Sony PCM-D50 as a DAP - A post filled with randomness

[3602]

Forgot to add the most important thing:
DO NOT USE THE PCM-D50 WITH BALANCED ARMATURE MONITORS with the possible exception of the Westone UM3x. You're heading into a Greek tragedy if you do this.
Also, even with the UM3x, be prepared to crash your money into Comply tips.
 
 
Let me begin by saying that I am not suggesting the usage of the Sony PCM-D50 as a DAP. Its playback functions are extremely limited (well, still a bit more than the seemingly very nice QLS QA350) and its... Um, features, are uh, special. But we'll get to that.
 
I'm spewing this out here for fun. Also because tomorry is Quebec-will-be-independent-one-day day and I get to eat some cake. Yes I'm very much into Portal right now.
 
I am expecting little click-rate and I'm telling you this right now, please don't waste your time commenting unless! Unless you use this device as a DAP too.
 
I will not comment on its sound but I will try to provide paths, however clear or unclear, towards a vague construction of its sound. I can only point you to the road, it is you who have to walk on it and step on a land-mine or three. Or some animal waste. Trust me, the first danger is better if it bakes you clean and not just a leg.
 
Also don't do the buy-try-return thing on pieces with such price-tags unless, of course, you have a Blue in your wallet and an Orange above an incinerator (you have money to burn). Granted, Sony Style, BHPV or SweetWater will accept your return (the occasional playing-nice may be required) but you may leave a black mark as per comment sense (I don't have any, so I'm relying on you here), a person does research before purchasing a $600-800 (depending from whom you purchase) semi-pro piece of electronic brick. Hey now, now that I've mentioned the term "brick"...
 
Food for thought (apparently this is also a cheat-code in StarCraft 1, not sure about the 2. I firmly believe that if a classic is made in 2D or 2½D, it should stay that way)

1. It is the size of a brick. Well, almost to the size of your poor-country red-mud baked brick. It's not as bit as a WM-D6C, which is sincerely the size of a red-mud brick. Hey, I'm just GLaD that it ain't a cinder-block. That's a StellaDAT.
2. The mass. The unit itself is surprisingly light, considering its almost-all-metal construction. However, if you consider its battle mass (packed with four AA batteries and a Memory Stick), it becomes substantial. It weighs about 453 grams, or basically one full pound. When I get my hands on the iRiver H340, a machine that weighs about 200 grams - less than half the battle mass of the D50, I should really feel the relief effort.
3. The looks. Trust me, it is much more TSA-friendly than, say, your common iPod + Amp rig with bright lights and oil pipelines everywhere, but you walk around (depending on how - that's covered below) with this, you will get looks. I don't care, since I used to listen to the D6C and swap tapes on the bus and all, but you most probably will care. Due to the metal roll-cage and the two little capsules, most of looks you'll get is of the "What in the name of GLaDOS is that?" variety and not the "OMG I want that!" one. It also has flashing lights but they can be turned off.
4. And finally, it is a recorder, for Cubes' sakes. I use this because I actually do record, and I have no other DAP (well OK, there's the fail-safe Discman D-32 I have...). Please don't buy this device just for its sound. If you think this is not believable, then here be my defense: Some people have $3'000+ full-frame cameras and 10x that in lenses just to shoot bridges. I guess their defense would be bridges are awesome or Some people buy HD trucks to do town-cruising. Also, some people juggle geese.

 
I'm not going to make counter-points for each one, since I'm not a one-man debate team.
 
So the plus side to this? Well, again, it is a recorder. A semi-pro one at that. What is to be known is that the headphone output is used for live monitoring and immediate off-field playback. To avoid the "Aww man, we need to redo the whole thing!", by common sense (relying on you again, sorry), the output should have the most fidelity and clarity possible. It also has 25mW + 25mW "or more" at 16ohms. Hard data provided by Sony.
 
