JayF
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2014
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It depends on what you listen to, if you listen to pre-loudness war music with wide dynamic range, the lack of power becomes somewhat obvious as the details aren't quite present/forward as they should be. Would most people only listening to modern music notice? I somewhat doubt so. In fact the NW-WM1A should be powerful enough to drive the IER-Z1R (but certainly not the MDR-Z1R!) in most scenarios.
Power isn't only about volume output, this is why there are both impedance and sensitivity measurements, in fact low impedance devices (such as what good IEMs would be) require higher current (but lower voltage) to drive.
About the difference of power output between the NW-ZX300 and the NW-WM1A/Z, it would be worthwhile if it was 50mW@32Ohms, as it turns out it's 50mW@16Ohms, which is quite negligible.
That said, the lack of power output on Sony Walkman DAPs contributes to their long battery life, which is one of the most interesting point of Sony DAPs. It's still much an improvement compared to what we used to get on the NW-ZX2 and earlier Sony devices.
Quite frankly, if hard to drive listening apparatus is what you are keen on listening while on the go, Sony DAPs aren't for you. (Unless you fancy carrying an extra portable amplifier, of course.)
I clearly and simply do not belong here and I really don't care. Actually this thread has become so boring. I have no screwing idea what "pre-loudness war music" means. Really? And @rutter hijacking pages of this thread? Really??? Ooops my ears are ringing. I need to stop. But I'll end with the z1r rocks, and if it's not for you move on. It's that simple.