[T.R.A.N.C.E.]

I just read, so no USB DAC mode?! and downloaded Tidal tracks only play in 48k unless streamed?! I'm trying to cancel now.

Deal breakers for many, but it's rumored these will be added down the line in a software update. Best to wait if you need those features.

Depends on if you value streaming or not. If you don't, ZX300 blows the ZX507's battery out of the water. Otherwise, the ZX507 is a clear improvement over the ZX300.
Right now, the ZX507 is also a lot dearer, at $1200 vs $400 AUD locally.

Just noticed the ZX300 status has changed to discontinued on Sony AU! Were they on sale for $400? Sold out now, would have gotten one just for a beater or present.

 

[JerryHead]

Also, no Bluetooth receiver mode, which I actually do use from time to time.

 

[JerryHead]

Can anyone confirm the most up to date version of firmware for the ZX300?

 

[all999]

Can anyone confirm the most up to date version of firmware for the ZX300?

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/digital-music-players-nw-nwz-zx-series/nw-zx300/downloads

 

[dazzerfong]

Deal breakers for many, but it's rumored these will be added down the line in a software update. Best to wait if you need those features.



Just noticed the ZX300 status has changed to discontinued on Sony AU! Were they on sale for $400? Sold out now, would have gotten one just for a beater or present.

Operative word being were. They're discontinued now so the price has gone back up.

Didn't know the ZX507 didn't have USB DAC nor BT receiver mode - that's actually kinda a dealbreaker for me. I use a 4.4mm jack, so I have to keep hotswapping my IEM cables so that I can use it on anything else. Hmmm.............

 

[Ryokan]

Is there something wrong with the current version? Mine got updated to 2.02 on the day I bought it. Didn't really have any change to compare. I'm mostly happy with my unit, but it does sound average with string instruments. Guitar sound particularly. Lacking in tone definition and texture. This over both balanced and standard connection.

Regards

I've been experimenting with different firmwares because someone else said they preferred 2.01, but I've settled on 2.02. My feelings are 2.00 was bassier but 2.02 is clearer. There isn't supposed to be a difference.

 

[Hinomotocho]

Operative word being were. They're discontinued now so the price has gone back up.

Didn't know the ZX507 didn't have USB DAC nor BT receiver mode - that's actually kinda a dealbreaker for me. I use a 4.4mm jack, so I have to keep hotswapping my IEM cables so that I can use it on anything else. Hmmm.............

Dac and bluetooth receiver were later added to the ZX300 and WM1A (WM1Z?) so I assume the 507 will eventually get it in an update.

 

[ttt123]

All Seasons are also available for ZX300, they are in the same root folder.

Got round to trying your Avlos and Diavlos tuning. Diavlos works well with my modded ZX300. 3 dimensional stage, detailed. Notes are rich and detailed (one of the things I look for). Vocals are very good. Female vocals (some) have a slight sibilance. I think this is a symptom/cause of a slight hardness in upper female vocals. Emotive and involving, but lacking just a little capability to pull you in. Almost there, though. My personal wish would be a slightly warmer sound, and a lessening of the hardness in the upper female vocal range.

That is only me nit-picking, though looking for my (subjective) ideal sound, as Diavlos is very good.

 

[roadrat]

Someone kindly remind me of why I should be using the balanced output.

I bought a balanced cable when I got my ZX300 to pair with my Shure 846s. Sounded great. But recently I switched back to unbalanced so I could use the 846s in my pono player. So now I have been going back and forth between the pono and the ZX300 and have forgotten what the benefit of the balanced cable was.

 

[candlejack]

Someone kindly remind me of why I should be using the balanced output.

I bought a balanced cable when I got my ZX300 to pair with my Shure 846s. Sounded great. But recently I switched back to unbalanced so I could use the 846s in my pono player. So now I have been going back and forth between the pono and the ZX300 and have forgotten what the benefit of the balanced cable was.

Balanced has more power (200mW vs 50mW). Some say it even sounds better. I haven't been able to determine that last part for myself.

 

[roadrat]

Is there a benefit of more power, particularly if I don't hear a difference?

 

[Dinche]

Balanced has more power (200mW vs 50mW). Some say it even sounds better. I haven't been able to determine that last part for myself.

Better sound quality can simply come from more power that is required for some headphones. My IER-M7 sound about the same through both balanced/unbalanced, but my FA E5000 sound is really weak over the unbalanced connection on my ZX300.

Regards

 

[superuser1]

Is there a benefit of more power, particularly if I don't hear a difference?

At the end of the days its all about "you" and what "you" hear. So if you don't hear a difference then it is of no use to "you"

 

[Hinomotocho]

Better sound quality can simply come from more power that is required for some headphones. My IER-M7 sound about the same through both balanced/unbalanced, but my FA E5000 sound is really weak over the unbalanced connection on my ZX300.

Regards

I think the FA E5000 are dymanic whereas the M7 are BA, dynamic drivers benefit from more power to sound good

 

[Dinche]

I think the FA E5000 are dymanic whereas the M7 are BA, dynamic drivers benefit from more power to sound good

Absolutely. E5000 also have very low sensibility (93db) and they are not easy to drive. I was just using them as an example of how ZX300 may struggle with some headphones over its rather anemic unbalanced connection.

Kind Regards