[Viper Necklampy]

or you will need a cable with dual 3.5 plugs, like the MUC-B12BL1 (1.2m) or MUC-B20BL1 (2.0m) if you want to go 'balanced' out of the PHA-3.

Oh right, I forget i need balance lol but 200€.. Mh.. How can cost an adapter for 4.4mm to 3.5mm? And does it affect audio quality in some way?

 

[SoLame]

Oh right, I forget i need balance lol but 200€.. Mh.. How can cost an adapter for 4.4mm to 3.5mm? And does it affect audio quality in some way?

I have been using a Chinese-made adapter with my IEMs cable (not full-size headphones) and I am pretty happy with it.

You can try to buy something similar to that on eBay for less than $30, I think.

Example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-3-5mm-...sid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10&var=562990576906

 

[purk]

Oh right, I forget i need balance lol but 200€.. Mh.. How can cost an adapter for 4.4mm to 3.5mm? And does it affect audio quality in some way?

Depending on the quality of the connector and the wiring used in making an adapter. Try DIY to save money.

 

[udesign48]

WM1A balanced out vs PHA-3 balanced out?
Which one do you guys think is better when using Sony XBA Z5?

PHA-3 now sells for $500 used. I'm interested in buying it. I wonder if it will sound better than ZX2 and WM1A.

 

[ruthieandjohn]

WM1A balanced out vs PHA-3 balanced out?
Which one do you guys think is better when using Sony XBA Z5?

PHA-3 now sells for $500 used. I'm interested in buying it. I wonder if it will sound better than ZX2 and WM1A.

Wow, what a great question! I have all three.. the WM1A, the PHA-3, and the Z5, as well as a balanced cable! However, I have temporarily downsized my living quarters in preparation for a move across the US, and all (but the balanced cable) are in temporary storage. I have heard the PHA-3 compared favorably to the WM1Z, though I do not recall for which head- or earphones.

I look forward the the answers your question receives.

 

[udesign48]

I own the WM1A, PHA3, Z1R, and Z5. The PHA3 has the same sound as the WM1A. I would not use the WM1A or the WM1Z to drive the PHA3. Its better used as a portable amp for a lesser or significantly different source where you want the PHA3 sound signature. With the WM1A alone you already get that, and with the WM1Z, you have something a little different which some prefer.

Thank you for confirming this. So PHA3 sounds the same as WM1A. I'm buying PHA-3!
I can't afford WM1A which sells for $700+ used but PHA3's is now cheaper because it's 4 years old.

 

[purk]

Thank you for confirming this. So PHA3 sounds the same as WM1A. I'm buying PHA-3!
I can't afford WM1A which sells for $700+ used but PHA3's is now cheaper because it's 4 years old.

The PHA3 is better sounding to my ears compared to the 1Z using my JH13pro and HD800. @Witch probably is likely using the stock digital walkman cable which is holding back the PHA-3 in a big way. I use one with pure silver litz wires and I take my PHA3 over the 1Z in term of sound quality alone. Also the PHA-3 has enough power to drive the HD800.

 

[Krutsch]

Does anyone know of a well-built WM-PORT to USB micro cable for the PHA-3 that is longer than the very short cable that ships with the PHA-3?

This is driving me crazy, but I swear I cannot find anything online like this. Yes, I know I can get the WM-PORT-to-micro adapter, but I've read that the adapter is wiggly on the Walkman.

I can't believe that Sony doesn't make a replacement/longer cable to go between *their* DAP and *their* DAC/amp.

I want to leave the PHA-3 on my desk and pick-up my A55 to, you know, browse music - hence, a longer cable is needed.

 

[SoLame]

Does anyone know of a well-built WM-PORT to USB micro cable for the PHA-3 that is longer than the very short cable that ships with the PHA-3?

This is driving me crazy, but I swear I cannot find anything online like this. Yes, I know I can get the WM-PORT-to-micro adapter, but I've read that the adapter is wiggly on the Walkman.

I can't believe that Sony doesn't make a replacement/longer cable to go between *their* DAP and *their* DAC/amp.

I want to leave the PHA-3 on my desk and pick-up my A55 to, you know, browse music - hence, a longer cable is needed.

Haven't you considered using a Sony WMC-NWH10 for that kind of use? That way you can use any decent USB to micro USB cable of any length. Just my 2cents.

 

[Krutsch]

^ OK, thanks.

 

[Viper Necklampy]

An observation...

My PHA-3 arrived today and so far I'm liking it. Originally, I had an Oppo HA-2 that I was using with the EL-8 O and quite frankly it didn't work out. The EL-8 just felt underpowered. To me there seems to be better synergy between the PHA-3 and EL-8. There's more headroom, air, openness and clarity. Audeze sells a balanced cable for the PHA-3. Has anybody tried it with these cans?

I'm also using the Westone W50 IEMs which are really good for Hip-Hop, EDM and R&B. The PHA-3 really make the W50 rumble.

I got the Pha-3, and very soon i'll take the el-8 titanium, does your open suggested with Pha3? And how does it sound now? Did you get the balanced cable? And does it improve? You hear 0 distortion? Sorry for all the question, but I really hope you answer soon ^^

 

[Anatta]

Hi,
I have the original SONY MUC-B12BL1 cable, a similar cable by third party, and also a 2 x 3.5mm Male to 4.4mm Balanced Female Audio Adapter. But I have been unable to figure out how to use my PHA-3 with AK240, Shanling M3s or Android phone with these connected to Sony MDR Z1R and other headphones. Can it be done, if so, how? Thanks.
ps: They all work with my Ipad, but I don't want to use the Ipad.

 

[Krutsch]

Hi,
I have the original SONY MUC-B12BL1 cable, a similar cable by third party, and also a 2 x 3.5mm Male to 4.4mm Balanced Female Audio Adapter.

Can you tell me where I can get a similar adapter? I have been searching, but nothing, so far. Thanks, in advance.

 

[Anatta]

Can you tell me where I can get a similar adapter? I have been searching, but nothing, so far. Thanks, in advance.

I got mine from Aliexpress. But I just checked and it says "Sorry, this item is no longer available!".
Where do you live? Maybe I can send mine to you if the postal cost is not too much.

 

[Krutsch]

I got mine from Aliexpress. But I just checked and it says "Sorry, this item is no longer available!".
Where do you live? Maybe I can send mine to you if the postal cost is not too much.

Thanks for the offer. I live in the US. I am going to look into having one made.