Mathieulh
100+ Head-Fier
The ZX100 is definitely a few steps above any of the A series walkman when it comes to sound quality, the A series is closer to what you would get in a smartphone with a very good DAC, it is still a good compromise to those who want something truly compact/light with a good/decent sound quality out of low impedance headphones/IEMs.My ZX100 is on the way, although I listened to it in the past. The ZX300 is certainly more refined, though it lacked a bit in bass.
I would say that the ZX100 is several steps up from the A series - I still have a 829 for example. Of course it has high res grade sound,
vocals are far more superior than in any previous series, the sound is more subtle. It has more power than any A series Sony player.
The ZX300 continued this subtleness to a point where it may almost reach the resolution of WM1 series. I think you can only benefit
from it if you use the balanced output, because that's where the ZX300 really worth it. Please ask more if you are interested, I will have
my ZX100 on Tuesday.
The ZX100 is nice if you only care about SE, want a great battery life out of your DAP and a sound quality that rivals the one of the ZX2. The main issue that I have with it, is that just like the ZX1 and ZX2, the ZX100 cannot drive high impedance or low sensitivity headphones, I am guessing you can't have a great battery life and higher power outputs, it's still much better than the average smartphone mind you, it's just not enough.