SONY NW-ZX2 | Page 48 | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

T.R.A.N.C.E. · Jan 20, 2015 at 5:20 AM

Interesting news!

The ZX2 3.5mm audio output may be balanced! All the way from DAC to analog output, quite cool. There are several pieces of evidence.

[size=12.7272720336914px]Firstly this review below mentions the ZX2 is balanced, and even says it sounded better using a balanced 4 pole TRRS connection.[/size]
[size=12.7272720336914px]http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/review/20150115_683238.html[/size]
[size=12.7272720336914px] [/size]
The real evidence are these pictures below. Firstly, we already know the S Master HX outputs a 4 channel signal capable of balanced, and we know that the analog circuit of ZX2 is a BTL (Bridge Tied Load) 4 channel balanced. But what about the actual analog output? The first pic shows the [size=12.7272720336914px]analog [/size]output of the ZX2, which is 4 channel. You can see the four round spots on the bottom labeled HP L, L GND, R GND, HP R, meaning the analog output is indeed balanced. This 4 channel balanced output is directly soldered to the 3.5mm plug, only question that remains is if the 3.5mm is TRS or TRRS.

Good choice Sony. I get the feeling Sony engineering team did not cut any corner with the ZX2. Just look at that nice and symmetrically designed balanced analog output with those MELFs and Film Condensors. Just try and show me another dap with premium components like that eh.

[size=12.7272720336914px]ZX1 pic below shows that it is single ended. The main analog circuit of ZX1 is also BTL 4 channel like ZX2, but the[/size][size=12.7272720336914px] [/size][size=12.7272720336914px]output[/size][size=12.7272720336914px] [/size][size=12.7272720336914px]has been converted to single ended, for 3 channel, meaning L, GND, R, single ended. The 4th wire in ZX1 is just a dummy ground.[/size]

xjaynine · Jan 20, 2015 at 5:44 AM

Yeah, there's talk about this rumor. Word around Japan is that those who have balanced headphones terminated in 4 pole 3.5mm TRRS want to drop into a Sony store to see if the ZX2 is compatible with the 4 pole plug.

The possibility is also discussed here:

http://sonyshop-ones.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2015-01-20

ButtUglyJeff · Jan 20, 2015 at 6:09 AM

I wonder if there will be more Sony/Kimber cables introduced like with the Z7/PHA-3?

Interesting news indeed, and maybe headphones that would have been under driven could now get a little boost with a cable change?

T.R.A.N.C.E. · Jan 20, 2015 at 6:26 AM

Balanced might not affect power at all in ZX2, but lets be hopeful that it does, even if a little, lol. Primarily balanced should technically give a cleaner signal, less noise, more crisp, bigger sound stage and better SQ in general, although bear in mind I'm talking very small changes overall, but that Japanese reviewer claimed to hear a difference with a 4 pole TRRS terminated MDR-1A, so here's hoping it is a decent enough improvement, at least for audiophiles lol.

It is also talked about on the Sony JP website here:
http://pur.store.sony.jp/Qnavi/Product/NW-ZX2/?s_tc=aff_999_0_10_170686&sisearchengine=137&siproduct=st_aff_999

Translated:

Optimize the layout of the audio circuit

GND area is about 2 times the NW-ZX1, circuit and contribute to the overall stability. Will improve the characteristics of mid-range, such as gloss and elongation of the vocals.

The GND wire to the headphone jack is wired separately to L and R from the amplifier, and reduce the common impedance applied to the GND. It is possible to suppress the distortion of the sound, and improves the stereo feeling.

xjaynine · Jan 20, 2015 at 9:11 AM

The evidence is certainly pointing towards that direction. And although unlikely at the moment; there's still the possibility of Sony doing something supremely silly like terminating the balanced output from the audio circuit into a 3 pole TRS jack with a common ground. It's strange that Sony has been rather hushed about the specifics of the balanced output.

Anyhow just awaiting for more confirmation before I light the fireworks lol.

T.R.A.N.C.E. · Jan 20, 2015 at 9:14 AM

^ Haha, that supremely silly idea never crossed my mind, hmm, I suppose Sony is capable of such craziness, lol. But I'm giving the benefit of the doubt to the Sony ZX2 engineers, they seem to know how to do things right, not to mention Sony has been going on a bit of a balanced spree lately lol.

Mython · Jan 20, 2015 at 9:19 AM

xjaynine said:
The evidence is certainly pointing towards that direction. And although unlikely at the moment; there's still the possibility of Sony doing something supremely silly like terminating the balanced output from the audio circuit into a 3 pole TRRS jack with a common ground. It's strange that Sony has been rather hushed about the specifics of the balanced output.

