is not, but it's a plus. Standard USB plus is a must, both have one.

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Again, if I may: my wife doesn't even know about my latest addition......

In all honesty, I do miss the color screen of the H300 just a little, though I never used it for videos, either. However, if I had to choose between them as purely a music player, I would go with the H100, though the win would be a slight one. The sound Q of the H120 is better and cleaner than the H300, which I thought was amazing when I had it. The H120 is a step above in that department, to these ol' ears.

[fcormier]

Originally Posted by BBD

Again, if I may: my wife doesn't even know about my latest addition......

If I have it shipped, it's probably my gf who will receive it as I work days and she works evenings. That's one problem.

The other is payment. I'm in Canada. Jeff does not accept canadian credit cards and only accepts verified Paypal, and I'm not verified, I don't trust Paypal with my bank account number. Anyway, I'll try to see again with Jeff if I can do anything about it.

[caligula]

set up paypal for this one transaction then ditch theaccount once youive paid

[shadesbass]

Originally Posted by fcormier

I know that optical is digital. I thought that optical was a square plug with a removable cap, but after doing some research, I have found that there are some optical cables with the square plug on one end and a 1/8" optical jack on the other end.

The square connector is called Toslink. The 1.8" jack is Mini-Toslink. They are 100% compatible.
In fact, a lot of Toslink cables come with 2 adapters to convert one or both ends to Mini-Toslink.

[BBD]

Originally Posted by fcormier

If I have it shipped, it's probably my gf who will receive it as I work days and she works evenings. That's one problem.

Buy a week long girlie getaway vacation for her and a few of her friends.

The other is payment. I'm in Canada. Jeff does not accept canadian credit cards and only accepts verified Paypal, and I'm not verified, I don't trust Paypal with my bank account number. Anyway, I'll try to see again with Jeff if I can do anything about it.

OK, this one's tougher: cross the border at about 3:15AM (you'll catch the Minuteman Border "Patrol" switching shifts, so the guard will be lax); Go to Detroit and find Little Canada; work for a while as you try to get a green card; obtain US citizenship; establish credit under your Americanized name (May I suggest Billy Bob? Nuthin' more 'Mer'can than that!); send in for one of those unsolicited credit cards; buy said gadget; wait to re-cross the border during the Minuteman shift change as before; return home as though nothing happened............ . Participate in an anti-W demonstration somewhere in Quebec to help cover your tracks; ENJOY!!!!!

As to Paypal..... Why not set up a separate account just for PP? That way, you can just keep enough in it to cover PP purchases, but don't expose yourself to any shenanigans......

[caligula]

I think BBD just about covered it LMAO

[fcormier]

Crap, missed the boat...

[biznatch]

I used to have a H120 and got it stolen by some jerk on Metro-North. There are no words to describe my sadness at that moment. Then I got my H320. Honestly, they're both pretty damn awesome, but the addition of rockbox for H320 with all those beautiful games in color make me prefer it.
Plus, video is pretty cool for long flights/rides.

[Dunno]

I use my player mostly outdoors, this makes the greyscale screen for me a must as modern colour screens are unreadable in direct sunlight, but that's not the only reason I like my H140