[Whitigir]

Digital Music Player.

All information can be found from this website

Official English

Price to be : Sony DMP-Z1 HKD 61880 (Around USD 7,950)






Let’s the discussion begin

 

[Whitigir]

A closer look to the device is that it actually is using very high quality components: RK-50 attenuators, F-Resistors, thin film capacitors, FT Capacitors , Kimber internal wires and so on. The implementations is totally Sony. However, I am not impressed at the specifications and the pricing.

Used to own TA-ZH1ES, and wished for at this price point, a product that is an upgrade and or rival of TA-ZH1ES with the improvements in 3 main features:

1/ S-Master performances
2/ Remastering Engine that does both PCM and DSD in different DSP
3/ Discrete and exotic components

I wouldn’t care about how big or heavy the device can be. Hell, at this price point Chord TT is appealing. At least they don’t use “Off the shelves stuff”

 

[Kildras]

according to the press, the amount and cleaness of power makes for very significant SQ improvements. these pushes the components to maximize their performance rather than needing to concern about efficiency that the portable WM series has (one user on baidu suspect this is why they used AKM chips and not the sony ones)

Not gonna be able to afford this but I think for summit-fi (if this performance is up there), this isn't all that expensive.

Hopefully I will get to try it this weekend.

 

[kms108]

I'm just curious why Sony used the AK chipset instead of a in house one.

 

[Whitigir]

S-master is actually very good but it has it limitations such as noises that scale up with power output and processing speed. In the case of TA-ZH1ES, it was solved by having active Op-Amp into the negative signals path. However, it would create ground loops in specific circumstances, just from what I observed.

It is interested to see why Sony only allows DSD256 and not DSD512 or even Remastering engine in such expensive products

 

[audionewbi]

I think Dsd512 can be implemented in the future. I still can't get over using high current Opamp into discrete design!

 

[Whitigir]

I think Dsd512 can be implemented in the future. I still can't get over using high current Opamp into discrete design!

DSD512 will consume a huge amount of Power. If they are using Sigma-Delta architecture like this, they need to have a DSP interface (Xmos or Sony own or FPGA). Not all DSP was created equal

However, they don’t mention neither FPGA nor Xmos, then it is more than likely Sony Own. If so, they are limited at 11.2Mhz or DSD256 in the case of TA-ZH1ES and WM1A/Z. However, I wouldn’t think it can even compare to XMos for DSD Native playback as Sony is always aiming to save energy. You can see that DMP-Z1 is advertised for 5.6Mhz only which is DSD128

Even if they use Xmos or FPGA, the demand for power is high (voltage/current), and would heat up very quickly in a contained environment where Electrolytic and thin film capacitors are less likely to survive or keep it stability.

This product from my point of view is actually more like a half-baked design with the grab off the shelves components and is trying to attempt grabbing the market. After all, they got away with Wm1Z, and strangely they don’t know why ? They definitely need a better executive to stir them the correct way. I don’t even think the management teams know the pros and cons of their own product lines

 

[Deftone]

Price to be : Around USD 7,950

 

[Kildras]

So today we have an official reply from the song rep about the AK chips

The s master isn't capable to keep the SQ with such a high power output.

 

[Whitigir]

So today we have an official reply from the song rep about the AK chips

The s master isn't capable to keep the SQ with such a high power output.

Uh huh, I expected that limitations

However, the limitations can be further investigated and perfected. There are Pros and Cons everywhere, and so does S-master strong points. At this price point, admitting defeat on S-Master Vs other Sigma/Delta is just a Lazy excuse. It is not like Sony can not improve it

 

[Max Choiral]

This product from my point of view is actually more like a half-baked design with the grab off the shelves components and is trying to attempt grabbing the market. After all, they got away with Wm1Z, and strangely they don’t know why ? They definitely need a better executive to stir them the correct way. I don’t even think the management teams know the pros and cons of their own product lines

Dear, allow me to be blunt but I think you're a little bit naive and missed something here. Market have already proved that it doesn't really need high fidelity but different flavours and "DAC rolling" is a part of this game. Remember, people voted with theirs wallets when AK 240 appeared despite its price. Even earlier, when AK 100 was released. Show is just still going on

 

[theveterans]

That pricing is insane. We'll see if it can at least compete with Chord DAVE, let alone DAVE + Hugo M scaler

 

[Max Choiral]

We'll see if it can at least compete with Chord DAVE, let alone DAVE + Hugo M scaler

Err, Dave is much pricier and not transportable. But as long as we talk about sound only, sure, everything can be compared.

