Sony HAP-Z1ES has arrived

[dennis336]

i currently have both a 4TB external and cd for importing on a small 4 port usb2 hub, so yes, i would think you can now add a usb out to a dac

 

Is the hub you are using powered? Seem to recall there was an issue on that in an earlier HAP manual. Note that OPPO just announced a new DAC which might be a good fit.

 

I have a 2TB external which has filled up -- if you had to transfer how did you do it your 4TB -- drag and drop --

[dennis336]

Update from Sony on update for HAPZ -

 

[h=2]Using a USB digital audio device (USB Digital Output)[/h]While a Sony USB digital audio device (USB DAC), such as TA-ZH1ES orCAS-1, is connected to the EXT port on the back of the HDD AUDIO PLAYER, you can output audio signals to the connected USB digital audio device for music playback.

 

 

• Connect a USB digital audio device to the EXT port on the back of theHDD AUDIO PLAYER.
  
• Select [settings] - [Audio Settings] from the Home screen.
  
• Select [uSB Digital Output].
  
• Select [Auto].
  

[h=4]Descriptions of menu settings[/h]Selectable menu items are described below.

Auto:If a USB digital audio device is connected, audio signals are output to the connected device for playback. If not, audio signals are output to the devices connected to the analog output terminals (LINE OUT UNBALANCED(analog: unbalanced output) L/R jacks and LINE OUT BALANCED (analog: balanced output) L/R jacks) via the built-in D/A converter of the HDD AUDIO PLAYER (factory default setting).Off:Audio signals are always output to the devices connected to the analog output terminals (LINE OUT UNBALANCED (analog: unbalanced output) L/Rjacks and LINE OUT BALANCED (analog: balanced output) L/R jacks) via the built-in D/A converter of the HDD AUDIO PLAYER, regardless of whether a USB digital audio devices is connected.[h=4]DSD Output (DoP) settings[/h]While [uSB Digital Output] is set to [Auto], you can turn on or off the DSD Output (DoP) function.

On:Enables playback of music files in the DSD formats with the connected USB digital audio device. Select this item if the connected USB audio device supports DoP transfer.Off:Disables playback of music files in the DSD formats with the connected USB digital audio device. Music files in the DSD formats are skipped for playback (factory default setting).

[h=4]Note[/h]

• Some USB digital audio devices may not work for playback.
   
  
• While the USB Digital Output function is set to [Auto] and audio signals are being output to the connected USB digital audio device, signal output through the analog output terminals (LINE OUT UNBALANCED (analog: unbalanced output) L/R jacks and LINE OUT BALANCED (analog: balanced output) L/R jacks) is disabled.
  
• You cannot output audio signals, which are input from the audio device connected to the input jacks on the HDD AUDIO PLAYER, to the connected USB digital audio device for playback because they are designed to be sent to the analog output terminals on the HDD AUDIO PLAYER at all times.
   
  
• You cannot use a USB digital audio device to play the contents that are unavailable for playback (grayed out) on the HDD AUDIO PLAYER
  

 

 

[dennis336]

OK -

 

Help Guide | Using a USB digital audio device (USB Digital Output)

[dennis336]

I am looking forward to the OPPO Sonica DAC as a add on to the HAP - received the following note from OPPO today.

 

"We still anticipate end of the year for the Sonica DAC, but it is up to the software development to be finalized before we can start to sell the units to the public.

Best Regards,

 

Customer Service

OPPO Digital, Inc.

162 Constitution Dr.

Menlo Park, CA 94025

[email protected]

Tel: 650-961-1118

Fax: 650-961-1119

 

[dennis336]

I upgraded to a 4tb external (My Passport) works fine - lot easier that internal change - agree with earlier comments on transfer in upgrade -- moved files from 2tb to 4tb - took about day and half -- only real issue was that all my files are classical and the transfer put some tracks out of order -- a real problem in classical.

[dennis336]

Just an update to earlier posts -- the new Oppo Sonica DAC is shipping and I purchased one for use on digital output from the HAP-Z. The connection following the updated instructions from Sony HAP-Z was easy and quick. Connection to the Oppo DAC was also without issue following instructions. The results were very impressive and a solid improvement over the HAP-Z regular internal output. On some music -- DSD -- really dramatic. One comment is that by using the HAP-Z and its database you do not have the issue of just connecting an external drive to the Oppo -- it does not at this stage support gapless playback -- through the HAP-Z no issues.

