Sony NW-WM1Z/WM1A DAPs

I'm concerned about the reported lag. Anyone else with experience?

 

Yes, there is some lag depending on what you press. If you are in the main menu and click on the library button, it's quick, but if you click on all songs, there is a lag. I'll try to attach a video.

I'll make a quick video and attach a link to Dropbox for those interested.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/01owx08f7dibit0/AAD_Nty6BrCNwCigdXNKlXqya?dl=0

 

That's not bad at all, imo.

 

I agree, not bad at all.

 

Unfortunately canceled my order for the WM1A...even though it was a killer price for $975 for an uncapped version. Just listened to the Geekout V2+ Infinity today, which I thought was on a similar level as a ZX2, albeit different in sound sig. The ZX2 being more darker and lush lets say, though it did pull microdetailing esp on cymbal hits better than the GO V2+ along with more nuances in its slower decay, I think it lost in terms of soundstaging and multilayering of the more analytical transparent GO V2+ Inf. That said I couldn't go back to the GO V2+ Inf after ALO CDM, which blew it out of the water...Tonality, soundstaging, contrast, and decay....which is just so transparent with the bloom, which allows you to almost look into the sounds(This is where I would use a better balanced dac to pull more details through. The sound along with the bass as much more heft to it while being transparent, and it kicks far harder than the ZX2(Which I think really grips the drivers for great transients). This was all through SE, and in balanced, it really pulls farther ahead.

So albeit some improvements in WM1A, I have my doubts of the WM1A going against the ALO CDM with the Sonotone tubes. And it just beats the Sony in the looks department. I guess warrior and others will have to provide more details until my next upgrade to the SONY WM1A or the Gungnir Multibit ><...which probably wont be until may.

 

It feels bigger than it is. The heft of the 1Z is deceptive - I know it's only 0.5kg, but it feels like something much heavier due to the density. Does feel like a solid billet of Cu.

While there's a step up in SQ, certainly not worth paying ~60% more for me. Now if only my Geek Wave would be finished faster...

Edit: I should clarify that I tested it in a shop with some degree of background noise, the difference may be bigger with better surroundings.

Do you have any lag when using the hw buttons? That galls me the most. It's like the thing went "did you really... ah you did, let me change state now".

It's not a lot of lag, certainly within the order of >0.5s, but it's still jarring on a modern device.

 

I can't say for sure. I'll check when I get home, just leaving work.

 

There is lag with the hw buttons changing tracks. Again, minor but enough to notice. All things they can address via firmware update. Someone on HF said the new FW might have increased the speed. I'll try tomorrow and report back.

Side note, anyone know where I can buy a case? The stock case is a f'ing bad joke...

 

Might have to search on ebay. I know quite some people shared shipping from Dignis, which looks like this: http://www.e-earphone.jp/blog/?p=70176

 

That's the one, or close to the one I found on Amazon. I never hit place order and now, of course, they are sold out. Thank you. I checked ebay us, nothing. I've never bought from ebay international, any idea how that works?

 

Should be no different from placing an order with ebay US, just use paypal for buyer protection I guess.

 

I have the WM1Z and it is quite a great sounding unit. Right now it is about even par with potential to sound better than the PHA-3 in balanced mode. Definitely not quite as lush as the ZX2 as well as the PHA3. Couple with super long play time and nearly 500GB on board...I'm in portable nirvana finally.

 

If only USB DAC mode

 

FiiO or Opus for USB DAC? I personally prefer a dedicated unit.

 

Screw it...ordered a WM1A

 

Ok... Finally went back to my Cowon S, which I absolutely love(d). I hear an immediate difference. No abing, just listening. After a little over a week or so with the Z, just plugged my IEMS (ibasso it03) into the S, hit play... And wondered exactly what happened to the sound of the S that I loved so dearly last week... I checked my settings, ok, cool its on user 4, which for me is everything off. I tap user 3,expecting to hear the sound I've grown to love... Except, it's hollow now. Digital. Disappointing.

I have to say the Z sounds much better to me than the S. The sound is just so much more natural, smooth, organic, etc. The bass is more present on the S as are the highs, but I already miss the sound of the Z. It's hard for me to articulate my points and I'm nowhere near the skill level of many here unfortunately.

I can only say that I immediately heard a difference and wanted to grab my Z for a listen instead of my S. I was borderline returning or selling the Z. I knew I liked it but seriously debated whether or not it was worth keeping. I now know for sure I want to keep it. Is it worth it? Probably not, but I want the Porker any way.

The Z is just easy to listen to. Grabs your attention, but not right away. It kind of does lots of little things differently, better, but the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. All these little things add up to a lot. I'm impressed.

** forgot to add, I experience this both in direct mode and with eq/dsp settings on. As some of you know, I'm a big user of eq. This is the first dsp I've ever enjoyed without eq. I dislike most daps without use of eq. This one I actually am able to enjoy in direct mode.

 

1Z is a bit more phat and 'smooth' versus 1A for me. Does sound like you'd like the 1Z more.

 

Yes, I think it's a safe assumption... Definitely want a listen to the 1a anyway.

 

Apparently the euro wm1a can be uncapped. Wish I jumped on the deal when amazon UK was having a sale. @Drifterxny ...great buy