Why would the Sony D-ej2000 sound better than the D-FS601?

[dead of night]

The 2000 is considered the flagship Sony pcdp. But what in its specs would enable it to sound better than the less expensive 601?

 

[Eagle_Driver]

Actually, a large part of the D-FS601's total price is just for the bulky, "water-resistant" S2 sports shell. Otherwise, the D-FS601's electronics are based on the bottom of the Sony line of PCDPs (the D-EJ360). Moreover, none of the S2 D-FS### series have a line out at all whatsoever.

 

[dead of night]

So how are the specs different for the 2000, other than the line out?

Does the 2000 have a better amplifier? A better CD player? How so? For the sake of argument, let me submit that the bulk of the 2000's price is for the small and light size, the remote, and the magnesium body.

Otherwise, I have seen nothing in the specs that indicates the 2000 is designed for better sound out of the headphones.

 

[bangraman]

The D-EJ2000 has quite a 'fine' sound. i.e. that it sounds quite resolved. Cheaper players might emphasise other frequencies. Due to the miniaturisation involved, there will be major component changes. These will change the sound, although for better or worse I can't tell you.


You bring up a point which I've noted for some time. While there have been plenty of comparison between vintage units, (due to cost issues I imagine for most) there's not really been any major comparison of current-model PCDP's either against themselves or against vintage ones. This is I think one of the reasons why any of the results here are heavily skewed against newer units, regardless of the fact whether they might be any good or not... people here just don't buy them and assume they're crap. We'll see. It's my intention to try and provide a decent sample of current Sony and Aiwa gear at a future meet.

 

[D555]

I have compared my D-EJ2000 against my D555. The '2000 ultimately does not have the same, fine detailed resolution of the D555 but it does compare favoribly. Objectively, RightMark tests of the '2000 reveal admirable performance for frequency response, distortion, and noise. Have not been able to run a DAC linearity test against it and I suspect that is were the D555 will better the '2000. The D555 has a higher power output so if the bass is boosted the D555 will have a bit more drive.

Boosting treble and bass can mask flaws and draw one's attention from sonic flaws in the pursuit for slam and impact.

 

[D-EJ915]

Quote:

Originally posted by D555 Boosting treble and bass can mask flaws and draw one's attention from sonic flaws in the pursuit for slam and impact.

On a side note I have noticed that the D-E880 reduces both the treble and midrange levels signifigantly and raises the bass when using "mega bass", that's the main reason why it sounds so bad.