[qsk78]

 Does anyone know the name/model name of this data cable supplied with the PHA-3?
 
 

 

[552388]

Seems Sony begin to take this market seriously. We can expect more products will come very soon

 

[Neo Zuko]

How does Sony new amp stack up against the Mini M8 in power, warmth, and DAC? Looking for a nice warm portable DAC headphone amp for CIEMs and the Audio Technica MSR7.

How is the DAC? Can it be used as just a DAC to another amp?

 

[purk]

Another data point.  The Sony MDR-CD3000 sounds very superb out of the PHA-3 via its balanced output.  The combo sounds super super nice.  

 

[Edward Pickman]

Hi
 
I am "Newbie" on Head-Fi But would be grateful for any advice on importing the PHA-3 (with battery!) into the UK.
 
I have come across "grey" market suppliers such as PriceJapan & Accessory Jack and wondered if they were safe and/or reliable.  Are there any other suppliers that you know would recommend?
 
Thank you for your help in advance.

 

[vilhelm44]

  Hi
 
I am "Newbie" on Head-Fi But would be grateful for any advice on importing the PHA-3 (with battery!) into the UK.
 
I have come across "grey" market suppliers such as PriceJapan & Accessory Jack and wondered if they were safe and/or reliable.  Are there any other suppliers that you know would recommend?
 
Thank you for your help in advance.

 
I got mine from PriceJapan and the service was fantastic, order away with confidence.

 

[Edward Pickman]

Thank you for your help on this.
 
As a sort of a follow-up: I was wondering where you can get Van Nuys cases from in the UK or would PriceJapan be the solution to this as well?

 

[AUDIOBREEDER]

How many hours do you get with this?

 

[cheznous]

I am listening to my ZX1 through the PHA 3 using the Sony Z7 with balanced cables. It sounds superb and all three have great synergy.
As good as my AK240 through Hugo with Shure 846.
But and quite a big but. Battery life on the ZX1 using digital output is dire. Maybe as low as three hours with HD tracks. Maybe 4 hours with red book flac.
AK240 and Hugo gives me double the listening time.
Yet ZX1 line out gives 20 hours.

 

[purk]

I am listening to my ZX1 through the PHA 3 using the Sony Z7 with balanced cables. It sounds superb and all three have great synergy.
As good as my AK240 through Hugo with Shure 846.
But and quite a big but. Battery life on the ZX1 using digital output is dire. Maybe as low as three hours with HD tracks. Maybe 4 hours with red book flac.
AK240 and Hugo gives me double the listening time.
Yet ZX1 line out gives 20 hours.

Thanks for your input.  I have the ZX-1, PHA-3, and Z7 rig and I agree that they do sound very good together.  What I also did is upgraded the stock balanced cable with a good silver cable. This help tighten the bass while improved the clarity as well as bettering the soundstage.  Originally, I'm not to keen on the Z7 as I found them to be too bass heavy, but now they are considerably better and I'll keep them.  For the price that Sony is charging for the their upgrade cable, I suggest to get a good upgraded silver cable instead.

 

[cheznous]

Thanks for your input.  I have the ZX-1, PHA-3, and Z7 rig and I agree that they do sound very good together.  What I also did is upgraded the stock balanced cable with a good silver cable. This help tighten the bass while improved the clarity as well as bettering the soundstage.  Originally, I'm not to keen on the Z7 as I found them to be too bass heavy, but now they are considerably better and I'll keep them.  For the price that Sony is charging for the their upgrade cable, I suggest to get a good upgraded silver cable instead.

I note Moon Audio do balanced cables for the Z7. I like the Silver dragon ones I got for my W60 and service to UK is pretty good. So nice late late xmas present for me.

 

[kawaivpc1]

How would you guys compare Sony PHA-3 to Geek Out, iDSD, Hugo, and Explorer 2?
I'm in love with my Geek Out 1000.
Is PHA-3 better than Geek Out?
How does it sound? does it have a wide sound stage?

 

[Jeff]

  How would you guys compare Sony PHA-3 to Geek Out, iDSD, Hugo, and Explorer 2?
I'm in love with my Geek Out 1000.
Is PHA-3 better than Geek Out?
How does it sound? does it have a wide sound stage?

 
I've only heard the PHA-3, but looking at the reviews, the Geek Out 1000 seems to be pretty good. Have you thought about a full size desktop amp/dac? It might be a better deal for the money if you already have a Geek Out 1000. 

 

[Neo Zuko]

I'm curious how well the PHA-3 drives the HD 700. That combo might cone in handy with my iPhone 6 / iPad Mini 3 or with my PS4 for games and Blu-Rays.

 

[kawaivpc1]

   
I've only heard the PHA-3, but looking at the reviews, the Geek Out 1000 seems to be pretty good. Have you thought about a full size desktop amp/dac? It might be a better deal for the money if you already have a Geek Out 1000. 

Geek Out is a great device. It works with android tablet with Lollipop OS. I don't need to put an external battery or Y cable. It's light, small, and convenient. It sounds better than DX100, R10, HM901, etc.
I wonder how Sony's PHA-3 sounds compared to GO 1000.
I had Sony's PHA-2. I think it wasn't better than desktop's headphone out. It was the most plain-sounding unit I've ever had. I sold it within three weeks.