Sony HAP-Z1ES has arrived

[noiseless]

I haven't seen a power conditioner that transforms the voltage down or up from nominal input. But there are ways to give you the 100V as well as for the rest of your system.

 

It needs a custom transformer, that inputs 230V to 100V for the Sony player. The other step is to add another winding, 230 to 230V. This is effectively an isolation transformer for the Sony as well as other components. It allows further expansion to add conditioners of your choice and countless other suggestions as to other methods.

 

An isolation transformer can provide a reasonable amount of common mode rejection, without resorting to fancy electronics. It will last you a lifetime, and they are about 99% efficient. The lower the regulation figure will give you improved rejection of line transients. Aim for a value of 2%, be aware the price hikes, since there is more copper.

 

Spec:

Primary : 230V

Secondary 1 : 100V @ 150VA

Secondary 2 : 230V @ Total Watts of your system/0.6 VA

Frequency: 50Hz

Shield between primary and secondary windings

regulation: 2 %

 

You will need a metal enclosure with plugs and sockets to suit. The transformer suppliers can make an enclosure, but will be industrial looking for sure. This is where enthusiasm meets reality and caution needs to be applied since we are dealing with mains voltages. If you have a qualified person to wire the setup, you can add protection, use fancy wire, gold plated outlets, star earthing, all sorts. Limit is only the cost.

 

Great reply - thank you!

I see the benefits of the isolation transformer but all the savings from the Japanese order will be put in this PSU and may be more and I still don't know how/if the warranty will work here....

Is the balanced PSU good idea for the Sony only and leave all the rest audio system powered "unbalanced"?

[noiseless]

The HAP-S1 is an interesting product considering that it is essentially the HAP-Z1 and an amplifier together in a smaller box, making it a completely self-contained unit.

Unfortunately, S1 doesn't offer the DSD remastering which might be alright for some but I prefer to have it on my disposal...

[One and a half]

Great reply - thank you!

I see the benefits of the isolation transformer but all the savings from the Japanese order will be put in this PSU and may be more and I still don't know how/if the warranty will work here....

Is the balanced PSU good idea for the Sony only and leave all the rest audio system powered "unbalanced"?

 

You mean 230V/50V-0-50V supply just for the Sony?

[noiseless]

You mean 230V/50V-0-50V supply just for the Sony?

 

Yes, only for the Sony because it doesn't have ground connection anyway....

[Pigs on the Wing]

Unfortunately, S1 doesn't offer the DSD remastering which might be alright for some but I prefer to have it on my disposal...

 

This is true. But, between my PS3 SACD rips, the ever increasing number of DSD downloads that are available, and my collection of 24/96-192 HDtracks, I don't know how much I'm really going to miss the Z1's DSD remastering capability.

 

With the S1, I'm gaining a smaller cabinet, in black, and I get to keep an extra $1,000 in my wallet (which keeps my wife happy). The digital/analog inputs, headphone out, and 40-watt x 2 amp are all gravy, but may end up being just what the doctor ordered should I decide to put the S1 in my den and pair it with some nice bookshelf speakers.

 

They apparently overlooked DSD remastering, but I enjoyed the humor in Audioholic's remark when comparing the Z1 and S1: "If you ever needed an example of how audiophiles will pay a premium to have LESS features, this is it."

 

My HAP-S1 arrived a day early and I'm loving it so far! The included Z1/S1 remote is a joke, but what a joy it is to use Sony's iPad app!

[noiseless]

Yes, BUT.... Z1 has two separate power transformers, dual mono DAC configuration and I suppose more sophisticated power supply in general.

I don't mind paying the premium price but why it is so different in the different parts of the World!

[Vinnie Rossi]

Yes, BUT.... Z1 has two separate power transformers, dual mono DAC configuration and I suppose more sophisticated power supply in general.

I don't mind paying the premium price but why it is so different in the different parts of the World!

 

Hey guys,

 

I'm new to the CA forum, but some of you might know me from the C.A.P.S. discussion because of the Black Lightning LiFePO4 battery power supply.

