So I have the WM1A and it has been too cold/bright sounding for me. Bought the ZX2 based on reports of it having a warm sound, with laid back treble, but also excellent detail, and man does it not disappoint. Out of the box on standard 3.5 mm it sounds better than the WM1A to me on 3.5mm, granted I burned in the WM1A for about 50 hours. It has been persistently bright, while the ZX2 is the much smoother player of the two. I suspect Sony pandered to people complaining about lack of sparkle in the ZX2 when they designed the WM1A. For me too much treble is not good. It ruins the experience for me as I don't find treble adds to musicality of the sound. IMO the ZX2 is more comparable to the WM1Z. Both players share the copper sheilding, and a similiar sound signature from what I've heard about the WM1Z. WM1A is a different beast, a lesser one to me. It is neutral to bright, with no copper sheilding.
My WM1z is burning in, so will compare it after that. There is no way I'm getting rid of my ZX2. Paired with the WM1z i got everything covered. The ZX2 is perfect for my streaming needs, and it's fun to listen too. AND,
Compared to the WM1z......it's light and portable....And feels great in hand, with a much better case lol. As for sounds, that will always be a personal preference , I cannot comment on the though from what I read, I prefer warm sounds so I would prefer the Zx2, truth be told for certain music/mood it will be better than the WM1z for me.
Though at the same time I prefer the MDR Z7 to its big brother, is more fun
and for the price.....a no brainier to have in the stable. When I listen to the same songs the HD800 is far superior in many ways.....but music is about getting into the rhythm and fun, and personal preference.
At today's used prices, the ZX2 is a bargain!!! I'll compare it to the WM1z once I've finished burning it in at the end of the week.
Truth be told, I've given up chasing perfection in sound, now I just go with what my ears like and what looks good, same with cables, I've just got a Sony kimber cable cause it looks great with my Sony dabs and I'm done. And Sony is delivering for me.