gerelmx1986
Headphoneus Supremus
I just "restart" mine to save the played audio hours in case of an unexpected system hang (never happened again after FW 2.0 upgrade) but no wi keep it on
SONY NW-WM1Z / WM1A
- Thread starter leylandi
- Start date
- Status
Hey guys, I recently acquired a Sony WM1A modded by Music Sanctuary. I've spent a few weeks with this DAP and a wide variety of IEMs, and now I'd like to tell you why this mod is one of the most impressive "products" I've come across thus far in 2018. Enjoy! 
Music Sanctuary's WM1A Mod
Music Sanctuary’s Walkman mod is a service that aims to maximise sound quality through a number of significant modifications. These include:
1) A brand new Pentaconn 4.4mm socket (to ensure that solder used on the socket is fresh and uncontaminated)
2) PWAudio 1960s wiring for both single-ended and balanced outputs, as well as DC ground
3) Exotic, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries solder used for all solder joints, with all existing solder cleaned off prior to the mod
4) Isolation of all inductor coils and capacitors with shielding products from Japan (Oyaide and fo.Q)
Depending on how many 1960s conductors are used within the mod, pricing is separated into the following tiers:
Basic
2-wire SE and BAL: S$549 (single 1960s wire for DC ground)
Deluxe
4-wire SE and BAL: S$699 (dual 1960s wire for DC ground)
Premium
4-wire SE, 8-wire BAL: S$899 (dual 1960s wire for DC ground section)
These impressions apply to the 4.4mm balanced output, via the Premium option applied to a Sony WM1A purchased stock from E-Earphone in Japan.
Sound Impressions
Before I move on to impressions of the MS mod, I should mention that I’ve had my fair share of reservations towards Sony’s WM1A in stock form. Although I enjoyed its tonal balance, smoothness and body, I found its dynamic performance lacking; struggling to conjure any sense of immediacy or punch due to a lack of extension on either end. Despite a relatively prominent peak in the lower treble, articulation does not make up for what sounds like a lack of note definition; a missing contrast between the player’s background and the notes up above. I liked what its warmer, heftier tilt was going for, but it was clear to me that the 1Z is the superior player - even at its luxurious price and its egregious weight.
Which is why I was immensely surprised when I heard the MS1A. Maintaining its excellent sense of weight, the MS mod gives the 1A vast improvements in dynamic energy, bidirectional extension, stage stability and resolution. Note definition and body are the hallmarks of its new signature, presenting instruments as fully formed objects fanned out across a romantic, intimate stage, as well as a pitch-perfect black background. Although technical improvements from the stock 1A are quite significant, the tonality it ends up producing may not be for everyone. Because of a full, meaty and warm upper-bass - in conjunction with a calmer upper-treble - the MS1A exudes a thick, warm and natural timbre; a significant departure from - say - my airy, open and clarity-focused AK70-Kai. But, where the AK70-Kai excels in sparkle, the MS1A bathes in organicity; producing a textured, resolving and smooth signature that promotes naturalness above all.
The most impressive - and most noticeable - change the mod achieves is bass extension and sub-bass performance. The MS1A produces the most palpable, visceral and textured low-end response I have personally ever heard. It’s a guttural rumble that obviously requires an equally-capable IEM to highlight, but this gorgeous quality is audible from my $650 Custom Art FIBAE 3, all the way to the $2699 Unique Melody Mason V3. A linear mid-bass and a thick upper-bass complement this to form a warm, physical and romantic low-end; creating a strong foundation for the midrange and treble to stand upon. This player/mod won’t be for those looking for either a neutral response, or a cleaner signature, but it does impart a tinge of richness that sounds beautifully organic with everything I’ve heard it with. Infusing meatiness, heft and definition to the entire presentation, the MS1A’s low-end defies expectation; producing a sub-bass that’s as devilishly satisfying as it is wonderfully natural.
