[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

^ Actually PHA-3 only has one 48mhz clock like ZX1. There always seems to be corners cut, never a perfect audio product. For example, the following products use just one 44.1mhz clock: HM901, DX100, X5, DX90. Using one 44.1khz clock is arguably better than using one 48khz clock, because most of our audio files are probably 16/44.1
The Cayin N6 has done it right by using 3 clocks, 44.1, 48 and 2.8(dsd) this means less jitter and better SQ.

 

[harmonix]

^ Actually PHA-3 only has one 48mhz clock like ZX1. There always seems to be corners cut, never a perfect audio product. For example, the following products use just one 44.1mhz clock: HM901, DX100, X5, DX90. Using one 44.1khz clock is arguably better than using one 48khz clock, because most of our audio files are probably 16/44.1
The Cayin N6 has done it right by using 3 clocks, 44.1, 48 and 2.8(dsd) this means less jitter and better SQ.

You don't need a 2.8 clock. Isn't 2.8 that a multiple of 176.4k which is a multiple of 44.1k?

BTW pictures not very clear but don't seem to see more than 1 clock on the PcB for the Cayin N6?

 

[bowtung]

Thanks! Seems like I might  not have to recable my cables again, which is a big plus.
There are just way way too many balance out jacks in portable audio, there needs to be a standard to save us huge cost.
 
Quote:

   
It appears it probably will, but has not yet been confirmed in their specs (AFAIK), even though T.R.A.N.C.E.'s post & xjaynine's post point quite strongly towards TRRS happening on the ZX2. However, the 4.4mm version of TRRS which is mentioned in ButtUglyJeff's video doesn't look to have been implemented, if this publicity shot is anything to go by, and since the DAP is intended for a global market, and there is no seperate headphone-out socket, it would be logical to expect it to be 3.5mm:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Logically, I suppose that seems probable, in light of the above discussion...

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

You don't need a 2.8 clock. Isn't 2.8 that a multiple of 176.4k which is a multiple of 44.1k?

BTW pictures not very clear but don't seem to see more than 1 clock on the PcB for the Cayin N6?

You need a 2.8 clock for best dsd, you cant use a multiple of 176.4, it can only be a multiple of base clock, 44.1 or 48, which 2.8 is not a multiple of and needs a separate clock.

Cayin N6 does have three clocks, look at pic of screen side of PCN, another product example is the Denon DA10 (Portable dac/amp) which also has three clocks.

 

[harmonix]

You need a 2.8 clock for best dsd, you cant use a multiple of 176.4, it can only be a multiple of base clock, 44.1 or 48, which w.8 is not a multiple of and needs a separate clock.

I might have got the Cayin N6 confused with the Denon DA10 (Portable dac/amp) which definitely uses three clocks.

?? 64 x 44.1k = 2.8... 64fs??

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

^ Ok I think a better way for me to have said it is that the desired frequency must be divisible by the base clock, so as 2.8 is not a divisor of 44.1 or 48 thus 2.8 dsd needs its own clock for best performace in jitter.

 

[Ilkyway]

What do you all think of it being android 4.2.2 rather than 4.1.1? Is that a significant difference or nothing to bother about?
 
Ilkyway

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

^ not a huge deal, newest android would have say ~5% or so more battery life and ~5% more speed, both would be welcome for sure, but ZX2 already has battery life covered with over 30 hours and the UI speed is fine, its still fasterr than any other dap out there, only loses to high end smart phones. Even the AK240 is most likely using android 4.2.2. The cost of upgrading the CPU to run android 4.4 may possibly outweigh the benefits, or maybe might just cut it even, in which case would you be willing to pay an extra $300 for android 4.4.4?

 

[Ilkyway]

Thanks T.R.A.N.C.E, I do not need "more" in terms of higher android versions. I just had some problems with apps on the ZX1 and knowing that it runs 4.1.1 I was asking myself if the 4.2.2 on the ZX2 would solve these problems. For example swift-key was turned off ever so often, that I deleted it.
 
Ilkyway

 

[RAFA]

  The PHA3 should have two dedicated clocks as well.  I still don't see your point on why the PHA3 will not sound better than the ZX-2 based on its "technical finesse" given that the PHA-3 has more power, and a better DAC.  The PHA-3 competes very well with dedicated home amps powering easier to drive phones.  In balanced mode the PHA-3 is able to output nearly 15 times the power of the ZX2.  The PHA3's DAC is also the best money can buy if implemented correctly.  I also have the ZX1 and it is quite a jump going from the ZX1 to PHA3.

 
 

^ Actually PHA-3 only has one 48mhz clock like ZX1. There always seems to be corners cut, never a perfect audio product. For example, the following products use just one 44.1mhz clock: HM901, DX100, X5, DX90. Using one 44.1khz clock is arguably better than using one 48khz clock, because most of our audio files are probably 16/44.1
The Cayin N6 has done it right by using 3 clocks, 44.1, 48 and 2.8(dsd) this means less jitter and better SQ.

 
 
@purk I do believe you, that when it comes to SQ, the PHA-3 is better than the ZX1 and may sound even better than the ZX2, but what I wanted to hear is what T.R.A.N.C.E. posted. This is what I meant. Sony obviously put quite a lot effort into the ZX2, but just a tad less with the PHA-3.

 

[Mython]

   
Sony obviously put quite a lot effort into the ZX2, but just a tad less with the PHA-3

 
What, not enough gold-plating?

 

[AUDIOBREEDER]

Hopefully there will be no need to amp this baby. Don't see the point in PHA3 when this is over $1000.
I'm just wondering if another Sony dap comes out, would there be an optical out and balanced. I'm surprised they did not include balanced jack into this player. If I buy this and the next dap includes the above, I will be gutted.

 

[Mython]

Hopefully there will be no need to amp this baby. Don't see the point in PHA3 when this is over $1000.

 
Agree, but try telling that to Sony...
 
(and that's without even considering the difference in battery duration between the ZX1/2 and the PHA3.
 
 
Quote:

I'm just wondering if another Sony dap comes out, would there be an optical out and balanced. I'm surprised they did not include balanced jack into this player. If I buy this and the next dap includes the above, I will be gutted.

 
Balanced may yet prove to be included in the ZX2 - maybe.
 
But I wouldn't get your hopes up too much about optical-out on the ZX3 - Sony spent a fair bit of cash for R&D, to devise and produce the WMPort standard, so they're unlikely to undermine all that with a generic digital-out connector (although I'd love to be proven wrong about this, as open-standard digital connections are in the DAP-buying public's best interests)

 

[BlinkST]

Even the Pono player has balanced... Better wait for the ZX3.

 

[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

Cayin N6 does have three clocks, check the front PCB pic.