I am going to tell you something that more and more D50 players are doing: Battery-rolling. Rolling as in "tube-rolling". What these people would do is to use 2x LiFePO4 batteries, each one being 3.3V, plus two metal wires for the two empty battery slots. They claim that the combined voltage, 6.6V, being higher than the standard "just 6V", provides "a more powerful sound" while using four Ni-MH batteries, having only 4.8V combined, gives the D50 "a softer, more gentle sound". They do so to tune the D50 according to the phones they use. To these people, I say Get a LiFe. But I tell you, having only two "real" batteries does reduce the overall mass noticeably.
 
I do have some other things to point out about the D50, but I consider them neither to be faults nor goodness.

1. It supports only WAV and MP3 files. WAV ripped from your CD or the HD-WAV of 24bit/96KHz will work. Any higher and it won't. It also doesn't support surround. But! Converting FLAC to WAV is a breeze.
2. Line-out and optical digital-out. The former can be used to mount an amp, but please don't. You'll end up being even less TSA-friendly than the iPod things. The latter is good for direct file transfers if your sound device has a digital input, then you'll need no USB cable. Also you can use a DAC with it, but it most probably has to remain stationary since while portable optical DAC-Amps does exist, if you bind it to the D50, you'll end up with that TSA problem. So it has to remain stationary, but your computer can probably output digital signals so what's the point of using it with a DAC?
3. It is solid enough to be used as a weapon, either offensive or defensive. A good smash hurts. An excellent smash knocks out. A very hard and well-placed smash can kill. Then you walk away listening to music on that weapon you just used. If you have a solid piece of string, you can attach it to the wrist-strap loop and use it as a flail. Just don't throw it as it most probably will not survive a close encounter with a brick wall. Note that I am NOT SUGGESTING to use the D50 as a weapon as doing so too frequently can hurt the device and you'll get gibs in the microphones, which are hard to clean. Also you'll get in trouble with the law.

 
So finally, the tips:

1. For ease of carrying, buy the Sony leather case for it. If you can afford the machine itself with no problems, you have no reason not to afford the leather case. It's like Hummers and gas prices: If you cry that the gas is too expensive, then how can you afford a Hummer in the first place? The Sony case has a belt loop and all the side access jacks are exposed. It helps when you walk around with it.
2. Alternatively, a PSP case might do. I don't know whether there is a substantial size difference between the PSP-1000, the 2000 and the 3000, but there shouldn't be. The problem is that the D50 will be fully enclosed in the case. This method is best suited for literally transporting the D50 in, say, your backpack. If you find the Sony case to be too much of a rip-off, you can get the PSP case. There may also be belt-mounted camera cases that are big enough for the D50.
3. The worst way off is an angle bracket and a tripod screw. Get a slotted angle bracket or one with good holes in it. Bend it so that it will slide into your belt while remaining vertical to the ground. Snap the screw off a cheap tripod, screw it over the bracket and into the D50. You just made a cheap belt-hook!
4. Hold. The D50 is blessed with the heavenly goodness of actual physical buttons (and independent Pause and Stop buttons! Thank you, Sony!). Used in conjunction with the Sony case, you will have incorrect operations of the device. Use the Hold switch, which is partially recessed in a groove and takes a bit of force to move.
5. Memory Stick. The manual states that only the PRO-HG DUO of up to 4GB has been tested and guaranteed on the device. Reality is, the 16GB PRO-HG DUO works with no problems. The 32GB PRO DUO works with no problems. You can fit many CDs and many more MP3 files in these cards. However, if your D50 has a problem running the larger-capacity cards, don't go run and see Sony.
6. If you can, buy the Remote Commander for it. Then you won't have to detach it from your belt, release Hold, operate, engage Hold and attach to belt again.
7. Consider carrying an extra set of batteries for it. It drinks juice fairly avidly and quality AA's aren't available everywhere.

 
Also, it's Sony.
 