This warmth then flows through unto the midrange. The MS mod gives the 1A a beautifully textured vocal presentation with vast improvements in depth, body and three-dimensionality. Instruments pop against the background as fully-realised, physical objects; benefitting realism through tactility and heft. The MS1A also utilises overtones to form its sizable notes. Harmonics fill the stage with an organic warmth, but excellent bidirectional extension prevents the stage from ever becoming hazy or veiled. Instead, timbre benefits from this phenomenon in naturalness and ease. The upper-midrange echoes this sentiment; minimizing on sparkle for smoothness’ sake. Doing away with the stock 1A’s articulative vocal presentation, this renewed sense of coherence benefits the MS1A’s linearity - complementing thick notes with a feathered release. But, despite these inhibitions toward articulation, the MS1A uses its black background and stable stage to produce well-resolved and exceptionally-defined instruments; full, organic and transparent at all times.
The lower-treble is where the MS1A is most like its unmodded counterpart. A slight emphasis here is the MS1A’s sole source of articulation and air. It’s a necessary touch of sparkle that cuts through its warm, romantic stage - even if it can approach brittle with the wrong pairing. The peak isn’t as noticeable as the one on the stock unit, but it is certainly present. Despite this accentuation, the MS1A’s middle-and-upper-treble display excellent coherence. Extension is the DAP’s forte, and its performance in this regard endows it with a rock solid, exceptionally layered and effortlessly transparent stage - mating bodied organicity with great finesse. The MS1A’s highest registers can lack excitement for some. While it isn’t as mellow as a partially-modded WM1Z I heard months ago, it’s also not as bright as my AK70-Kai. It strikes a healthy in-between where sparkle and openness offset the player’s richer overtones; benefitting the player’s hefty midrange and spectacular low-end with an open stage to strut their stuff.
In the end, only one question still remains: Is the mod worth the cash? Subjectively speaking, the MS1A is a departure from the WM1A’s stock signature, and that may not be universally appreciated. In place of the latter’s articulative and neutral-natural signature, the MS1A yields a more organic, weighty and rich listen. But, when it comes to technical performance, there is absolutely no contest. Experiencing boosts in extension, dynamics and resolution, the MS1A affords its effortless, life-like and engaging signature without any real compromise; naturalising the WM1A yet besting it in solidity and impact. Manifesting three-dimensional instruments within a fully-realised, physical soundscape, the MS1A is truly a class above its peers. If you’re capable of enjoying a warmer and more organic signature, Music Sanctuary’s Walkman mod is a worthwhile investment - turning Sony’s middle son into the alpha of the pack.
Music Sanctuary's WM1A Mod
Music Sanctuary’s Walkman mod is a service that aims to maximise sound quality through a number of significant modifications. These include:
1) A brand new Pentaconn 4.4mm socket (to ensure that solder used on the socket is fresh and uncontaminated)
2) PWAudio 1960s wiring for both single-ended and balanced outputs, as well as DC ground
3) Exotic, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries solder used for all solder joints, with all existing solder cleaned off prior to the mod
4) Isolation of all inductor coils and capacitors with shielding products from Japan (Oyaide and fo.Q)
Depending on how many 1960s conductors are used within the mod, pricing is separated into the following tiers:
Basic
2-wire SE and BAL: S$549 (single 1960s wire for DC ground)
Deluxe
4-wire SE and BAL: S$699 (dual 1960s wire for DC ground)
Premium
4-wire SE, 8-wire BAL: S$899 (dual 1960s wire for DC ground section)
These impressions apply to the 4.4mm balanced output, via the Premium option applied to a Sony WM1A purchased stock from E-Earphone in Japan.
