[touzeen]

Balanced cables came today... huge step-up from SE output endeed.
Now, to another freaking 200 hours burn-in, again...
But the sound worth the waiting anyway...

I have the same setup too ZX300->HE400i. The balanced really opens up the sound and gives it a good body compared to SE.

 

[Qrays34]

I have the same setup too ZX300->HE400i. The balanced really opens up the sound and gives it a good body compared to SE.

After the burn-in I will give it a comparison between the ZX300 SE out, ZX300 balanced out, PC --> HA2SE out, PC --> ZX300 balanced out and ZX300 --Fiio L27--> HA2SE out.

 

[superuser1]

After the burn-in I will give it a comparison between the ZX300 SE out, ZX300 balanced out, PC --> HA2SE out and ZX300 --Fiio L27--> HA2SE out.

And also PC --> zx300 (DAC) 4.4mm balanced out?

 

[Qrays34]

And also PC --> zx300 (DAC) 4.4mm balanced out?

Sure , edited

 

[imacaverage]

zx300 superseded pha-2a, in DAC mode it is better

 

[imacaverage]

pha-2a sounds too hard / sharp, S-Master HX I like more

 

[Hinomotocho]

I finally hit the 200 hour mark on the balanced out, mostly just left it playing for a majority of that time.
I wouldn't be able to tell you the exact changes because as much as I believe in the Sony recommended burn-in I know my ears/brain quickly adjusts to a new device and also to any stages of change along the way.
But, I know my music well and listening to tracks that I have not yet listened to on my ZX300 are sounding wonderful - a definite step up in clarity and detail and staging from having last listened to these tracks on my previous ZX100.
Next step is to upgrade cable.

 

[kalo86]

I won't go back to the single ended output!

 

[abitdeef]

I won't go back to the single ended output!

Don’t blame you because the balanced out is the crap!

 

[sklaus28]

Compared SE ZX300 with WM1A. ZX300 still hold its ground.

ZX300
Bassier / warmer
Bass more forward, love the texture
Splatter vocal / bit rough, but I like it
more 3d feeling, but bit narrower

WM1A
Clearer and cleaner
Faster and more dynamic
Bass more tight
less 3d feeling, but more width and depth
Vocal has softer attack, more sweet

 

[hemipowered007]

Compared SE ZX300 with WM1A. ZX300 still hold its ground.

ZX300
Bassier / warmer
Bass more forward, love the texture
Splatter vocal / bit rough, but I like it
more 3d feeling, but bit narrower

WM1A
Clearer and cleaner
Faster and more dynamic
Bass more tight
less 3d feeling, but more width and depth
Vocal has softer attack, more sweet

Was that with the andromeda? If not what iem/hp were you testing with?

 

[sklaus28]

Was that with the andromeda? If not what iem/hp were you testing with?

Tested with JH Layla

 

[audionewbi]

Sony tends to not do such product line updates. If we will get a ZX300 level copper DAP, it'll most likely be on the ZX500 (or whatever it'll be named).

you called i, not quiet a copper but seems larger than zx300 and smaller than Wm1a

source; https://twitter.com/Ryu13_OTG/status/993807485138956289

 

[Bepli]

you called i, not quiet a copper but seems larger than zx300 and smaller than Wm1a

source; https://twitter.com/Ryu13_OTG/status/993807485138956289

That's a fan render and nothing from Sony.

 

[Hanafuda]

That's a fan render and nothing from Sony.

Still ... rrroooaahh!! eh?

Ya know something's gonna come along to make another go for your wallet sooner or later. I'd buy that "ZX500" in a heartbeat if it were real.