Extracts from various sources. For the purpose of understanding the features, they are functionally the same across the Walkman family, though more advanced in later/upper models.Can anyone share guide about Dsee Ultimate, DC phase, Vinyl processor, and DSD remastering? Im new to sony features.
The Designer Interviews are interesting reading, and give much more understanding of what drove the design decisions.
*****************************************************************************************************************************
From the WM1A/Z Designer Interview:
- *What sort of function does the “DC phase linearizer” perform?
Sato Hiroaki [sound design]
This feature is something that we have looked into since 3 years ago, and we were finally able to put it in this time. Basically, it is to make the low range phase behave more like traditional amps.
As for why is this feature needed, it is because Walkman’s full digital amp “S-Master HX” (CXD3778GF) does not have a coupling condenser like traditional analogue amps.
The coupling condenser is a part to cut off DC components and very low frequency signals, but it also affects the phase of low frequencies. Depending on the content the presences of a coupling condenser makes a difference, in other words the difference is felt in the phase difference in the low range, and this is the effect when using the “DC phase linearizer”.
-
*So is it something that is instantly noticeable when engaged?
Sato Hiroaki [sound design]
It’s not a difference that would floor you, but when something that works well with “DC phase linearizer” it will make you think “Oh that’s right, that’s the bass punch I wanted.”, and once you get used to it will surprise you. Also there are 6 different phase modes (A/B pattern x High/Standard/Low) to choose from. Please try them out.
*****************************************************************************************************************************
From the WM1A/ZM2 Interview:
Sekine: The "DSD remastering engine" converts any sound source into a DSD signal equivalent to 11.2MHz, and converts it into a smoother, more analog-like sound. What was equivalent to a maximum of 5.6MHz in "DMP-Z1" has evolved to be able to convert up to 11.2MHz in this unit.
*****************************************************************************************************************************
DSEE has also become the latest "DSEE Ultimate" in terms of improving sound quality through signal processing (predecessor model is equipped with "DSEE HX").
Tanaka: DSEE Ultimate uses AI technology to automatically determine the type of song and reproduce not only the high range but also the finest sounds with high accuracy. This unit is equipped with the latest version with improved upscaling accuracy for lossless codecs equivalent to CD sound quality compared to those installed on existing Walkmans.
Sekine: The point is that DSEE, which was originally a function for compressed sound sources, has evolved to target lossless sound sources this time. Recently, the number of streaming services that handle lossless sound sources is increasing, so I think that the user benefits will be great.
*****************************************************************************************************************************
VINYL PROCESSOR:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sony-nw-zx500.914486/post-15905098
Oct 7, 2020 at 9:09 AMPost #5,601 of 8,466
[IMG alt="Star Mastering"]https://cdn.head-fi.org/avatars/m/534/534063.jpg?1628171538[/IMG]
Star Mastering
100+ Head-Fier
JoinedJul 7, 2020Posts145Likes115LocationJapanMy take on Vinyl Processor:
Arm Resonance: adds a resistive/rubber banding effect to bass and treble response. Bass feels more rumbling, slightly delayed but slightly stronger slam and Treble has a more splashier sparkle at expense of transient speed.
Turnable: adds smoothness, warmthness and more intimate soundstaging
Surface noise: adds a very soft random dither like scratch noise to the treble which reduces the edginess of transients
Standard: Combination of the above three effects.
The DC phase linearizer sounds like the bass increases a little. When I listen to classical music, the overall balance is lost, so I turn it off.https://www.sony.jp/feature/products/vinyl/?s_pid=jp_fsl_vinyl_feature_vinyl
After reading this article thoroughly and listening to the different Vinyl processor effects for half a day.. I finally understood the function of this DSP effect.
It injects a predefined set of non-linear dithering like noise across the frequency spectrum and adds bass dampening/response delay into the music. Somehow this effect makes music more relaxing to listen to over longer periods.
It's like adding film grain/aging effects to your video/photos. Instead of a high resolution video/image, you are presented with a fuzzier video/image.
I only listen to classical music, but when I turn Vinyl processor on, my feet naturally move to the music. In other words, the sound becomes fun. This doesn't happen when I turn it off. I don't really understand the sound quality, but rather it seems that the music is more enjoyable when it is turned on,
When off, individual instruments are separate.
When turned on, the individual instruments are teamed up.
Off shows the beauty of individual instruments. But the degree of perfection as music is higher when it is on.
However, the difference in sound quality cannot be expressed in words.
So this feature is not obvious at first glance.
This function seems to have an element that makes the treble noisy for some reason.
Also, the music feels flat.
It seems to go well with rhythmic songs in particular. On the contrary, off is good for things like cello solo or enjoying the sound of an instrument.
Vinyl processor - I don't understand the difference some days.
If I pursue the "best setting" too much, I won't find the correct answer, so I'll use DSP according to my mood.
Attachments
Last edited: