T.R.A.N.C.E.
Headphoneus Supremus
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- Mar 24, 2010
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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]
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]