SONY NW-WM1Z / WM1A
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Jun 11, 2020 at 5:53 AM Post #39,407 of 45,723
How is the sound quality of the fiio X7ii or M11 non-pro (because the two SD slots) compares to WM1A

I actually gave the M11 a short listen when it came out. Primarily due to the cost. It’s maybe warmer than the 1A. Though I think it may be missing some cohesiveness that the 1A does. It was a very short listen using my Noble Encore IEMs in a store. I think after ownership more realities would emerge? Also the UI was very different being used to the Sony UI. Such a great price though.
 
Jun 11, 2020 at 6:41 AM Post #39,408 of 45,723
I am awaiting delivery of a brand new uncapped WM1A from South Korea next week.
However, temptation got the better of me and I bought the WM1Z in the classifieds from denis1976.
Anyone want a brand new 1A? :relaxed:
 
Jun 11, 2020 at 6:44 AM Post #39,409 of 45,723
I am awaiting delivery of a brand new uncapped WM1A from South Korea next week.
However, temptation got the better of me and I bought the WM1Z in the classifieds from denis1976.
Anyone want a brand new 1A? :relaxed:

Enjoy!
 
Jun 11, 2020 at 6:49 AM Post #39,410 of 45,723
I am awaiting delivery of a brand new uncapped WM1A from South Korea next week.
However, temptation got the better of me and I bought the WM1Z in the classifieds from denis1976.
Anyone want a brand new 1A? :relaxed:
I think I'm going mad, I see two faces in the lights of your tubes!:scream:
 
Jun 11, 2020 at 6:56 AM Post #39,411 of 45,723
I think I'm going mad, I see two faces in the lights of your tubes!:scream:
FBB9D89B-6B5C-4770-8CF9-1DE54E4F40E2.jpeg


That’s preferable to the phone lobster.
 
Jun 11, 2020 at 7:34 AM Post #39,412 of 45,723
Wow, shiver my timbers...
70C22505-63CA-4BDC-A944-4D63ADC29C29.png
I think this has to be done...
I guess this shows the power of the internet... this is a pretty niche item, and there were five in stock yesterday, only one today!

in other news, I’ve noticed since being happy with the total quality of the 1A, my listening volume has dropped, from 85+ to 60... interesting!
 
Jun 11, 2020 at 9:45 AM Post #39,413 of 45,723
I guess this shows the power of the internet... this is a pretty niche item, and there were five in stock yesterday, only one today!

in other news, I’ve noticed since being happy with the total quality of the 1A, my listening volume has dropped, from 85+ to 60... interesting!

is the 1z switch a sonic upgrade to stock 1a ? what sonic differences do you perceive ?
 
Jun 11, 2020 at 9:56 AM Post #39,414 of 45,723
Dang, thanks to @Redcarmoose I realized I had not tested Stock 3.02 (J) region with no added fw. I was really glad to see it's very very musical! Lush and rich sound with the perfect amount of warmth. I prefer it over Orion5 for Classical Music and some Intimate Jazz recordings. For faster music I still prefer Orion5's resolute and clear sound signature.
 
Jun 11, 2020 at 9:57 AM Post #39,415 of 45,723
is the 1z switch a sonic upgrade to stock 1a ? what sonic differences do you perceive ?
I cannot answer that as I haven’t gone stock to stock, I’ve gone 1A Orion5 to 1Az Orion9
 
Jun 11, 2020 at 10:10 AM Post #39,416 of 45,723
Dang, thanks to @Redcarmoose I realized I had not tested Stock 3.02 (J) region with no added fw. I was really glad to see it's very very musical! Lush and rich sound with the perfect amount of warmth. I prefer it over Orion5 for Classical Music and some Intimate Jazz recordings. For faster music I still prefer Orion5's resolute and clear sound signature.

We can’t forget that our subjective opinions can at times be formed through personal history; not present audio truth. It’s true that stock 3.02 may be overlooked due to folks guessing that new firmwares are better. It’s definitely not as detailed or forward pushed as some. It is not the most clear either. I’m the Luddite who is new to region changes; making me a little behind. I need to try Orion5? New firmware feels fresh and fun sometimes. I have to admit I have still not heard them all.
 
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Jun 11, 2020 at 10:20 AM Post #39,417 of 45,723
I cannot answer that as I haven’t gone stock to stock, I’ve gone 1A Orion5 to 1Az Orion9

would like to hear your thoughts on those 2 settings, as well - i was using stock wm1a on orion 5 and liked it a lot.
 
Jun 11, 2020 at 10:43 AM Post #39,418 of 45,723
I tested the Audio Technica ATH-AP2000Ti with my 1A and wow, compared to the MDR-Z1R and the MDR-Z7M2, it completely shocked me and made me as happy as listening to the Sony IER-Z1R. It had better balance to the highs, the mid bass wasn't as heavy as the MDR-Z1R with crisp, even mids and highs. I may look into the WP900 model as well, but wonder if the wood trim would be wasted or worn out quicker from normal home use (won't take them out). Wow, if I play my cards right and Japan gives me the 100,000 yen stimulus package, I may go get the AP2000Ti. On Monday, I will do some more testing at E-Earphone!

And with this being Post number 500, my title may change from 100+ Head-Fier, even though I still consider myself a noob at this hobby and only registered since May. :thinking::neutral_face:
 
Jun 11, 2020 at 10:58 AM Post #39,419 of 45,723
I tested the Audio Technica ATH-AP2000Ti with my 1A and wow, compared to the MDR-Z1R and the MDR-Z7M2, it completely shocked me and made me as happy as listening to the Sony IER-Z1R. It had better balance to the highs, the mid bass wasn't as heavy as the MDR-Z1R with crisp, even mids and highs. I may look into the WP900 model as well, but wonder if the wood trim would be wasted or worn out quicker from normal home use (won't take them out). Wow, if I play my cards right and Japan gives me the 100,000 yen stimulus package, I may go get the AP2000Ti. On Monday, I will do some more testing at E-Earphone!

And with this being Post number 500, my title may change from 100+ Head-Fier, even though I still consider myself a noob at this hobby and only registered since May. :thinking::neutral_face:

Your in headphone heaven. qdc also has a Anole VX IEM without switching I read. Japan is only place that has it. The whole Anole line normally has crossovers.
 
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Jun 11, 2020 at 11:09 AM Post #39,420 of 45,723
Your in headphone heaven. qdc also has a Anole VX IEM without switching I read. Japan is only place that has it. The whole Anole line normally has crossovers.
Doesn’t hurt to check. But it seems like only 3 companies right now have the balanced cable, 4 If I recall a certain HiFiman set of cans having the 4.4mm (HE6SE if I remember correctly?). Audio-Technica, Sony, and Sennheiser. The HD820 sounded like garbage sadly when combined with my 1Z. The Z7M2 and MDR-Z1R I thought sounded good, but didn’t necessarily reflect their price points. This is all my opinion and I know others love Sony’s cans as much as I love the IER-Z1R And 1AM2. Just it just shows how certain sounds jell better with other people. I’m all fine with people disagreeing with my viewpoints here. All I know is that the AP2000Ti is now on my radar as my endgame cans which makes it all the more happy.

@Redcarmoose I will check out the Anole on Monday and report my impressions after testing them. By the way, I’m guessing test all the cans with both the 1A and 1Z or is the 1Z only enough?
 
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