Sound Impressions
Before I move on to impressions of the MS mod, I should mention that I’ve had my fair share of reservations towards Sony’s WM1A in stock form. Although I enjoyed its tonal balance, smoothness and body, I found its dynamic performance lacking; struggling to conjure any sense of immediacy or punch due to a lack of extension on either end. Despite a relatively prominent peak in the lower treble, articulation does not make up for what sounds like a lack of note definition; a missing contrast between the player’s background and the notes up above. I liked what its warmer, heftier tilt was going for, but it was clear to me that the 1Z is the superior player - even at its luxurious price and its egregious weight.
Which is why I was immensely surprised when I heard the MS1A. Maintaining its excellent sense of weight, the MS mod gives the 1A vast improvements in dynamic energy, bidirectional extension, stage stability and resolution. Note definition and body are the hallmarks of its new signature, presenting instruments as fully formed objects fanned out across a romantic, intimate stage, as well as a pitch-perfect black background. Although technical improvements from the stock 1A are quite significant, the tonality it ends up producing may not be for everyone. Because of a full, meaty and warm upper-bass - in conjunction with a calmer upper-treble - the MS1A exudes a thick, warm and natural timbre; a significant departure from - say - my airy, open and clarity-focused AK70-Kai. But, where the AK70-Kai excels in sparkle, the MS1A bathes in organicity; producing a textured, resolving and smooth signature that promotes naturalness above all.
The most impressive - and most noticeable - change the mod achieves is bass extension and sub-bass performance. The MS1A produces the most palpable, visceral and textured low-end response I have personally ever heard. It’s a guttural rumble that obviously requires an equally-capable IEM to highlight, but this gorgeous quality is audible from my $650 Custom Art FIBAE 3, all the way to the $2699 Unique Melody Mason V3. A linear mid-bass and a thick upper-bass complement this to form a warm, physical and romantic low-end; creating a strong foundation for the midrange and treble to stand upon. This player/mod won’t be for those looking for either a neutral response, or a cleaner signature, but it does impart a tinge of richness that sounds beautifully organic with everything I’ve heard it with. Infusing meatiness, heft and definition to the entire presentation, the MS1A’s low-end defies expectation; producing a sub-bass that’s as devilishly satisfying as it is wonderfully natural.
This warmth then flows through unto the midrange. The MS mod gives the 1A a beautifully textured vocal presentation with vast improvements in depth, body and three-dimensionality. Instruments pop against the background as fully-realised, physical objects; benefitting realism through tactility and heft. The MS1A also utilises overtones to form its sizable notes. Harmonics fill the stage with an organic warmth, but excellent bidirectional extension prevents the stage from ever becoming hazy or veiled. Instead, timbre benefits from this phenomenon in naturalness and ease. The upper-midrange echoes this sentiment; minimizing on sparkle for smoothness’ sake. Doing away with the stock 1A’s articulative vocal presentation, this renewed sense of coherence benefits the MS1A’s linearity - complementing thick notes with a feathered release. But, despite these inhibitions toward articulation, the MS1A uses its black background and stable stage to produce well-resolved and exceptionally-defined instruments; full, organic and transparent at all times.
The lower-treble is where the MS1A is most like its unmodded counterpart. A slight emphasis here is the MS1A’s sole source of articulation and air. It’s a necessary touch of sparkle that cuts through its warm, romantic stage - even if it can approach brittle with the wrong pairing. The peak isn’t as noticeable as the one on the stock unit, but it is certainly present. Despite this accentuation, the MS1A’s middle-and-upper-treble display excellent coherence. Extension is the DAP’s forte, and its performance in this regard endows it with a rock solid, exceptionally layered and effortlessly transparent stage - mating bodied organicity with great finesse. The MS1A’s highest registers can lack excitement for some. While it isn’t as mellow as a partially-modded WM1Z I heard months ago, it’s also not as bright as my AK70-Kai. It strikes a healthy in-between where sparkle and openness offset the player’s richer overtones; benefitting the player’s hefty midrange and spectacular low-end with an open stage to strut their stuff.
