[DonRoger]

Oopsie, yep you guys are right.

I guess it's time to swap my 16bit files for new 24bit or DSD files... RIP wallet and leisure time, hehe.

 

[gerelmx1986]

93% of my collection is 16bit (3133 albums)
7% Hi-res (250 albums)

 

[LaValentin]

It seems that our A55 uses the exact same dac/digital_amp as the $3000 WM1Z. To be specific it's the 32-bit/384kHz/DSD 11.2MHz 2nd-generation S-Master HX CXD3778GF. The power driver is a push-pull power switch with a discrete circuit consisting of two MOS-FETs. This outputs audio by switching at high speed. The difference between let's say the WM1Z and A55 are the surrounding components and different setting for the chip itself.

 

[Krutsch]

It seems that our A55 uses the exact same dac/digital_amp as the $3000 WM1Z. To be specific it's the 32-bit/384kHz/DSD 11.2MHz 2nd-generation S-Master HX CXD3778GF. The power driver is a push-pull power switch with a discrete circuit consisting of two MOS-FETs. This outputs audio by switching at high speed. The difference between let's say the WM1Z and A55 are the surrounding components and different setting for the chip itself.

Interesting... thanks for sharing. I continue to really enjoy the sounds from A55 - even compared with my PHA-3 and my home rig.

But... I wish there was more power. I can't really enjoy my A55 with anything but IEMs (for me: Shure SE846, which sound incredible with the A55). I have thought about a WM1Z, but I keep reading impressions that say that a PHA-3 sounds better, so I haven't dropped the $$$.

 

[LaValentin]

Interesting... thanks for sharing. I continue to really enjoy the sounds from A55 - even compared with my PHA-3 and my home rig.

But... I wish there was more power. I can't really enjoy my A55 with anything but IEMs (for me: Shure SE846, which sound incredible with the A55). I have thought about a WM1Z, but I keep reading impressions that say that a PHA-3 sounds better, so I haven't dropped the $$$.

Although the amp chip in the A55 is same as in some higher end models, the power supply is different and as a result the power output is also different.
You may consider using the A55 with lower impedance headphones. My MDR-1Am2 (16 ohms) sounds great with the A55, I almost never turn the volume up more than 75/120. In fact the stated maximum power output of the A55 is given at 16 ohms. If you don't like the 1A consider the Panasonic RP-HD10: 50mm drivers, 18 ohms, 4Hz-50kHz response. Finally make sure that your A55 is not volume limited. To my knowledge only EU models are, so I personally had to change the region CEW2 to E.

 

[LaValentin]

Interesting... thanks for sharing. I continue to really enjoy the sounds from A55 - even compared with my PHA-3 and my home rig.

But... I wish there was more power. I can't really enjoy my A55 with anything but IEMs (for me: Shure SE846, which sound incredible with the A55). I have thought about a WM1Z, but I keep reading impressions that say that a PHA-3 sounds better, so I haven't dropped the $$$.

Can the A55 provide native DSD output for the PHA-3 via usb?

 

[gerelmx1986]

Although the amp chip in the A55 is same as in some higher end models, the power supply is different and as a result the power output is also different.
You may consider using the A55 with lower impedance headphones. My MDR-1Am2 (16 ohms) sounds great with the A55, I almost never turn the volume up more than 75/120. In fact the stated maximum power output of the A55 is given at 16 ohms. If you don't like the 1A consider the Panasonic RP-HD10: 50mm drivers, 18 ohms, 4Hz-50kHz response. Finally make sure that your A55 is not volume limited. To my knowledge only EU models are, so I personally had to change the region CEW2 to E.

To E2

 

[LaValentin]

To E2

What's the difference between E2 and E?

 

[gerelmx1986]

What's the difference between E2 and E?

E you cant change language

 

[LaValentin]

E you cant change language

That's strange... There are plenty of language options with E. I did full factory reset after changing the region, so menu settings must be correct.

 

[gerelmx1986]

That's strange... There are plenty of language options with E. I did full factory reset after changing the region, so menu settings must be correct.

Yes odd, that was with my wm1A

 

[LaValentin]

Has someone measured the DC offset on their A55 headphone output? I am little bit concerned with the following values 2.1 mV and 5.7 mV.

 

[anemotoad]

Just spotted this is available on Amazon for a really good price - is the ~45 hour battery life being touted reasonable?

 

[ColdsnapBry]

Just spotted this is available on Amazon for a really good price - is the ~45 hour battery life being touted reasonable?

Yes, I never charge mine. It being plugged into my computer to transfer a few new songs is enough to keep it going. Crazy good battery life.

 

[anemotoad]

Yes, I never charge mine. It being plugged into my computer to transfer a few new songs is enough to keep it going. Crazy good battery life.

That's good to hear - makes a nice change from the Android-based players!