[zikarus]

What does music mean to you? Me? Everything.

One of my all time favourites is Nick Caves version of this song...

 

[SteveK27]

Today I've spent some time at my local audio store with the primary intention of comparing Code 23 cable to other EA cables.

It wasn't my first time here doing this comparison, so today was just to be a recap to confirm my hearing as I'm still in the process of finalizing my Code 23 impression.

Now with that being said, I noticed there was a Sony ZX707 from the corner of my eye. I was aware of its availability in store for quite a while, but never had the time to give it a listen.

Well, today marks my first day of finally getting to this dap. And you can call me impressed, because its output power was very capable considering how small and light the dap was.

As per routine, I've jotted some notes how each of the Sony daps compare with each other using Viking Ragnar and Magnus 4-wire.

For those of you who have heard any Sony daps or portable disc player, their house tuning needs not much of an introduction as it's become an icon itself with a dedicated fan base. I'm talking about its vintage-esque romance that gives you the warmth of an old time vinyl, which will leave you reminiscing back to the good old forgotten days stored within your subconscious. It's not quite lush or organic as today's flagship r2r daps, but what it provides is its own blend of perfect harmony that symphonizes the digital characteristics of delta sigma with an "old-timer" warmth that's different from any tube amp implementation.

1ZM2 is literally the embodiment of Sony's house tuning that many recognize with familiarity. It's a warm and vivid presentation with a satisfactory note weight. I'm not hearing any LP or IBasso lushness, but I see this as a win that helps provide its punchy tactile feeling whenever I'm listening to music.

1AM2 is surprisingly similar to 1ZM2 but with an appreciable amount of difference that I could see someone choosing one over the other. 1AM2 takes the tuning of 1ZM2 but with a "cleaner" and leaner presentation with a slightly less note-weight and about half-a-step behind in resolution. 1ZM2 sounds more mature and resolving in comparison, but absolutely not a $2000 difference as that is quite the stretch.

The most obvious difference is the power output, in which it requires more uptick in volume to match the output of 1ZM2. 1AM2 feels significantly light in comparison, which would make it my choice of dap to carry outside between the two.

Sony ZX707 (uncapped edition) takes a slightly different approach with it sounding closer to 1AM2 than 1ZM2 in tonality. It retains that Sony warmth, but provides a more bright and forward signature that gives you a center-stage vivid experience. It's quite flat in depth, so do not expect any holographic imaging coming from this dap. But it is impressive how loud it can get with less uptick in volume than 1AM2. Keep in mind the ZX707 is small and handy that feels about 30% lighter than 1AM2. I find its brighter and forward signature quite engaging, but it's noticeable that 1AM2 sounds more mature, resolving, and holographic in comparison. Now this impression was through high-gain only, which I'm aware is not an option for some regions in the market.

I've tried ZX707 with the high-gain turned off, and my goodness was it disappointing. I cannot recommend this dap in good faith without the high-gain mode, but the uncapped version is worth looking into if you're looking for a small and capable dap for everyday carry.

Pocketing this dap is a breeze and makes the dx320 quite unwieldy in comparison.

Today was quite a tiring day but I'm happy to say that writing this review was fun and fulfilling as I love to share my impression with all of the Cooler members

 

[MatW]

On a serious note...what a beautiful and shiny piece of gear.

I love scuba diving and I'm actually certified hard hat diver. scary at first, but quite interesting.

Your headfi name should be ScubaAngels or something...

 

[flu_fighter]

LOAK-T (CL) Rosewood just arrived this evening. It’s still drizzling outside when DHL dropped this in. Will have a listen tonight

Awesome. Looks like my Loak-S96 has arrived in the country. hopefully it gets delivered tomorrow.

 

[Sabre2]

WoW. That looks beautiful. Packaging is handsome.

Yeah! I enjoy the unboxing experience.

 

[Sabre2]

Awesome. Lookks like my Loak-S96 has arrived in the country. hopefully it gets delivered tomorrow.

DHL is very fast; I was expecting for it to arrived next week. To my surprised ; it came in around dinner time when it’s still raining outside.

 

[flu_fighter]

DHL is very fast; I was expecting for it to arrived next week. To my surprised ; it came in around dinner time when it’s still raining outside.

Yes, it usually arrives like 2 days before the expected delivery date.

 

[Kiats]

DHL is very fast; I was expecting for it to arrived next week. To my surprised ; it came in around dinner time when it’s still raining outside.

Look forward to impressions, my friend!

 

[Xinlisupreme]

634ears LOAK-T(CL) Bocote wood…
I hope it’s as mine or maybe mine

Looks like what I was looking for

 

[drftr]

Today I've spent some time at my local audio store with the primary intention of comparing Code 23 cable to other EA cables.

It wasn't my first time here doing this comparison, so today was just to be a recap to confirm my hearing as I'm still in the process of finalizing my Code 23 impression.

