[takato14]

Want.

That is really all there is to say on the matter.

 

[cszdcr]

I prefer PHA-1's design to PHA-2 but PHA-2 has more advanced tech...

 

[Speakerphile]

  I prefer PHA-1's design to PHA-2 but PHA-2 has more advanced tech...

 
The only difference in design is the gold ring around the HP jack and the gold hi-res logo on the top.  

 

[Mkubota1]

   
The only difference in design is the gold ring around the HP jack and the gold hi-res logo on the top.  

 
The PHA-2 is actually longer (or deeper?) than the PHA-1.  I actually got to hear it a few weeks back, but it was with unfamiliar material off of a PC with unfamiliar headphones (7520s) for a very short time.  So my listening impressions are worthless.  It's size will line up a little better with the iPhone 5.

 

[rckyosho]

  As of now only the AK120.

 
 

   
Well, and your computer.  

 
Well if it's compatible like the PHA-1 with android then certain android devices plus the USB Audio Recorder PRO app can play DSD(which I believe is great for live or live studio stuff recorded in DSD natively that showcases the format at i'ts best).

 

[Cotnijoe]

Could someone highlight the upgrades to the PHA-1 for me? I'm currently looking for a new dac/amp that works with my idevice.
 
Considering PHA-1 at 320 on amazon currently, hpp1 at 530, hifim8 at 700, or to wait for the new pha 2.
 
anyone have any suggestions on the first three with their current prices?

 

[Speakerphile]

  Could someone highlight the upgrades to the PHA-1 for me? I'm currently looking for a new dac/amp that works with my idevice.
 
Considering PHA-1 at 320 on amazon currently, hpp1 at 530, hifim8 at 700, or to wait for the new pha 2.
 
anyone have any suggestions on the first three with their current prices?

 
Basically just added DSD support.  

 

[shigzeo]

We don't know if the underlying audio engine has been upgraded or not. Will find that out later. I assume that Sony didn't JUST add DSD support.

 

[Cotnijoe]

yea i would assume so. the DAC portion is expected to be a bit higher up too right?

 

[Speakerphile]

  yea i would assume so. the DAC portion is expected to be a bit higher up too right?

 
The DAC will probably be different, but we have no way of knowing whether it will be an "upgrade".  As I understand it, this will replace the PHA-1, not compliment it.  I wouldn't expect the specs to be very different outside of the DSD addition.  Though they certainly could be.  

 

[shigzeo]

Well, Sony had enough feedback about: balance and low Ω earphone performance that at least those changes should be on the audible radar. As for battery life, who knows. 

 

[RAFA]

As far as I know the PHA1 has an WM8740 inside and the WM8740 does not support DSD. Somewhere I read it will have a PCM1795 inside.

Take this info with a load of salt, because it is not even 6:00 in the morning.

 

[Mython]

More pics here:
 
http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/img/avw/docs/614/488/html/s02.jpg.html
http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/img/avw/docs/614/488/html/s03.jpg.html
http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/img/avw/docs/614/488/html/s04.jpg.html

 

[Skooter]

  More pics here:
 
http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/img/avw/docs/614/488/html/s02.jpg.html
http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/img/avw/docs/614/488/html/s03.jpg.html
http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/img/avw/docs/614/488/html/s04.jpg.html

 
There is a gain switch on the side (Normal-High). See last photo

 

[Mython]

Also note the label at the bottom of the device - it says 'high resolution supported walkman':
 
http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/img/avw/docs/614/488/html/s04.jpg.html
 
That's not unexpected for the PHA-2, but the reason I mention it is that it confirms my suspicion that Sony are intending their forthcoming high-end DAPs to function with the PHA-2 (as opposed to just generic Android phone handsets etc.)
 
The F880 is definitely Android, but it is not yet clear what the NWZ-ZX1 will be (I strongly suspect Android, but What Hi-fi are speculating that it won't be Android)