 

[sne4me]

From Sony directly, <http://www.sony.com.hk/en/electronics/walkman/dmp-z1/specifications>

Storage Media
Memory Size: Internal:256GB, External:microSD slot x2 (microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC)

Connectivity
Input and Output Terminals: Headphone: Stereo mini-jack, Balanced standard-jack
USB Connection: USB Type-C port, Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compliant)
Wireless Capabilities: Communication system: Bluetooth Specification Version 4.2,NFC: Yes

Playback & display
Drag and Drop: Yes
Display Type: TFT colour display, 3.1-inch (7.8 cm), WVGA(800 x 480 Pixels
Photo Playback: -
Audio Playback: MP3 ( .MP3): 32 - 320kbps (Supports variable bitrate (VBR) ) / 32kHz 44.1kHz 48kHz, WMA ( .WMA): 32 - 192kbps (Supports variable bitrate (VBR) ) / 44.1kHz, FLAC ( .flac): 16bit 24bit / 8-384kHz, WAV ( .wav): 16bit 24bit 32bit (Float/Integer) / 8-384kHz, AAC ( .mp4, .m4a, .3gp): 16-320kbps / 8-48kHz, HE-AAC ( .mp4, .m4a, .3gp): 32-144kbps / 8-48kHz, Apple Lossless ( .mp4, .m4a): 16bit 24bit / 8-384kHz, AIFF ( .aif, .aiff, .afc, .aifc): 16bit 24bit 32bit / 8-384kHz, DSD ( .dsf, .dff): 1bit / 2.8224MHz 5.6448MHz 11.2896 MHz, APE ( .ape): 8bit 16bit 24bit / 8-192kHz (Fast, Normal, High), MQA ( .mqa.flac): Supported
Video Playback
Waterproof: : --

Headphone Out (Stereo mini-jack)
Frequency: 20-40,000 Hz
Headphone Out (Balanced standard-jack)
Frequency: 20-40,000 Hz

Software
Operating System: Sony original OS
Features

High-Resolution Audio

Take your digital music collection to another level with High-Resolution Audio. By capturing and reproducing digital audio at a higher rate than CD (24-bit/192kHz and beyond), High-Resolution Audio allows you to get closer to the original studio recording and enjoy your music just as the artist intended.

DSD native playback up to 11.2 MHz and PCM playback up to 384kHz/32-bit
The DMP-Z1 supports files up to DSD native 11.2 MHz and PCM playback up to 384kHz/32-bit, which means all the authentic detail of the original recording is retained.

4.4mm balanced connection jack
Clear stereo separation and soundstaging is delivered by a 4.4mm balanced headphone jack, which is compatible with a broad range of premium headphones. A standard 3.5mm stereo jack is also available for unbalanced listening.

Gold plated volume control
Enjoy stereo channel precision right to the headphone output with the custom-crafted passive-balanced volume potentiometer. A copper and gold plated brass ensures absolute sonic purity across all dynamic levels.

Power pure audio everywhere with built-in battery
Five battery cells drive both digital and analogue amplification circuits independently for enhanced dynamics and reduced internal electromagnetic interference. By isolating the power delivery from conventional AC power supplies, you enjoy both a more open treble response and tighter bass delivery without the harshness transmitted through AC line noise.

High quality headphone amplifier IC
By incorporating an audiophile-grade, high-power headphone amplifier, the DMP-Z1 realises 1500mW (16Ω) headphone output2 to drive even the most demanding headphones.

Dual DAC stereo architecture
Exceptional stereo imaging and an enhanced dynamic range is delivered through two independent AK4497EQ mono Digital-Analogue Convertors (DACs), especially when matched with balanced headphone listening. An exceptionally low noise floor and native support for ultra-high-resolution audio formats ensures absolutely pristine analogue audio translation.

Headphone jack with 4.4/3.5mm KIMBER KABLE®
External noise is shut out from the DMP-Z1 amp board to the headphones through internal wiring engineered with KIMBER KABLE®. Formed from a 4-wire braided cable the wiring transmits high-quality audio signals for both balanced and unbalanced listening.

Isolated circuit board reduces noise
To keep sound transparent and minimise distortion, the amplifier board is separated from the main board on the H-shaped chassis. This cuts noise and realises solid ground.

Rigid frame structure
To ensure minimal resonance and vibration are transmitted between the isolated boards, all circuit boards of the DMP-Z1 are mounted on a solid, frame-based, chassis. This lessens external electrical or seismic interference so that each circuit can achieve optimal performance.

Gold plated oxygen free copper (OFC) plate
An OFC plate on the circuit board with gold plating (minimum purity 99.96) reduces contact resistance, giving a clearer audio quality. Gold plating also prevents oxidization and improves ground stability too.