Cave Johnson, we're done here.
 

 

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Some very uh, advanced users of the PCM-D50 have modified different components of the device. The most common modification is to change the two op-amps (AD8662) to mil-spec parts or an AD8672. This would require increasing the E35 to E50 and thus reducing battery life.
Other modifications include playing around with SMT resistors and capacitors. There is a small blue electrolytic cap on the power board. This particular part has also been swapped around by some users.
However the most radical modification on the PCM-D50 I've seen is to completely strip the recording functions of the unit. I have no idea how this is done exactly.

 

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Another use, although rarely seen, is to use an iPod as the actual player. Using a LOD that connects the iPod to the PCM-D50, one would put the D50 into REC mode and use it as an amp.
Even more FUBAR ways include using an iRiver model that has an optical-out, connect that to the D50 and use it as a DAC/Amp.

 

[Ishcabible]

...I'm going to make it not look like you're talking to yourself as much and say that I REALLY want this. I need a recorder for a couple bands my friend and I are starting, and if I can get one around $350, I'll have to choose this over the X3, despite the fact that this is much less pocketable.

 

[3602]

Well the PCM-D50 can be easily twice that, depending on where you buy. Try BHP or Sweetwater in the USA.
 
I don't know much about pocket audio amplifiers as I just went for the highest one I could afford at that time. Um... Would you be using outboard microphones? Whole problem is that while the microphone pre-amplifier on the D50 is next to completely noiseless, it uses a special (Sony-only) Plug-in-Power thing with a 1/8" jack. What that means is that you'll either need a self-powered microphone with that plug, or you go for Sony's own ones (I have the ECM-MS907 which, strangely, does not accept Plug-in-Power). However, keep in mind that on-board Phantom XLR-capable portable recorders are rare (well, there's the DR-100, internal mics flat suck, or the PMD661, which looks really nice and considering what Marantz does, but I have not tried).
 
The lack of XLR capabilities of the D50 is a major setback for true professionals (although a true true professional carries Sound Devices and all). Many of them go with the DR-100 and just omit the internal mics. Sony's own XLR adapter box for the D50 is about the same price as the D50 itself which, giving the total cost of $1000+, can have much else done (Tascam has a couple of rather large "backpack" machines).
 
So, external mics with the D50, major problem.
 
I don't know what an X3 is so I can't help ya, sorry. At that budget... If you indeed can afford the D50, go for it. Exceedingly long battery life (for what it is), tank-like construction (almost entirely metal), variable recording positions... Truly, this is by far the most impressive small piece of electronics I have ever owned (or held, even).
 
Please keep in mind that although fun and 96/24 and all, the internal memory bank can hold "only" two hours of 96/24. Prepare to crash money on Memory Sticks.
 
And yeah, granted, you cannot pocket this thing.

 

[Ishcabible]

Quote:

Well the PCM-D50 can be easily twice that, depending on where you buy. Try BHP or Sweetwater in the USA.
 
I don't know much about pocket audio amplifiers as I just went for the highest one I could afford at that time. Um... Would you be using outboard microphones? Whole problem is that while the microphone pre-amplifier on the D50 is next to completely noiseless, it uses a special (Sony-only) Plug-in-Power thing with a 1/8" jack. What that means is that you'll either need a self-powered microphone with that plug, or you go for Sony's own ones (I have the ECM-MS907 which, strangely, does not accept Plug-in-Power). However, keep in mind that on-board Phantom XLR-capable portable recorders are rare (well, there's the DR-100, internal mics flat suck, or the PMD661, which looks really nice and considering what Marantz does, but I have not tried).
 
The lack of XLR capabilities of the D50 is a major setback for true professionals (although a true true professional carries Sound Devices and all). Many of them go with the DR-100 and just omit the internal mics. Sony's own XLR adapter box for the D50 is about the same price as the D50 itself which, giving the total cost of $1000+, can have much else done (Tascam has a couple of rather large "backpack" machines).
 
