Sony HAP-Z1ES

[audio bill]

Dan, I don't own one so can't be sure. However from what I read I don't believe you have to, since it's a Linux based system no Windows drivers are needed. There's a product related thread over at Computer Audiophile which provides additional details on the update.

[nicoff]

The Sony has its own DAC. But after the latest firmware update, the unit now has the ability to output a digital signal via USB.
Has any owner of the Sony Hap-Z1ES tried using the USB digital out with a dedicated DAC?
Just wondering about a sound comparison.

[Cohibaman]

I connected the Sony's USB to my DAC to make sure it works, but since my DAC doesn't support DSD files, I only briefly tried Redbook files and didn't give it much critical listening time at all.

Because the Sony disables the analog outputs while using USB, it would be a real pain to use USB for Redbook, then disconnect the USB cable every time you wanted to listen to a DSD file. For me it's obvious, use the internal DAC and XLR analog output of the Sony.


The sound quality will, to a large degree (if not totally) be determined by the quality of your DAC.

[nicoff]

Ok Thanks cohibaman! That makes sense in your case.
Still wondering if someone with a DAC with DSD capability has been able to do a comparison.
Anyone out there?

[nicoff]

I finally tried the USB out connection to my Bryston SP3. It works well for CD quality digital files. However, I noticed a noise when playing higher resolution 96/24 wav files and of course no sound comes out when playing DSD files (the SP3 can't handle those).
I then went back and played the high-res files in the Sony and realized how good the Sony sounds.
I had hoped for better hi-Rez reproduction by the SP3 but I am not sure if the Bryston has asynchronous USB connections. That could be part of the problem.

[Cohibaman]

Interesting. When I listened to a few songs via USB, I heard some crackling and popping, almost exactly like you'd hear playing vinyl. At first I thought it was the song.

What noise did you encounter?

[nicoff]

It was like a steady buzz and cracklings every so often. Both were noticeable. Predominant on left channel only.

[nicoff]

By the way, you do not need to switch any cables. You can set the Sony's USB output to Auto. Then all you do is switch the source on your preamp. I will try and compare the sound quality of CD files between the SP3 and the Sony sometime. At first glance they both sounded good.

[Cohibaman]

Mine asked squirrelly until I unplugged the USB cable.

[nicoff]

After two years of ownership I decided to let go of my Sony unit. Two factors came into play: 1) I have a NAS and keeping both units synchronized (if I made some metadata changes in one for example) was a pain; and 2) I started using Roon/Tidal and the Sony does not work with either one.
The Sony is a great sounding unit, but convenience won out.