 

I've been carefully studying and evaluating the HAP-Z1ES for mods(there is a thread about it on my forum on audiocircle).

 

Noiseless is correct:

 

The HAP-S1 is a lot smaller, does not have dual power transformers (or nearly the same level of voltage regulation stages), no dual dacs, not the OPA2132 opamps (instead I think it uses generic JRC), and various other differences such as different board(s) layout, different caps/resistors, clock, etc. Doesn't have the same level of construction (no ES enclosure).

 

This is a cool link to check out for pics:

 

SONY UDA-1 HAP-S1

 

That is not to say the S1 is not good (I haven't heard it). But there is a reason why Sony could add in a speaker amplifier output stage, headphone output stage, volume control, and charge $1k less for it.

 

I wish they used a larger enclosure for the S1. But it's great that is still has the same UI and features, as far as I can

tell.

 

Vinnie

[One and a half]

Yes, only for the Sony because it doesn't have ground connection anyway....

 

A Balanced supply is OK for 2 pin equipment, but shines with 3pin The audio out cables from the Sony to the amplifier are the same ground, so you won't get an earth loop. This means you can connect the Sony running from a balanced AC supply and have the rest of your equipment plain vanilla from the wall outlet.

 

The better way of course is to use balanced AC everywhere, requires some planning. The rewards are very good indeed.

[One and a half]

Yes, BUT.... Z1 has two separate power transformers, dual mono DAC configuration and I suppose more sophisticated power supply in general.

I don't mind paying the premium price but why it is so different in the different parts of the World!

 

Photos of the interior of the Z1ES.

[Pigs on the Wing]

This is a cool link to check out for pics:

 

SONY UDA-1 HAP-S1

 

 

Thanks for this. I haven't opened mine up yet... where are they hiding the HD in there? I may have to switch to the Z1ES if I can't find the darned thing.

[noiseless]

Hey guys,

 

I'm new to the CA forum, but some of you might know me from the C.A.P.S. discussion because of the Black Lightning LiFePO4 battery power supply.

 

I've been carefully studying and evaluating the HAP-Z1ES for mods(there is a thread about it on my forum on audiocircle).

 

Noiseless is correct:

 

The HAP-S1 is a lot smaller, does not have dual power transformers (or nearly the same level of voltage regulation stages), no dual dacs, not the OPA2132 opamps (instead I think it uses generic JRC), and various other differences such as different board(s) layout, different caps/resistors, clock, etc. Doesn't have the same level of construction (no ES enclosure).

 

This is a cool link to check out for pics:

 

SONY UDA-1 HAP-S1

 

That is not to say the S1 is not good (I haven't heard it). But there is a reason why Sony could add in a speaker amplifier output stage, headphone output stage, volume control, and charge $1k less for it.

 

I wish they used a larger enclosure for the S1. But it's great that is still has the same UI and features, as far as I can

tell.

 

Vinnie

 

Very good and full of technical info thread started by Vinnie here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=124280.0

[Vinnie Rossi]

Very good and full of technical info thread started by Vinnie here:

Sony HAP-Z1ES High Res DSD Audio Music Player - in the house

 

Thanks, noiseless!

 

I just posted some more detailed listening impressions as well...

[silvercat59]

I received my Sony HAPZ1ES about two weeks ago. It took several weeks to receive it once ordered through amazon. I've been very pleased with the sound and ease of use. I replaced a Musical Fidelity DAC system (Mac Mini/MF M1DAC combination). I already own about a thousand hi-res FLAC files with various resolutions up to 192K. I copied them to the Sony player very easily using the HAP software and left them in native format. I does take a long time to copy them. I have the Sony player setup to upsample the files to DSD on playback. The Sony player can play every file I've thrown at it with ease and far better sound than the M1DAC system with the hi-res FLAC files. I didn't notice any real improvement playing back the CDs I ripped to FLAC when comparing the Sony and M1DAC. Then there is the DSD playback which is in a whole different league than the M1DAC. The Sony player comes with some sample DSD 2.8 files. I also purchased and downloaded a few new DSD files in the past week. The sound is really impressive. I did hear the Ayre QB-9 DSD at a local dealer recently before I bought the Sony player. The dealer was playing back ripped CDs that sounded good on the Ayre DAC. I didn't hear any DSD files played on the Ayre DAC. I chose the Sony player because of the price and so I could take the Mac Mini out of the mix. The Sony player is far easier to use as a transport for digital files than the Mac Mini (I was using Amarra with iTunes and JRiver for Mac). The HAP remote app for my iPad is excellent and puts the Apple Remote app to shame. I highly recommend the Sony player, especially if you want to playback DSD. It's a bargain at $2000.

