[nc8000]

Understood, I have paid for it as well. I must say that the streaming implementation on Sony Android DAPs is quite disappointing. Maybe they will up their game at some point.

Surely that must be the same on all Android daps as it is the same app you download ?

 

[rlw6534]

I ripped some MQA and compared in Walkman Music app playing full unfold, in UAPP/Tidal streaming and also with Tidal App in 24/192 mode and honestly wouldn't be able to differentiate in a blind test (when I had a ZX507).

I also had a Hiby with full bit-perfect streaming, preffered the Sony sound.

If you only use Spotify keep at 24/48 or if Tidal AmazonHD at 24/192 mode.

I agree that the Sony DAPs sound great and most people can't tell the difference (including myself). But the fact is that these DAPS still force SRC (either 48 or 192 kHz) for third party apps and don't support MQA outside of the Sony app (including Tidal). It just doesn't seem current/competitive with other DAPs. Maybe there is a technical reason?

Surely that must be the same on all Android daps as it is the same app you download ?

No, recent DAPs from most manufacturers can play bit-perfect, i.e. bypass forced resampling from 3rd party apps and decode/render MQA system-wide.

 

[psikey]

I agree that the Sony DAPs sound great and most people can't tell the difference (including myself). But the fact is that these DAPS still force SRC (either 48 or 192 kHz) for third party apps and don't support MQA outside of the Sony app (including Tidal). It just doesn't seem current/competitive with other DAPs. Maybe there is a technical reason?



No, recent DAPs from most manufacturers can play bit-perfect, i.e. bypass forced resampling from 3rd party apps and decode/render MQA system-wide.

Well, UAPP can play Tidal MQA with the first unfold. Technically I agree, Hiby found a way, but in reality it seems to make little if any audible difference I could hear with Sony mode at 24/192.

If it bothers you enough you don't buy it I suppose. It did annoy me at first too with my ZX507.

 

[Whitigir]

I agree that the Sony DAPs sound great and most people can't tell the difference (including myself). But the fact is that these DAPS still force SRC (either 48 or 192 kHz) for third party apps and don't support MQA outside of the Sony app (including Tidal). It just doesn't seem current/competitive with other DAPs. Maybe there is a technical reason?



No, recent DAPs from most manufacturers can play bit-perfect, i.e. bypass forced resampling from 3rd party apps and decode/render MQA system-wide.

Sony stated that they support bit-perfect 44.1 and 48. Where and how do you arrive at the above conclusion ?

 

[psikey]

Sony stated that they support bit-perfect 44.1 and 48. Where and how do you arrive at the above conclusion ?

Can you point to an article on that Whitigir?

 

[Whitigir]

According to this slide. But then, the definition of “bit-perfect” is an elusive one. Though, I am pretty sure Sony means it as the modern gens mean it

 

[rlw6534]

Well, UAPP can play Tidal MQA with the first unfold. Technically I agree, Hiby found a way, but in reality it seems to make little if any audible difference I could hear with Sony mode at 24/192.

If it bothers you enough you don't buy it I suppose. It did annoy me at first too with my ZX507.

Yes, it does bother me that my ZX507 doesn't play Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music and Amazon music "correctly", either by resampling or not supporting MQA. I was hoping they would eventually fix this issue. It's also the reason I'm not already on a waiting list for the WM1A M2...

 

[psikey]

According to this slide

I'm aware of that one, but where does it state 44.1?

Think with something like Tidal bitrate can change from 44.1 all way upto 192 with MQA but stays at same output rate on the third party app.

 

[rlw6534]

According to this slide. But then, the definition of “bit-perfect” is an elusive one

That's only for the Sony Music Player. All other apps are using the "blue" path with SRC to 48 or 192 kHz based on whether you have hi-res streaming enabled or not.

 

[psikey]

That's only for the Sony Music Player. All other apps are using the "blue" path with SRC to 48 or 192 kHz based on whether you have hi-res streaming enabled or not.

Agree. So no true 44.1 or 88, or 96 for 3rd party streaming except with UAPP.

So if set at 24/192 mode all would be upscalled other than a 24/192 track.

 

[rlw6534]

Agree. So no true 44.1 or 88, or 96 for 3rd party streaming except with UAPP.

So if set at 24/192 mode all would be upscalled other than 24/192 track.

That's my understanding.

 

[psikey]

That's my understanding.

Exactly, but in reality it still sounds better than a Hiby doing bit-perfect for me.

 

[psikey]

One reason I'm only buying from Amazon, dead easy to return and no charge until it ships

 

[rlw6534]

Exactly, but in reality it still sounds better than a Hiby doing bit-perfect for me.

Yeah, I get that and don't disagree. I just wish for a DAP that can do everything properly and sound good...

 

[Whitigir]

And that is why I am saying that the definition of being bit-perfect is an elusive one , depends on what views you are looking at.

After all, it is all the algorithms and it models, and the end result is what matter most…that means, the performances to each individual perceptions.


However, I do agree with the question, why a streaming devices is not doing it best for streaming, while the dedicated Walkman App is not with dedicated Walkman OS …. Why not dual OS ? Strange for sure