Re' 4-pole TRRS, here's what James (Fiio CEO) said about the topic in relation to his forthcoming X7 DAP:

Quote:

jamesfiio said:
The reason why we choose RSA 4 pins but not TRRS,

1, Most people will have problem to identify it is TRRS or TRS. means that there will lots of customer service work.

Food for thought.

T.R.A.N.C.E. · Jan 20, 2015 at 9:35 AM

^ Well any [size=12.7272720336914px]3 pole TRS plug will work completely fine in any 4 pole TRRS input.[/size] S[size=12.7272720336914px]o I see no actual reason why Sony would not terminate ZX2 as 4 pole balanced, it would be a very silly oversight if they do not. [/size][size=12.7272720336914px]Plus to prevent any confusion, [/size]Sony have the power to release their own specific cables marketed as [size=12.7272720336914px]balanced 3.5mm [/size]for use with ZX2 and anything detachable, like Z7, Z5, MDR-1A, etc.

Mython · Jan 20, 2015 at 9:41 AM

t.r.a.n.c.e. said:
^ Well any [size=12.7272720336914px]3 pole TRS plug will work completely fine in any 4 pole TRRS input.[/size] S[size=12.7272720336914px]o I see no actual reason why Sony would not terminate ZX2 as 4 pole balanced, it would be a very silly oversight if they do not. [/size][size=12.7272720336914px]Plus to prevent any confusion, [/size]Sony have the power to release their own specific cables marketed as [size=12.7272720336914px]balanced 3.5mm [/size]for use with ZX2 and anything detachable, like Z7, Z5, MDR-1A, etc.

Are you sure?

A&K kept the TRS and TRRS sockets seperate, on the AK240. It's just a pity they made the TRRS socket stoopidly narrow and thus unsturdy/unreliable.

xjaynine · Jan 20, 2015 at 9:51 AM

mython said:
Originally Posted by JamesFiiO

The reason why we choose RSA 4 pins but not TRRS,

1, Most people will have problem to identify it is TRRS or TRS.

Nice, had to look that up. Learnt something new : )

T.R.A.N.C.E. · Jan 20, 2015 at 10:18 AM

mython said:
Are you sure?

A

Yes, completely sure, any TRS plug works in any TRRS socket (its only when using a TRRS plug in a TRS socket that can cause issues). For example, HM901 uses a single 4 pole TRRS socket for single ended and balanced combined. A&K either split the sockets for some circuitry related reason, or simply just for setting them apart to avoid any (nonexistent) confusion, and further opted for 2.5mm just to set it even further apart from the single ended.

Bottom line is that there is no reason not to use balanced 4 pole TRRS socket on any dap. Saying that people will have a problem identifying it is just silly, as regular TRS is compatible anyway, and I'm sure most people after a balanced connection would:

1. Prefer if dap makers assume people are smart enough to be able to count 4 sections on a 3.5mm plug.
2. Prefer if dap makers stopped the BS and just standardized use of 4 pole 3.5mm balanced.

So far only Hifiman has complied, possibly Sony with ZX2.

ButtUglyJeff · Jan 20, 2015 at 11:36 AM

I wonder why Sony went in this direction. The last time Sony shared anything was this:

Sounds different to me...

YorkshireBloke · Jan 20, 2015 at 2:59 PM

Hi I'm new to this forum so please be gentle! I'm interested in the ZX2, and have the following questions:

1) I have a lot of CD's what would've the best possible file format for transferring these into the zx2 and how would I do this (which PC software is best?)
2) what portable headphones do you think would do this player justice? Just looking for some ideas, could be 'in ear' or 'on ear'
3) do you think that will sony bring an optional silver aluminium surround? (I just prefer the look of the zx1)
Thanks
Paul

Duncan · Jan 20, 2015 at 3:05 PM

yorkshirebloke said:
Hi I'm new to this forum so please be gentle! I'm interested in the ZX2, and have the following questions:

1) I have a lot of CD's what would've the best possible file format for transferring these into the zx2 and how would I do this (which PC software is best?)
2) what portable headphones do you think would do this player justice? Just looking for some ideas, could be 'in ear' or 'on ear'
3) do you think that will sony bring an optional silver aluminium surround? (I just prefer the look of the zx1)
Thanks
Paul

Hi Paul...

1) - EAC or dbpoweramp would be my vote, FLAC would be preferred format
2) - What would be your budget?
3) - Sorry, no idea!

RAFA · Jan 20, 2015 at 3:05 PM

Do you believe, that the ZX2 itself is technically more advanced, than the PHA-3?

I know that these are very different products.

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