Now with that being said, I noticed there was a Sony ZX707 from the corner of my eye. I was aware of its availability in store for quite a while, but never had the time to give it a listen.

Well, today marks my first day of finally getting to this dap. And you can call me impressed, because its output power was very capable considering how small and light the dap was.

As per routine, I've jotted some notes how each of the Sony daps compare with each other using Viking Ragnar and Magnus 4-wire.



For those of you who have heard any Sony daps or portable disc player, their house tuning needs not much of an introduction as it's become an icon itself with a dedicated fan base. I'm talking about its vintage-esque romance that gives you the warmth of an old time vinyl, which will leave you reminiscing back to the good old forgotten days stored within your subconscious. It's not quite lush or organic as today's flagship r2r daps, but what it provides is its own blend of perfect harmony that symphonizes the digital characteristics of delta sigma with an "old-timer" warmth that's different from any tube amp implementation.

1ZM2 is literally the embodiment of Sony's house tuning that many recognize with familiarity. It's a warm and vivid presentation with a satisfactory note weight. I'm not hearing any LP or IBasso lushness, but I see this as a win that helps provide its punchy tactile feeling whenever I'm listening to music.

1AM2 is surprisingly similar to 1ZM2 but with an appreciable amount of difference that I could see someone choosing one over the other. 1AM2 takes the tuning of 1ZM2 but with a "cleaner" and leaner presentation with a slightly less note-weight and about half-a-step behind in resolution. 1ZM2 sounds more mature and resolving in comparison, but absolutely not a $2000 difference as that is quite the stretch.

The most obvious difference is the power output, in which it requires more uptick in volume to match the output of 1ZM2. 1AM2 feels significantly light in comparison, which would make it my choice of dap to carry outside between the two.

Sony ZX707 (uncapped edition) takes a slightly different approach with it sounding closer to 1AM2 than 1ZM2 in tonality. It retains that Sony warmth, but provides a more bright and forward signature that gives you a center-stage vivid experience. It's quite flat in depth, so do not expect any holographic imaging coming from this dap. But it is impressive how loud it can get with less uptick in volume than 1AM2. Keep in mind the ZX707 is small and handy that feels about 30% lighter than 1AM2. I find its brighter and forward signature quite engaging, but it's noticeable that 1AM2 sounds more mature, resolving, and holographic in comparison. Now this impression was through high-gain only, which I'm aware is not an option for some regions in the market.

I've tried ZX707 with the high-gain turned off, and my goodness was it disappointing. I cannot recommend this dap in good faith without the high-gain mode, but the uncapped version is worth looking into if you're looking for a small and capable dap for everyday carry.

Pocketing this dap is a breeze and makes the dx320 quite unwieldy in comparison.

Today was quite a tiring day but I'm happy to say that writing this review was fun and fulfilling as I love to share my impression with all of the Cooler members

Awesome, my friend. Should you ever find the time to do 1AM2 vs RS6... Can't remember seeing DX240/AMP8ii when I was there, right?

drftr

 

[Badlands]

And now for something to feast the eyes if not ears.
Sorry about orientation.

That dinner looks amazing! What a culinary experience that must have been.

 

[zikarus]

One of my all time favourites is Nick Caves version of this song...

Thank you F700 - reminding me of BTTIGTP just gave me the following ride...

Now back to family business...

 

[SteveK27]

Awesome, my friend. Should you ever find the time to do 1AM2 vs RS6... Can't remember seeing DX240/AMP8ii when I was there, right?

drftr

1AM2 is excellent and underrated imo haha

But I feel like you seek the warmth and lushness of r2r timbre, which RS6 may have. I've yet to try the RS6 but I have heard the RS8. Knowing that you prefer warmer signatures, I'd recommend either of those two daps over Dx240 for you specifically.

Remember when you found my dx320 amp13 to be too bright for your taste?
That was a tube Amp. I can't imagine how you may feel with dx240 amp8ii instead.

 

[drftr]

1AM2 is excellent and underrated imo haha

But I feel like you seek the warmth and lushness of r2r timbre, which RS6 may have. I've yet to try the RS6 but I have heard the RS8. Knowing that you prefer warmer signatures, I'd recommend either of those two daps over Dx240 for you specifically.

Remember when you found my dx320 amp13 to be too bright for your taste?
That was a tube Amp. I can't imagine how you may feel with dx240 amp8ii instead.

Oops! I didn't remember you had a card in there! Off the list it is. Which is a pity as it's a much more portable device AND has the output in the bottom. Anyway...

My hesitation with RS6 is that it added quite a bit of sub bass. On the U18t that I used back then that was perfect but for the Sultan I need tighter and/or less sub bass. 1AM2 does deliver on all fronts for me except R2R lushness.

drftr

 

[Scubadevils]

A great meet up today with @armstrj2, @Eoin and @northsider - star of the show for me out of Odyssey, Blanc, Phönix LE… I can see one of these in my future, and Eoin was very kind to let me borrow.