New EDLC capacitor for improved battery performance
Five electric double-layer capacitors (EDLC) with large capacity and low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) supply power from the batteries of the DMP-Z1. This means no sudden falls in voltage, and power is stably supplied to DAC and amplifier.

Newly-developed FT CAP (High polymer capacitor) for voltage stability
The DMP-Z1 features newly-developed FT CAP high polymer capacitors in the power supplies for the DAC and amplifier, which inhibits voltage spikes that could cause subtle audio distortions. The result is clear, transparent melodic lines and tight bass line control, regardless of your choice of music.

Enhanced power supply for the audio circuit
Engineered specifically for portable performance, the power circuit dedicated to the analogue audio board makes an ideal pairing for the DC battery-power of the DMP-Z1. An extremely low-noise voltage regulator and DC/DC converter ensure pristine power is delivered to the amp, with enough headroom to comfortably drive even the highest impedance headphones with maximum dynamics and a minimal noise floor.

Premium, audio-grade lead-free solder containing gold
The all-important headphone outputs and other places of the DMP-Z1 feature newly developed lead-free solder with the addition of gold to enhance the signal flow. The exceptional conductivity of gold ensures the absolute minimum signal loss possible, for full dynamic range delivery.

Shielded OFC cables for improved channel separation
OFC (Oxygen-free cable) shielded cables are designed for lower resistance and a superior signal to noise ratio. Separate cables transmit the balanced audio signals for right and left channels independently, to prevent cross-talk and interference and ensure a perfectly presented soundstage.

Optimised circuit board layout
By isolating the power supply, digital circuitry, and analogue amplification in the circuit design, the DMP-Z1 has dramatically lower electronic interference, reduced noise and improved overall sound clarity.

Super low phase noise crystal oscillator
Large volumes of data are processed without losing sound quality, through two newly-developed crystal oscillators, which keep noise to a minimum.

DSD remastering engine for PCM audio
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio is resampled into 5.6MHz DSD (Direct Stream Digital) ultra-high-frequency 1-bit audio stream. The single-bit stream delivered to the DAC has a character far closer to that of analogue – so your music is delivered exactly as the artist intended.

Vinyl Processor
Give back the warmth and character of vinyl to your digital tracks and get lost again in the richness of the melodies and dynamics of your favourite albums. Subtle reproduction of the low-frequency resonance, tone-arm resistance and surface noise deliver an authentic listening experience.

New DSEE HX analyses song type by AI
Audio upscaling is improved even further by our new DSEE HX processor which intelligently recognises instrumentation and musical genres. Realism and liveliness of different instruments, including the human voice, are inherently characterised by high frequency harmonics. By identifying instruments, and the relative energy of the audio, our enhanced DSEE HX can accurately rebuild audio lost during digital compression, for a full fidelity experience even with heavily-compressed audio formats.

Optimised UI design
A simple, intuitive touchscreen experience makes it easy to change settings, and a spectrum analyser visualises frequency amplitude instantly. Complete with dedicated control keys, the DMP-Z1 lets you choose between UI interface and a more tactile experience.

256GB internal storage & 2 Micro SD Slots
With 256GB internal storage and 2x micro SD slots, there’s room for all your music.

See everything with a mirror finished aluminium panel
For added clarity the LCD panel is made from polished glass - coupled with lapping aluminum panels and a gilded volume control, the DMP-Z1 shines sleekly like a glass mirror.

USB DAC Function for higher-quality music
When connected using the supplied USB cable, the DMP-Z1 replaces your computer's regular sound processing with its own highly-tuned hardware for premium sound quality.

BLUETOOTH® receiver mode to give your smartphone music a boost
Stream music through the DMP-Z1 via Bluetooth® and a smartphone connection and give all your music a DMP-Z1 boost. Favourite tracks will benefit from digital to audio conversion and DSEE HX upscaling, as well as the Vinyl Processor and Equaliser.

Battery life for music playback
Up to approximately 103 hours' of playback for non Hi-Res and approximately 94 hours' of playback for Hi-Res.

USB type C connection
Transfer music with a USB type C cable.

Carrying case
The carrying case is both stylish and sturdy, with soft padding to keep the unit firmly in place when you’re on the move.

 

[sne4me]

You can see that DMP-Z1 is advertised for 5.6Mhz only which is DSD128
I don’t even think the management teams know the pros and cons of their own product lines

It is interested to see why Sony only allows DSD256 and not DSD512 or even Remastering engine in such expensive products.

All of Whirlygig's information is wrong. The DMP-Z1 is rated for up to DSD-256 or 11.2 MHz. Also it includes DSD Remastering.