To get warranty service on the Hio-dac you eill need
1. Proof of purchase. 2.Serial number. 3.Ticket(return authorization. It is not required but I suggest you use some sort of shipping that verifies delivery.
Also warranty registration is required. I do not know whether failure to do this voids your warranty. It will save you a lot of grief.
None of this changes my opinion about the Hip-dac.
The xm4 continue to improve with protracted use. Since I am currently without the hip dac I have been auditioning the bluetooth option. The latest version is excellent. A nice clear sound.
I like Tidal and Pandora but the sound quality is nothing to crow about. This presents a dilemma for me. I am reasonably content with the quality of You tube videos. I understand they they are MP3 quality.
I think then I could get better quality for Hi res downloads. This would force me to learn more about digital than I care to know.. what the hell is a FLAC file?
What should I do?
Did I mention I hate Best Buy? I ordered the Anker online with in store pickup. I received a text message saying delivery was delayed. I noticed some how they upgraded my order to 2 devices even though I ordered only one. I suppose this will not be a problem. I can return it when I pick it up.
I have been looking for a discount on the Audioquest dragonfly. If anyone knows where I can get it for under MSRP, please post a link.
Now that I haven away my xm2 as a Christmas present I am totally committed to the XM4.
Some time ago I read that a weekend discretionary purchase topped out at $500. That means tha a young person could purchase the hip dac combo for less than that id the find the SONY at a discount. That means they can can access quality sound while on twitter, facebook, instagrqam, Tik Tok (all trademarks),etc. No need to build a music library. They can access streaming services such as Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, etc. Many for free if you don't mind the increasingly annoying commercials. Most offer a reasonably priced commercial free version. Not bad.
I don't want to listen without the iFi hip dac inserted. One thing I noticed is the ability to discern room acoustics on live recordings. Not always a good thing.