[Sonywalkmanuser]

Already been all over that guide.

Just to check, how much of improvement you feel after following the guide?

I wonder if Sony has done any optimisation for the stock 1.08 firmware.

 

[Sonywalkmanuser]

Here’s a short and simple guide from Audio-Technica on different sound signatures and its pros and cons:

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-au/support/a-simple-guide-to-sound-signatures

 

[boodi]

Has anyone heard and compared both the 320MAX and 1ZM2? Would love to hear thoughts on the two.

I owned 300MAX and 1zm2 and had them side by side , actually own 1am2;

I would briefly say 300max sounded the more controlled , powerful as well as the more neutral , stil on the slightly warm side of sound but quite precise and.. 'right'. Technicalities were quite on par with 1zm2 , 1zm2 excelling in some areas ( microdetail retrieval and a fascinating complex presentation with a unique bass/subbass decay profile and a notable highs/ ultrahighs smooth extension ); and 300max in others ( power, control and dynamics on all to cut it short ...not that it was short on details ..)

1zm2 topped 300max on musicality too , and in deepness/wideness of stage quite too , with a bass oomph /sub decay of its own signature.

300max can drive almost anything well , 1zm2 lower voltage fall slightly short on demanding headphones.

1zm2 generally made instruments timbers edge slightly more musical or romantic extended in their highs/lows reverbs ( longer decay ),
300max slightly more precise and concise ( more controlled decay , slightly more cut on it )

1zm2 have to be pushed to max/hi gain for planars i.e., and/or headroom will remain slightly soft ( bass will be bit loose on control i.e. )

1am2 is slightly behind with both of them , sure on fine details with 1zm2 and sure in overall control with 300max.

But the combination of the last 1.08fw +japan language, made it overall better and more complete in sound profile then before , with much better bass and dyamics, and a more forward mids / timbral attitude , it still exhibits a musical presentation without 'that major fault' or an evident sound colour,
things that I would quite evaluate when price and weight are in mind too Vs other competitors .



If it can help.

 

[Gallatyn]

Just to check, how much of improvement you feel after following the guide?

I wonder if Sony has done any optimisation for the stock 1.08 firmware.

Honestly, I couldn't really say. I went straight to the guide right after I received my WM. So, I never really gave myself the chance to listen to it enough before I made the changes.

 

[Sonywalkmanuser]

Honestly, I couldn't really say. I went straight to the guide right after I received my WM. So, I never really gave myself the chance to listen to it enough before I made the changes.

Ah, that's alright. Many android walkman owners have reported experiencing better standby times just by debloating. This probably helps to reduce unnecessary wear to the battery.

 

[Sonywalkmanuser]

@boodi

I think this interview with Yamaha sound engineers will interest you. It has a lot of insights into how these experts go about tuning their products. I think it also provides a good reference on how to better evaluate audio equipment like DAPs with the criterias mentioned.



https://www.soundstageaustralia.com...earn-about-yamaha-s-true-sound-pursuit-part-1

 

[leo5111]

is the volume cap for usa models hardware? or is it software?

 

[IvanE92]

Dumb question. Where are folks in the States buying their 1ZM2s? I see Amazon, B&H, and Sony. Also see a bunch of Japanese eBay sellers going for $500 to $1000+ less than MSRP - what’s the deal there?

 

[MrWalkman]

is the volume cap for usa models hardware? or is it software?

Software.

 

[roadrat]

Dumb question. Where are folks in the States buying their 1ZM2s? I see Amazon, B&H, and Sony. Also see a bunch of Japanese eBay sellers going for $500 to $1000+ less than MSRP - what’s the deal there?

Crutchfield.com. they are trustworthy. Amazon is not (for electronics).

 

[leo5111]

problem is usa model is volume capped and none of the stores mentioned besides ebay are selling uncapped model

 

[zephyrstar]

problem is usa model is volume capped and none of the stores mentioned besides ebay are selling uncapped model

USA model is not volume capped.

 

[leo5111]

Does usa version have hi gain? i heard that the usa versions when people looked there was no high gain setting

 

[zephyrstar]

Does usa version have hi gain? i heard that the usa versions when people looked there was no high gain setting

Yes my USA version has high gain.

 

[kumar402]

Does usa version have hi gain? i heard that the usa versions when people looked there was no high gain setting

Signature series is not volume capped in US market.
707 is volume capped.