[Bert88]

Hi guys, was wondering if it is normal to hear static noise when turning the volume wheel? Thanks for your help!

 

[purk]

Hi guys, was wondering if it is normal to hear static noise when turning the volume wheel? Thanks for your help!

Shouldn’t. I think your potentiometer is going bad or the contact is dirty.

 

[Bert88]

Ah I see thanks, do you know if there's any options I have other than sending it for repairs? Thanks again!

Shouldn’t. I think your potentiometer is going bad or the contact is dirty.

 

[gazzington]

Just bought one 2nd hand off eBay for £300. What would be a good dap to partner it?

 

[gazzington]

What cable would I need to get a fiio x5ii to transport this amp/DAC?

 

[Erfan Elahi]

Hello everyone. I am in consideration to get one PHA 3 just to get SQ improvement than my ZX-300 as the WM1z is too pricey for me. But I don't intend to use this with any full size Sony headphones, I will only pair my IEM for the moment. So I only have one 4.4mm balanced cable. To use this cable with the balanced L and R ports of the PHA 3, has anyone tried this: 2x3.5mm Male to 4.4mm Female Balanced ? I am not sure this cheap converter from Ali Express is really balanced to balanced or not and if it ruin my cable or the ports of the PHA 3... Is there any converter like this available from any well established brand?

 

[Erfan Elahi]

The 1Z Balanced is better sounding than PHA-3. You buy the PHA-3 because want to utilize its balanced output.

Just repeating again. So you are saying WM1z has surpassed the PHA 3's DAC ? Now that leaves a slight reason to get the WM1z at least for those who can afford and prefer convenience just with one device.

 

[Bert88]

Hello everyone. I am in consideration to get one PHA 3 just to get SQ improvement than my ZX-300 as the WM1z is too pricey for me. But I don't intend to use this with any full size Sony headphones, I will only pair my IEM for the moment. So I only have one 4.4mm balanced cable. To use this cable with the balanced L and R ports of the PHA 3, has anyone tried this: 2x3.5mm Male to 4.4mm Female Balanced ? I am not sure this cheap converter from Ali Express is really balanced to balanced or not and if it ruin my cable or the ports of the PHA 3... Is there any converter like this available from any well established brand?

I tried the item you linked, works well. No issues for me so far.

 

[gazzington]

Mine is for sale. No box but it's the Japanese version with the battery for portable use. £440. Get in touch
I have too many daps now

 

[udesign48]

Sony PHA-3 dual 3.5mm balanced output vs Pono player dual 3.5mm balanced ???
Which one do you guys think is better?

I'm impressed with Pono player's dual 3.5mm balanced output's sound. In my opinion, it's some of the best sounds I've heard.
Do you guys think PHA-3 balanced output offers some improvements over Pono?

 

[drbluenewmexico]

well, both are excellent. the PHA-3 I think has more power and dynamics and the classic sony house sound, while the Ayre powered PONO is more neutral and balanced. its a matter of taste. reports coming in that the PONO batteries are dying
and replacing them may be an issue, no similar reports ive seen re PHA-3 PONO has better resolution and more details, but Sony is a little more fun, but heavier and bulkier...as mark twain said: "you pays your money and you takes your choice"

 

[udesign48]

True. My Pono player now charges till 75% max.. but you can buy a new battery for only $15.
and it's not that difficult to change its battery. No soldering needed. Its battery uses a pin connector.
http://mikebeauchamp.com/2014/12/pono-player-teardown/

Man, I want to buy Sony PHA-3 soon lol

Pono balanced output + Sony dual 3.5mm balanced cable + Sony XBA N3 give me some of the most detailed and neutral sound I've ever heard.
If PHA-3 can give more improvement, I want to try for sure.

 

[udesign48]

Pono balanced output sounds like home theater surround speakers. It has that much details and resolution.

 

[udesign48]

JVC SU-AX01 has dual 3.5mm balanced output too:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/JVCケンウッド-SU-AX01-JVC-ポータブルヘッドホンアンプ-ハイレゾ音源対応/dp/B01LWU4N2S/ref=sr_1_56?__mk_ja_JP=カタカナ&keywords=jvc&qid=1563390165&s=gateway&sr=8-56

I wonder how this one sounds...

JVC sells their own dual 3.5mm MMCX balanced cable:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/リケーブル-バランス...d+cable&qid=1563390587&s=gateway&sr=8-2-fkmr2

 

[udesign48]

Also, Fiio K5 and E17K combo can give you the same dual 3.5mm balanced output at a much lower price... Fiio K5 ships with dual 3.5mm balanced output.
I'm curious how this combo will sound vs Pono player vs PHA-3.