$8500 💰Sony DMP-Z1, 2019 Flagship Digital Music Player

[@DeadMTrigger]

Perfect to take on the bus or train.

[@Jlucasnysports]

😂

[@onetwo6039]

Beautiful device. This is something I would like to enjoy one day.

[@thesoundizerav4956]

Wow. Fantastic review. I must compliment you on your calm and steady talking pace, which is most acceptable. There are too many other reviewers that insist on shouting and speaking 100 miles an hour which i find annoying. Excellent comprehensive review. Many thanks.

[@HiFiInsider]

lol... I know what you mean. Thank you for watching and liking my video.

[@thesoundizerav4956]

Hi-Fi Insider i am very interested in knowing more about iPad USB connection and bit rate. Will it also support lossless AIFF files from the new iPad. If so this is big news.

[@HiFiInsider]

THESOUNDIZER AV iPad/iPhone can actually play .WAV files too. I have them on mine. It can play ALL PCM files including 24/384kHz to the DMP or any DAC. You need a third-party app to get those files onto the iPad.

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Excellent “unboxing” and overview. The device itself is beautiful and well designed. Looks like something you’d love to have in your music room, sitting room, what have you. Shame it’s the price of a used car.

[@CeeStyleDj]

I wish regular sized SD cards never went out of style. MicroSD is fine for phones and small MP3 players but when your device is larger, those things are tiny. I feel more secure with standard sized SD cards.

[@anthony05121999]

I only have to say Thanks for be and been the only KZbin channel that review that unique devices!

[@amirjubran1845]

Really a missed opportunity that this does not have a line out, balanced and rca. It would've helped justify the price if it could've been used for a speaker system and not just headphones. With that battery it must have a super low noise floor and could've even been cool as a pre amp. I understand Sony didn't want to compromise their vision and the performance of the product, but with the way it's featured it will remain an extremely niche product, far more so than something like a Chord DAVE.

[@demibarton4271]

just like lambos miss an opportunity to put a trailer hitch? wrong.

[@Alejandro-vb2fx]

@@demibarton4271 That's the poorest comparison I've ever heard lol, this would have a wider audience if it had the option listed above.

[@mstyle2006]

4.4mm balanced to balanced XLR connected to amplified monitors

[@CeeStyleDj]

So are the thumbs down just because it's expensive? Do you realize if a high-end luxury audio manufacturer made this, it would probably be about 15 grand (approx.) Sony put expert engineering and high class top-of-the-line components into this device.

[@Nephilim-81]

Great design and build quality. I can see where a lot of the cost justification goes to.

[@halimj7]

Bismillah I wonder why they gave this mini headphone jack instead of a 6.3mm. Clearly this is more of desk system to be used with full size headphones. Great review thanks

[@Vamp898]

Its main headphone jack is the 4.4mm Balanced. They just it because high quality headphones use it It is not a desk system, the TH-ZA1ES is the desk system

[@Ripsnort12]

Mike, did the DMP-Z1 provide enough amplification for all your headphones? Any need for an external amp? Would it drive any planar magnetic?

[@HiFiInsider]

yes it does have enough power and the sound awesome with my Diana by ABYSS. Note, it does not have the SLAM that ultra high power amplifiers do BUT with the DMP, it's all about the refinement and quality.

[@PintaKong]

I bought it too 2 month ago , nice review

[@narendrareddy8867]

How is sound quality

[@PintaKong]

@@narendrareddy8867no regret ! Perfect DAP for any audiophile headphone or IEM 😎 Burn in almost 4 years & still going strong 🎧 FYI : Sony shop stop selling already (brand NEW) u may need to get a secondhand

[@overlandcustomsaustralia]

Thank you for the wonderful review. What i like most is you speak clearly and slowly.

[@ObligedTester]

The audio in this video is absolutely top notch! Thanks!

[@arijitdey4045]

Thanks for the great review.Been waiting for this for some time .

[@HiFiInsider]

thank you for being patient and the strong support of the channel. :)

[@bricedoan6695]

How does this compare to Hugo TT2 ?

[@EfficientTrout]

My audio setup is my smartphones, headphone dac/amp combo and IEMs. Cheap and simple. Most people doesn’t need this kind of device

[@kevinspy2406]

The perfect device to listen my mp3 128 kbps :)

[@Danteelias08]

Software looks like Walkman HRes .... and walkman works as a DAC too.....

[@paulchiu]

i noticed that this unit was not for sale. Is this a pre-production unit by chance? Thanks for the comprehensive review and your attention.

