Gentlemen,
I thought I might share a couple simple DIY upgrades to the HAP-Z1ES.
While I have done extensive mods to the Z1, these 2 provide what I call "essential" for maximum performance.
The combination of these 2 actions will transform the HAP-Z1ES from best bang for the buck ... to ... World Class Digital.
1. Install an Internal SSD.
2. Cryo treat the entire unit. (LCD Faceplate Removed)
Start by removing the top cover and installing a SSD, I recommend a 1TB Samsung 850 EVO. (2TB even bigger)
Once the SSD is installed, perform a factory restore from the menu, it will format the SSD in less then 3 minutes.
Yes, you must re-install all your music ... small price to pay.
I can't imagine anyone not hearing the difference, nor not being able to perform this operation themselves.
If your on a budget, you can always install a smaller SSD and add a larger spinning drive to the rear USB jack.
I hear no difference from music stored on the rear USB spinning drive ... once you have an Internal SSD installed.
With the latest software, you can add a USB hub and have both a CDROM & USB Hard Drive hooked up at the same time.
While Cryo treating may intimidate some novices, man up, it's really simple to do.
With the top cover off, remove all the top and bottom screws that hold on the front faceplate.
Unplug all the quick disconnects and set the LCD faceplate aside in a safe place, reinstall top cover.
Send the entire unit to a Vapor Cryo Lab, I recommend Cryogenics International of Scottsdale AZ.
You don't want to submerge the unit in liquid nitrogen, a proper vapor process will achieve the same results without the shock effect.
A proper Cryo treatment is a permanent process, I have treated 1000's of audio products over the years with some excellent results.
If there's one underlining theme, it's the Better the product Pre-Cryo ... the Bigger the results Post Cryo.
No, No's are LCD screens, older overheated brittle electronic boards, anything with glues like speaker cones, and non-professional paint jobs can peel. Most everything else is good to go.
The HAP-Z1ES is a perfect Cryo candidate, I have done 3 with zero issue's. (Yes, you can leave the SSD inside)
If you also have a Sony TA- A1ES amp, you can dunk the entire amplifier as-is into the Cryo Tank.
The digital readout on the front of the A1ES is not a LCD ... it survives the Cryo process just fine.
Don't forget to throw in all your cables while your gear's at the Cryo Lab.
I have done shootouts with Cryo'd and Un-Cryo'd Sony HAP-Z1ES & TA-A1ES pair ... the differences really are amazing.
World Class Audio, no better bang for the buck IMO!!!
Think about it ... for the total cost of an average audiophile interconnect cable your can permanently transform your Sony Components.
Peace.
