Default setting. 

The Roxanne pairs quite well with the Sony.  I prefer the K10's over the Roxanne with most of my other sources, but I think the warmer (bass-centric) sound of the Roxanne actually works quite well with the power-challenged A17, especially on newer hip-hop and rock tracks that require some thump...

  Keeping it simple today - Roxanne customs with the Sony A17.  

Too many variables for me to be able to answer your question.  I don't know what cable/IEM you have now, or how much you are willing to spend on your new cable...You can also just send in your current cable for re-termination if that suits your needs...The quality is quite good with these...

I usually buy from online retailers, whoever has the best price/deal at that particular time.  Try the usual suspects - e-earphone in Akihabara, Yodobashi Camera (Akihabara Shop is the best), and maybe Bic Camera in either Yurakucho or Shinjuku.   The best deal in Tokyo (for me) right now is to...

Got mine made at Plus Sound Audio.  BTW, it should be female 3.5 out to 2 stereo (not mono) 3.5 male.  Write to Christian (the main email contact on their website).  You should just get the adapter rather than getting a whole new cable.  Just a lot cheaper...   http://www.plussoundaudio.com/...

I have never bought from the Ginza Sony Building, since I live in Tokyo and can get better deals else where.  I do see a lot of tourists buying from the Duty Free Shop there, so I would assume that would be the case. .  Try the following two links - Looks like the ZX1 was in the "overseas...

Not that the AK240 is known for its powerful amp, the ZX2 did pack slightly more "juice" than the AK240 at similar volume levels...Neither would produce ideal results with power-hungry cans, IMHO.

Spent about an hour at Sony Building in Ginza doing an A/B between the ZX2 and my AK240 using my Noble K10. I also had my A17 on hand, and did a short A/B between the A17/PHA-3 setup and the ZX2/PHA-3 they had on display. AK240/ZX2 - To be fair, I used the balanced output on the AK240, and...

Yes.  That is what I am using.  No issues.

Quote:   It is normal for the device to come pre-charged.   This from Sony website:   Battery Charging (Approx) : Charging via USB: Appox. 15 hours from empty to full   You have to use a wall charger (AC-UD20) if you want to reduce the charge time.  6 hours, if you use the wall...

No brand.  Just a DIY cable bought at an auction site in Japan.     If you are interested, I have a similar cable for sale - a little bit longer but same SQ.  PM me if you are interested.   http://www.head-fi.org/t/744968/diy-wm-walkman-port-lod-to-3-5mm-mini

      Still burning in the amp, but the form factor of the new ALO National+ matches the A17 perfectly.  At least my initial impression of the National+ is quite positive - no hiss with my K10s (even at medium gain setting), better resolution and dynamics than the A17 as standalone, and...

As transports, I couldn't tell the difference between the two. Standalone, the ZX1 was hands down the better player, but when I did an A/B test through PHA-3 at a shop here in Japan, I honestly could not tell them apart. Listened to the standard Norah Jones / Daft Punk tracks for the test, and...

  It really is a function of your earphones and what you prioritize (portability, UI, etc.)...If you find the X5 to be too heavy, and start playing around with the A17, I bet you would get hooked...No more scrolling endlessly to get to a song.  The weight, battery life and the UI actually do...