Sony Walkman custom firmware (non-Android)

[Aynomanche]

For the Sony NW-ZX300, which is the region with the highest overall audio quality?
Keeping the original Sony OS software (2.01v)
(That I can modify in RockBox, since my unit is a Japanese unit)

 

[Aynomanche]

For the Sony NW-ZX300, which is the region with the highest overall audio quality?
Keeping the original Sony OS software (2.01v)
(That I can modify in RockBox, since my unit is a Japanese unit)

 

[greymousetaxi]

For the Sony NW-ZX300, which is the region with the highest overall audio quality?
Keeping the original Sony OS software (2.01v)
(That I can modify in RockBox, since my unit is a Japanese unit)

just install mrwalkman cfw and use mx3 or j or e

 

[aceedburn]

For the Sony NW-ZX300, which is the region with the highest overall audio quality?
Keeping the original Sony OS software (2.01v)
(That I can modify in RockBox, since my unit is a Japanese unit)

There is no region with the highest audio quality as each region has a different sound signature. You might want to experiment with them and see which you like best. Be sure to install Walkman one as that offers many sound customizations along with the regions. With that said, the most popular regions are J3, J and MX3.

 

[Hinomotocho]

Guess which one of these I'll never sell? ​

I haven't heard any other competing daps, nor have the urge to, as overall the WM1Z caters for my requirements. Sony OS reading from a 1TB sdcard is ideal for me. In a perfect world I would favour volume dial.

 

[andnej]

Guess which one of these I'll never sell? ​

I have WM1A and is contemplating on buying a WM1Z. Any push factors?

 

[aceedburn]

I have WM1A and is contemplating on buying a WM1Z. Any push factors?

IMO, Walkman one and regions make the WM1A very very close in terms of sonic performance to the WM1Z. Of course there are some refinements due to the components difference but it doesn’t warrant the double price difference. In any case, both are fantastic devices that have stood the test of time and will continue to be some of the best out there.

 

[Hinomotocho]

I have WM1A and is contemplating on buying a WM1Z. Any push factors?

If you can get a good price for one it may be worth it. Over the years I have moved up through the Walkman models (A15 > ZX100 > ZX300 > WM1A > WM1Z) and with each step gained the audio benefits of either moving to the next tier or the next model's components (eg. A15 was a previous base model, ZX300/WM1A/WM1Z introduced higher powered balanced output). For me even minor improvements are something I notice each time I listen and appreciate so I don't worry about diminishing returns, and as I usually sell my gear to finance the upgrade it helps 'diminish' the cost.
I never did a direct comparison with the firmwares on my 1A to my 1Z, but from having spent almost 2 years with it knew that there are certain areas that the 1Z components took it to what I perceived to be a higher level of sound: a more holographic sound compared to the 1A's wide staging, and another level of bass. The 1A is still an excellent dap, taken to a new level with the firmwares, but I am very satisfied with the step up. Others may not see the same value as me.
One deterrent for me was the weight factor, as the 1A feels like it's an empty chassis compared to the 1Z, but as I only listen around my house it doesn't bother me.

 

[gLer]

I have WM1A and is contemplating on buying a WM1Z. Any push factors?

I think at ~$1500 for a good used unit, it's incredible value for what you're getting.

 

[justsomesonyfan]

I have WM1A and is contemplating on buying a WM1Z. Any push factors?

Better mod it than change to the wm1z, and make sure you've good mrwalkman settings

 

[rcoleman1]

I have WM1A and is contemplating on buying a WM1Z. Any push factors?

Everybody is different. I had to have both but my WM1Z isn’t allowed outside.

 

[newworld666]

Better mod it than change to the wm1z, and make sure you've good mrwalkman settings

It's exactly what I have chosen a bit more than one year ago... I preferred to mod my old Wm1A (by nayparm) for 800€ than switch to a used WM1Z...
In 2023, after so many years and DAPs bought, the WM1A is still my preferred DAP... Most of the time, the sound quality is just fully enjoyable, though it can be sometimes less technical than some of my other DAPs.

 

[greymousetaxi]

are you running the v3 mod of nayparm? i think v4 is 4.4 balanced only. just deciding which one to get

It's exactly what I have chosen a bit more than one year ago... I preferred to mod my old Wm1A (by nayparm) for 800€ than switch to a used WM1Z...
In 2023, after so many years and DAPs bought, the WM1A is still my preferred DAP... Most of the time, the sound quality is just fully enjoyable, though it can be sometimes less technical than some of my other DAPs.

 

[Electrocrytic]

are you running the v3 mod of nayparm? i think v4 is 4.4 balanced only. just deciding which one to get

They only do V5 now I believe, which i was told is 3 additional film capacitors and the kemet capacitors are now a higher spec varient. The back cover is no longer raised as it now has a flush leather effect finish with a gold walkman logo. The firmware is the latest MrWalkman with custom gold gui. Absolutely love mine, its one of those I don't think I'll ever sell.

 

[slumberman]

I have WM1A and is contemplating on buying a WM1Z. Any push factors?

I had both, ended up keeping my Nayparm/NPAudio modded WM1A and sold/traded the WM1Z.