[Lookout57]

Wanted a comparison between the TA-ZH1ES and the Hugo 2 and maybe even the CMA600i. The questions started here Post #1612

 

[Aliv3]

What’s the question?

I have a question. I am looking an amplifier for my audeze LCD-2c and I am an eye on Sony ta-zh1es and the guys here recommended the cma600/400. from what i've been searching the cma400i presents best value for the money than the 600i. so my question is between the Sony and questyle 400i. what you think?
the difference in price is still quite large

 

[TSAVJason]

So I’m not sure who is asking what but let’s see if I can do this in one post anyway.

It would be true at least in my personal opinion that they directly correspond to their price point until we reach the question of which is better between the H2 & the TAES.

So good-better-best is the 400, 600 than the H2 & Sony. If your player or Source is one of the new Sony Walkman DAPs or the HAPZ1ES there is very little contest. The Sony amp does way more very cool and usable functions. If the music source is not a Sony player the H2 is likely the better choice. The H2 can get a little aggressive with lower quality recordings. The TAES is never aggressive even with lower quality recordings. To be sure, both the H2 & Sony TAES are very warm sounding amps and both are very good at detail. The H2 tends to be just a hair warmer depending on how you use the filters.

I will agree with Purk in saying you should still find a way to audition them before you purchase because your question is subjective in nature. My opinion is not the absolute answer but in general you’ll find most responses to your question very similar to mine.

 

[Soundizer]

What’s the question?

Hi Jason,

Do you have an opinion on which is best matched to Focal Clear between SONY TA and Hugo 2?

Also, can I connect the Sony PS-HX500 directly to the Sony TA?
PS-HX500

 

[TSAVJason]

Hi Jason,

Do you have an opinion on which is best matched to Focal Clear between SONY TA and Hugo 2?

Also, can I connect the Sony PS-HX500 directly to the Sony TA?
PS-HX500

I’d personally go with the TA since you like the PSHX500. And yes! The 500 will work nicely with the TA.

The 600 is really nice but more neutral with less emotion in its playback than the H2 or TAES. If you’re in the $2k + price range it really comes down to the H2 or TAES. If you want to consider the more nuetral amp you should be thinking of the 800 not the 400 or 600.

 

[sne4me]

Is anyone here running signal enhancement over USB? I am interested to know if any performance has been seen using say ifi audio igalvanic3 or micro iusb3

 

[Soundizer]

I’d personally go with the TA since you like the PSHX500. And yes! The 500 will work nicely with the TA.

The 600 is really nice but more neutral with less emotion in its playback than the H2 or TAES. If you’re in the $2k + price range it really comes down to the H2 or TAES. If you want to consider the more nuetral amp you should be thinking of the 800 not the 400 or 600.

Hi Jason,

My TA arrived yesterday and I shall post in a few days my impressions. Initially I am shocked how super smooth it is and totally destroys the Questyle CMA600i for pairing with my Focal Clears.


Can I ask some general questions which I hope would be useful to others on this thread, not just me;

[q1] For movies listening via Optical to my TV (in PCM) is there any benefit in turning on:
- DSD REMASTERING.
- DSEE HX.
- ANALOGUE LINEAR PHASE.

[q2]. If connecting to Sony PSHX500 via RCA. This is shown in the TA manual.
Will this still sound great like a vinyl is, as I understand it will change the analog to digital?

 

[Lemieux66]

In answer to your first question, try it yourself. Not sure why you'd ask someone else that question? Don't you trust your own judgement? Afterall, it's you who will be using the gear.

Personally, I always use DSD Remastering and DSEE. I like these features Sony provides.

In my experience, the TA works great with a vinyl source. Don't forget most music during production goes through numerous A/D and D/A stages, and vinyl is a more distorted medium than high quality digital.

 

[TSAVJason]

Hi Jason,

My TA arrived yesterday and I shall post in a few days my impressions. Initially I am shocked how super smooth it is and totally destroys the Questyle CMA600i for pairing with my Focal Clears.


Can I ask some general questions which I hope would be useful to others on this thread, not just me;

[q1] For movies listening via Optical to my TV (in PCM) is there any benefit in turning on:
- DSD REMASTERING.
- DSEE HX.
- ANALOGUE LINEAR PHASE.

[q2]. If connecting to Sony PSHX500 via RCA. This is shown in the TA manual.
Will this still sound great like a vinyl is, as I understand it will change the analog to digital?

There can be benefits if the source signal is good quality. When you use the RCA inputs yes, it will digitize and re-establish the analog. This method should result in improved analog regardless of what analog Source is being used as long as it already a descent recording to begin with. Just like the other poster said (although a little less kind) this is a subjective end result and you should just enjoy what you enjoy, don’t try to force a result that may not exist. Good luck & enjoy your new TA ES Amplifier!

It’s ok to continue asking questions ....don’t be shy about it if you’d like more answers.

 

[Soundizer]

Here are my impressions of the Sony TA-ZH1ES (DAC/AMP) after listening and owning for 3.5 days.