So, external mics with the D50, major problem.
 
I don't know what an X3 is so I can't help ya, sorry. At that budget... If you indeed can afford the D50, go for it. Exceedingly long battery life (for what it is), tank-like construction (almost entirely metal), variable recording positions... Truly, this is by far the most impressive small piece of electronics I have ever owned (or held, even).
 
Please keep in mind that although fun and 96/24 and all, the internal memory bank can hold "only" two hours of 96/24. Prepare to crash money on Memory Sticks.
 
And yeah, granted, you cannot pocket this thing.

 
Even the used route?

The lack of XLR doesn't bother me, because for any formal work, I'd have my setup with me. This would only be used in instances where taking the setup out would be overkill, like demo's and experiments.
 
The X3 is the new fangled FIIO DAP, which will likely be half the price of this, but I'd have to get a separate recorder, and getting a recorder of this caliber would make the DAP almost redundant right?
 
And we're a Sony family, so we have a ton of Memory Sticks.

 

 

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Um.
I'd say that it would be difficult to find a used D50 at half the MSRP unless the exterior shell is very damaged. Which I doubt, because devices at this price point are usually quite well-cared.
I guess you can go on the Bay, there's one up for bid now.
I'm not gong to say that the D50 will make extra DAPs "redundant" due to the fact that the D50 is very well not intended to be used as a DAP. But if you want the cleanest and purest sound quality (I'm disregarding some of the high-priced players that cannot reproduce a flat FR), D50 all the way.
X3 is a DAP... I got no idea, man. If you get a separate recorder then it will most definitely be below the ranks of the D50 while the X3 may not "sound as good" as the D50. Well, the D50 does not sound "good". It's flat, sharp, bass-shy and extremely analytical, which is why you simply cannot use BA phones with it.
 
In the end it all depends on you, man.

 

[maverickronin]

Quote:

Forgot to add the most important thing:
DO NOT USE THE PCM-D50 WITH BALANCED ARMATURE MONITORS with the possible exception of the Westone UM3x. You're heading into a Greek tragedy if you do this.
Also, even with the UM3x, be prepared to crash your money into Comply tips.

Why not?  Too much output impedance?  Hiss?  Will it just blow them up?

 

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First up, the oversensitivity of many BA phones (including the possible exception, the UM3x) causes a mechanical channel imbalance. Alps or not, the very high power output (mentioned) combined with any of the mainstream BA phones results in a listenable volume sometimes at around 0.5 on the dial. The volume dial on the PCM-D50 is not good enough to retain a perfectly balanced output at very low settings (in fact, venture below the 1-mark and you're in Minotaur's palace). Unless you want your hearing to be lop-sided (or gone), this is the restricting issue unless you can gain down your music files.
Second, as mentioned (which I did not want to but had to), the PCM-D50 is cold. Harsh. Lacks "warmth" and its overall response is bass-shy, which is interesting because it doesn't show up on RMAA tests. The rest of the frequency band is flat. This, combined with its extremely analytical nature (this is what two AD8662 chips can do), results in extremely poor "musicality", if you will. I'm starting to see why people can like (and love to death) the HM-801 because the distortion, whether intentional or not, actually improves musical enjoyment. The PCM-D50 is not a device for musical enjoyment. It is a forensics tool which dissects the music ruthlessly and throws every single piece of it in front of you. Due to the fact that it is a semi-pro recorder, immediate monitoring requires no coloration at all (or the least humanly possible) and the two internal microphones are somewhat emphasized on the bass. SE535, Triple.Fi-Ten, ER-4P are all unlistenable on the D50. You don't hear music. You hear grinding machinery that lacks proper lubrication. The ER-4S works somewhat, but the volume dial needs to be at around 4 to get a good volume on it and this severely hampers any attempts at on-scene monitoring (you will run out of range on the dials). I say that the UM3x may work is because of its warmth and oiliness that is unlike a BA IEM. Plus, the Comply tips will further emphasize this warmth, somewhat masking all the grinding machinery.
Even with coil phones the D50 is still not a device for musical enjoyment. To date, the only phone (IEM) that synergizes acceptably with the PCM-D50 is the Sennheiser IE-Eight. And you need to fiddle with the bass, or else even this phone sounds anemic on the D50.
It is amazing how the D50 can be so extremely analytical that some would say that "it sounds overly digital". That's because it is capable of reproducing sounds with a high fidelity. If you listen to equipment like I do, the PCM-D50 is the best "portable" (excluding the $2000 PCM-D1, the Marantz backpackers, the Sound Devices and the StellaDAT) music player right now. Hands down, bar none. However if you listen to music and want to enjoy doing that, then I advise you right now, do not enter the realm of the PCM-D50. Because to me, personally, a "warm and musical" DAP cannot be called "high fidelity". To me, musicality is sound coloration, which I'd like to call sound pollution instead. Black Mesa can kiss my a-- with their overpriced "musical" equipment.