In the end, only one question still remains: Is the mod worth the cash? Subjectively speaking, the MS1A is a departure from the WM1A’s stock signature, and that may not be universally appreciated. In place of the latter’s articulative and neutral-natural signature, the MS1A yields a more organic, weighty and rich listen. But, when it comes to technical performance, there is absolutely no contest. Experiencing boosts in extension, dynamics and resolution, the MS1A affords its effortless, life-like and engaging signature without any real compromise; naturalising the WM1A yet besting it in solidity and impact. Manifesting three-dimensional instruments within a fully-realised, physical soundscape, the MS1A is truly a class above its peers. If you’re capable of enjoying a warmer and more organic signature, Music Sanctuary’s Walkman mod is a worthwhile investment - turning Sony’s middle son into the alpha of the pack.
ledzep
Headphoneus Supremus
Alternatively just buy a good set of matching iems / headphones that you can use in the future with the anniversary player or any future dap, that is unless you have the hearing of a dog or bat then yeah go for it !
Alternatively, you can give it a go yourself at CanJam SG and see whether or not the changes are appreciable to you first-hand.
ledzep
Headphoneus Supremus
I have listened to a modded Z1 sounded no different to me, not saying don't get it done just saying there is a alternative, I must have a different form of ear drum to the rest of mankind not to be able to hear all you describe.
Well, there are definitely alternatives in terms of how you spend your money. I'm not specifically saying you should spend money on this mod over purchasing other products; I'm saying that it's worth a listen and/or an investment if you already have an optimal set-up (and sizeable change) at hand. Critical listening also expands much further beyond human anatomy. Although some are undoubtedly born with more "talented" ears than others, it does take a fare amount of practice to be able to analyse sound. Four years ago, I literally wasn't able to distinguish between an in-ear Shure SE535 and a full-sized ATH-50X! It was only after listening to - probably - close to 100 IEMs and headphones and tens of DAPs, reading tons of literature on frequency ranges and how they co-relate, and getting my Diploma in Music Production and Audio Engineering plus a full year of constant mixing and mastering was I able to gain the amount of insight I have now. Even then, I'm sure I still have a lot to learn.
proedros
Headphoneus Supremus
1000$ cables and 700$ mods , these are clearly for the rich people
me , i am happy i managed to afford a normal WM1A and i will keep it there
but seriously , all this nitpicking/improving is for those with loaded wallets (which i wish i was one of them)
me , i am happy i managed to afford a normal WM1A and i will keep it there
but seriously , all this nitpicking/improving is for those with loaded wallets (which i wish i was one of them)
The mod also comes in more affordable iterations, so it’s definitely not limited to the “more fortunate”.
Which mod do you have on that 1A?
As I mentioned in the review, it’s the Premium option.
ledzep
Headphoneus Supremus
Well, there are definitely alternatives in terms of how you spend your money. I'm not specifically saying you should spend money on this mod over purchasing other products; I'm saying that it's worth a listen and/or an investment if you already have an optimal set-up (and sizeable change) at hand. Critical listening also expands much further beyond human anatomy. Although some are undoubtedly born with more "talented" ears than others, it does take a fare amount of practice to be able to analyse sound. Four years ago, I literally wasn't able to distinguish between an in-ear Shure SE535 and a full-sized ATH-50X! It was only after listening to - probably - close to 100 IEMs and headphones and tens of DAPs, reading tons of literature on frequency ranges and how they co-relate, and getting my Diploma in Music Production and Audio Engineering plus a full year of constant mixing and mastering was I able to gain the amount of insight I have now. Even then, I'm sure I still have a lot to learn.
Yeah I guess there's no right or wrongs, people like what people like, some say silver cables better than copper and visa versa so each time his own, I'm probably just not as open minded (or eared) as some when it comes to people's findings on various upgrade subjects, you'd think having a Master's in Audio Engineering and electronic engineering and a degree in RF and microwave engineering and working in the Sat coms industry for 30 years I'd not be so closed off to the findings of others, so apologies if you think I'm trashing your review not my intention there's room for everyone's opinion, life would be pretty boring if we all thought the same.
