Modifying WM1Z/A

[Whitigir]

@Lookout57 unfortunately, the download link doesn't work.

You got an email

 

[Icekuma]

Interesting as I have a US purchased model which is also a U and had no issues previously. I'll do a test again. with the latest versions that I sent Morbideath.

Thank you @Lookout57 I cannot wait.

@aceedburn Unfortunately I have no access to Windows machine and do not wish to bootcamp just for this. Thanks for suggestion. The only one I have is my work computer but the installer requires admin id and pwd which I do not have access to.

 

[Layman1]

Unfortunately I have no access to Windows machine and do not wish to bootcamp just for this.

Is this for changing the region on the Sony DAPs?
I am not exactly sure what this comment relates to.

I want to change the region on my Sony ZX300 (and later buy a WM1A or WM1Z and do the same).
So is it the case that this can only be done via a Windows machine?

If so, that's a shame. I use MacBooks and have no access to a Windows machine.
And it would be quite an outlay to buy Bootcamp or similar just for this

Anyway, if anyone can advise me or point me to the relevant post so that I can catch up on all this, it would be much appreciated!
Many thanks!

 

[nc8000]

Is this for changing the region on the Sony DAPs?
I am not exactly sure what this comment relates to.

I want to change the region on my Sony ZX300 (and later buy a WM1A or WM1Z and do the same).
So is it the case that this can only be done via a Windows machine?

If so, that's a shame. I use MacBooks and have no access to a Windows machine.
And it would be quite an outlay to buy Bootcamp or similar just for this

Anyway, if anyone can advise me or point me to the relevant post so that I can catch up on all this, it would be much appreciated!
Many thanks!

Yes the rockbox tool for changing the region only works on Windows

 

[Lookout57]

There is a Linux version of SonyNWDestTool. I know the Windows version of it runs in VMware Fusion. So I see no reason why the Linux version wouldn't on VMware Fusion or VirtualBox. I just don't know what distro it was built for.

The source code for the tool is available. I tried compiling it on macOS and it doesn't. Whenever I get time I'll try to get it running.

 

[fjf]

https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

 

[Maxx134]

. I tried J3AU, J3AE, J3AJ all giving me same error.

That happen to me.
I changed soft region code to J, but then incorrectly used wrong file (j) first, and that seemed to not let any work.

I realized I have to use corresponding file for my unit's hardware, so I try universal and still no go..

Then I Remember to do a restart...

Once I did that and try correct file for my unit (universal) then it worked.


So anyways, I am assuming "Solis" is latest and greatest?
I have that with Japan region and the unit on WM1Z Kmod, and it sounds very different than stock!.

Very spacious now.
Nothing to limit it.
It no longer sounds like a Dap.
It sounds like a desktop Dac.
I might wanna compare this thing against some big dacs now!

 

[Redcarmoose]

That happen to me.
I changed soft region code to J, but then incorrectly used wrong file (j) first, and that seemed to not let any work.

I realized I have to use corresponding file for my unit's hardware, so I try universal and still no go..

Then I Remember to do a restart...

Once I did that and try correct file for my unit (universal) then it worked.


So anyways, I am assuming "Solis" is latest and greatest?
I have that with Japan region and the unit on WM1Z Kmod, and it sounds very different than stock!.

Very spacious now.
Nothing to limit it.
It no longer sounds like a Dap.
It sounds like a desktop Dac.
I might wanna compare this thing against some big dacs now!

One desktop which ends-up a peculiar reference would be the Sony TA-ZH1ES. In fact Solis has an uncanny similarity which a couple of us have found to be coincidental?

 

[Maxx134]

So, even with the improved dynamic and power capability from the power supply sections. I keep craving for that Trebles and airiness. Literally, moar!!!

I started the second stage of modification for WM1A Extreme Modification or WM1A-EM

The thought of

1/ the wm1z has better F-Resistors which IMO is a tightly precised tolerance Thin Film, the differences is that it was developed by Sony. However, the technology to make them should be the same , and the very same values for WM1A won’t be found...at least I couldn’t find it from the brands I trusted.
It also occurred to me that WM1A has higher gain in loudness than WM1Z, which I like and prefer, also confirmed the different values of resistor types

Next to that MELF is very well known to be audiophile quality. The 2% tolerances can clearly be seen on the WM1A as the highest for this values. What makes MeLF better for audio performances is that it constructions allows virtually zero vibrations from piezoelectric

2/ The Wm1Z has a much better performances due to all the upgraded caps, and the effects were so Vastly observed with the first stage. So what if output capacitors can also receive audio-grade superior Electrolytic Caps ?