[Paul R]

Welcome Vinnie - I think you will enjoy the heck out of CA. Thanks for the links.

Hey guys,

 

I'm new to the CA forum, but some of you might know me from the C.A.P.S. discussion because of the Black Lightning LiFePO4 battery power supply.

 

I've been carefully studying and evaluating the HAP-Z1ES for mods(there is a thread about it on my forum on audiocircle).

 

Noiseless is correct:

 

The HAP-S1 is a lot smaller, does not have dual power transformers (or nearly the same level of voltage regulation stages), no dual dacs, not the OPA2132 opamps (instead I think it uses generic JRC), and various other differences such as different board(s) layout, different caps/resistors, clock, etc. Doesn't have the same level of construction (no ES enclosure).

 

This is a cool link to check out for pics:

 

SONY UDA-1 HAP-S1

 

That is not to say the S1 is not good (I haven't heard it). But there is a reason why Sony could add in a speaker amplifier output stage, headphone output stage, volume control, and charge $1k less for it.

 

I wish they used a larger enclosure for the S1. But it's great that is still has the same UI and features, as far as I can

tell.

 

Vinnie

[Vinnie Rossi]

Welcome Vinnie - I think you will enjoy the heck out of CA. Thanks for the links.

 

Hi Paul,

 

Thanks for the welcome - looking forward to being an active member here! Great site!

 

Vinnie

[silvercat59]

I attached a picture of my new Sony player. It sits in my cabinet just below my Linn LP12 turntable that sits on top. I think it's symbolic the turntable is still on top. I love the Sony player but the vinyl still sounds better!

[firedog]

Dan Modwright reported on his audiocircle thread that he is also planning to offer a modded version of the z1. Really good for us, as two of the best guys in the business at upgrade mods will be competing for our dollars on this one. More choices, slight different features and approach are always good to have.

[mav52]

Dan Modwright reported on his audiocircle thread that he is also planning to offer a modded version of the z1. Really good for us, as two of the best guys in the business at upgrade mods will be competing for our dollars on this one. More choices, slight different features and approach are always good to have.

 

Its pretty cool, but I wish those modification cost weren't so darn much... The modifications can cost more than the device itself.

[realhifi]

I received my Sony HAPZ1ES about two weeks ago. It took several weeks to receive it once ordered through amazon. I've been very pleased with the sound and ease of use. I replaced a Musical Fidelity DAC system (Mac Mini/MF M1DAC combination). I already own about a thousand hi-res FLAC files with various resolutions up to 192K. I copied them to the Sony player very easily using the HAP software and left them in native format. I does take a long time to copy them. I have the Sony player setup to upsample the files to DSD on playback. The Sony player can play every file I've thrown at it with ease and far better sound than the M1DAC system with the hi-res FLAC files. I didn't notice any real improvement playing back the CDs I ripped to FLAC when comparing the Sony and M1DAC. Then there is the DSD playback which is in a whole different league than the M1DAC. The Sony player comes with some sample DSD 2.8 files. I also purchased and downloaded a few new DSD files in the past week. The sound is really impressive. I did hear the Ayre QB-9 DSD at a local dealer recently before I bought the Sony player. The dealer was playing back ripped CDs that sounded good on the Ayre DAC. I didn't hear any DSD files played on the Ayre DAC. I chose the Sony player because of the price and so I could take the Mac Mini out of the mix. The Sony player is far easier to use as a transport for digital files than the Mac Mini (I was using Amarra with iTunes and JRiver for Mac). The HAP remote app for my iPad is excellent and puts the Apple Remote app to shame. I highly recommend the Sony player, especially if you want to playback DSD. It's a bargain at $2000.

