Sony NW-WM1Z/WM1A DAPs

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by mrweirdude, Sep 1, 2016.

  1. Cellist88

    Cellist88 Friend

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    Get the dock with the op amps that was designed for the zx2.
     
  2. Ziva

    Ziva Friend

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    Now that more people have heard the WM1A, was curious if there are any detailed comparisons to the ZX2 (preferably with Andro). Reading through these threads, it seems like the hiss might be lower and the sound a little more neutral or maybe strident. Hoping the ZX2 magic was not lost.
     
  3. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    Hey @Torq - are there yet more caps to burn in for balanced mode on these players? I have burned mine in fully on SE, and the sound did go through a series of changes (starting off thin, then bassy, then settling down nicely). I've just plugged in a balanced cable for my Martians, and I'm not completely blown away at the sound yet.
     
  4. Torq

    Torq MOT: Headphone.com

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    From what I've read, yes.

    I bought my WM1A used, so it was already "burned in" on both SE and balanced connections, and so I can't comment from direct experience as I didn't observe any notable changes in sound since that point.
     
  5. Kattefjaes

    Kattefjaes Mostly Harmless

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    Hrm, OK, maybe it's not just the opposite of confirmation bias, then.
     
  6. Torq

    Torq MOT: Headphone.com

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    For those using the Sony WM1A/Z with Macs, the latest firmware updater (v1.20) DOES actually work on macOS 10.12.4.

    It claims it only supports as recently as 10.12.2, and previous versions of the updater have actually refused to run if your OS is newer than that, but the 1.20 firmware update ran just fine under 10.12.4.
     
  7. econaut

    econaut Almost "Made"

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    Do I understand correctly, that album art is only shown when it is embedded in the music-files? A file like cover.jpg in the folder doesn't work, which sucks.
     
  8. Torq

    Torq MOT: Headphone.com

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    I've not tried just using folder-level album art, since I have all mine embedded in the files, so I am not sure how it handles that. However, at least to firmware version 1.10 the .jpg files would not show up at all if they were saved as "progressive" JPG files. Haven't tested with 1.20 yet, but it's probably worth checking that your cover.jpg/album.jpg/folder.jpg file is a "baseline" rather than "progressive" encoded file.
     
  9. HeartOfSky

    HeartOfSky Acquaintance

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    Hi everybody!

    I'm so excited to have happened upon this forum last night. It's hard to find some good conversation on Sony products, let alone find a community of respectful people. So, this site seems to be quite a find!

    At the ripe age of 41, I learned that music/sound was more important to me than I had ever really realized. It never occurred to me that the reason I didn't care for so much music out there was because of the poor SQ. Diving into the details of the sounds, separating them, and experiencing their lushness is pretty much some of the best fun I can imagine. And it's just beginning. My biggest concern with upgrading, however, is that I just might explode.

    So, being dirt broke, I'm starting from the bottom up and am incrementally improving my audio products while also giving my brain time to integrate the greater detail and improve my audio perception. I'm currently using the Sony NWZ-A17 paired with RHA T20 IEMs. In a few weeks, I'm planning on making a drive down to Portland to check out, and hopefully purchase, the Campfire Vega. Yes, it's overkill for the A17, but will be an improvement in sound nonetheless, which will then set my ears up for a better DAP in the near future.

    Speaking of DAPs, the battery life of pretty much all of them is shock worthy, in the worst way possible. It's been a challenge trying to balance my desire for increased storage + SQ with my desire for longer battery life. About once a month, I enjoy a solid psychedelic experience which includes a good 12-14 hrs of an amazing listening experience. Getting a non-Sony DAP would require that I charge in the middle of that time, and that just ain't gonna happen.

    So... thanks again for the great conversation on the 1Z/1A, as you all have solidified for me that I will work up to one of those as my goto device.

    p.s. - Has anyone listened to the 24-96 version of Goldfrapp's "Tales of Us"? It's my main reason for working toward these massive upgrades in SQ. I will earn, then spend, whatever it takes in order to experience that album more fully than I already do.
     
  10. mscott58

    mscott58 Friend

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    @HeartOfSky - Welcome to SBAF! Glad you've found the Sony thread here useful and informative. And yes, sound quality and enjoyment of music is what most of the members here are all about. And speaking of respectful, I'd strongly suggest you find your way over to the "New Members Introduce Yourself" thread before you start feeling some of the heat that can come to Rando's (http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/new-members-introduce-yourself.17/) when they step out of line (purposefully or not).