[dennis336]

Thank for the update -- on the gapless issue -- it depends on what type of music you play -- I am all classical so for operas and such there are many single files for the work sometimes dividing up the section thus there is a few second gap in a singer from one file to the next -- for jazz or pop etc do not see an issue given that the files are usually complete -- I also prefer the HAP Z app for playing vice the Oppo Sonica -- but this again because its a lot easier for classical.

 

 

So, the only advantage to using the HAP-Z1es into the OPPO Sonica is gapless playback? My Sonica arrived Wednesday and I just plugged a HDD Dual 8TB [ExFAT] music library into the USB Host (back of unit) and I was up and running within 5 -10 minutes. The Sonica (at the moment) may not be gapless but it is pretty damn fast.

 

My issues with the Sonica are: 1) It is not currently ROON ready and, 2) OPPO replaced Pandora with Spotify. My 105D has Pandora so I do not know what the reasoning here is. Pandora will soon be streaming in High Rez. I now listen to TIDAL Premium but I miss my Pandora Premium Jukebox.

 

As far as SQ - The Sonica outperforms the HAP by a wide margin. It is especially strong rendering DSD files.

 

The new owner of my HAP seems very happy.

[dennis336]

Yes -- If you have the latest HAP-Z software upgrade that came out a few months ago you can attached a USB hub to the HAP-Z and then connect an external storage drive and also the USB connector to the Oppo DAC - you need a USB A 2.0 to USB B (you do not need a powered HUB). There is a selection on the Oppo to select the USB B connection - you use the HAP-Z app to play music - there is also a Oppo app for connections of a hard drive directly to the Oppo.

Following is from Sony HAP-Z:

 

Using a USB digital audio device (USB Digital Output)While a Sony USB digital audio device (USB DAC), such as TA-ZH1ES or CAS-1, is connected to the EXT port on the back of the HDD AUDIO PLAYER, you can output audio signals to the connected USB digital audio device for music playback.Connect a USB digital audio device to the EXT port on the back of the HDD AUDIO PLAYER.Select [settings] - [Audio Settings] from the Home screen.Select [uSB Digital Output].Select [Auto].Descriptions of menu settingsSelectable menu items are described below.Auto:If a USB digital audio device is connected, audio signals are output to the connected device for playback. If not, audio signals are output to the devices connected to the analog output terminals (LINE OUT UNBALANCED (analog: unbalanced output) L/R jacks and LINE OUT BALANCED (analog: balanced output) L/R jacks) via the built-in D/A converter of the HDD AUDIO PLAYER (factory default setting).Off:Audio signals are always output to the devices connected to the analog output terminals (LINE OUT UNBALANCED (analog: unbalanced output) L/R jacks and LINE OUT BALANCED (analog: balanced output) L/R jacks) via the built-in D/A converter of the HDD AUDIO PLAYER, regardless of whether a USB digital audio devices is connected.DSD Output (DoP) settingsWhile [uSB Digital Output] is set to [Auto], you can turn on or off the DSD Output (DoP) function.On:Enables playback of music files in the DSD formats with the connected USB digital audio device. Select this item if the connected USB audio device supports DoP transfer.Off:Disables playback of music files in the DSD formats with the connected USB digital audio device. Music files in the DSD formats are skipped for playback (factory default setting).NoteSome USB digital audio devices may not work for playback.While the USB Digital Output function is set to [Auto] and audio signals are being output to the connected USB digital audio device, signal output through the analog output terminals (LINE OUT UNBALANCED (analog: unbalanced output) L/R jacks and LINE OUT BALANCED (analog: balanced output) L/R jacks) is disabled.You cannot output audio signals, which are input from the audio device connected to the input jacks on the HDD AUDIO PLAYER, to the connected USB digital audio device for playback because they are designed to be sent to the analog output terminals on the HDD AUDIO PLAYER at all times.You cannot use a USB digital audio device to play the contents that are unavailable for playback (grayed out) on the HDD AUDIO PLAYER.

 

 

Some beginner questions, if you will. Great to hear that the Oppo works well as DAC connected to HAP-Z1ES. Thanks for that report. Connection-wise, how is this set up? There's a single USB connection on the HAP. So you're connecting the Oppo that way. How are you supporting USB hard drive storage. Do you have a USB hub to which both Oppo DAC and USB terabyte drive(s) is connected? You mention "updated instructions" for the HAP. Do you have a link for those? Again: stone rookie digital guy on this end. Thanks for any help on these points.

