SONY NW-WM1Z / WM1A
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Apr 28, 2019 at 5:14 PM Post #27,811 of 45,723
Redcarmoose, have ever done a comparison between the 1Z and 1A somewhere here on Head-fi? I have the Z1R headphones and wondered which pairs best w/ those cans?
 
Apr 28, 2019 at 6:50 PM Post #27,814 of 45,723
Hi,
1Z / Dock / Wireworld USB cable to Denafrips Terminator DAC VS
Jay Audio cdt2 mk2 transport ( CD only ) / Wireworld Coax rca to Termi DAC.

Transport outperforms 1Z miles apart.
I was very surprise as well.
Transport outperforms my Esoteric K05 CD/SACD/DAC as well.

Same DAC and same tube hp amp as baseline test. Waiting for hmdi i2s cable to replace with coax, should sound much better.

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Apr 28, 2019 at 7:56 PM Post #27,815 of 45,723
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Redcarmoose, have ever done a comparison between the 1Z and 1A somewhere here on Head-fi? I have the Z1R headphones and wondered which pairs best w/ those cans?

I have not, though I do have an upcoming review concentrating on three Sony headphones and how they compare. Maybe it will be posted in a couple days, maybe? It talks about the use of Sony gear and the synergy between it all. Nothing is bad, though some combinations seem a little better. IMO

But for some reason I like the 1Z with the Z1R, also the Sony/Kimber Cable is big change from stock, in this use! But again I like authority sounding replay, so maybe that’s why? There is a good chance someone would like the IA better. I wish my statements could be more defined but this stuff is all so good and all goes together so well. It’s not like there are any big mistakes to be made, like combining other gear. IMO

But the 1A is still super nice and adequate. My thing is if I find stuff musicality engaging then it passes. But in my humble opinion the TA desktop is really the best combo with the Z1R. It’s probably because the slight extra power gets a better damping factor for making the bass response slightly more clear?
 
Apr 28, 2019 at 8:01 PM Post #27,816 of 45,723
The only thing that I always talk about when comparing the 1A and 1Z (that I have not read about here) is SOUNDSTAGE.

Beyond simply the more flat tone of the 1A, the soundstage is way way different. The 1Z brings the elements way more forward and 3D. Yes the 1Z has a bass kick, but it also has a treble spike too. But the soundstage is thicker and more front to back and side to side.

Maybe this is something that would not be noticed right off in a shop also it may be more of an IEM thing? But it’s a huge reality when going over to the 1Z. This is especially noticeable if you use your 1A for two weeks then go back to the 1Z. This thickness is physicality of sound. It’s a different dynamic which brings a whole different experience especially when mixed with the extra bass and treble.

Thus 1Z supremacy in physicality.
And......1A marginalized physicality but still amazing sounding.
 
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Apr 28, 2019 at 8:07 PM Post #27,817 of 45,723
Redcarmoose, have ever done a comparison between the 1Z and 1A somewhere here on Head-fi? I have the Z1R headphones and wondered which pairs best w/ those cans?
The 1A does because the Z1R are already warm cans, that said despite the low reported impedance, the Z1R scale really well with more powerful amp and I found the WM1A/Z lacks the power to drive the Z1R efficiency. They will still sound good, but nowhere near as exceptional as they would on more powerful equipment.
 
Apr 28, 2019 at 8:36 PM Post #27,818 of 45,723
The 1A does because the Z1R are already warm cans, that said despite the low reported impedance, the Z1R scale really well with more powerful amp and I found the WM1A/Z lacks the power to drive the Z1R efficiency. They will still sound good, but nowhere near as exceptional as they would on more powerful equipment.

Agree that in case someone simply wanted the 1Z for portable use.....OK ....but, there is better desktop solutions for less. The 1Z your paying a premium for size.
 
Apr 28, 2019 at 10:56 PM Post #27,820 of 45,723
Hi,
1Z / Dock / Wireworld USB cable to Denafrips Terminator DAC VS
Jay Audio cdt2 mk2 transport ( CD only ) / Wireworld Coax rca to Termi DAC.

Transport outperforms 1Z miles apart.
I was very surprise as well.
Transport outperforms my Esoteric K05 CD/SACD/DAC as well.

Same DAC and same tube hp amp as baseline test. Waiting for hmdi i2s cable to replace with coax, should sound much better.


Amazing! I like reading about a transport winning out over the dock as for me it does not.
 
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Apr 29, 2019 at 1:53 PM Post #27,821 of 45,723
Received my A45 today and as I expected I’m unable to hear any difference between it and the 1Z when feeding the 1000XM3 over BT with LDAC. The gui and userexperience is identical. The A45 lacks BT receiver but has FM receiver. The A45 fits nicely in the case for the XM3.

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Apr 30, 2019 at 12:32 AM Post #27,823 of 45,723
when you recharge your walkman when last bar its shown or when flasshing?? thanks...
Most of the time i recharge walkman at last bar, only "one" time, i tested it until it's flashing. Not sure what's the battery percentage when it flashes, charging at too low , may not good for battery life. I think charging from 20-90% is good for battery endurance . Let's hear what others say...
 
Apr 30, 2019 at 5:59 AM Post #27,824 of 45,723
If you ever see the Walkmans go to 0% power, there is actually a unique screen message right before they turn off. Only saw it one time but was amazed at the use of red!
 
Apr 30, 2019 at 6:15 AM Post #27,825 of 45,723
I charge 2 times per week. Did not notice anything.
 
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