Then DMP Z1 and ZX500 are all with next gen caps

The idea is to get more power reserved and potentials while minimizing the acoustic vibrations with the Fine voicing at frequencies or Q factors. This will show improvements across the spectrums. At least it should improves the tonal body and signature voicing

The works are Hard, very Hard, due to the fact that the positioning and arrangements of Caps lay-out. After each caps got a direction to stay in, I had to put the chassis together to make sure that it stay in. Be creative!!!

This works need chassis modifications too!! Trimming, drilling, cutting...whatever means to make it works.

The caps Diameter has to be less than 5mm if it is long, because the legs will protrude enough to be very tight. if the caps is less than 6mm in length, the diameter could go for 6.5mm and still fit.

Luckily, there are 2 Nichicon audio grade that fit. UKA, which I love so much (it has excellent bass dynamic, density, ripples, deep, and the whole signatures is tube like fluidity while still neutral without too much emphasis into mid and low)

Then there is UMW series that can also fit. But I trusted UKA, and even with a little more work. I got it in Finally!!!

16V and 100uF in values

The immediate observations ?

Bass: almost gone....but it will surface with burn in, good textures and deep bass resolutions can be observed. OHHH and that decay, resonances, ripples are all so vivid now...no more softness. Should improve as burn in commenced

Soundstage: hugely expanded in Depth and vertical axis. The width may also increased a little but not as pronounced as vertical and depth

signatures: surprisingly is more neutral than the one Sony used, last gen FT-Polymer

Due to the soundstage expansions, the more neutral signatures, the clarity and airiness is up a couple notches. That thick and dense lower trebles from Sony remains but with better sparkles in it textures and better ernergy density. The density is at least 50% improved. Now, the sparkling extensions of upper highs ? Which is always the sound I strive for....It sparkles !!!! But in an organic tone, and analog like!!!! Metallic sparkling !!! Yes !!!!

I am thinking and planning to go for a tier4 on my teir3 mod 1z, and am looking at the Nichion designations for audio output caps:

I have tried the Nichion and others like "audio note" in the past on uber expensive tube amps, and so far, the Nichion (KZ, muse) had the clearest sound.

So the suggestion in the beginning posts I must agree with trying Nichion, but wondering if any other options in the Nichion family besides the ones mentioned??

 

[Whitigir]

I am thinking and planning to go for a tier4 on my teir3 mod 1z, and am looking at the Nichion designations for audio output caps:


I have tried the Nichion and others like "audio note" in the past on uber expensive tube amps, and so far, the Nichion (KZ, muse) had the clearest sound.

So the suggestion in the beginning posts I must agree with trying Nichion, but wondering if any other options in the Nichion family besides the ones mentioned??

I did post up some Nichicon that fit in including part number and dimensions, you gotta search for the post

 

[Maxx134]

I did post up some Nichicon that fit in including part number and dimensions, you gotta search for the post

Yes I just updated my post with your quote..
It seems that your recommendation of UKA really is the best.
I do noy trust two newer brands I tried in other situations as they both gave thicker darker sound...


Also, another topic.
I see in your mod post, your covering some components.

I will check mine to see if kmod did anything like that.

 

[gsiu33]

look likes need permission to access the firmware download link?

 

[masahito24@chart]

Just finished up changing the battery and upgraded to Mundorf wires. This process was a little tedious but I did an oopsy and the BT mmcx connector came off from the ribbon section.
Thanks to @Whitigir for the assistance with this process. Next step is to replace that broken part.
Everything is fine, and enjoying Solis

 

[Whitigir]

Just finished up changing the battery and upgraded to Mundorf wires. This process was a little tedious but I did an oopsy and the BT mmcx connector came off from the ribbon section.
Thanks to @Whitigir for the assistance with this process. Next step is to replace that broken part.
Everything is fine, and enjoying Solis

Congratulations!!! That Bluetooth antenna shouldn’t be too hard to order

 

[masahito24@chart]

Congratulations!!! That Bluetooth antenna shouldn’t be too hard to order

Just noticed there was a parts list on the bottom of the repair manual. Did a quick search and placed an order from encompass.

@Whitigir Thanks! Have you noticed a difference with burn in?