SONY NW-ZX2
Mar 4, 2015 at 6:12 PM Post #2,416 of 14,755
  Anybody had one long enough to do any SQ impressions and comparisons?


Comparing the ZX2 to the AK100II, the ZX2 is mor open sounding, more dynamics and better transparency. Not huge but to me, it is there. 
 
Mar 4, 2015 at 7:46 PM Post #2,417 of 14,755
Well well, that was a revelation. Just did an ABX test using the ABX comparator between FLAC and 320 kbps MP3 (Lame encoded CBR) and there was a 98% probability I was guessing (4/16 correct). 
 
The MP3 was converted from the same FLAC, so both files had the original source. Interesting. Well, to me that proves that I can't hear a difference between FLAC and MP3. That means to me that it's pointless to take FLAC on the go. I'll only use it for the purpose of archiving digital files, but otherwise I'll use 320 kbps MP3 for on the go.
 
Mar 4, 2015 at 8:18 PM Post #2,418 of 14,755
  Well well, that was a revelation. Just did an ABX test using the ABX comparator between FLAC and 320 kbps MP3 (Lame encoded CBR) and there was a 98% probability I was guessing (4/16 correct). 
 
The MP3 was converted from the same FLAC, so both files had the original source. Interesting. Well, to me that proves that I can't hear a difference between FLAC and MP3. That means to me that it's pointless to take FLAC on the go. I'll only use it for the purpose of archiving digital files, but otherwise I'll use 320 kbps MP3 for on the go.

 
 
I was forced to accept this reality too.......  I too will keep higher rez files for archiving and CBR320 for listening....
 
Mar 4, 2015 at 8:53 PM Post #2,419 of 14,755
Lol to any art enthusiast and audiophile, any subtles details are appreciated....so when you are saying you don't want higher sound quality......:D

Let's just take the best picture of Monalisa painting and print it out to display on the wall :D

Better yet, as MP3 goes, why not IPod classic :D
 
Mar 4, 2015 at 9:02 PM Post #2,420 of 14,755
Isn't it great when you save space? I converted all my flacs as well. ENT showed me that there is a sharp drop off in adult hearing after 6-7000 hertz in everyone. In my case, 8000. You really cant hear or would want to hear much above this.
 
Mar 4, 2015 at 9:02 PM Post #2,421 of 14,755
Lol to any art enthusiast and audiophile, any subtles details are appreciated....so when you are saying you don't want higher sound quality......
biggrin.gif


Let's just take the best picture of Monalisa painting and print it out to display on the wall
biggrin.gif

Say what you want, but if I can't hear the difference between FLAC and 320MP3 then I don't see the point in paying for additional storage to lug around FLAC files when 320MP3 is just as good. Which again is starting to make me lean more in the direction of the Sony A17, as that has 64GB + 128GB MicroSD = 192GB storage, which is plenty good for me as all my music converted to MP3 320 is about 120GB right now.
 
Mar 4, 2015 at 9:36 PM Post #2,423 of 14,755
Say what you want, but if I can't hear the difference between FLAC and 320MP3 then I don't see the point in paying for additional storage to lug around FLAC files when 320MP3 is just as good. Which again is starting to make me lean more in the direction of the Sony A17, as that has 64GB + 128GB MicroSD = 192GB storage, which is plenty good for me as all my music converted to MP3 320 is about 120GB right now.


:D Seriously, in your boats and determinations, the best choices would be A17 as it also has SD slot. Steve and a few others reviews I have read that the A17 sounds a tad better than the Porno player. It is also very compact as well.
 
Mar 4, 2015 at 9:51 PM Post #2,424 of 14,755
Regarding what now seems to be a delay in the estimated ship date of pre orders from Sony's US website, does anyone know how companies like Sony ship high dollar electronics such as the NW-ZX2?  In other words, if standard shipment is via ocean freighter from the point of manufacture in Asia to the Port of Long Beach in the Los Angeles area, has the port congestion problem on the US West Coast snagged an initial shipment of NW-ZX2s?  Of course, I simply don't know, and I wouldn't be surprised if high dollar electronics are shipped via air freight.  Anyone out there knowledgeable about how such merchandise is shipped?
 
Mar 4, 2015 at 9:58 PM Post #2,425 of 14,755
I was considering the ZX2, but in the end going with the A17/PHA-3 combo instead. I was already using the Z5 and Z7 in balanced mode with my Pono. I also have a balanced XLR to Pono adapter for my full size headphones, so being able to use all that with the PHA-3 seemed like a good idea. I can also use the PHA-3 via the optical out on my AK100. Getting the PHA-3 for less than $800 sealed the deal.

It was nice of Sony and Pono to use the same balanced cabling, although it would have been easier had they both chosen the HIFIMAN 3.5mm TRRS or the AK 2.5mms TRRS.
 
Mar 4, 2015 at 10:07 PM Post #2,426 of 14,755
I was considering the ZX2, but in the end going with the A17/PHA-3 combo instead. I was already using the Z5 and Z7 in balanced mode with my Pono. I also have a balanced XLR to Pono adapter for my full size headphones, so being able to use all that with the PHA-3 seemed like a good idea. I can also use the PHA-3 via the optical out on my AK100. Getting the PHA-3 for less than $800 sealed the deal.

It was nice of Sony and Pono to use the same balanced cabling, although it would have been easier had they both chosen the HIFIMAN 3.5mm TRRS or the AK 2.5mms TRRS.


A17 and Pha3 will be in the same price point. It will have more ability to play with more headphones and IEMS .... ZX2 advantage is being portable with long lasting battery, and but limited to IEMS and a few Cans only...where as buying PHA3 together with zx2 will defeat the purpose of ZX2 hardware
 
Mar 5, 2015 at 12:53 AM Post #2,428 of 14,755
A17 and Pha3 will be in the same price point. It will have more ability to play with more headphones and IEMS .... ZX2 advantage is being portable with long lasting battery, and but limited to IEMS and a few Cans only...where as buying PHA3 together with zx2 will defeat the purpose of ZX2 hardware

That's why I have yet to make the jump to the ZX2.  Given that I already have the A17, PHA3, and ZX1...the ZX2 will likely not being used much.  I plan to upgrade to the JH13pro FP soon, so maybe the ZX2 will be next be a next logical update.
 
Mar 5, 2015 at 3:32 AM Post #2,430 of 14,755
My ZX2 has some problem. When I transfer some of my albums some of the tracks cannot be played. It says "Cannot play this format"
I have checked the file it has no problem. However sometimes when I re-added the same album there is no error. So what I did was putting my musics in external micro sd. The problem does not exist.
Have any of you have this occurrences?
 

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