[dennis336]

FYI - for those of you who use the HAP via a USB to a DAC there was a software update from Sony yesterday:

 

IMPORTANT: This update is available only by performing a Network Upgrade.

This firmware upgrade (version 18120R) provides the following improvements over version 18033R:

 

• Improves playback quality for the USB digital output function. (download noted this is focused on 32bit DACS)
  
• Improves Network connections with HDD Audio Remote and HAP Music Transfer applications.
  
• Improves communication security.
  

IMPORTANT: To use the HDD Audio Remote app on your smartphone or tablet you must update the app software using the Google Play™ online store for Android™ devices, or the iTunes® App Store for iOS devices.

[dennis336]

I have the HAP set up to the external DAC Oppo Sonica. As I noted earlier setup is easy. Because the Sonica has the new ESS Saber pro there is considerable improvement from the older HAP DAC chip -- at least to my ears. Since the HAP has only one USB output -- Sony updated software lets you connect via USB port a CD player (so you can download from a CD) - an external drive and the link to the DAC - the only issue I have is that for some reason the HAP does not recognize the external drive at start-up and I get -- do you want to connect this drive popup? each time. For some reason this does not happen in the downloading of new music files to the HAP through the Ethernet connection I have to it -- and the files go without problem to the external drive.

[dennis336]

Thanks christoum and audio.bill - the issue is indeed the connection and the USB hub -- I was using a powered one but with power not connected -- apparently this is not enough -- when I replaced it with a true passive one there are no issues and no popups. One question for all is why Sony continues to add features and updates to the HAP - which was first issued in 2013 - I know that there are continued advs on it from high end dealers etc - so presume they want to encourage more sales - but it would appear that their aim should be for a new model due to tech progress.

 

 

A friend of mine experienced the problem of being prompted to connect the external drive each time he powered up the Sony when using a hub to connect the external drive and USB DAC. He was using a powered USB hub and found that the problem disappeared once he disconnected the USB hub from it's power supply (in other words using it passively.) Hope this helps!

[dennis336]

Christoum -- how did you transfer the files from your earlier external to the new one?  -- I moved the files from a 2Tb to a 4Tb by drag and drop and it took almost two days.

[dennis336]

Hub is - Belkin USB 2.0 4-Port Ultra-Mini Hub - I tried more expensive but this works fine - with the CD add also and to output to a DAC

[dennis336]

There was a great deal of discussion of 30,000 year ago. I have 30,000 no problem- recall that it was an erroneous or misconstrued comment from Sony tech - my 4tb external works fine.

[dennis336]

Another forum

Thank you Richard Zane and christoum for answering my question on size of external HD. After I complained to Sony email support, they gave me a link to US Sony ES customer support:

https://dealersource.sel.sony.com/dsweb/p/builtin/contact_support.html

 

no email but 2 phone numbers one for installation help (866) 924-7669 and the other for customer service (877) 619-7669.

 

A very helpful person answered the phone right away (no long voice menu system Yay). He explained that he has tested a single 4TB hd with no issues. He said that there is no reason why a larger drive would not work but he just has not tried it yet. He also mentioned that the 20,000 song limit applies to the number of files you can transfer at once and that he has over 30,000 songs on his HAP-Z1 ES. 

 

Just thought I'd relay this information. Would love to hear how others are doing with their external drives and libraries and I will report back when I have finished loading up my friend's unit.

[dennis336]

Check out Sony instructions 

https://esupport.sony.com/US/p/model-home.pl?mdl=HAPZ1ES

 

Sent from my iPad

[dennis336]

I have the same download issues on PC since the software update -- does someone know how to contact Sony on the issue since the only solution is an update to the software. 

[dennis336]

There was a post on Sony help recommending deleting and reinstalling the HAP download app -- I will try that - again a lot of people have the same issue - at least with PCs - and Sony needs to recognize that.

[dennis336]

That one in 2017 was for MAC download -- the PC one is still from 2013

[dennis336]

OK I uninstalled the PC HAP down-loader and downloaded new one from the Sony site and installed --- seems a solution -- Just downloaded a DSD album with no problems -- will see....

[dennis336]

The changing of the Windows 10 Control Panel worked for one album but then dropped out -- seems line the automatic shut down kicks in -- will check that - in any case Sony had updated some of the manuals for the HAPZ on 15 Oct 18 -- will check that.

 

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/audio-components-hdd-audio-network-audio-players/hap-z1es#/downloadTab