[@robertnoblitt518]

Thanks for your review. I already have a TA-ZH1ES, and WM1A Walkman, and I love how they work together. Is the Z1 really worth buying if I have the TA-ZH1ES? The relative portability and battery operation would be a real plus. The headphone I'm using most often is an (amazing) Meze Empyrean. Is the sound that much better than a TA-ZH1ES or WM1Z, to justify the price? It looks like viewing and controlling the top surface would be awkward. Like you, I would wish for a remote like the one for the TA-ZH1ES, which is quite useful.

[@robertnoblitt518]

@iFenixxZ I purchased a Sony dmp-z1 shortly after posting my comment above. It is an amazing player & headphone amp and worth the price. I use and enjoy it every day.

[@magsuns7648]

@@robertnoblitt518 next level flexing. Goodluck sir..

[@danielartyukhov944]

Absolutely stunning 💎💎💎

[@DenisDamulira23]

If you can't afford this, buy a Sony NW-A55 or ZX300 and install Mr. Walkman's DMP-Z1 port and enjoy. Simply beautiful, you get 85-90% of the same sound.

[@Wlodek1410]

Very cool video Mike. Im waiting on little bit less expensive stuff 👍😉

[@gixxer750cc]

Nice review & props for the "Tower Records" shirt... As for the DMP-Z1 someone said it doesn't have a "line out"... (balanced or unbalanced) For $8000 I would think that would've been included...

[@meshachlovelace.8162]

He sounds like the guy that speaks very quietly in the microphone from Saturday night live.

[@akademikz23]

Old comment : but you're absolutely right. He does. The comedian guy

[@ambrosefitzroy]

Wow, high praise! Great video, Mike.

[@QuarioQuario54321]

What is that price? At this price I think I should be able to get 20 of them

[@darylyeo1446]

Hi, I don’t have a lot of knowledge on the audio systems. I would like your advise on the type of speaker to use for this unit and how to connect to the speaker? I prefer a compact speaker.

[@Stevencroasdale]

Wow. That’s a gorgeous piece of kit

[@top6ear]

EU volume cap! Now i am getting this Brexit thing. Kidding. Can't wait to buy a new Walkman.

[@massimilianomusso5448]

Hi, what do u think about 1Z vs Z1? Are they comparable? I’m using 1Z with Z1 firmware: have u tried?

[@PeterHyatt]

I am curious as to the sound quality; especially the "vinyl" type setting.

[@HiFiInsider]

I'm a "direct" person.

[@iheartcomps]

$1.50 amp chips from TI in a 8.5k product? LMFAO

[@crisyorke1328]

Better than liquid gold? Pair this with the Abyss would be the perfect couple!

[@MaverickIQ]

Is the USB-C Thunderbolt 3 and can you directly play music connected to a SSD drive via USB-C?

[@crisyorke1328]

You bought it??

[@klc2578]

have you try it with a Reclocker between PC & DMP Z1?

[@erickSaldivar661]

Please tell me where did you buy Pink Floyd in DSD??

[@matrixlee6392]

Really nice video! I really wish they have made the TA-ZH1ES support 100-240V~50-60Hz as well, do you have any insider info about why they didn't do so?

[@Vamp898]

It's stationary anyway, just get an converter.

[@matrixlee6392]

@@Vamp898 That will introduce noise

[@Vamp898]

@@matrixlee6392 good converters produced less noise than the electricity right out of the outlet. Beside that, the TA-ZH1ES can handle that.

[@matrixlee6392]

@@Vamp898 Good point

[@paulchiu]

How does this compare with Chord DAVE?

[@paulchiu]

are the 5 batteries user replaceable?

[@zaizenz7262]

about the lag,,,,i know lag will occur when connected using wireless ,,but will there be lag when using it as DAC connect to PC using usb cable ????

[@bunozen1]

I can’t believe you don’t have Pink Floyd ‘s The Wall?! My fav album period.

[@HiFiInsider]

I have it in DSD and CD. It's a good album but played to death at shows.

[@fromdusktodawn509]

Is the battery replaceable?

[@TheMaux64]

You connected two 400GB memory cards and you use it like a dac connected from an ipad. Please, don’t do that, the ipad and the whole apple environment are the worst to process audio. This device costs 8500USD and does not have a touch screen, why do you have to use a pencil? I don’t understand. But the device is amazing, it is like a big walkman.

[@lokthar6314]

does this have wifi support?? Can we connect it also to the computer?

