HTC One M8 Harmon/Kardon

My LS970 magically stopped receiving 4g due to a "hardware" error when my contract ran out, so now I am looking for a new phone.

 

I really want an M8, it seems to be the best phone in terms of proper functionality. However I have two options:

I can get the Vanilla M8 for ~$40 or the M8 Harmon/Kardon for $100.

 

From what I've heard, all of the differences might only be software based EQ adjustments and a modified DSP... however I also heard that the Harmon/Kardon features "Custom amps for the front speakers" and a higher quality DAC.

I've actually just picked up some ATH-M50s, so if there is a sound difference, I would love to spend the extra bit on that, but I cannot get a sure answer.

 

Thanks for the help!

What is your use case for your for. I.E. what do you use it for and what do you plan on using it for?

Typical phone stuff, but I tend to listen to music a lot on my phone. So if there is a hardware difference between the two, I would definitely get the H/K.

Well if the device being hackable isn't important go with it. I does have some of the best audio phone wise. The google play edition is most hackable by you can't get it in contract.

https://play.google.com/store/devices/details/HTC_One_M8_Google_Play_edition?id=htc_m8&hl=en

The nexus line is the most modable but doesnt have as good of sound.

Well, no experience with the HK edition.  I have the VZW M8, and there are some things to note:

  1. Camera cover is plastic - scratches easily and affects image quality.
  2. 4MP back shooter is pretty lame.

I don't really plan on doing anything more than rooting, I like the M8 how it is stock.

But "ultra pixel" is so much better.

Since sound is your number one priority go for it man.

I would definitely wait till the htc one m9 comes out (March). But if you absolutely have to get the m8, just go with the regular version. The one m8 h/k doesnt have any better hardware. Just eq adjustments actually and bloatware to go with it. The H/k comes with some nice earbuds though (over $100) so if you want some earbuds, go with the h/k and deal with the bloatware.

I have the M7 with the Beats sound, and I'm pretty sure it's just an equalizer thing.  You could do some googling to see if there are actual hardware differences, but I doubt it.  I'd probably wait if you can, until the m9 gets properly announced, so you don't get stuck with a phone at the end of its life cycle.  I love the build and design of the One phones, but if your battery starts deteriorating like mine is then you're pretty much screwed... can't replace that shit.