Sony Walkman custom firmware (non-Android)

[etlouis]

Installed the FE firmware, and it definitely improved my biggest gripe I had with the MK2 version which was recessed vocals in relation to the overall mix.

I also noticed that I had to raise the volume by 5 clicks to where I usually listen to get the full benefit of this Firmware.
This is when the sound comes alive and envelopes you without ever sounding harsh or forced due to the smooth treble response never becoming sibilant.
In my opinion this FW is a definite improvement over MK2 and I encourage everyone to upgrade. As always give it a couple of hours for your ears to adjust and I’m positive you will never look back.

Awesome work @MrWalkman

Hmm maybe it's the synergy.

I guess my iems sound very monitor-ish, flat and not a lot of bass to begin with. The MK2 gave it energy along with some bass boost.

I know the cons of MK2 though, the soundstage is somewhat non-existent. Yet everything is so audible... yet hard to follow?

The stage is cluttered with instruments, but you moved from the back to the front seat.

Vocals sound like they're coming from inside the middle of my skull... and somehow..

I still prefer the MK2 over FE.

It's so fun with pop / techno / ACG / game ost and things with a thumping bass line.


Can there be an MK3 with the benefits of MK2 but soundstage of FE ?

 

[seanwee]

Hey @seanwee, thanks for the quick answer! However, if I were to spend €3000 for a piece of gear I'd definitely be spending it on a full sized desktop DAC for my still DACless main system. This is actually another ongoing project for me atm, options including a dCS Debussy or a PS Audio Directstream 2nd hand at that price.

Unless the Cayin N8 compares favourably to such gear, I can't think of spending more than €1000 on any kind of DAP.

#EDIT: I got to reading about the N8 and it looks like a fairly impressive piece of kit! Still, can't imagine it sits on the same table with the desktop options I mentioned, granted that their original price was more than double than the aforementioned €3000.

It has always retailed around the $3000 mark

Regarding how it compares against desktops of a similar price point I'll say this. I've heard some that are better but more that are worse than the N8.

Definitely! As per my signature, the WM1A/Z would be feeding my SPL Auditor for regular hp amplification and it would mostly be used with IEMs on the go.

I guess all I'm asking is a) whether the WM1A/Z is arguably better than the Mojo SQ-wise (my guess is yes) and b) whether it can compete against products such as those from SMSL (say, M400) or the RME ADI DAC (i.e. marginally reaching a limit of €1500). As for my SQ preferences, I generally tend to lean towards R2R or expertly tuned FPGA with a tight yet full sound when it comes to desktop DACs and the same seems to apply to the few DAPS that I've auditioned so far. Hence my interest on the Sonys.

Personally i found the WM1Z balanced out, WM1A unbalanced out and the mojo a tad too warm for my liking. But amont those 3, the mojo edges out the two terms of techincalities. The WM1Z unbalanced and WM1A balanced were better though.

 

[MrWalkman]

It's so fun with pop / techno / ACG / game ost and things with a thumping bass line.

Can there be an MK3 with the benefits of MK2 but soundstage of FE ?

Nope, this is why it's called Final Edition. It took MK2 and it improved it, and I don't think there can be better in terms of sound for the WM1 players. It's only my opinion, of course.

For example, FE also has bass, even more than MK2, and deeper, and the sound is fuller. So I have no clue about your gear or about what's happening.

I am also listening to a lot of pop/techno, and I never thought that FE has any minuses in comparison to MK2. It actually makes me enjoy these genres more. As I was saying one of the other days, I listened for about 7 hours continuously.

Also, I am using the J region, so that could also be something.

 

[aceedburn]

Nope, this is why it's called Final Edition. It took MK2 and it improved it, and I don't think there can be better in terms of sound for the WM1 players. It's only my opinion, of course.

For example, FE also has bass, even more than MK2, and deeper, and the sound is fuller. So I have no clue about your gear or about what's happening.

I am also listening to a lot of pop/techno, and I never thought that FE has any minuses in comparison to MK2. It actually makes me enjoy these genres more. As I was saying one of the other days, I listened for about 7 hours continuously.

Also, I am using the J region, so that could also be something.

I concur. I have been testing fe even before it was released and it is indeed a marked improvement over MK2. I had goosebumps listening to some songs on it. I never had goosebumps with any other iterations of any firmware or tuning. Fe is indeed the end game.
And yea I’m also on J region. Please bear in mind the region makes a significant change in the sound signature and especially more so with these firmwares. It can be a night or day difference. Don’t take region changes lightly.

 

[Amber Rain]

One other advantage of the A55 over the A45 is that the A55 support more tracks than the A45. The A45 could only handle about 36-38.000 tracks while the A55 has no problem handling at least 45.000 tracks just like the WM1 players

Here in the UK, the A45 is selling for more than the A55 (on Amazon)!!!

I am (still) looking for a smaller DAP (I have the 1A) for short trips out and about and as a transport for my desktop DAC/Amp and am considering the A55.

Could someone confirm whether the A55 outputs native DSD via USB out and also that it is gapless, as even micro-second gaps annoy th ehell out of me?

Thanks

 

[Donmonte]

Hmm maybe it's the synergy.

I guess my iems sound very monitor-ish, flat and not a lot of bass to begin with. The MK2 gave it energy along with some bass boost.