 

I am beginning to see the point of this device. The fact it can play any format including DSD is highly appealing. Have you tried using an additional USB hard drive yet? Very curious as to how that fits into the picture. If it is an easy fit then this thing sounds like a terrific alternative to a Mac Mini/Dac combo and could actually be a superbly easy unit to incorporate into a high end system. Have you tried to incorporate more than one library into it and if so does it recognize duplicate albums, etc?

[peterlim8]

I am beginning to see the point of this device. The fact it can play any format including DSD is highly appealing. Have you tried using an additional USB hard drive yet? Very curious as to how that fits into the picture. If it is an easy fit then this thing sounds like a terrific alternative to a Mac Mini/Dac combo and could actually be a superbly easy unit to incorporate into a high end system. Have you tried to incorporate more than one library into it and if so does it recognize duplicate albums, etc?

 

1. If the file system of the external hard drive is Linux-based, the Sony might be able to recognize it, select a re-scan option from the Sony will add the music files to existing database (for music selection).

 

2. Rename the duplicate albums (name of the folder) to, e.g. albumXX1, albumXX2, before re-scan.

The title of the album will appear once only. However, if you go into album, the track names will appear more than once, depending on how many duplicate albums you have, in order. i.e.

 

Under one album title-

-albumXX1\trackXX1.wav

-albumXX2\trackXX1.dsf

-albumXX3\trackXX1.mp4a

-albumXX1\trackXX2.wav

-albumXX2\trackXX2.dsf

-albumXX3\trackXX2.mp4a

 

And you many rip the same source in whatever formats, and compare it side-by-side.

[ted_b]

Vinnie, welcome to CA. You will love it over here.

 

Gang, I am proud to say I've known Vinnie for many years..and prouder even to say that he has endowed upon me the privilege of being the first formal reviewer of his new modded Sony HAP-Z1ES (mod 3). It will arrive at my place soon (couple weeks) and I will do my best to turn around a review in short order. I am well experienced in DSD playback, DACs of all sorts, and have been a beta tester for Dan (Modwright) since he began modding players many years ago. I am also a customer of RWA. I say all this simply to ensure folks that I will do my best to position Vinnie's modded Sony as well as possible.

[firedog]

Ted-

Vinnie's level 3 mod is something I'm very interested in.

 

Would like to know how it sounds compared to something like a well setup Mac Mini or Caps through a good DAC (maybe a Mytek DAC or even something better you have around). I'm sure others are wondering the same thing.

 

If it is better, that would push me a long way towards switching my setup over to one of his modded units.

 

Thanks

[peterlim8]

External HDD II:

 

1. Format the external HDD using tool from Sony

 

2. Install Linux read/write software to windows How to use Linux filesystems on Windows - Tutorial or other free software

 

3. Copy music files to the external HDD

 

4. Connect the external HDD to the Sony and re-scan it

 

The above is my guess only. I've not try it out yet.

 

However, I'd transferred music files directly to the internal HDD of Sony, without using the Hap music transfer software.

 

If you want to transfer music files from your windows-based external HDD.

 

Simple, format spare external HDD using Sony tool.

Connect it to the computer after formatting

Transfer music files from windows-based external HDD to Linux-based

Connect the linux-based external HDD and re-scan it

 

If the above steps are working, this will speed up the migration of music files to the Sony.

[peterlim8]

...me the privilege of being the first formal reviewer of his new modded Sony HAP-Z1ES (mod 3)...

 

I'm keen in the mod 3 as well.

 

However, the price of the mod 3 might costs me two brand new set of z1-ESs in my country.

 

A tough decision!

[peterlim8]

The above link write to Ext2 only. Might not work.

Ext2Fsd Project » Features

 

No write feature to Ext4??? Some said can.

 

http://www.paragon-software.com/home/extfs-windows/

 

This will write to Ext4???

 

And I don't know which file version of Sony is.