Devices connectivity chain:

1. LG OLED55C7 (TV) >>>via Optical Cable >>> SONY TA-ZH1ES (DAC/AMP)>>>via Focal 4pin XLR cable>>.FOCAL CLEAR (Headphones, burned in).
2. APPLE 4KTV (TV Media Streamer)>>>via HDMI Cable>>>LG OLED55C7 (TV) >>>via Optical Cable >>> SONY TA-ZH1ES (DAC/AMP)>>>via Focal 4pin XLR cable>>.FOCAL CLEAR (Headphones, burned in).
3. Apple iPad (Tablet) >>>via Apple Lighting to USB cable/Audioquest Jitterbug/Sony USB to USB B cable >>> SONY TA-ZH1ES (DAC/AMP)>>>via Focal 4pin XLR cable>>.FOCAL CLEAR (Headphones, burned in).

For the Optical Cable into the SONY TA-ZH1ES (DAC/AMP) based on connectivity 1 & 2 above, I experienced similar impressions as below.
Music Source is TIDAL APP (HIFI subscription) playing via Apple TV4K. Movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime on LG OLED TV. Movies purchased on iTunes played on Apple 4KTV.
- Incredibly resolving, picking out every nuance of detail in the source. I watched Movies and Listening to tracks previously experienced and could pick out numerous points of hearing new sounds. Even at low volumes no details are lost, from Wind to Human breathing sounds.
- Very wide Expansive Soundstage = ideal for Movies.Those that say the Focal Clears don’t have very wide Soundstage, they should try listening via the SONY TA.
- Magnificent low end SUB BASE. I have never heard such details in movie explosions.
- Quiet. Based on above set up the Sony TA is dead quiet. Now that’s what we should expect from a £1,500 device.
- Smoothness. It has wonderful Euphoric smoothness to the sound, which I guess is part of the Sony signature sound. This is good for lower quality recordings to eliminate harshness, but it doesn’t compromise on any details. I just don’t know how they have achieved this. Amazing.
- DSD REMASTERING = I am not sure if I can tell a difference with this on or off. However sometimes I think it is better left ON, but never any worse. So I leave it on.
- DSEE HX = I cannot hear a difference ON or OFF.



For the USB B into the SONY TA-ZH1ES (DAC/AMP) based on connectivity 3 above, my impressions as below.
Music Source is TIDAL APP on iPad. Listening to HIFI Quality music. All types of genre.
VERY disappointed compared to the OPTICAL connection above. Sounds very flat, lack of Base and Sound Stage.
PERHAPS THIS IS DUE TO MY IPAD BEING A BAD TRANSPORT DEVICE. MY IPAD IS IPAD PRO - 2016 MODEL. I DON’T UNDERSTAND.


BUILD QUALITY
Exceptional including the packaging. Feels like £1,500 device if not more. Shame on other manufacturers charging so much, but compromise on build design. The design is subjective, in my opinion it is a first class device which looks like it could fit into a high end Luxury Car.
The best remote control I have seen on any DAC. Brushed black metal, with sensibily laid out buttons. The usability test for me is I can - turn it ON/OFF/VOL UP/DOWN, without looking at the buttons.


RELATIVE COMPARISONS NOTES
The above comparisons I make in comparison to 2 other DACS which I have listened to extensively with the same headphones, Focal Clears. They are the CHORD MOJO, which I own and the QUESTYLE CMA600i. The SONY TA sounds completely different via Optical and the impressions above in number 1 show it to be leagues ahead of the Mojo and Questyle CMA600i. However when listening via USB B the Sony is worse than CMA600i, but this might be to do with my iPad.

 

[TSAVJason]

Here are my impressions of the Sony TA-ZH1ES (DAC/AMP) after listening and owning for 3.5 days.

Devices connectivity chain:

1. LG OLED55C7 (TV) >>>via Optical Cable >>> SONY TA-ZH1ES (DAC/AMP)>>>via Focal 4pin XLR cable>>.FOCAL CLEAR (Headphones, burned in).
2. APPLE 4KTV (TV Media Streamer)>>>via HDMI Cable>>>LG OLED55C7 (TV) >>>via Optical Cable >>> SONY TA-ZH1ES (DAC/AMP)>>>via Focal 4pin XLR cable>>.FOCAL CLEAR (Headphones, burned in).
3. Apple iPad (Tablet) >>>via Apple Lighting to USB cable/Audioquest Jitterbug/Sony USB to USB B cable >>> SONY TA-ZH1ES (DAC/AMP)>>>via Focal 4pin XLR cable>>.FOCAL CLEAR (Headphones, burned in).

