ZX500/A100 Optimization and Tweak Guide.
Sony has a 125page help guide for using your ZX507, do read up to best make use of your ZX507/A105:
https://helpguide.sony.net/dmp/nwzx500/v1/en/print.pdf
https://helpguide.sony.net/dmp/nwa100/v1/en/print.pdf
All these tweaks can be reversible back to original settings without any issues.
to enter recovery mode(in case of any issues from the tweaks and you need to do factory reset):
Power off the device
- Power off the device
- Press and hold Power and Vol- until the sony logo comes up
- Release buttons. After a while an open Android and "No Command" should appear
- Press and hold Power, press Vol+, Release Vol+, Release power
You now have the recovery menu where you can select items with vol+/- and enter with Power button
Please restart your device after disabling the apps/services to take effect:
To restart: with screen turn on, hold the power button for a few sec, then tap on restart
Updates to my tweak guide for June 2020, @krumplib430 Contributions
Settings -> System -> Languages and Input -> Virtual Keyboard -> Gboard -> Advanced
-disable "usage statistics" and "Improve voice and typing for everyone"
Settings -> in the search type "assistant" -> Assistant Settings -> Assistant tab -> scroll down, under assistant devices select "phone" -> disable "google assistant"
Updates to my tweak guide for June 2020, additional DSP:
you can access to the old Sony ZX2 walkman DSP settings on your ZX507/A105:
Clear bass
Surround (VPT): Studio, Club, Concert Hall
Crossfade Playback
Go to Google app store, download Sony Music Centre.
Launch App, tap on This Mobile , Sound&Playback , Uncheck Direct Source tick box.
From there you can find clearbass adjustment in EQ. VPT and Crossfade.
To reset from these DSP, just check back Direct Source in this app
Do note these DSP settings seems to only work when you play music using Sony Music Centre App only.
Updates to my tweak guide for May 2020:
This advanced tweak is mostly recommended for those who mainly uses the ZX507/A105's Sony stock Walkman Music app to play offline files on SDCARD.
This should provide better battery performance by further limiting/reducing google's constant background data collection/scanning on your walkman.
Do note that If you are using streaming app, you will
NOT be able to update the app in google play store until you reverse this tweak or using alternative app updating store e.g. APKPure etc.
1) Settings > Apps & Notifications > See all apps >
Google Play Store > Disable
Google Play services > Permissions > turn off everything listed
Google Play services > Advanced > Modify system settings > Not Allowed
Google Play services > Storage > Clear Storage > Clear ALL DATA
2) Settings > Accounts >
youraccount@gmail.com > Remove Account
Disabling of Android Battery Optimization:
This tweak can improve stability of streaming apps. It will prevent Android from stopping or slowing down processing time of the streaming app or music player app.
You can also disable battery optimization for all apps in your walkman if you want a more responsive feel
This tweak might cause your battery life to decrease or cause extra heat. It really depends on the app's cpu usage & network usage on the system.
more info:
https://www.theandroidsoul.com/doze-mode-android/
To disable:
1) Settings > Apps & Notifications > Advanced > Special App Access > Battery Optimization >
Select App and Tap on Don't Optimize
choice of:
A) only don't optimize the streaming apps & music player that you use
B) don't optimize for all apps
Tips to improve battery time:
1) Settings > Security & Location > Find My Device > OFF
2) Settings > Security & Location > Privacy > Location > OFF
3) Settings > Accounts > Automatically Sync Data > OFF
4) Settings > Security & Location > Location > Advanced > Scanning > Switch OFF Both WIFI and Bluetooth Scanning
5) Settings > Google > Tap on Top Right of Screen at Vertical Three Dots, Usage & Diagnostics > OFF
6) Settings > Google > On-Device Sharing > Turn OFF all listed
7) Settings > Apps & Notifications > Advanced > Special App Access > Usage Access:
Switch off for Digital Well Being, Google, Google Play Services, Google Play Store
8)Turn off NFC: Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > NFC > OFF
Tips to Improve DAP responsiveness:
1) Settings > Accessibility > Remove Animations > ON
2) Download Google Files from Play Store
Clean Junk Files once in a while(weekly or daily)
3) Use GPU Acceleration: Settings > System > Advanced > *Developer Options > Force GPU Rendering > ON
* = To enable Developer mode: Settings > System > About Device > Build Number (tap 10 times on it)
4) Limit Background Process: Settings > System Advanced > "Developer Options > Background Process Limit: No Background Processes or At Most 2 Processes
This setting depends on what you are using your DAP for. If it's dedicated to just playing offline music, then no background process. If you are using USB Audio Player Pro along with Tidal, then increase the limit accordingly to the number of apps running.
More info here:
https://android.stackexchange.com/q...des-or-risks-to-limiting-background-processes
Apps that can be disabled safely without affecting playback functionality or performance:
1) Settings > Apps & Notifications > See All Apps:
Calculator
Calendar
Chrome
Contacts
Digital Wellbeing
Drive
Google
Google Japanese Input
Google Pinyin Input
Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Music
Google Text to Speech Engine
Maps
mora
Photos
Redundant System Apps to disable:
1) Settings > Apps & Notifications > See All Apps
Touch the three vertical dots on top right of screen then tap on [Show System]
Disable these:
Blocked Numbers Storage
Calendar Storage
Contacts Storage
com.android.soundrecorder
Default Print Service
Google One Time Init
Google Partner Setup
Google Backup Transport
Market Feedback Agent
Print Service Recommendation Service
User Dictionary
Hidden deep inside ZX507 settings, you can adjust bluetooth connection quality:
Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Bluetooth > Wireless Playback Quality >
LDAC Sound Quality Pref.
LDAC Connection Pref. (This is default)
Aptx HD
AptX
AAC
SBC Sound Quality Pref.
SBC Connection Pref.