I appreciate that perspective. I really do. I have no problem with the form-factor of the DAP. I also really do enjoy the sound that I get from it. It's just that the interface is so clunky to use - and I'm an Android user. I like Android. But this old OS is pretty crappy. I just wish I could update it. And the battery life is also pretty awful. Those are the 2 main reasons why I have the "drive for change". If it weren't for those 2 factors, I wouldn't.Look, I get the drive for change, I really do… but here are my 2 cents.
For my brain and ears, the ZX507 is better than the Cayin RU7 which has been heralded as an excellent dongle…
It has better synergy with headphones such as the power-hungry Sennheiser HD660S2 than my RU7, despite having half the power…
It's also faster than my WM1AM2…
And you already have one
Again, I do get the drive for change, I really, really, do — but every time I do the DAP merry go round, I land back on Sony… so, my advise, if you move on from the ZX507, get the ZX707, WM1AM2 or WM1ZM2. But, if, like me, you didn't get the ZX707 due to it's form factor because, let's be honest, the ZX300/507 form-factor is just— keep your ZX507.
Oh, it's the opposite for me
, I really like the interface of the Sony's.
I like the Sony interface. It's the Android operating system that makes the DAP so slow. Like I said, I wish I could just update it.Oh, it's the opposite for me
That said, you'll have a lot more choice than someone like me if you like an Android DAP.
I won't be able to help you much aside the fact that, tonally-speaking, the only other DAPs I'd consider would be FiiO, iBasso and Shanling with ESS DACs, in this order.
FiiO I find to be the best value for money with excellent QC and fit and finish. You should be able to find a M11 Plus ESS at good prices nowadays. iBasso and Shanling come next but they're in a different league from a fit and finish standpoint (and I'm not sure whether Shanling now has proper gapless playback).
I looked at it once but I didn't see this model so I gave up, haha. I'll take a another look. I also didn't really want to break anything, haha.Oh, I get it now, sorry
Have you looked into @Sonywalkmanuser 's Optimization and Tweak Guide?
Btw, the M11 Plus ESS is likely to see a drop in price as FiiO recently announced their roadmap which includes new DAPs.
Oh, I didn't realize it was just settings changes. I thought it was more like jailbreaking the device in order to get a new OS on there. I'll ty those tweaks. Thanks a lot!
Love the ZX507 still, and man I love my FiiO M11+LTD (AKM DAC version) too. Definitely best value for the money; but I recently dropped the M11+ and shattered the back glass (still works though), so I’m looking forward to FiiO’s next generation of DAPs (maybe I’ll use a case with that one, haha). It should be noted, I’ve dropped the Sony ZX507 many times with little damage, and the build (with no glass on the back) is just so robust. And the 507, like everyone says, is sooooo pocketable. I love it for throwing in my pocket with some Sony IEMs (synergy with M9 and Z1R is just awesome). Agree’d that battery on 507 sucks (even with @Sonywalkmanuser tweaks, but the tweaks help, so thanks bro).Oh, it's the opposite for me
That said, you'll have a lot more choice than someone like me if you like an Android DAP.
I won't be able to help you much aside the fact that, tonally-speaking, the only other DAPs I'd consider would be FiiO, iBasso and Shanling with ESS DACs, in this order.
FiiO I find to be the best value for money with excellent QC and fit and finish. You should be able to find a M11 Plus ESS at good prices nowadays. iBasso and Shanling come next but they're in a different league from a fit and finish standpoint (and I'm not sure whether Shanling now has proper gapless playback).
Can you tell how many hours (approx.) did the battery last after applying the tweaks?