For the Optical Cable into the SONY TA-ZH1ES (DAC/AMP) based on connectivity 1 & 2 above, I experienced similar impressions as below.
Music Source is TIDAL APP (HIFI subscription) playing via Apple TV4K. Movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime on LG OLED TV. Movies purchased on iTunes played on Apple 4KTV.
- Incredibly resolving, picking out every nuance of detail in the source. I watched Movies and Listening to tracks previously experienced and could pick out numerous points of hearing new sounds. Even at low volumes no details are lost, from Wind to Human breathing sounds.
- Very wide Expansive Soundstage = ideal for Movies.Those that say the Focal Clears don’t have very wide Soundstage, they should try listening via the SONY TA.
- Magnificent low end SUB BASE. I have never heard such details in movie explosions.
- Quiet. Based on above set up the Sony TA is dead quiet. Now that’s what we should expect from a £1,500 device.
- Smoothness. It has wonderful Euphoric smoothness to the sound, which I guess is part of the Sony signature sound. This is good for lower quality recordings to eliminate harshness, but it doesn’t compromise on any details. I just don’t know how they have achieved this. Amazing.
- DSD REMASTERING = I am not sure if I can tell a difference with this on or off. However sometimes I think it is better left ON, but never any worse. So I leave it on.
- DSEE HX = I cannot hear a difference ON or OFF.



For the USB B into the SONY TA-ZH1ES (DAC/AMP) based on connectivity 3 above, my impressions as below.
Music Source is TIDAL APP on iPad. Listening to HIFI Quality music. All types of genre.
VERY disappointed compared to the OPTICAL connection above. Sounds very flat, lack of Base and Sound Stage.
PERHAPS THIS IS DUE TO MY IPAD BEING A BAD TRANSPORT DEVICE. MY IPAD IS IPAD PRO - 2016 MODEL. I DON’T UNDERSTAND.


BUILD QUALITY
Exceptional including the packaging. Feels like £1,500 device if not more. Shame on other manufacturers charging so much, but compromise on build design. The design is subjective, in my opinion it is a first class device which looks like it could fit into a high end Luxury Car.
The best remote control I have seen on any DAC. Brushed black metal, with sensibily laid out buttons. The usability test for me is I can - turn it ON/OFF/VOL UP/DOWN, without looking at the buttons.


RELATIVE COMPARISONS NOTES
The above comparisons I make in comparison to 2 other DACS which I have listened to extensively with the same headphones, Focal Clears. They are the CHORD MOJO, which I own and the QUESTYLE CMA600i. The SONY TA sounds completely different via Optical and the impressions above in number 1 show it to be leagues ahead of the Mojo and Questyle CMA600i. However when listening via USB B the Sony is worse than CMA600i, but this might be to do with my iPad.

Good impression thx for sharing. What I find with USB is I’m ok with it on an inexpensive cable in a car or while flying. I hate it otherwise. I’ve only found USB to be good when using a pretty expensive cable. Of course it’s my opinion others may have opposing opinions.

 

[Soundizer]

Good impression thx for sharing. What I find with USB is I’m ok with it on an inexpensive cable in a car or while flying. I hate it otherwise. I’ve only found USB to be good when using a pretty expensive cable. Of course it’s my opinion others may have opposing opinions.

Thank you Jason,

Can you recommend an alternative cable. I usually use Audioquest cables at their more entry level.

 

[TSAVJason]

AudioQuest is good and we are a dealer for their products. I’d say there are better choices but sadly 1meter USB cables that really work well are in the $400 -$500 price range. I personally went Kimber Axios but it is far more expensive. It wouldn’t be a cost effective buy in your rig. I would suggest looking at the Nordost Heimdal 2 USB or the Kimber KS2416 or better both can be had for under $500. Both are 3.0 verified and certified ...... still not cheap but they both would make a significant improvement. You’re welcome to send Alan@thesourceav.com an email to see if we have any special deals on any of them. If you have a local store carrying these products see if you can get a loaner deal happening to be able to audition them.

 

[Soundizer]

In answer to your first question, try it yourself. Not sure why you'd ask someone else that question? Don't you trust your own judgement? Afterall, it's you who will be using the gear.

Personally, I always use DSD Remastering and DSEE. I like these features Sony provides.

In my experience, the TA works great with a vinyl source. Don't forget most music during production goes through numerous A/D and D/A stages, and vinyl is a more distorted medium than high quality digital.

Thank you. May I ask if you use a Record Player with the TA, but if not what model would you suggest be a good pairing at under 600dollars.

 

[Lemieux66]

Thank you. May I ask if you use a Record Player with the TA, but if not what model would you suggest be a good pairing at under 600dollars.

Hi and thanks. Hope I wasn't too dismissive, like an earlier poster suggested. Apologies if so.

I don't use a turntable directly with my TA; I run and Phono stage and the TA each into separate line inputs on my Leben integrated amplifier. I did do a quick experiment a while back by plugging my Croft tube Phono stage into the TA, playing vinyl from my Pro-ject Classic turntable. You can switch the digitisation rate for this analogue input from various PCM rates up to quad DSD.

I tend to prefer DSD, but that's just me. I tend to think that if no further processing is required then DSD is the best option in most applications.

At your budget of £600 which I guess includes the phono stage cost too, I'd try to get a Rega or Pro-ject deck and a basic starter phono stage. Even a basic Rega or Pro-ject will give plenty of vinyl enjoyment.

In the future, I might use my Sony TA as the preamp in my system and use the TA analogue input with my Croft phono stage full time.