the more I think about the NW-WM1AM2 the more I realize that it is an amazing DAP. From images, it looks like they took everything they learned making the DMP-Z1 and applied it to the NW-WM1AM2

is the DMP-Z1 being discontinued?

Does this output dsd from the WM port or is all dsd converted to pcm regardless of interface? The 64gb and 32gb models are no longer sold by sony in store or on their website. The only models that can be bought at this time are the 16gb model. It seems they are reducing production variants of...

My player uses "source direct" for bit perfect

Thats a great point

In general if I were getting into the WM1A/Z before the M2 I would have looked at the DMP-Z1 as a serious consideration when you think of the cost of adding a TA-ZH1ES to a NW-WM1Z, it starts to get into the realm of best option (2 micro sd card slots, etc), but I dont really think like I have...

Ah so I should move my TA-ZH1ES to a power conditioner.

Yeah mastering makes a big difference but that can be subjective and vary depending on personal preference. Objectively redbook specs are dated compared to modern audiophile formats. But it is true, remastering has a bit of magic

Can someone list for me recent (last 5 years) of K-Pop albums which had songs sung in Japanese for the Japan market? I know black pink did this, I am looking for other groups.

An engraving must be a change that was made or at least region specific since in Japan the WM1A has a sticker.

Streaming and web technology is mostly interested with compression and inferencing as a way to reduce bandwidth usage. That is why we have formats like .opus and .webp It makes sense that for streaming media there will be formats which can deliver performance greater than mp3 with size below...

DAPS like this show that CD sound quality is far from audiophile.

Sony in Japan is offering 0% on a DMP-Z1 for 24 months

Are most people on 3.02?

They have been for several years. Several members can tell you about them and the changes that have been made to the design over time. XJE is their product name for their line of CIEM they refer to as 'Just Ear'