    And as a highly biased individual who is spoiled in the gear that I have had (and currently have) access to, I hope that you enjoy the Vega's. They're my go-to IEM with my Sony NW-WM1Z, running balanced. And Ken is a great guy. Actually, when you do stop by CFA/ALO, try not to go in with a preconceived notion of what your favorite will be. As far as Ken's higher-end (highly subjective term of course) IEMs I've seen people split almost evenly between preferring the Vega or the Andromeda. There is no correct answer, just your personal preference. And also listen to the Lyra, Jupiter, Dorado, etc. and see what you like best. The name of this game is find your audio bliss, and don't ever let anyone tell you what you like.

    Cheers and welcome again
     
  11. HeartOfSky

    HeartOfSky Acquaintance

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    Thank you, thank you!

    I'm heavily swayed toward the Vega, partly due to its reported sound profile, largely due to its minimal form factor (I tend to fall asleep with them in my ears, and am a side sleeper), and... well... they are named after my favorite star. Naturally, I'll want to try the others, but they'll really have to sing in order to sway me from a namesake. LOL

    Looking forward to many future upgrades to my current setup.
     
  12. Grahad2

    Grahad2 Red eyes from too much anime

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    I don't think I can sleep with the Andro or Vega in my ear, cause they're already more bulbous than my CIEM, which I also can't sleep with.

    You can also consider the ZX2 or the ZX100 as an interim, and it is possible that you may find you won't need the step up to the WM1_ anyway.
     
  13. HeartOfSky

    HeartOfSky Acquaintance

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    Excellent, thanks! An interim DAP might be just what I need.

    The profile of the RHA-T20 is ideal enough that I can fall asleep with them, while laying on my side. The CA Vega, as reviewed by some guy online, seems smaller, but may be less flush to the ear. That's part of the reason I want to drive down and try it out. It does kinda take the right pillow position, and I had to learn to get used to it. Actually, up until last autumn, the thought of having music on while I sleep was pretty unbearable. Now, I'm falling asleep to music (at a pretty decent volume) and am then greeted by a great song or two whenever I wake up in the middle of the night. I don't do that very often though. Usually, I wait for the moment when I could fall right through my pillow, then I peel out my IEMs and disappear. So much more fun than playing games on my phone.
     
  14. HeartOfSky

    HeartOfSky Acquaintance

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    Went down to Portland yesterday to try/buy the CA Vega. They also pulled aside for me the 1Z, so that I listen from it with the different IEMs. That thing is damned heavy. I'm mainly portable in my use, so that rules out the 1Z. At least I now know, and am looking forward to getting a Red 1A instead.
     
  15. Torq

    Torq MOT: Headphone.com

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    The 1Z is, as you say, a heavy bastard - heavier than I remember from my first encounter with it. Still, it's lighter, and smaller, than the X5iii w/ external battery pack that I'd need to get that to run for 20+ hours, so there are some compensations.

    Still wish Sony would just offer a 256 GB version of the 1A ...
     
  16. HeartOfSky

    HeartOfSky Acquaintance

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    That's partly why I want the 1Z, as well... the storage. I'll cope though. My collection isn't that huge. Most important to me is battery life, then portability. There's just no way that I'm going to stop in the middle of tripping in order to charge my DAP again. No way at all. So, Sony continues to be my goto brand. I dunno... I may to the ZX100, as someone recommended, for a little while. I have to admit, however, that the NWZ-A17 does a pretty damned good job at driving my new Campfire Audio Vega IEMs. My RHA T20s, for my favorite artist, required volume setting 25. That had me worried about the Vega. Well... 20-21 is my new max volume. Very nice.
     
  17. phillip

    phillip Friend

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    1a doesn't really wow me on the first listen. But now as I tried more and more songs, I see what the fuss is all about. Need longer time to burn in the caps as per advised by manufacturer. For now it's really a solid and enjoyable sound. Well, in some way I do miss the streaming feature on ZX2, yet I don't miss the ZX2's force scanning and rebuild database every time I switch it on.
     
  18. Panohm

    Panohm Friend

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    Looks like the WM1A is backordered in North America, Anyone know of a retailer in California that might have stock?.
     
  19. Kermy

    Kermy New

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    I got mine last week from The Source AV in LA. Paid via PayPal and they shipped it to me pretty quickly. Was under MSRP. One of their employees posts on the HF WM1A/Z threads.
     
  20. Panohm

    Panohm Friend

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    Just saw that the ZX300 is getting USB Dac/Amp functionality...... Hope it trickles to the WM1A, probably my only complaint with the device.
     

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