I know the cons of MK2 though, the soundstage is somewhat non-existent. Yet everything is so audible... yet hard to follow?

The stage is cluttered with instruments, but you moved from the back to the front seat.

Vocals sound like they're coming from inside the middle of my skull... and somehow..

I still prefer the MK2 over FE.

It's so fun with pop / techno / ACG / game ost and things with a thumping bass line.


Can there be an MK3 with the benefits of MK2 but soundstage of FE ?

I never had a recessed mid range problems especially with Male vocals with any of the Stock, WM1AZ+ and Chameleon FWs.
For some reason MK2 exacerbated this issue for me, and FE fixed it back along with great bass and airy soundstage. Also using J region..

 

[nc8000]

Here in the UK, the A45 is selling for more than the A55 (on Amazon)!!!

I am (still) looking for a smaller DAP (I have the 1A) for short trips out and about and as a transport for my desktop DAC/Amp and am considering the A55.

Could someone confirm whether the A55 outputs native DSD via USB out and also that it is gapless, as even micro-second gaps annoy th ehell out of me?

Thanks

I’ve never connected any of my dap’s to anything else so don’t know about the usb output, but the ones I’ve tried (ZX2, A45, A55 and WM1) are all propper gapless

 

[unifutomaki]

Here in the UK, the A45 is selling for more than the A55 (on Amazon)!!!

I am (still) looking for a smaller DAP (I have the 1A) for short trips out and about and as a transport for my desktop DAC/Amp and am considering the A55.

Could someone confirm whether the A55 outputs native DSD via USB out and also that it is gapless, as even micro-second gaps annoy th ehell out of me?

Thanks

No problems whatsoever with gapless. Below are the options for DSD output via USB.

 

[MrWalkman]

Listening right now to Stephan Bodzin - Wir, and the bass slams deep and very detailed - this is on my Shure SE846 (full balanced armature), low gain.



The lows are not going even a single bit into the mids. As usual, I have DSEE AI on, DC Phase Linearizer set to type A LOW, and Vinyl processor set to Standard.

It's just a wonderful experience.

 

[Amber Rain]

Thanks for the replies, will definitely consider this as an option, if I can't get a cheap ZX300 second-hand.

I’ve never connected any of my dap’s to anything else so don’t know about the usb output, but the ones I’ve tried (ZX2, A45, A55 and WM1) are all propper gapless

No problems whatsoever with gapless. Below are the options for DSD output via USB.

Thanks for the replies, will definitely consider this as an option if I can't get a cheap ZX300 second-hand.

 

[etlouis]

Listening right now to Stephan Bodzin - Wir, and the bass slams deep and very detailed - this is on my Shure SE846 (full balanced armature), low gain.



The lows are not going even a single bit into the mids. As usual, I have DSEE AI on, DC Phase Linearizer set to type A LOW, and Vinyl processor set to Standard.

It's just a wonderful experience.

Haha that just goes to show I appreciate the MK2 even if it's just a prototype. IMO you struck gold there as well!

They're both really nice sounding FWs,

it’s hard to choose.

 

[normie610]

Listening right now to Stephan Bodzin - Wir, and the bass slams deep and very detailed - this is on my Shure SE846 (full balanced armature), low gain.



The lows are not going even a single bit into the mids. As usual, I have DSEE AI on, DC Phase Linearizer set to type A LOW, and Vinyl processor set to Standard.

It's just a wonderful experience.

I just wanna tell you how amazing the FE is. I’m only using direct mode and it literally transforms my listening experience with Fir Audio M5 to a new height! I just can’t stop listening to this pairing, the bass are phenomenal, clean and yet reaching very deep with great amount but very well controlled mid-bass kick. Vocals are lush, and treble that can extend for days (I know I’m exaggerating a bit on the treble, but it’s massively airy). Thank you so much for bringing this joy upon us!

 

[MrWalkman]

I just wanna tell you how amazing the FE is. I’m only using direct mode and it literally transforms my listening experience with Fir Audio M5 to a new height! I just can’t stop listening to this pairing, the bass are phenomenal, clean and yet reaching very deep with great amount but very well controlled mid-bass kick. Vocals are lush, and treble that can extend for days (I know I’m exaggerating a bit on the treble, but it’s massively airy). Thank you so much for bringing this joy upon us!

Thanks for the feedback!

I am enjoying this every bit as much as you.

I'm thinking that because not everyone feels the same about FE, it could be more like an acquired taste for us or something. This is why I really recommend giving it more listening time before taking a decision.

Cheers!

 

[WilcoRoger]

Could someone confirm whether the A55 outputs native DSD via USB out and also that it is gapless, as even micro-second gaps annoy th ehell out of me?

I use a WMport->micro USB cable, and the "DSD" light is lit on the DAC/amp, so it's a yes.

Check other country sites of Amazon - on prime day, the A55 was under £100 on amazon.de.

 

[RYCeT]

Wanna share with you guys, I know it’s a little out of the topic, but I found amazing drummer cover.

OMG can’t even describe this. Check out her other covers.So much passion and power! Put originals to shame! The younger has surpassed the old. Listening to her works will blow your mind

I’m not even a fan of metal. A treat on 1A/Z on FE fw. Sounds even better on IER-Z1R or EE LX. Enjoy!

How do you listen to youtube through WM1A/Z?