[@kenshiroxxx90]

my ears need 8.5k usd audio players.

[@bmiamiwai]

If Im using a 70 ohm planar headphone this Sony will be giving less than 800 mW ?

[@MAYANEGYPTIAN]

Thank you for confirming my suspect.... $8000 usd for this thing would be a WASTE of money. Jesus you can buy a nice used car with that money.

[@pascalsandrin4819]

Thanks Hi-i Insider for this review. May be you have try the dmp-z1 with several headphone ? In this case could you share, what is for you, the best headphone to work with dmp-Z1 ?

[@Gamerlingual]

MDR-Z1R, Focal Clear and Utopia, and IER-Z1R

[@pascalsandrin4819]

@@Gamerlingual Until I only use MDR-Z1R. Is there a difference of sound between MDR-Z1R and IER-Z1R ?

[@Gamerlingual]

@@pascalsandrin4819 Substantial. Both are wonderful in their own right. Do you only own the MDR?

[@pascalsandrin4819]

@@Gamerlingual yes I own MDR-Z1R

[@Panty-pe7kp]

Thanks for this review. Do you make also an review of the Apple HomePod that i can See on your Desk? I would like to see this.

[@HiFiInsider]

Panty 1986 I don’t have plans to. There are so many reviews on YT already.

[@Panty-pe7kp]

Hi-Fi Insider Yes that is true, there are many reviews on KZbin for the HomePod. But most of this are from channels that tests all kind of Tech and compare it with Bluetooth speaker... You are a Hi-Fi enthusiast and have a different perspective from other products. But i know the HomePod ist not in the same pricerange and categorie for these systems, But i would like to see a Review from you.

[@s7robe297]

Be real with me mike. In terms of sound quality this or the Dave?

[@HiFiInsider]

I have not tried the DAVE at my home, only heard it at shows. It's good, but not $13K good from the times I auditioned it.

[@Level10Productions]

Mike, how could you possibly have given the Dave any kind of fair chance at a noise-ridden trade show? I looked at what few specs Sony has published on this product and it shows more hype than fidelity. The only real thing going for it is raw amp power. But when they publish a freq range of only 20-40kHz, it tends to look bad (on the low end especially) as they have no +/- limits posted so these specs are almost meaningless. I'm quite sure my Hugo2 can dance circles around this thing. The only thing some ppl seem to care about are price point, name and whether or not it has been "Dipped in gold" 😉

[@nanaholic01]

@@Level10Productions the thing you forget is actually addressed in the video by Mike - the DMP-Z1 wins the recommendation is because it is an all in one solution that requires no messing around. As good as the Hugo 2 is, its sound is source dependent - which even its creator Rob Watts admits openly and many times urge people to use the optical input instead of USB for best sound - and that a "dirty" source will negatively impact the sound as EMI can travel from the source component and ends up affecting the output, again something that Rob Watts himself admits. So once you factor in a good clean source you are already throwing in another couple of grand onto the price tag etc. When you've build the entire system around the Hugo 2 (source, cables etc), you'll find yourself quickly approaching the price point of the DMP-Z1. And the DAVE, well, that price for building a clean system worthy of the DAVE is going to be double the price of the DMP-Z1. As Mike said, the draw of this thing is that it is a high quality system in ONE box - software player, DAC, AMP, clean power, everything. No need for separate clean source, no need for exotic cables, no need for USB cleaners/filters, no need for power cleaners. The convenience frees up time to enjoy music, rather than spending more time research what other part of the chain can be improved. And for some people, that is worth paying money for, instead of what you think about "dipped in gold".

[@amirjubran1845]

I heard the Dave with the Blu Mk2 transport, fed into stax srm-007tii with Mr speakers Voce headphones. After hearing that I'm not so sure that anything better would really be able to wow me. I know there's no such thing as perfect but it sounded how I imagined it could/should sound in my head.

