[xryptic]

 

[Kiats]

When can we expect a OG 1z v M2 comparison?

Haha! What I will say in short is that the 1ZM2 does indeed sound different than the 1ZM1. Remember how people tended to complain about how warm and slow the 1ZM1 is? I would say that the 1ZM2 is more dynamic and detailed.

 

[adonissk]

It is still slow though. It always surprises me at first listen, everything feels slower, more relaxed, but at the same time no detail is missing.

 

[Sonywalkmanuser]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ask/questions/Tx3TXYWI3DRKZEC/?


Q:Will this be volume capped for Europe with no High Gain like earlier models?
Answer this question

---

A: Hi A.G,

Yes, we recommend checking the Volume operation in compliance with European Directives here: http://bit.do/fT4C6. (Copy and paste the link in your browser).

Sony support UK

Sony S.
Manufacturer · 3 weeks ago

 

[Kiats]

It is still slow though. It always surprises me at first listen, everything feels slower, more relaxed, but at the same time no detail is missing.

Indeed. That still remains the key difference between the 1AM2 and the 1ZM2. Frankly, it gives one a choice between sound signatures. More than happy to have the choice.

 

[nickwerner]

I’m thinking about importing a 1Z-M2 from Japan to try out and see how it compares to the N8ii

I have both here with the zm2 having around 60 hours of burn in so I am happy to write a comparison some time next week.

 

[psikey]

Amazon has the black with the delivery date 4-6 weeks but strangely the price has 10% off and is cheaper with import fees. It states it’s being ordered from Amazon EU https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-NW-WM1AM2-Walkman-High-Resolution-Bluetooth-Black/dp/B09S13H5T8/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=1BYFXT4IKE0VO&keywords=sony+walkman+nw&qid=1650679939&sprefix=sony+walkman+nw,aps,65&sr=8-4

Will likely take payment immediately with it being an import price and still no certainty on the volume cap. Interesting they are dropping 10% already!

 

[Liono]

Will likely take payment immediately with it being an import price and still no certainty on the volume cap. Interesting they are dropping 10% already!

I think its the same or similar price to the Amazon Germany unit. EU Appear to get the unit cheaper than UK ones. Agree need an EU/UK review.

 

[psikey]

I think its the same or similar price to the Amazon Germany unit. EU Appear to get the unit cheaper than UK ones. Agree need an EU/UK review.

Even chatting with Sony sales gives you feeling they don't appreciate what your asking and think your just referring to the the nagging warning limit.

Based off the A107 & ZX507 you just have to assume A1M2 will be same until confirmed otherwise by an end user.

 

[Liono]

Even chatting with Sony sales gives you feeling they don't appreciate what your asking and think your just referring to the the nagging warning limit.

Based off the A107 & ZX507 you just have to assume A1M2 will be same until confirmed otherwise by an end user.

Yeah well the company is so big the Reps you're talking to don't know what they're talking about. Had the same talking to Sony reps at the Bristol Audio show, just all sales people with superficial knowledge.

 

[psikey]

I’m thinking of importing WM1ZM2 from Japan as well. Just discovered Buyee.jp thanks to @rga02. Would like to see how it compares against DMP-1Z

Bad reviews for buyee. I'd await more Amazon Japan stock.

 

[Sonywalkmanuser]

Looks like even Astell&Kern is doing pcm upsampling and dsd remastering but it seems kinda inflexible in it’s implementation.

Most notably, it is the first module in the series to feature Digital Audio Remaster (DAR) upsampling technology, designed to convert whatever file is playing to a higher sample rate at a maximum of 384kHz or DSD256. For example, the module will upsample 44.1kHz and 48kHz PCM files to 352.8kHz and 384kHz respectively, while PCM files over 96kHz will be converted to DSD256, and DSDs below DSD256 will be converted to DSD256 when this option is selected. The result? "A more refined and richer sonic performance," says Astell & Kern.

The DAC module's file support goes beyond those figures even, to native playback of 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512.


https://www.whathifi.com/news/new-d...l-and-kern-se180-music-player-adds-upsampling

 

[Sonywalkmanuser]

@Whitigir

My Swissbit 256GB 3D TLC Industrial Grade Microsd just arrived, I am in the process of evaluating it's sound quality against my current top performing Sandisk Extreme Pro 256GB using WM1AM2 and also ZX507(later on)

https://www.mouser.sg/ProductDetail/Swissbit/SFSD256GN1AM1MT-I-7G-211-STD?qs=sPbYRqrBIVmLv5sLjAf58Q==

 

[Sonywalkmanuser]

Please kindly ignore this post if you have the fixed notion that Microsd cards CANNOT change the sound quality of a high quality music reproduction device.

Initial Impression of the Swissbit Industrial S-55u 256GB Microsd vs Sandisk Extreme Pro 256GB Microsd on a 190hour aged WM1AM2:

Both cards do offer better sound quality in comparison to the on-board storage of the WM1AM2, the main takeaway is a more Dynamic sound with more improved sound-staging using the microSD cards

Sandisk Extreme Pro has a very dynamic sound with quite alot of bass and very strong transient dynamics. Soundstage is very 3D-like. It is definitely an excellent sounding card in my books.

How is the Swissbit? I feel it is a step up from the Sandisk Extreme Pro. More resolving, more holographic, better soundstage imaging.

First listen gave me the impression of better clarity(less grain) and more resolution in the sound. The improved clarity is more evident in acoustic music which the instruments sounded even more transparent and silky smooth.

The Extreme Pro is already really very smooth and clear, however the Swissbit has a slight edge up in overall holographic feel. If comparing these two cards critically, I can't help but to notice a very slight grain to the sound on the Sandisk.

If listening to a complex music track with many instruments in the mix, the Swissbit has a better coherency/harmony to the sound. Not sure if it is related to jitter/timing or clarity, I just felt that I can hear individual instruments more clearly/easily on the Swissbit over the Extreme Pro.

Do note that the differences I mentioned above between these two microsd cards are less dramatic and rather subtle, there is much bigger differences for
Extreme Pro vs Internal Storage
Swissbit vs Internal Storage

I would think the Swissbit would make for an excellent sounding Microsd if the maximum size of 256GB is enough for your usage. The cost per GB for the Swissbit is 2 times higher than Sandisk Extreme Pro.

My Subjective Rating:
Swissbit S-55u 256GB: A++
Sandisk Extreme Pro 256GB: A+
1AM2 Walkman Internal Storage: B

FYI on this impression for those who heard differences in microsd:
@ttt123
@DJ Core
@TonyStarks
@ExpatinJapan

 

[pdL389]

Bad reviews for buyee. I'd await more Amazon Japan stock.

Thanks! I pulled the trigger already. It is an new item, not auctioned. Not many ship to US, got no choice but use a forwarder. I used PayPal, so there is protection We will see.