[Leonne]

Z4 have better audio relay design from factor than Z3
Balanced mode helps a lot with Z4 its designer to works best.
Z4 have full differential (balanced) output.
It's not like always balanced is better but in that case - is.
Same as U1, Z3 or DSDs etc on single ended 3,5mm.

Well, Z4 as all Zishans will slightly change sound signature with different LPF. Changing capacitors and resistors for best possible ones as well but it's very demanding and expensive operation.
Fully modded Z4 isn't better than modded DSDs Dual AK4497 for sure.

can you elaborate why full modded z4 cant get better than the dual AK4497?

 

[Leonne]

i found a local store which sell Z4 for only $80, he doesn't know whether his Zishan is version 5 or 6, my question is: other than bluetooth strength is there any difference in sound quality for both cable and bluetooth output? (between version 5 and 6)

 

[Setmagic]

can you elaborate why full modded z4 cant get better than the dual AK4497?

Modded DSDs D4497 sounds for me better than modded Z4. And its better 3,5mm Jack than balanced 4.4 who is needed to unlock full potential od Z4.

Every player was modded in same way using same components as much as possibile.

DSDs have better:
Sound space 3D and more vivid as well
Better bass extension
Better LCD and keys Control
Overall higher fidelity and more pleasing sound.

 

[Setmagic]

hey guy, this is my ever first Zishan products, gotta say Im quite happy with it. Using 3.5PO with my Dunu Zen Pro the sound quite nice.

My plan is to use this as a standalone dac to use with external amp.

Would you guys mind telling me what mod I have to do to improve the Lineout. My plan is changing the op275 to opa1656, what is the next thing I have to do ? Also is there a way to bypass the amp stage of 4.4 Port ? To make it to be 4.4 Lineout, that will be great.

Thanks

Yes ofc you must just use cables from LPF balanced output and create new balanced line-out. You can also desible amplification in 4.4 and 3,5 by removing all amp section and solder wires directly to LPF output in all jack's
I think it's better to stay with 3,5 LO
If You really need player with full balanced line-out ready to go just buy a DSDs.
There is no BT and good USB-DAC implementation sadly, but still greate player.
For me my favourite Zishans are U1 DAC and Z3 as regular player. DSDs is nice as well but I will prefer Z3 for cheap portable over DSDs it's 3 times cheaper.

Now I'm using for fun U1 for 50$ paired with KOS ESP950 for 1000$ and works greate!

 

[Setmagic]

i found a local store which sell Z4 for only $80, he doesn't know whether his Zishan is version 5 or 6, my question is: other than bluetooth strength is there any difference in sound quality for both cable and bluetooth output? (between version 5 and 6)

6 have little better buttons for that I know so far.
Sound quality is the same.

 

[Setmagic]

I'm all amazed by the player: today I put it on charge and when charging, the indicator started flashing instead of the standard static glow. before that, I disassembled the player, soldered it and reassembled it. charging good(5V ~1.9A via usb tester). Hmm, strange..


An my mod already done:
100uF around opa2156
0.1% resistors in lpf.
+500uF add in filter(left capactiors array).
680pF in opa1622.


Results:
Now soundstage is wider and deep, highs and mids a bit more.
But but buttt: soundstage still behind my head :/ i don't know what to do

Did You measure Z4 before and after all these mods?

 

[manepipoca]

I'm all amazed by the player: today I put it on charge and when charging, the indicator started flashing instead of the standard static glow. before that, I disassembled the player, soldered it and reassembled it. charging good(5V ~1.9A via usb tester). Hmm, strange..


An my mod already done:
100uF around opa2156
0.1% resistors in lpf.
+500uF add in filter(left capactiors array).
680pF in opa1622.


Results:
Now soundstage is wider and deep, highs and mids a bit more.
But but buttt: soundstage still behind my head :/ i don't know what to do

My Z4 always flashing the blue led when it's charging and is solid when it's charged.

 

[qafro]

Pls how do I replace the OPA1622 chip and where is it located on the PCB?

 

[Setmagic]

Pls how do I replace the OPA1622 chip and where is it located on the PCB?

No need to replace. You can bypass 1622 implementation and place whatever You want on a separate PCB.

 

[Wisco]

Does the Z4 allow you to rewind and fast forward within a track?

 

[Setmagic]

Does the Z4 allow you to rewind and fast forward within a track?

Rewind it's not possible only fast forward.
Also don't remember last timecode position of last track. So not for audio books.

 

[ductung513]

I got this babe yesterday, very impressed with it, clear and neutral sound.
My DAP hang freeze after about 3h+ of play continiuos. I'm using high speed 64G samsung EVO card with ~400 lossless songs in it. My Z4 need to hard power off and on manual to play again, I hope this is only firmware issue only -_-

 

[Wisco]

Rewind it's not possible only fast forward.
Also don't remember last timecode position of last track. So not for audio books.

Hi Setmagic, thank you--I appreciate it. Is there another DAP with high sound quality that you would recommend for audio books?

 

[Setmagic]

Hi Setmagic, thank you--I appreciate it. Is there another DAP with high sound quality that you would recommend for audio books?

HiBy looking just right even basic model R2.

 

[Setmagic]

I got this babe yesterday, very impressed with it, clear and neutral sound.
My DAP hang freeze after about 3h+ of play continiuos. I'm using high speed 64G samsung EVO card with ~400 lossless songs in it. My Z4 need to hard power off and on manual to play again, I hope this is only firmware issue only -_-

Did You update do last firmware?