[@nanaholic01]

@@amirjubran1845 Yeah I've heard the DAVE with Blu MK2 as well, and that system is not going to move once you build it. That's the difference. Great your DAVE and Blu stack lives in your study, and if you want to move it to your bedroom, that's a lot of effort in moving two huge and heavy aluminium box, and then finding two power outlets for it, and then a digital source (if you aren't listening to CDs). If you have a DMP-Z1, you simply pick it up, put it in your bed if you want to, put on headphones, and listen. What people who don't "get" about the convenience of a single, transportable box solution that is fully battery powered is that it satisfy BOTH the need for high quality sound AND convenience. To make an analogy, it is like cameras - when people laugh at smartphones for not doing anything the best - who cares about a good camera on a smartphone? Get an DSLR or any dedicated camera - those would say. But they forget that for some the best camera is the one which you love to carry around any and all time and can shoot without worrying about carry a bunch of lenses or a separate device, in which case the slight trade off for the best quality is worth it. And then we got to mirrorless - that's a half-ass approach they say, it's neither as good a full size DSLR and not slim like a point and shoot, who's going to buy those? And then the market spoke, turns out some people want the features of both worlds while again, not getting "the best of the best". It turns out people makes concessions in their purchases all the time on factors that are not purely "simply the best spec" based. By the same argument, the "best" music listening device for certain people is not simply the best specced DAC/AMP, but one which liberates and broadens the time and places where you can enjoy music.

[@coolhand1966]

TOWER RECORDS 😎

[@michaelu8474]

5:57，from pictures I have seen online, what Sony did was a scam, and the nob is actually not solid, it is hollow but wrapped around a black nob that seems to be plastic.

[@Gist258]

wait a sec, is this a combination of WM1Z and a PHA-2A?

[@piotrosinski-petestradamus6204]

This thing should be @ Canjam NYC next month, right? Hopefully, I want to hear what the fuss is about.

[@HiFiInsider]

Woo Audio's room will have DMP. It is Kimber's demo unit.

[@piotrosinski-petestradamus6204]

@@HiFiInsider What headphones will you guy's present in your demo room? I remember 2 years ago it was my favorite spot because of selection and noise level.

[@purenupe1]

This thing is frickin huge...why would I carry this thing around in an airport, are you going to pull this out on an airplane? hi resolution music is not available in a great enough quantity to justify spending $8k for me

[@khaledzurikat7190]

The comment on comparing to the Sony z1ehs that the Sony has no base relative to the music player is just of no use .

[@jackrich884]

If I paying over 8k, it better not be a second behind on videos and come with a remote. A high end dac and amp will still be cheaper than this. And you'll have money left over to buy a mini server

[@PurpleMintSam]

Great unintentional ASMR

[@Mista1Take]

I Hope i can buy this one day, am 18...

[@SchwizzZer]

Made in Malaysia, lid on the side appears to be plastic and the Micro SD cage is plastic, too, accessory cables looks very regular, Sony like ... and this for 9999 CHF, resp. 8500 USD, what a bargain! Sorry Sony. The H shaped machined aluminum chassis is amazing, but the plastic parts on it are a No-Go!

[@user-vc8hm6lz5s]

Скажите, а что нужно, чтобы пульт заработал. Не получается никак.

[@walkabout16]

Fingerprint magnet?

[@philipcooper8297]

Serial No. 0000001

[@williamchen8009]

I'm actually not very happy with the direction where most of the audio products are going these years. I listened to many high end headphone systems but none of them can compete with high end speaker systems. And none of the modern speaker systems can compete with those speaker systems from the 80s. Do you think SONY's DMP-Z1 is going for that kind of vintage rich warm sound? Or is SONY also going towards more of a digital sound?

[@HiFiInsider]

Sony DMP and gold Walkman have the warm, relaxed sound without loss in resolution. I do like this new direction.

[@williamchen8009]

Hi-Fi Insider that’s pretty good. I don’t like digital speedy sound.

[@rickym.5271]

Personal audio is starting to reach the mountain top.

[@user-vc8hm6lz5s]

Скажите, как подключить пульт rmt-nws20 к DMP-Z1? Покажите.

[@datdudeinred]

For that price they should have made the whole chassis from gold or atleast gold plated hand rolled steel. 😂

[@zacfren9996]

Great review i dont know why its expensive 🥵😑😯😱🤯

[@sajahatra]

can you review the moon 430ha?

[@macman5914]

This is Style over Substance , and I own the now fabled DAVE .

[@HiFiInsider]

You should audition the DMP. It doesn't disappoint.

[@bing510]

I have a Japanese version, do you know if it can be changed to English version? Also, my SD card can't be read by the unit, any suggestions? Thanks

[@HiFiInsider]

that is odd... My loaner unit did not have any issues. You should take it back to the dealer for an inspection.

[@booyheyotey4319]

Is the japanese version has an english language?

[@booyheyotey4319]

It seems that this language issue is unanswerable.

