Sony Walkman custom firmware (non-Android)

[Stk9196]

Hello all. Please anybody help me with download link to FEv2 firmware for my new WM1a. Really want to compare it with midnight

 

[aceedburn]

Random question, how much does FW change before you get an accurate representation of the FWs signature? I see all this talk about 100-200 hour burn in for firmware but is it drastic? Does it change a ton or is it just very gradual?

Thats why im asking how drastic change can be in the FWs sound. Can it go from nothing to well beyond what it was before?

Firmwares don’t need any breaking in whatsoever. It’s only hardware that requires a certain amount break in. In particular, our walkmans need some hours of breaking in for the caps and other components to fully engage. The exact hours vary from user to user.

 

[Queen6]

What are their reasons for dismissing the 1A/1Z? Anti-Sony, age of the daps, lower power output, lack of streaming, android OS preference, general Sony Walkman tech (comparing with other chips)? I've never looked into other dap options or compared.

I switched back to FEv2 and appreciate what you've described about it. I am still on J and never thought to change but I will give E a go again now I'm well past the burn in time and see how it sounds. My fear is it will be too bright with FEv2 but I've learnt with the firmwares and iem pairing that the result can surprise you.

I think they tend to associate Sony as a more consumer focused brand, equally they all are LOL. Some have valid concern's regarding power output, then DAP's and inefficient headphones will mostly struggle, although there are some that do have very decent drive.

Region E may be potentially bright, I tend to stick with any FW or region change for a while as it does take some time to fully adjust to a new sound signature then make a decision. As ever it's solely down to personal taste.

Q-6

 

[Excavation]

Firmwares don’t need any breaking in whatsoever. It’s only hardware that requires a certain amount break in. In particular, our walkmans need some hours of breaking in for the caps and other components to fully engage. The exact hours vary from user to user.

Ah. Then thats my misunderstanding. In that case, im well beyond those hours. Im around 1130 by now.

It really didn't make sense but i figured what do i know. I've been wrong before. Ig i just misinterpreted all about the hours i was hearing as a result of the FW, idk why.

 

[aceedburn]

Ah. Then thats my misunderstanding. In that case, im well beyond those hours. Im around 1130 by now.

It really didn't make sense but i figured what do i know. I've been wrong before. Ig i just misinterpreted all about the hours i was hearing as a result of the FW, idk why.

No worries. But the most important of it all is just to plug in your headphones and enjoy your Walkman without worrying about all these technicalities. As they say, too much information can kill you or make you crazy. It will sound great nevertheless. It’s quite simply one of the best music players I’ve ever used and have.

 

[Excavation]

No worries. But the most important of it all is just to plug in your headphones and enjoy your Walkman without worrying about all these technicalities. As they say, too much information can kill you or make you crazy. It will sound great nevertheless. It’s quite simply one of the best music players I’ve ever used and have.

I think the same but I'm kinda left having to search. Im in awe from my new FLACs, everything i thought i knew about the sound of my music was wrong. All songs have so much more depth and sounds going on in the background i never heard before, its so dynamic. And some instruments dont even sound the same, its just so much detail in the tone the feeling is entirely different. All would be fine if i could solve my ear piercing highs and not get to much bass. I want balanced but warm lively sound in the mids with the treble dialed back just a bit so some words don't kill my ears. Its so harsh it just ruins the enjoyment when your ears hurt and ring from the sudden slash. Primarily the 2k-8k range

 

[aceedburn]

I think the same but I'm kinda left having to search. Im in awe from my new FLACs, everything i thought i knew about the sound of my music was wrong. All songs have so much more depth and sounds going on in the background i never heard before, its so dynamic. And some instruments dont even sound the same, its just so much detail in the tone the feeling is entirely different. All would be fine if i could solve my ear piercing highs and not get to much bass. I want balanced but warm lively sound in the mids with the treble dialed back just a bit so some words don't kill my ears. Its so harsh it just ruins the enjoyment when your ears hurt and ring from the sudden slash. Primarily the 2k-8k range

Based on your preference, midnight and J region will suit you perfectly. FEv2 tends to be too bright at times and E region also has a significant elevation in high mids that may cause discomfort.

 

[Excavation]

Based on your preference, midnight and J region will suit you perfectly. FEv2 tends to be too bright at times and E region also has a significant elevation in high mids that may cause discomfort.

The problem with that is i have an A55 lol. Its FEv2, A50Z, or A50R

 

[aceedburn]

The problem with that is i have an A55 lol. Its FEv2, A50Z, or A50R

Oh my bad. Then the A50Z is best for you. Warmer and not as harsh.

 

[Quadfather]

Sinful I know, and ashamed to say it but due to a busy life my 1Z still hasn't reached 500 hours and I've had it well over a year now. Can those who have the 1Z and IER-Z1Rs please advise what they recommend using in terms of region and firmware settings (Sony/Mr W/other?). Thanks in advance guys.

Approaching 2,900 on the NW-WM1A.

 

[Lookout57]

Nirvana - Nevermind

Come As You Are, you can feel the edge with FEv2 on E just sounds right; dirty, raw, & visceral as it should be...

Q-6

Sounds that way on Midnight for me on the 1A, Solaris 2020 and DHC Clone Silver. My copy is the HDtracks Nevermind (Remastered) 24/96.

 

[gerelmx1986]

Approaching 2,900 on the NW-WM1A.

Approaching 11000 hours on mine

 

[aceedburn]

Had some free time today. Was experimenting with some earlier firmwares. Settled on Chameleon 2.0 on J region. This is the only firmware that makes the 1A sound like the 1Z. No external tuning. Just some internal matching wizardry from @MrWalkman Bloody hell! I forgot how good this sounded. I swear it’s like listening to music all over again. There were so many firmwares released during this time and I had been testing loads of different variations but this, this is something I had goosebumps listening to again. Perhaps I didn’t spend much time with it previously. It’s just so complete for me. And it ticks all the boxes for me. Just absolutely perfect.

Bass - Full, super deep, resolute and clean
Mids - Sweet, Airy, super clear and articulate
Treble - smooth, very detailed, extremely clear and never ever harsh or fatiguing.

 

[Quadfather]

Approaching 11000 hours on mine

Holy batcave!

 

[nc8000]

I’ve reached about 3.500 hours in a little over 4 years but less than 500 hours the last 1 1/2 years due to mostly working from home rather than travelling 50-100 nights a year so most listening is with the home rig