Ok, well, time for some WM1A/Z mod feedback
So, I own the stock WM1Z, now with the new DMP FW.
Also, courtesy of
@Nayparm I now own the WM1A, hardware modded with his TOTL Audionote Kasei caps mod (including battery upgrade, wire upgrades etc). This DAP is also running the new DMP FW from
@MrWalkman
Firstly, I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to both of you (and
@Whitigir and others for getting this whole train started!); because of your contributions, we've been able to take some already world-class DAPs and take them to even higher highs.
So, I've been A/B testing my FW-modded WM1Z vs my HW/FW-modded WM1A.
With the DMP FW, both players have a noticeable increase in soundstage size and holography, resolution and what seems overall like a slightly more 'reference' style sound signature to my ears.
Now, when I compared the old WM1A/Z++ FW on my WM1Z (and the 2.0 version on my WM1A) with the new DMP FW, I'm not sure if I'm hearing an increase in bass power.
I feel perhaps there's slightly less impact and rumble in the DMP FW, but the bass may tighter and more controlled.
It's very hard to A/B test this, since I can't really be bothered with installing FW's back and forth lol.
So take this bass comparison with a pinch of salt
Now, I had the Lotoo LPGT previously; I traded it for a WM1Z, and I have to say, I've been rather missing it of late.
It had, to my ears, a beautiful sound signature; on one hand it could be described as more neutral-reference (especially in comparison with the relatively more warm, organic and coloured signature of the WM1Z), but I also found it to be addictively musical still.
On top of that, the LPGT had a terrific technical performance, and a quite remarkable ability to take whatever IEMs I plugged in, and - especially on mid-range ones to the lower echelons of TOTL - making them sound like a tier above.
I never really found that with the WM1Z (or WM1A), and have been wondering whether I should try to trade one of them for the LPGT. I mean ultimately, especially with the mods applied, they're all terrific, TOTL DAPs with their own pro's and cons, so as ever this is more about personal preferences.
But with the HW and FW modded WM1A, I now feel I have something much more like the LPGT again, in terms of sound signature and technical performance.
When I A/B test the stock WM1Z (with DMP FW) vs WM1A (HW+FW mod), I feel I prefer the sound of the WM1A (!!).
Now the WM1Z sounds
slightly congested and muddy in comparison.
Note that I mean strictly in comparison; the WM1Z (especially with DMP FW) is still going to be close/equal/superior to pretty much any DAP out there.
Also, the WM1A is now doing what my LPGT used to do; I've plugged in my very warm and smooth $500 Stealth Sonics U4 IEMs, and it's making them sound more like a $800+ IEM.
It's making the Solaris 2020 sound better too, basically bringing new heights to all my IEMs
The only thing I'm wondering now is, if I get my WM1Z the same hardware mods as the WM1A, is it going to sound significantly better or not?
If not, then I'll probably sell one of them.
I prefer the much lighter weight of the WM1A, but one of the main reasons I wanted the WM1Z in the first place was its gorgeous, understated gold appearance.
So in that case, if I modded it and it matched or exceeded the WM1A in performance, I suppose I ought to sell the modded WM1A.. Or keep both and save up money the old fashioned way for other IEMs I want...
Choices, choices...