[Whitigir]

I feel that this portion about the DMP-Z1 DSD low thermal output should be included inside the review:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/new-sony-nw-zx500.914486/page-79#post-15359659

Done! Very good reminder. Thank you!!

 

[Rob49]

How much better is the DMP-Z1 compared to the TA / Z1R combo ?

 

[purk]

How much better is the DMP-Z1 compared to the TA / Z1R combo ?

Noticeably better sounding....the Z1 is tuned very very well and very refined. It even best out a really top flight amp such as the Headamp GSX mini and GSX MKii. The TA can’t touch those two amps I mentioned. Price is very high though but you don’t need expensive cable or top flight DAC either.

 

[Rob49]

Noticeably better sounding....the Z1 is tuned very very well and very refined. It even best out a really top flight amp such as the Headamp GSX mini and GSX MKii. The TA can’t touch those two amps I mentioned. Price is very high though but you don’t need expensive cable or top flight DAC either.

Thanks for feedback. I really do love my TA / Z1R combo. Audiowise, the best products i've ever purchased. I'd be more tempted if the price wasn't so high, but i can't really see it coming down to a price, where i would bite the bullet ??

 

[buzzlulu]

Anyone compare this to any of the Chord offerings - TT2 - TT2/MScaler - or even Dave?

I owned a TA for a few months to play around with. I found it unimpressive with my Z1R and Utopia. Dark sounding. I preferred both headphones directly out of the 1Z.

I am happy with my GSX Mini - however it is fronting $25k Linn streamer so not a fair comparison

 

[ruthieandjohn]

Anyone compare this to any of the Chord offerings - TT2 - TT2/MScaler - or even Dave?

I owned a TA for a few months to play around with. I found it unimpressive with my Z1R and Utopia. Dark sounding. I preferred both headphones directly out of the 1Z.

I am happy with my GSX Mini - however it is fronting $25k Linn streamer so not a fair comparison

@Whitigir prefers the DMP Z1, as indicated in this post and those preceding and following: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sony-nw-wm1z-wm1a.815841/page-2068#post-15392340

 

[Whitigir]

Whoever like my accent, the DMP Z1 here

 

[Sp12er3]

no prob bud, maybe just a tad too quiet

 

[nanaholic]

Anyone compare this to any of the Chord offerings - TT2 - TT2/MScaler - or even Dave?

Depends on what your needs are.

If you need lots of driving power and more input options and have a good music server software (like Roon) and all the streamer gadgets already in your inventory, probably go with a TT2/Mscaler combo.

If you want a simple all-in-one solution, mostly use fairly sensitive dynamic headphones like the Focal Clear and one of the best MDR-Z1R pairing, go with the DMP-Z1.

If I didn't have to move around as much as I do now and with more space available to build a completely stationary system around a Roon Server, I probably would have bought a TT2/MScaler combo instead of the DMP-Z1 because it would give me more options to expand into different headphone types which demands more driving power like planers (recently tried the Final Audio D8000 Pro - it's probably the first pair of planers which I want to buy). I loved my Hugo 2, and a TT2/MScaler or even a Hugo2/Mscaler would've been a logical extension, but now I'm happy with the DMP-Z1 because it fits into my lifestyle better. The best sounding gear doesn't mean anything if you don't get to use it, and it's so easy to use the DMP-Z1 because of its all-in-one design that makes it always ready for you to put on a pair of headphones and start listening.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Looks like China already has a $1399 knock-off available?
https://apos.audio/products/quloos-qls-qa390-digital-music-player?sca_ref=36221.ouwJgZltO5

 

[Whitigir]

Yeah, look like a good alternative for sure

 

[Whitigir]

Thanks to creator cables for a few hints that helped me in modifying mine own ! He and his place was the first to upgrade DMP Z1 internal wires. If anyone want to get their done, I would recommend him. Every kind person is always trustworthy

Neotech UPOCC silver and Goldplated wires

 

[bmichels]

Thanks to creator cables for a few hints that helped me in modifying mine own ! He and his place was the first to upgrade DMP Z1 internal wires. If anyone want to get their done, I would recommend him. Every kind person is always trustworthy

Neotech UPOCC silver and Goldplated wires

You « upgraded « the internal of your Z1 ! You are a brave man !

—> did you heard a difference in sound ?

Also Creator cables’s prices on their site are incredibly high !! $ 1500 for a plug adapter and $ 12.000 for a câble. !!!

 

[Whitigir]

You « upgraded « the internal of your Z1 ! You are a brave man !

—> did you heard a difference in sound ?

Also Creator cables’s prices on their site are incredibly high !! $ 1500 for a plug adapter and $ 12.000 for a câble. !!!

Lol, that is not USD for sure ....just guessing. Yes, there are differences

 

[purk]

You « upgraded « the internal of your Z1 ! You are a brave man !

—> did you heard a difference in sound ?

Also Creator cables’s prices on their site are incredibly high !! $ 1500 for a plug adapter and $ 12.000 for a câble. !!!

He built the Stax DIY T2 so this is a walk in the park for him.