Four Way Portable (Sony ZX2, iPhone 6, AK100ii, Chord Mojo) Shootout w/ Andromeda IEM

Oh yeah. Guess I have been too used to the idea of smartphone-shaped devices having lockscreens as a permanent feature. Although it seems I need to find a better way to hide the NSFW stuff...

 

After extensive listening, I find Neutron Music Player(paid version) sounds better than Stock Sony Music Player for the ZX2. (This is with sound adjustment app pernamently disabled)

It sounds smoother(less congested mids), clearer treble and a tad more depth. Although you are limited to 44.1Khz output. Dithering also seems to help improve the sound.

Guess you won't be able to use this fascinating Neutron player with the 2016 Walkmans.

 

I have seen much (anything?) on the ZX2 to the Andros balanced.

I just got this little cheap 2.5 to 3.5 adapter to allow me to use a 2.5 cable with the zx2. I have no idea if it degrades sq (would it?).

https://www.veclan.com/engappliance_sel_one?eng_ApplianceVo.eac_id=4

My impressions are that there is a not insignificant improvement in SQ going balanced. It's a more raw sound - more dynamic. Spatial cues seem more distinct giving a more realistic sense of space.

Anyone else running this combo balanced?

 

The zx2 is only great balanced IMO. It's a must but getting cables were so pita.

 

That's so untrue.

 

Been listening to hours now balanced. It's a more lively, punchy sound.

The one criticism I could have made with the Andros (maybe all BAs?) is that they were a little too polite. No more. I've been tapping my foot and startled by dynamic changes in the past hours balanced more than I have in the past months SE. Just do it.

 

The single ended is much bassier and not as clean. Stereo separation and imaging don't come close. On balanced feels much more 3d. Resolution takes a step forward and everything sounds very balanced...almost too balanced and effortless. The biggest improvement for me is timbre. I'm a cellist and when I hear string instruments se...it sounds congested like someone has a cold. Muffled. On balanced it sounds like listening in a live hall. Ymmv but after hearing balanced on zx2...cant really go back.

 

@zerodeefex @Marvey Could either of you confirm what these guys are saying?

 

Is there a balanced cable for the Andro or are you guys using an adapter?

 

I use a third party balanced cable from Impact Audio. ALO does sell a balanced cable but it's 2.5mm so you would need an adapter to use it with the ZX2.

 

After you wound me up ? . BTW I did buy one last weekend.

 

@Merrick, can you send me a link? Thanks

 

It looks like ALO does offer a 3.5mm TRRS balanced cable for IEMs. It's Tinsel though, which I've heard tangles easily: https://www.aloaudio.com/shop/tinsel-wire/

This is their new Reference 8 cable that can be ordered with a 2.5mm TRRS option and would require an adapter, which they don't sell: https://www.aloaudio.com/shop/reference-8-iem/

And then there's Impact Audio Cables, which does custom orders: https://m.etsy.com/shop/impactaudiocables

I don't know if they ship internationally though.

As for the ZX2, I'm loving mine. Definitely a step up in detail, resolution, and usability from my Pono.

 

Post got reposted. Urgh. Will have andros and qp1r soon to compare with zx2. Really the difference is quite noticeable though.

 

If cables make a difference (which seems to be true), would having a presumably low quality 5 dollar adapter offset all the benefits of a nice 150 dollar Tinsel cable?

 

But unlike having to replace 1,100 dollar IEMs (resold at USD 750) with 1,500 dollar IEMs to get that marginal improvement, this is "just" a 150 dollar new cable cost. Marginal SQ/marginal dollar, that's a good deal in the high end portable audio world.

Anyway, looking forward to your impressions.