Sony HAP-Z1ES

[o0OBillO0o]

Originally Posted by crwilli

Thanks all! -- Impatient me... I am transferring 21,373 files as I type this as that is what is in one folder of ripped CDs - about 400GBs. It is doing about 250 files /hr via Ethernet cable directly into my router, from a folder on my NAS. Fingers crossed it will work. Looks like 10 - 15 hours...

Any updates?

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by o0OBillO0o

Any updates?

In my experience, the actual data transfer via LAN consumes about half of the total time while building the database consumes the other half. From what I've read, an SSD will GREATLY reduce the database build time, but won't reduce the transfer time by much at all.

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by o0OBillO0o

Any updates?

Hi Bill,

I have only listened to the sample files and they sounded great. After I get this slug of FLAC and some DSD loaded, I will do some serious listening and write something up. Alas, without the capability of many here who's writing abilities far exceed mine.

Craig

[crwilli]

Well, early days with this unit and I will write something more thorough next week.

I have found that I can transfer files pretty quickly just using Windows copy/paste from my NAS to the Internal HD - 21,000 tracks took about 6 hours. However, the unit building the database is taking days - 24 hours and counting. It has recognized 13,800 tracks so far.

Is it this step (building the database) which the unit used to hang at if you loaded too many files at once?

My fingers are crossed!

[paul1]

Originally Posted by crwilli

Well, early days with this unit and I will write something more thorough next week. I have found that I can transfer files pretty quickly just using Windows copy/paste from my NAS to the Internal HD - 21,000 tracks took about 6 hours. However, the unit building the database is taking days - 24 hours and counting. It has recognized 13,800 tracks so far. Is it this step (building the database) which the unit used to hang at if you loaded too many files at once? My fingers are crossed!

I would have done it in two or three lots sometimes it can hang.as long as it's still counting should be fine.
It's the sense me bit that takes time. But once running you should love this unit.

[nicoff]

I downloaded the latest firmware and did a test using Spotify as the music source.

Using my mobile phone, I played a track in two different devices: The Sony HAP music player and an Amazon Echo Dot.

Both devices are connected to my stereo system which means that the analog signal from both devices go via the same preamp, amp, and speakers. So in essence each device is doing the digital-to-analog conversion internally before sending the signal to the rest of the system.

The result was not even close. The sound coming out of the Sony is amazing! I am aware that Spotify premium does not have the resolution of a CD quality, but Spotify premium via the Sony sounds fantastic!

Now, everyone should expect a $2k machine to have better DACs than an $80 device. But here is the thing: I have played Spotify via AiRPlay, Bluetooth, etc. I have had NEVER heard Spotify sound this musical. I can now listen to Spotify via the Sony without regrets.l

Could the Sony be getting a higher quality signal from Spotify (after all, the Sony is connected to the Internet)? Or is it just the internal DAC of the Sony plus the DSD up conversion? I don't know.

This Sony unit has become my go-to device for listening to music when I am not in LP mood (I still prefer the sound of LPs, but not all my music is analog).

With all the improvements that Sony keeps adding, this Sony HAP unit is a must-listen!

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by nicoff

I downloaded the latest firmware and did a test using Spotify as the music source. Using my mobile phone, I played a track in two different devices: The Sony HAP music player and an Amazon Echo Dot. Both devices are connected to my stereo system which means that the analog signal from both devices go via the same preamp, amp, and speakers. So in essence each device is doing the digital-to-analog conversion internally before sending the signal to the rest of the system. The result was not even close. The sound coming out of the Sony is amazing! I am aware that Spotify premium does not have the resolution of a CD quality, but Spotify premium via the Sony sounds fantastic! Now, everyone should expect a $2k machine to have better DACs than an $80 device. But here is the thing: I have played Spotify via AiRPlay, Bluetooth, etc. I have had NEVER heard Spotify sound this musical. I can now listen to Spotify via the Sony without regrets.l Could the Sony be getting a higher quality signal from Spotify (after all, the Sony is connected to the Internet)? Or is it just the internal DAC of the Sony plus the DSD up conversion? I don't know. This Sony unit has become my go-to device for listening to music when I am not in LP mood (I still prefer the sound of LPs, but not all my music is analog). With all the improvements that Sony keeps adding, this Sony HAP unit is a must-listen!

Don't discount the effect and the importance of the analog signal path after the DAC in both the Sony and the Echo Dot. The analog section in the Sony is pretty damn good.

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by Cohibaman

Don't discount the effect and the importance of the analog signal path after the DAC in both the Sony and the Echo Dot. The analog section in the Sony is pretty damn good.

Agree! Both the Amazon Dot and the Sony are connected to the preamp via similar RCA cables.

[nicoff]

If any of you has a chance, try playing Spotify using the Sony and other devices and share your experience here.
I am listening to Pink Floyd (Hey You) and I can't believe that it is from Spotify. Very good dynamics and wide soundstage (not as wide as LP, but still)!

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by paul1

...It's the sense me bit that takes time. But once running you should love this unit.

Thanks for this. I am still trying to figure out what steps the unit performs after I transfer files to it. I guess in addition to searching Gracenote to update its internal database, it also creates the Sens-Me playlists?

Anyone know if the Sense-Me can be disabled?