[Blommen]

I've been also interested on this comparison for sometime: WM1Z (as digital source / transport) -> Hugo 2 -> Headphones vs WM1Z -> Headphones.

First question would be if it is possible to identify each setup in a sort of blind test.

The second question would be how those setups compare in terms on tonal balance, treble, mid-range, bass, soundstagging, imaging, dynamics, detail (including micro-detail) and musicality in general

Well, in the first scenario the Sony wouldn't be doing much other than being pretty. It only feeds data to the Hugo 2, so quality of cable is more important than the the source.

Second scenario is a comparison between wm1z and the Hugo 2, there should be some around.

 

[Whitigir]

I would rate the source is most important, and then quality cables....in the while, both are just as important. However, can Hugo 2 outperform Wm1Z ? If so, by how much, then taking into account of practicality between stacking and an all in one player....hmmm....

This hobby is much more than just stacking piece by piece of the most expensive one into the chain and thinking that you have the best.

 

[gerelmx1986]

I've been also interested on this comparison for sometime: WM1Z (as digital source / transport) -> Hugo 2 -> Headphones vs WM1Z -> Headphones.

First question would be if it is possible to identify each setup in a sort of blind test.

The second question would be how those setups compare in terms on tonal balance, treble, mid-range, bass, soundstagging, imaging, dynamics, detail (including micro-detail) and musicality in general

pointless to do this as the wm1z/A is being the feeding device in digital format, none of the player's analogue stage components are being used.

 

[nanaholic]

The presentation of the WM1Z and Hugo 2 is very different. 1Z is warmer and smoother, Hugo 2 is brighter and more analytical. You can own both at the same time because they don't really overlap.

Plus the 1Z is a one box solution, the Hugo 2 still requires a digital source. I use the 1Z on the go, the Hugo 2 OTOH is my desktop DAC.

 

[Blueoris]

pointless to do this as the wm1z/A is being the feeding device in digital format, none of the player's analogue stage components are being used.

That's exactly the point that makes it valid in my opinion: you are comparing the digital-to-analogue implementation of Sony with the digital-to-analogue implementation of the Hugo (when the Sony's analogue components are inactive).

 

[thanatosguan]

That's exactly the point that makes it valid in my opinion: you are comparing the digital-to-analogue implementation of Sony with the digital-to-analogue implementation of the Hugo (when the Sony's analogue components are inactive).

So you don't really need a WM1Z for the Hugo set up then. Just use whatever transport you have on hand.

 

[Whitigir]

So you don't really need a WM1Z for the Hugo set up then. Just use whatever transport you have on hand.

Transport will still affect the quality....but using 1Z for Hugo is a bit extreme. I would understand if u use 1Z as a transporting mean into Desktop DAC, but still extreme....definitely no smartphone

I would consider anything such as Zx2, A40, Zx100, Zx300 as transportations....beside, there are a lot more if you want Spdif/Coax, fe, DX200.

 

[thanatosguan]

Transport will still affect the quality....but using 1Z for Hugo is a bit extreme. I would understand if u use 1Z as a transporting mean into Desktop DAC, but still extreme....definitely no smartphone

I would consider anything such as Zx2, A40, Zx100, Zx300 as transportations....beside, there are a lot more if you want Spdif/Coax, fe, DX200.

Why would the transport affect sound quality?

 

[Gibraltar]

Why would the transport affect sound quality?

Jitter, electrical noise on the output signal, etc, etc.
Some people will hear huge differences between transports, others will hear none.

In my experience they make a larger contribution than cables but less than a dac change.

 

[gerelmx1986]

I bought the wm1a to listen to it's analogue stage, not to listen to a DAC/amp implementation

 

[Imusicman]

Anyone go to RMAF and hear/try the new Alo gold cable with the 1Z? This is the one Jude refers to in his video. Thanks

 

[Whitigir]

Just go with the one Sony recommend, Kimber Axios Silver. It is only slightly more expensive than the player itself

 

[mw7485]

Just go with the one Sony recommend, Kimber Axios Silver. It is only slightly more expensive than the player itself

I'll take a dozen then

 

[Whitigir]

I'll take a dozen then

If I made a proposal to my wife using them, I would get a slap in the face....luckily it was a real one

 

[mw7485]

If I made a proposal to my wife using them, I would get a slap in the face....luckily it was a real one

...ouch, that would sting! Funny image though, popping the question with a headphone cable in a nice little box with a cheesy grin......