[Philo]

 
How loud do you use your phones? For the LCD-2, to be honest, I would suggest an amp. If not that then the Hifiman 901, soon to be the 901s, can put out plenty of power and you can run them balanced. 

 
I have heard the LCD-2 with the Cowon Plenue 1 and it was loud enough, but Astell and kern AK100 Mk 2 is more sympathical for me...

 

[carl99]

My Japanese version has a volume limiter but you can shut it off, which of course I did.

 

[ImmaLizard]

My Japanese version has a volume limiter but you can shut it off, which of course I did.

Good to know. I appreciate the update.

 

[JACONE]

  Purchased through Crutchfield but they keep pushing back their ETA date and now it shows unknown.  Should I just pull the trigger and get one from Japan?

I suspect they only had a few. I got a noticed when they had them, placed order on the same day and received unit on Wednesday.
I had also placed order on the Sony web site but will cancel it.

 

[soundblast75]

Just found this

http://www.cnet.com/uk/products/sony-walkman-nw-zx2/

 

[soundblast75]

One more

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/audio/reviews/a14464/sony-zx2-walkman-review/

 

[carl99]

My pleasure

 

[goodvibes]

 
How loud do you use your phones? For the LCD-2, to be honest, I would suggest an amp. If not that then the Hifiman 901, soon to be the 901s, can put out plenty of power and you can run them balanced. 
 
There are a number of daps that will drive the LCD-2 but not to their full potential. I don't find the AK series will do it nor many others. 

Haven't tried but the Lotoo PAW Gold looks viable for this purpose.

 

[gearofwar]

those reviews consider that NW-ZX2 isn't worth that money difference to its sibling A17

 

[carl99]

 

[carl99]

Listen to this before you decide
I have the AK 240 and got the zx2 because of its wi fi streaming capability
But I was absolutely shocked to discover that the zx2 is noticeably better sounding
And that notwithstanding all of those ignorant "professional" critics who were so busy railing about the price that they forgot to give this device an objective/subjective listen

 

[JACONE]

Listen to this before you decide
I have the AK 240 and got the zx2 because of its wi fi streaming capability
But I was absolutely shocked to discover that the zx2 is noticeably better sounding
And that notwithstanding all of those ignorant "professional" critics who were so busy railing about the price that they forgot to give this device an objective/subjective listen

I don't have the AK240 but did demoed it when it can out. I do remember the AK240 sounded really good but the ZX2 is more musical and conveys emotion in the music.
 
Is this your observation as well?

 

[gearofwar]

What is the best case for ZX2 currently? i saw that leather case on ebay which is way pricey, dont really need the "leather" thing

 

[carl99]

I don't have the AK240 but did demoed it when it can out. I do remember the AK240 sounded really good but the ZX2 is more musical and conveys emotion in the music.

Is this your observation as well?

That's a good way to put it
Listening right now to an ELO playlist on TIDAL and it sounds WONDERFUL.

 

[carl99]

What is the best case for ZX2 currently? i saw that leather case on ebay which is way pricey, dont really need the "leather" thing

Treated myself to the Sony leather case--at this point, why cheap out??- and it's good-- high quality and protects the screen while providing ready access.