 

[maverickronin]

Ahh, too much gain and a so-so volume pot.

 

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Quote:

Ahh, too much gain and a so-so volume pot.

It's not exactly "too much gain". If you record some quiet subject such as rats copulating in the walls, you try to make the values crest below -1. And you play it back. Some recordings done with a "7" on the rec dial needs to be played back at around "5" on the volume dial to be listened to adequately (headphone used: Sennheiser HD215). That 25mW + 25mW (at 16 ohms) isn't for giggles. It needs that kind of power to make quiet recordings listenable directly off-the-field without enhancing it on Audacity or whatever. Back in the tape days this power can be even higher (WM-D6C: 30mW + 30mW at 32 ohms). Strangely that 15-something years old D6C with a linear Alps (verified) pot doesn't deviate even at around 0.5.
Granted most music these days crest at way above 0, sometimes +6 even. So all that power is routed to a can-be-much-better pot. But the action is smooth and firm, so there's that.

 

[maverickronin]

Quote:

It's not exactly "too much gain". If you record some quiet subject such as rats copulating in the walls, you try to make the values crest below -1. And you play it back. Some recordings done with a "7" on the rec dial needs to be played back at around "5" on the volume dial to be listened to adequately (headphone used: Sennheiser HD215). That 25mW + 25mW (at 16 ohms) isn't for giggles. It needs that kind of power to make quiet recordings listenable directly off-the-field without enhancing it on Audacity or whatever. Back in the tape days this power can be even higher (WM-D6C: 30mW + 30mW at 32 ohms). Strangely that 15-something years old D6C with a linear Alps (verified) pot doesn't deviate even at around 0.5.
Granted most music these days crest at way above 0, sometimes +6 even. So all that power is routed to a can-be-much-better pot. But the action is smooth and firm, so there's that.

25mw isn't a whole lot of power.  To pull a random example out of the air, the Cowon i9 will do 24mw into 16 ohms and is quite usable with IEMs because it's got a digital volume control...

 

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...That might actually be a neat little thing to be in my pocket. Plus it'll be together with me IEMs inside the little Pelican case I got.
Hey uh, "digital" means that it's implemented somewhere in the DAC chip, right? So it changes the signal stream?

 

[maverickronin]

I'm pretty sure that's how pretty much all DAPs do it IIRC.
 
How do they not design that sort of thing for IEMs.  Its got "monitor" right in the name.  With the size of that pot and volume dial they could afford to put some sort of discrete analog control on it like some of the Meier amps if they thought that the noise floor would be a problem.  One of those cheap looking thumb wheel pots would probably better too.  IME they usually have better tracking.

 

[3602]

On the D50? Well the intended phones to be used (official Sony data) are the MDR-V700DJ and the MDR-V900HD. Correct operation with all other headphones are not guaranteed.