SONY NW-WM1Z M2 / WM1A M2

[Sonywalkmanuser]

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ult...und-tuning-and-dsp-guide.974002/post-18302221

Looks like Hi-Res streaming is in the 3rd party app path, while DSD upsampling is in the Sony Media player path.

We have seen that even unrelated systems can result in unintended changes to SQ, which is what you are seeing.
i.e. DSD up sampling ON is activating a different part of the circuitry, which affects System power and noise. And has some effect on SQ.
Same as DSP/EQ enabled, but nothing active, can sound different from Direct On.

So don't think it is double processing. Just try it, and see what you like. Use what sounds best to you.

DSD Remastering does sound considerably different with Hi-Res Streaming ON compared to OFF in the Sony Walkman Music Player app as well.

The major sound differences is in the spatial sound processing, with OFF having more of a traditional 2 channel stereo staging while it’s abit more surround like with ON.

I do feel DSD Remastering tend to sound abit purer sounding using High Res Streaming OFF but ON is not really too worse off in terms of subjective sound quality.

If one wants the least amount of hidden sound processing with DSD Remastering, I would suggest try using this configuration :

High res streaming mode Off
Sony headphone/sound Connect app disabled
Android language set to Simplifed Chinese

 

[gordec]

Just bought the 1ZM2 and happy to join this thread. Though it is still in the burning-in process, I like this sound of gold already.

I mainly listen with Apple Music streaming and offline, and thus have the Hi-Res streaming on.

Later I've found that enabling DSD remastering also changes the overall sound, Apple Music included. And I like it.

Thus, I have the same question: Does enabling both Hi-Res streaming and DSD cause two layers of up-sampling, leading to the deteriorization of sound.

I also found in another page that Hi-res streaming affects DSD in spatial processing so it is suggested to remain off while playing with the Walkman app. However, I use Apple Music streaming a lot so am bit struggling whether to switch it off.

Apologies if this has been discussed with an answer. I've been leafing through pages. Thank you.

If you are streaming, just put it on Direct Source which turns off all other Sony effects including dsd remastering and turn on high res streaming. You are done. If you don't use Direct Source, all streaming sound significantly worse.

 

[Death_Block]

Ah, so that cancels all Sony resampling. I’d miss the eq

 

[MrWalkman]

Ah, so that cancels all Sony resampling

Direct Source doesn't cancel resampling... Your audio still gets upsampled to 32/192 with Hi-Res Streaming active, for 3rd party apps.

 

[Exit]

Thank you so much for all your replies. I've also gained more insights from the attachment. It is extremely informative.

One thing I've just noticed is that while using 3rd party app like AM, DSD ON sounds exactly the same with Direct mode ON. And when toggling DSD on/off there is no DSD activation pause of processing like the one exists in the stock music player. After reading all the replies above, I would assume that DSD remastering does not take effect in the Android sound channel like streaming or 3rd party apps, and it only applies to bit perfect channel with stock music player?

 

[MrWalkman]

After reading all the replies above, I would assume that DSD remastering does not take effect in the Android sound channel like streaming or 3rd party apps, and it only applies to bit perfect channel with stock music player?

Yes, only to the bit perfect channel, so potentially usable by UAPP too.

 

[Death_Block]

Direct Source doesn't cancel resampling... Your audio still gets upsampled to 32/192 with Hi-Res Streaming active, for 3rd party apps.

So if you get a lower tier music subscription that’s not hires Gigi what happens then?

 

[Death_Block]

Yes, only to the bit perfect channel, so potentially usable by UAPP too.

Actually, while your around, is it fine to max the volume and use it as line out? Will that be fine with all amps? What’s the output?

 

[MrWalkman]

So if you get a lower tier music subscription that’s not hires Gigi what happens then?

Any quality will get upsampled.

 

[slavashu]

My WM1AM2 is paired with the EE Raven,
Would anyone recommend moving to the WM1ZM2?

 

[lmfboy01]

I had 5 mins to listen to the 1ZM2 which some random track at the impromptu Sony store visit on Japan trip. Luckily had a pair of TinHifi P2s but on 3.5 only. No AB comparison but it appeared to power that IEM enough for a noticeable difference from memory compared to the 1am2. Is it 3 times as good?! I am pretty satisfied with the 1am2 with most IEMs. From other impressions and thoughts are there is higher quality components used like internal kimber cabling/wiring that give you more surreal sound perceived with more power and possibly more EQ room. You can also change regions or/and use a higher quality MicroSD along with getting in a newer firmware. I went from 1.03(I think) to 1.09, there was a pretty big jump in SQ bass, clarity, and soundstage for me.

Edit:fixed newest is 1.09

 

[andrewski]

I went from 1.03(I think) to 2.01

Made me look

Mine's showing 1.09 as the latest

 

[lmfboy01]

Made me look

Mine's showing 1.09 as the latest

Yeah…maybe it was around there…If you are happy, I would stay. It was a fairly noticeable change while listening to the Trifecta for me. And the system did feel a touch snappier as well in the update.

 

[MrWalkman]

Yeah…maybe it was around there…If you are happy, I would stay. It was a fairly noticeable change while listening to the Trifecta for me. And the system did feel a touch snappier as well in the update.

But there isn't any 2.01 version available for these devices, like nowhere, actually.

 

[lmfboy01]

But there isn't any 2.01 version available for these devices, like nowhere, actually.

Bad Info. Sorry! Mixed up firmwares from my NW-A307 which is on 2.01, doh!