[quodjo105]

I use them exclusively balanced out of the WM1A dap. That is all they need.

Same here


Was thinking a dedicated amp/dac could take them to another level..

 

[sarnhelen]

Well, for what it's worth I find the TA-ZH1ES (balanced) betters the WM1A (balanced), but WM1A betters the recent iFi xDSD which I use with my MacBook Pro while travelling. I think you'll have to spend a fair amount of money to better the WM1A used balanced.

 

[sosrah]

I use it with the Sony / Kimber cable single ended that i terminated balaced with an XLR connector, really excellent for the price.

 

[guitardave]

Is there a good adapter or adapter cable to take the 4.4 pentacon to a 2.5 balanced?

 

[PCheung]

Is there a good adapter or adapter cable to take the 4.4 pentacon to a 2.5 balanced?

The one from musashino is good but expensive. You can buy it at e-earphone website.
http://www.e-earphone.jp/shopdetail/000000134772/ct2848/page1/recommend/


Or you can make one with parts
I asked a workhouse to made one with bispa 4.4 jack and furutech 3.5 plug, using cable from oyaide
I also have a 2.5 adaptor but don't have a photo yet, I can upload it later if you want.
https://twitter.com/Midtiger_HK/status/995313716122927110?s=19

 

[buzzlulu]

I use it with the Sony / Kimber cable single ended that i terminated balaced with an XLR connector, really excellent for the price.

How did you go about doing this? Any instructions posted somewhere?

 

[sosrah]

How did you go about doing this? Any instructions posted somewhere?

Yes, since the cable has 4 wires R+ R- L+ L- you can connect to the XLR four pins.
Use this guide to transform Hifiman cable:

https://robrobinette.com/BalancedCable.htm

 

[Redcarmoose]

Same here


Was thinking a dedicated amp/dac could take them to another level..

Well just remember that the upsampling and digital tomfoolery sound processing is limited with the 1A/1Z. If you do get the TA-ZH1ES the signal upsampling and amp modeling are extended. I actually was not a fan of DSEE HX and DC Phase Linearizer untill hearing what it was doing with the TA-ZH1ES in use. Now I hear it with the DAPs too.

But I can’t say enough about how great the TA-ZH1ES sounds with the Z1R. Truly cool.

You already have the Sony MUC-B20SB1 taboot!

 

[buzzlulu]

Yes, since the cable has 4 wires R+ R- L+ L- you can connect to the XLR four pins.
Use this guide to transform Hifiman cable:

https://robrobinette.com/BalancedCable.htm

I actually found that article and thought it was the one to use. Thanks for the confirmation

 

[quodjo105]

Well just remember that the upsampling and digital tomfoolery sound processing is limited with the 1A/1Z. If you do get the TA-ZH1ES the signal upsampling and amp modeling are extended. I actually was not a fan of DSEE HX and DC Phase Linearizer untill hearing what it was doing with the TA-ZH1ES in use. Now I hear it with the DAPs too.

But I can’t say enough about how great the TA-ZH1ES sounds with the Z1R. Truly cool.

You already have the Sony MUC-B20SB1 taboot!

Heard good things about the zh1es but unfortunately can’t afford that yet . Will have to save or let go my wm1a . Can’t see a lot on the used market so will have to wait a bit .

 

[Redcarmoose]

Heard good things about the zh1es but unfortunately can’t afford that yet . Will have to save or let go my wm1a . Can’t see a lot on the used market so will have to wait a bit .

Yes, just read your prior post to the one I quoted. Looks like https://www.head-fi.org/members/buzzlulu.8394/ may have a used one for sale though.

His quote:

“Yes - I use the Axios CU
I kept the Sony/Kimber single ended however I might be listing it for sale.
I most likely will also be listing my Sony TA-ZH1ES for sale - even though I like it quite a bit. Stax is expensive!”

 

[buzzlulu]

Yes I need to stop being lazy and take some pictures and list it. I purchased it new this past February

 

[pietcux]

Yes I need to stop being lazy and take some pictures and list it. I purchased it new this past February

I was a little lazy too.I missed to connect the Z1R to my Sennheiser HDVA 600 amp. PC>Asus Xonar STX>line out>HDVA600>unbalanced 6.3mm>Z1R. The sound is more solid compared to from the WM1A balanced. I expect a 4.4mm to XLR 4 pin from Forza,so balanced should be even better. So maybe the Sony TA-ZH1ES will have some benefits too, lol. But there are more option then.

 

[musicman59]

I just joined the Z1R club and looking for opinions on balance cables. In the 109 pages of this thread I haven't really seen much discussions on which cable type is preferred, all copper, copper and silver hybrid or all silver.

For example LQI recommends a copper cable for a bright headphone like the Z1R. But I don't find the Z1R to be bright. My LCD-X is so much more brighter and I find the highs at time to even be harsh with the Moon Black Dragon cable. So I'm looking for adding details and definition without adding any high end harshness.

The Z1R will be connected to the following device chain:

TA-ZH1ES -> AudioQuest Carbon USB -> BCR-NWH10 -> NW-WM1Z

I know music_man love the Kimber Kable AXIOS-AG, but I'm not looking to spend that much on a cable. Looking to keep cost under $1,000 but can go a bit higher if it makes a difference.

So what do people prefer? All copper? Copper and Silver Hybrid? All silver?

Then which brands? I've been looking at all the usual suspects, Sony/Kimber Kable, LQI, Forza AudioWorks, Moon Audio, Double Helix and the Kimber Kable AXIOS-CU.

Thanks.

I am actually using with the Z1R the WireWorld Nano Eclipse Platinum (solid Silver) or the Dana Lazuli Reference depending on my mood. The Dana provides a warmer sound but without losing any detail and the WW tights up the bass a little more and opens up the top end without turning it bright.

 

[buzzlulu]

I tried the Wireworld Nano and was not a fan. The Axios silver/copper hybrid "emasculated" the sound for me and made the Z1R into something the designer did not intend them to be.
Axios Copper - YES