Sound signature:
The imagines is so very vivid, with every thing just popped out of the portrait with such inner resolutions for every pieces of equipments, every pitch (starting to ending), every note, the housing resonances of each instruments or the reverberations of the room ambient. The sharp yet defined and liquid textures of each play. You can no longer be confused between each pieces of the whole pictures, each of the same categories instruments, the cues of positioning, the projected images are so clear and vivid while being so smooth, fluid, and very well connected as a whole...again, except that warmth. But when were the last time I could listen to something like this ? With such vividity, inner resolutions, fluidity and very analog like ? Well...never for any Digital pieces. So! Of course loving it.
Soundstage: since the Z7 and the NW-Zx2, I have always loved the soundstage of these Sony equipments. Yet, it needs neither gigantic in width nor depth nor expansive enough to be so special. What so special about Sony soundstage to my Opinion is that “spherical and holographical” presentations. The Zx2 were good, the WM1Z were similar but with better width and much taller Y axis. Now, the DMP-Z1, the spherical goes evenly Holographic. It is Spherical in all 3 axis, X-Y-Z...well the Y may not be as huge of the spherical as X and Z but all 3 are especially blended nicely to give out a very special spherical and holographical presentation. I, myself, feel like being enveloped and trapped within these 3 fields with guilty pleasures.
Bass: plenty of energy, slam, authoritative, speed, tightly controlled but yet still soft enough like a Firm Jelly, taking shape with defined resolution and defined density but neither too dry nor bloomy. It goes deep, and deeper, with excellent rumbles and extensions. The Drop and the ripples are so well defined. If makes me feel like the dances , textures and shapes of each bass textures are with infinite possibilities. It can changes slightly with others DSP, but this is in general observation
Vocal: Vocal are fluid, the emotions and textures of female and male vocal may changes with different digital filters. You can read on below to find out further. But there is no short coming from vocal to really point out the negatives about it
Treble: with finesses, Metallic resonances and sparkling are never missing. The airiness and extensions are so vivid and realistic without any hint of harshness even with Metal and Rock genres. It can be said to neither be overly smooth nor sharp, but just right, and of which I would call it being very accurately portraying the Metal instruments sizes and kind being played. It can still change it characteristics somewhat with the other DSP options but that is in general observations