I don’t think that at all. I’m just saying that this mod may be more or less sensible than others, but it’s neither universally the former nor the latter. No one can fault being a skeptic, but having an open mind to everything is always important.
gerelmx1986
Headphoneus Supremus
Here we begin sighs. Cable talk
prince4ever
New Head-Fier
Soooooooooooo
I don't whether to be grumpy with you all, or just very glad and appreciative.
I'll backtrack.
I posted my 1st post topic on head-fi just before Christmas. I have a Sony EU Sony ZX2 and have been increasingly frustrated with it. And needed help and advice.
The months went by and not a single sausage replied. No-one. Not even a vaguely troll-ish reply about my total n00b-ness in all this Hi-Fi talk.
Then I read on Amazon UK about a thread here, being able to remove the volume cap on a Sony WM1A. I spent hours reading through some of the posts on this thread and discovered nothing to help me my ZX2. But I still needed to address my volume problem. So I got the WM1A (about 4 hours ago to be precise) and then did the volume / region change thingy.
Now I am not the easiest person to please, nor do I expect things to go smoothly, especially when it comes to electronic gadgets. So I was entering into all this hocus-pocus gadgetry with a slight sense of fear and dread and an enormous dose of expected disappointment.
But OOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGGG...
Even out of the box after virtually no burning the volume is amazing once removed.
It's not even difficult to do.
I am so happy.
So two things:
1) If there are any lurkers out there like me who are struggling with the ZX2 I can honestly say sell it and get the WM1A, remove the volume cap and enjoy. It's awesome!
2) I just cannot be grumpy with any of you regulars! I'm so happy I can listen to music at ridiculous levels. Thank you!
Once the burning in period is over I'm going to bore you all to sleep with my thoughts on it - comparing the different headphones I have, along with the test drive for i800s's with the WM1A!
Interesting to know how many have that set-up.
There will be an EU ZX2 and some Sony MDR-1000X headphones for sale soon.
I don't whether to be grumpy with you all, or just very glad and appreciative.
I'll backtrack.
I posted my 1st post topic on head-fi just before Christmas. I have a Sony EU Sony ZX2 and have been increasingly frustrated with it. And needed help and advice.
The months went by and not a single sausage replied. No-one. Not even a vaguely troll-ish reply about my total n00b-ness in all this Hi-Fi talk.
Then I read on Amazon UK about a thread here, being able to remove the volume cap on a Sony WM1A. I spent hours reading through some of the posts on this thread and discovered nothing to help me my ZX2. But I still needed to address my volume problem. So I got the WM1A (about 4 hours ago to be precise) and then did the volume / region change thingy.
Now I am not the easiest person to please, nor do I expect things to go smoothly, especially when it comes to electronic gadgets. So I was entering into all this hocus-pocus gadgetry with a slight sense of fear and dread and an enormous dose of expected disappointment.
But OOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGGG...
Even out of the box after virtually no burning the volume is amazing once removed.
It's not even difficult to do.
I am so happy.
So two things:
1) If there are any lurkers out there like me who are struggling with the ZX2 I can honestly say sell it and get the WM1A, remove the volume cap and enjoy. It's awesome!
2) I just cannot be grumpy with any of you regulars! I'm so happy I can listen to music at ridiculous levels. Thank you!
Once the burning in period is over I'm going to bore you all to sleep with my thoughts on it - comparing the different headphones I have, along with the test drive for i800s's with the WM1A!
Interesting to know how many have that set-up.
There will be an EU ZX2 and some Sony MDR-1000X headphones for sale soon.
nc8000
Headphoneus Supremus
Yes there is no way to remove the cap on an EU ZX2. That being said I very much enjoyed my EU ZX2 for the 1 1/2 year I had it as I didn’t need to drive anything it couldn’t handle, but the (in my case) 1Z is just SO much better.
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