Sony Walkman custom firmware (non-Android)

[Hinomotocho]

Wow... I see what I’ve been missing now. This is exquisite. Listening to Midnight Classic, getting a feel for what it can do with Beethoven with the Oriolus Mk2. My brain is still adjusting to the capabilities of this pairing, but what i’m hearing now is shocking me.

I have the original Oriolus which are close to the MK2 from what I hear.
Overall I have been favouring the FE+ but found Dawn to be enjoyable with classical.
What were your impressions of Dawn?

 

[R10Guy]

as always, I thank @mr.walkman for the continuous releases of new firmware, thus giving us the opportunity to try new listening sessions every time.
like many of you I installed midnight, plus version, and I must say that the detail rendering is truly exceptional; however, doing various tests, I am of the opinion that this firmware brings out the best of itself in low gain mode; the three-dimensionality reaches peaks never reached before, moreover in low gain, the quality of the bass is truly exceptional, it leaves room for any other frequency without interfering, making the overall tone complete and very precise.
for those who have a low impedance and easily drivable headphones try to set the player in low gain mode, and let me know what you think

 

[aceedburn]

Just stumbled on this topic. Fell in love with my ZX300 again. I'm contemplating about upgrading to WM1A now. Has anyone compared the sound between these two?

I used the zx300 for about 1.5 years and sold it for the wm1a. In a nutshell, the wm1a is better in every way. Resolution, soundstage, separation and overall finer details of sound. It is indeed an upgrade in every way, but the zx300 is also a solid device in it‘s own right.

 

[aceedburn]

as always, I thank @mr.walkman for the continuous releases of new firmware, thus giving us the opportunity to try new listening sessions every time.
like many of you I installed midnight, plus version, and I must say that the detail rendering is truly exceptional; however, doing various tests, I am of the opinion that this firmware brings out the best of itself in low gain mode; the three-dimensionality reaches peaks never reached before, moreover in low gain, the quality of the bass is truly exceptional, it leaves room for any other frequency without interfering, making the overall tone complete and very precise.
for those who have a low impedance and easily drivable headphones try to set the player in low gain mode, and let me know what you think

I agree. I’ve always only used low gain on my 1A. Never had the need to use it in high gain. Rule of the thumb is if it drvies your gear well with enough headroom, low gain is the way to go. A lot of people get excited when they listen to high gain and think that that the extra volume is more dynamic and lively without doing proper volume matching. When in actual fact, all high gain does in most cases is introduce much more noise and makes the sound coarser or grainier. For me, low gain is plenty!

 

[457139]

I have the original Oriolus which are close to the MK2 from what I hear.
Overall I have been favouring the FE+ but found Dawn to be enjoyable with classical.
What were your impressions of Dawn?

I haven’t heard it yet. I’ll prob stick w Midnight for a while as I really enjoy warm sound.

 

[NickleCo]

I wanted to ask if anyone has the link to mrwalkman's modified with progressive artwork stock fw

Edit: Found it.

 

[firesign]

I wanted to ask if anyone has the link to mrwalkman's modified with progressive artwork stock fw

Edit: Found it.

Stock sound but with improved cover art support?
Very interested!!

Could you share it, even by MP?

 

[NickleCo]

Stock sound but with improved cover art support?
Very interested!!

Could you share it, even by MP?

here you go bud! https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sony-nw-wm1z-wm1a.815841/post-15841415

 

[proedros]

I agree. I’ve always only used low gain on my 1A. Never had the need to use it in high gain. Rule of the thumb is if it drvies your gear well with enough headroom, low gain is the way to go. A lot of people get excited when they listen to high gain and think that that the extra volume is more dynamic and lively without doing proper volume matching. When in actual fact, all high gain does in most cases is introduce much more noise and makes the sound coarser or grainier. For me, low gain is plenty!

i also think Hi Gain boosts mid-bass area more , whereas Low Gain stays focused on the sub-bass area

Low Gain seems more 'natural' to me too , i only use Hi gain when i need some more juice because of the recording (vinyl rip etc)

 

[MrWalkman]

Wow... I see what I’ve been missing now. This is exquisite. Listening to Midnight Classic, getting a feel for what it can do with Beethoven with the Oriolus Mk2. My brain is still adjusting to the capabilities of this pairing, but what i’m hearing now is shocking me.

The layering of the stage is so so gd on Midnight classic, width and separation are excellent too. Was listening to the King Of Limbs album by Radiohead, on the song Feral at the end, the drums hitting from behind my head was just incredible! The notorious WM1A glare that kept me from owning this player in the past is totally gone as well . Ty Mr Walkman. Beers headed your way. This is just fantastic work!

It's awesome that you gave this a try, and even more awesome that you like it!

Thanks for the support, and enjoy the music

 

[hungryewok]

I used the zx300 for about 1.5 years and sold it for the wm1a. In a nutshell, the wm1a is better in every way. Resolution, soundstage, separation and overall finer details of sound. It is indeed an upgrade in every way, but the zx300 is also a solid device in it‘s own right.

That's interesting. When listening side by side to zx300 vs wm1a stock I found little to no difference between the two players.

 

[Hinomotocho]

That's interesting. When listening side by side to zx300 vs wm1a stock I found little to no difference between the two players.

Coming from a ZX300 I noticed a wider soundstage and more detail. It should be evident regardless of regions and firmwares but depending on those factors they may make it more noticeable. The differences may be subtle but after more listening of the 1A then going back to the ZX300 it may become more obvious as opposed to A/B comparing.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Wow, Midnight is special, Looks like I’m going to have to try it in the 1Z?

 

[Gamerlingual]

Wow, Midnight is special, Looks like I’m going to have to try it in the 1Z?

It’s so good. Go for it when you can!

 

[Redcarmoose]

Both 1A/1Z now on Midnight. Amazing! Sounds perfect!