Sony HAP-Z1ES

[nicoff]

Here are a couple more:
1) disconnect the Sony from power. Wait about a minute. Then reconnect and let it go through the startup cycle.
2) go to your computer and open the HAP transfer application and see if it finds the unit.

[nicoff]

I just read that Sony released a firmware upgrade yesterday that improves network connectivity. You might want to check that too!

[wpascoe]

Yep, downloaded and installed the new firmware update. Still no connection. I'm really at a loss, cannot figure out what's wrong here.

[nicoff]

I just read today that Spotify has announced a lossless streaming option. For an additional monthly fee, users will be able to stream CD quality content.
For owners of the HAP-Z1ES that should be great news.

[Mikeylee]

I had some problems with my iPad and iPhones connecting to my HAP-Z1ES through Wi-Fi. I had to restart the Sony to get it to work. I recently connected the Sony to my network through a Powerlan set-up (lan through the power lines) and found the iPad, and iPhones, connect quickly and the music transfers are much faster.

I hope Spotify does get a cd quality stream going!

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by wpascoe

Yes, that's true. I've checked that, and they're all on the same network.

Have you temporarily tried hardwiring the Sony? That'll tell you if it's the handshake with the app/network or Sony/network and it'll give you at least a start with further troubleshooting.

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by Cohibaman

Have you temporarily tried hardwiring the Sony? That'll tell you if it's the handshake with the app/network or Sony/network and it'll give you at least a start with further troubleshooting.

+1. If you can't get an Ethernet connection to the Sony, if you have a Sonos unit of any kind, you can connect your Sony to it via Ethernet to yes this.

It will use the Sonos wifi net but look like an Ethernet connection to the Sony.

[crwilli]

Quick update on the HAP-Z1ES I have set up for a friend and on using the USB output. The question has been whether or not it would work with a DAC that requires ASIO drivers such as the Esoteric/TEAC DACs that I own.

I have the Sony connected to my vintage system in SC running by coax into my McIntosh C35 and via WW Platinum Starlight USB into a TEAC UD-503. Of course, it sounds great via the coax. I continue to impressed with the electronics inside the Sony.

You must make two changes for the Sony USB output to work. First, in the 'Settings' - 'Audio settings' sub-menu, you must set 'USB Digital Output' to 'Auto' and Second you must set 'DSD Output (DoP) to 'On'.

Using the USB output works well streaming all my 16 and 24 Bit FLAC and DSD files. I didn't really have time to do a detailed comparison of the DACs of the Sony (coax) versus the TEAC (USB). While it does not stream DSD natively, I am impressed that Sony has provided the capability to use external DACs.
IMG_2263.JPG
My TEAC displays this while streaming DSD files from the Sony USB output.
IMG_2264.JPG

[jdandy]

Craig.......I find it interesting that Sony seems to finally be listening to customer feedback and implementing updates accordingly. Sony has always been big on proprietary software and hardware that only works within the Sony ecosystem. It is good to see them respond to disappointments customers reported about not being able to rip CD's directly to the HAP-Z1ES and not providing digital output capabilities. In my opinion, as I have stated before, I believe Sony made a big mistake not providing those features in the initial product offering. I imagine many audio enthusiasts who initially considered the HAP-Z1ES ultimately passed on a purchase due to these omissions and have now moved on to other music servers that better meet their requirements. I know I have. Had the HAP-Z1ES delivered in the beginning what the updated version does today it may have been a different story for me. I am not saying the Sony HAP-Z1ES is not a fine sounding music server, just that Sony left a lot on the table when they developed it as a closed system.

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Craig.......I find it interesting that Sony seems to finally be listening to customer feedback and implementing updates accordingly. Sony has always been big on proprietary software and hardware that only works within the Sony ecosystem. It is good to see them respond to disappointments customers reported about not being able to rip CD's directly to the HAP-Z1ES and not providing digital output capabilities. In my opinion, as I have stated before, I believe Sony made a big mistake not providing those features in the initial product offering. I imagine many audio enthusiasts who initially considered the HAP-Z1ES ultimately passed on a purchase due to these omissions and have now moved on to other music servers that better meet their requirements. I know I have. Had the HAP-Z1ES delivered in the beginning what the updated version does today it may have been a different story for me. I am not saying the Sony HAP-Z1ES is not a fine sounding music server, just that Sony left a lot on the table when they developed it as a closed system.

Couldn't agree more Dan. I find it refreshing that Sony continues to issue firmware updates that have made the HAP-Z1ES even more functional and world class than when it first came out.

It was never in the cards for me to own one simply because of my strong bias against closed systems with Sony being at the top of my list ever since it's memory systems in their cameras.

I have configured two units for friends with 2TB HDDs and each time I have been impressed with its sound and the HDD app for iOS devices. It's 'SensMe' function works well to automatically make mood oriented playlists that with a large library of digital files, can create hours and hours of blissful music. It is like the 'radio' function inside ROON.

Funny thing is that they love the Sony simply because it is a closed and to them, simple system. It takes a village!