Sony ZX300

I received my official Sony case for the ZX300 from this Japanese ebayer today. The price of this thing is ridiculous (and I had to pay import duty), but putting that aside, it's a really nice case.

-- As you'd expect, the fit is spot on
-- It doesn't add too much bulk to the unit whilst still providing some decent protection (although obviously not 100% protection).
-- Closure is firm & magnetic, and it "self closes" if you let go of the front flap when open.
-- The overhang of the front flap beyond the side buttons is a nice touch
-- I can't tell if it's real or faux leather. Doesn't smell leathery though.

I wouldn't usually spend this much on a case, but the ZX300 is a keeper for me and I tend to hang onto portable stuff for quite a few years so I figured I'd get the use out of it. YMMV.

Tons of pics attached.

 

My case is silicone. It came from Amazon and cost $7.99 shipped. It came with a free strap and two screen protectors. And smells like genuine silicone, not that fake silicone crap.

Just messing with you @pedalhead . It does look nice. Just way more than I want to spend. I do love my zx300 however. But in truth, I like it most with NO case. Feels great in my hand. Plus it has that tacky leather back that keeps it from sliding which you loose with a case.

 

After using the zx300 for a little over a month, the only real weakness for me is the screen and non adjustable fonts. Age and a few decades of staring at the computer screen have left me needing readers for small print. I don't always have my glasses with me when I need them for the zx300.

 

I don't really see anyone comparing the sound of the zx300 to the older zx2. Is the zx300 on par or better than the older zx2 for sound quality?

 

New FW update out now which enables BT receiver and vinyl processor DSP.

 

I haven't tried that stuff, but the UI is noticeably snappier. No downsides (yet).

Edit: Just used BT receiver to listen to youtube from my laptop. Works fine.

Unfortunately USB DAC lagginess has not been improved.

 

From memory and without the same IEMS, the ZX2 is better at timbre, a little more detailed and sounds more analogue. The ZX300 has more power and umph.

 

Maybe I should loan my ZX2 to @pedalhead for a proper comparison.

 

Is it just placebo/assumption or does this V2 update sound a bit more dynamic than the older V1.1?

 

No change in the sound to my knowledge.

 

My ZX300 (EU) simply lacks balls to run the Pinnacle P1. International version has 50mW vs EU version 4.5mW.

Anyone here tried the rockboxed version?

Not sure if there are actual hardware differences too or of it is just a software cap.

If that does not help would an DFR be an better option from phone for those IEM's?

 

Just a software cap mate. I did the rockbox unlock as soon as I received my ZX300. It literally takes a few minutes and is imho essential for the EU ZX300 as the cap is frankly ridiculous.

https://www.rockbox.org/wiki/SonyNWDestTool

 

I will try that. How did it affect the power from the headphone output?

 

Massive improvement! Really, the unit is completely gimped with the volume limiter.

 

Sony was always strange in treating EU laws regarding electronics. Their portable DAC/AMP sold in EU without batteries is prime example.

 

I have been looking for a zx300a but it always seems to be sold out. The regular version is out of my price range. Has anyone had any experience with the ibasso dx 120 or even 150(I think the 150 is too big for pocket use) vs the zx300?

I am looking for my first real DAP to run my Andromedas with that will not have too much hiss. I don’t care about balanced but if I can find a zx300a I will get a 4.4mm balanced cable from campfire

 

What about a used ZX2?

 

Massdrop had a drop for the ZX300A, not sure if its still live...

 

That was dumdum pricing, though. IIRC $485 or something? Better off going with JoyBuy...

 

Hopefully! I tried JoyBuy and they unsuccessfully tried twice to ship me a ZX300a. Both times they had "issues" with their logistics company that resulted in the item being returned to them, so they quit trying and just refunded my money. No indication about what could be done differently if I wanted a different outcome. Others have had good luck with JoyBuy, so maybe you will too if you buy from them?