DAP discussion thread

Yes, that's correct, it's Sony's OS again- possibly Linux-based under the hood? I forget. Anyway, there's no support for streaming services- just a rock solid player that sounds very nice (even though I am apparently still running the caps in, and don't yet have a balanced cable). It also has stupidly good battery life and (sadly) only one card slot.

Everything's tradeoffs all the way down in DAP land. Plus ca change. WM1A ticks most of my boxes, but it sounds like it doesn't fit your use case.

 

Yep, it is hard to find a DAP that ticks all of boxes and might need to prioritize what is more important. If I sacrifice streaming services then WM1A are QP1R are top of the list for me.
I might go for either ZX2 or X5 III depends on how X5 III pairs with Andro. I am more inclined towards X5 III at the moment because it has newer Android based OS when ZX2 is older Android 4 based.

 

So true ... and so many things seem to get traded off (or half-assed).

I've fundamentally given up on finding a DAP that'll hit all my requirements ... let alone finding one that will do so while still doing it properly.

After trying pretty much everything, and finding most of it pretty awful in one way or another (despite some units having some real high-points, just completely spoiled by idiocy elsewhere), I've settled on the new Sony NW-WM1A/Z. Yes they give up a storage slot and can't do streaming, but the scenarios I actually will use it in, it's only the storage that's actually a real problem. And since it actually indexes my cards reliably (unlike, say, iBasso ... which cannot currently index my library at all), and quickly, it's possible for me to just split my music into cards for "Classical" and "Everything Else" and still get my "travel" library to go with me.

That it'll index said cards on a card-swap in less time than it takes to play a whole song (unlike, say, the A&K), and I only ever do classical stuff as whole recordings/performances, I can live with that. I don't like it. But I can live with it.

The real question is whether I will stick with the WM1A I have in my hands right now, or the WM1Z I spent yesterday listening to. The only concrete benefit I get from the WM1Z is the extra storage. I'm not sure I like the sound better, though it is a bit sweeter sounding. But it's more that it's different than conclusively better (for me).

I don't care for the Z's weight. I hate the color. So it's really just the storage and a case ... which is a tall ask for an extra $2,000.

 

Now that I think about it ... if Sony would do a 256 GB version of the WM1A at $1,500, or do the WM1Z in black, I'd snap them up.

 

I have to agree, I don't care for it being gold. Normally I'm flashy, but I find it too much for me. I wish it was silver or black. But that sound is amazing.

I too have given up the search for the perfect dap. If I could combine my Cowon S and 1Z, I'd be very happy.

 

If the p1 or pm2 can function as an otg dac for my s7e, it could be the closest to checking the majority of my boxes.

 

Wish I could let you know sooner. Sent mine to my dad. He won't have a clue. I could try on my Cowon S. If it doesn't work on that, more than likely it won't on the P1. Have you tried contacting Cowon? Either way, next week I'll have the P1 in hand to try.

 

The earliest I would consider the p1/pm2 is next week. I am learning to be more patient.

 

Yep. I totally agree. It is very hard to find that hits all marks.

I listen music 80% of time on desk with 50% streaming & 50% Hi Res Music files ripped from CDs so desktop rig is probably more suitable for me but I like listening with IEM instead and some of IEMs are quite sensitive so desktop rig is not really ideal.
Hence looking for a DAP that meets 3 criteria such as streaming capability, all day long battery life (hate charging every 4~5 hours) and great pairing with sensitive IEMs such as Andro. If it can also drive HD650 well, then it would be even better but I have given up on that quite awhile ago. Try to catch both, might miss both...

 

According to some people on HF, the P1 is better. It probably is bro. It sounds identical to the S other than a bump in power for the S and the balanced connection they are the same. There is no way in hell I could tell them apart. Zero chance. So, on that premise, I'm sure the S is better than the PM2. I think the PM2 has a few things the P1 doesn't, but not sure.

 

All I want is something ZX2 or 1A calibre that has USB DAC mode

 

Technically the ZX2 and WM1_ should work as a DAC, you just need that expensive dock thing IIRC.

DX200 just had stocks come into SGP so might go and listen to it soonish (CNY delays plans) but from chinese forums which have had DX200s for much longer most agree that the black brick (WM1A) is a better pairing at least for Andromedas than the DX200.

 

Great point. I forgot to have that on my requirement since I listen from my laptop most of the time. X5 III is now on top of the list for me since it has pretty much everything that I want including USB DAC mode... Only thing to be confirmed is if it is good pairing with Andro... Then i am sold..

 

I am preferring the 1Z over the 1A I also have, but it's been harder to do too much head-to-head as I've been traveling a lot and it's crazy enough carrying the 1Z with me, let alone the 1Z and the 1A. Also the 1A is behind on burn-in, but catching up. Now that I have balanced cables I am able to start burning in the balanced sections. The SE both have 200 hours or more, and the balanced sections are creeping forward with each sweeping hand of the clock.

In terms of the gold color, I don't mind it as much as the included case with the 1Z covers up all but the edges of the player while I'm carrying it - you mostly see the black leather. Not a huge deal to me, but I can see how some wouldn't love it as much. Just waiting for some crazy soul to send their 1Z off for powder coating or such...

Cheers

 

I forgot how much I hate the stock case. So bad. Powder coating...hmmm. Maybe a good idea.

 

What's bad about it?

I've not seen it, so it's genuine question. Supposed to be picking one up (the case) tomorrow. All I really care about is that it protects the unit when it's in my carry-on and fits as closely as possible.

...

Surprisingly I still can't talk myself into the Z. I want it ... color and size excepted ... because it is THERE. But I still can't make myself pull the trigger.

 

These days I am playing between WM1Z and DX200. They both have very different personalities, the DX200 being more analytical and the WM1Z more smooth and warm with incredible layering. I don't mind the gold color at all with the Dignis case in blue.

 

What I hate about the stock case is that it opens vertically. I would much prefer a lateral opening like the Musashino case (who's leather is ugly btw).

 

I wish manufacturers would make IEM specific DAPs. Low noise floor. Small size. Long battery life. Great SQ of course. That would be perfect for me on the go.

If I'm lugging around cans big cans that need juice, I can also lug around my laptop and a USB powered DAC+amp.

 

I'm with mim on this, that damn opening. Coincidentally I purchased the blue dignis as well. I haven't spent enough time with the DX200 to say much about it, other than I like it. Had about 2 hours with it tonight, broken up between my Sony EX800st and the isine20s. The isine20s are an excellent pairing. Sonys, well they've sounded better.