[@Vamp898]

It's Japanese only. Don't buy gear in Japan of you don't speak Japanese. Some people also buy 4000$ Camera gear and notice the Japanese only menu. Just don't do that, it doesn't work

[@xilnes7166]

has KZbin lag ? I am not buying...

[@hmm2928]

Where do you get your dsd file? Like from where do you buy them from or download them from.

[@pumasgoya]

I like taking mine jogging or bike riding.

[@andrewkruzienski770]

Woukd this work well with my Airpod Pros?

[@Gamerlingual]

Yes it will

[@pascalkrzeminski7341]

I would like a priceless version without gold button Please Sony, do it 👍🙏

[@Level10Productions]

If Sony ever does make one, I'm pretty sure the "gold one" will always sound better than the "black one"...at least to Mike's ears 😉😁🤣 cheers Mike!

[@PintaKong]

nice TOWER RECORDS T-shirt 😎👍🏻

[@HiFiInsider]

it's an authentic one from Tower Records Japan. :)

[@brianmoss5483]

Very nostalgic

[@Obitdf]

I will luv to buy it but the only problem is it won’t fit my pocket because I will luv to use it at work like how I use my wm1a with the z1r everyday. Great review 👍🏼

[@HiFiInsider]

I carried it on trips a few times and used in my hotel room. Love that I can have a real ultra high-end system anywhere I go.

[@Obitdf]

Hi-Fi Insider Excellent 👍🏼

[@yooanto9465]

*Are out of your mind lil guy , kidding !! Imagine you travel with Bulky box looks like this, and you said 8500$ is reasonable price , I wonder if you got it for free !! you marketing products for years from Sony that's why you didn't say any negative things .* *Here is a list for ya :1- battery need replacement later on.:* *2- Price is way high for 8500$, Sony is big company so less than 1000$ is better or at least very acceptable .* *3 - Very heavy not suitable for portable use .* *4 - friendship with sony which lead to misinform the consumers ''liar''*

[@Malangsufi]

A DAC job is to convert Digital to Analog, and that means whatever the digital source is from, it should convert. You justifying 1 second latency issues, which is common across all Sony DAC (DAP), is just huge bias towards this insanely expensive product. I do not have an issue with the price tag, I however have an issue when the reviewer justify a fault but saying "this wasn't design to be used this way". A DAC job is to convert digital to analog, and if that means the digital signal is coming from a crappy youtube video, it must do it job find.

[@bakkermaarten007]

Yeah, strictly you're correct. But no buyer of this beautiful player will use this to watch youtube videos. So it's not that big if a deal. On my ZX300, the lag is also there, but I never use this for anything but music or audiobooks

[@9kolaj1973]

I also want a friend at Sony.

[@cnhhnc]

$7999? Really, Mike! OK, maybe someone here can afford this?

[@HiFiInsider]

if you add up the cost of a good music player, a good dac, and a good amp, you're not that far away in cost.

[@cnhhnc]

@@HiFiInsider Perhaps, if you buy the latest and the greatest. My best system is about $2500 total and that includes the speakers-it's tube based (and also a decent DAC and Tube CDP) and it sounds wonderful. Now, admittedly, some of that was bought refurbed and most of the rest at 50% or more off MSRP. But that's still less than this one piece. I don't bemoan those who have the wherewithal to spend lots of Benjamins, but those of us married who make an OK living but don't hit much above $100K a year. And have kids in college aren't going to play at this end of the pool! For those you have the resources, sure, more power to you! Why not $8K, $20K or $500K, lol. Not being flippant just practical. I have to re-roof my house in the coming year. I have to resurface the driveway for $5K. My daughter's tuition needs my assistance, and heating oil has been high this year, etc. It's all good Mike, but most of us just don't have this kind of disposable cash.

[@ListenToPumpkinMusic]

@@cnhhnc >earns over $100K per year >thinks he's poor

[@PintaKong]

so sad Made in Malaysia not Made in Japan 😂

[@HiFiInsider]

Sony been manufacturing in MY for a long time and the quality is as good as JP.

[@PintaKong]

i don’t know why such an expensive signature series Made in Malaysia again should Made in Japan like MDR-Z7 , MDR-Z1R & IER-Z1R

[@robovirtuoso1354]

@@PintaKong You do realise you are comparing a flagship electronic product to flagship headphones/earphones, right? Unfortunately, Sony has not been manufacturing electronic products in Japan for years now, I suppose.

[@PintaKong]

btw I bought it too on Jun 2019 at Asia Hong Kong official Sony Store happy using my Sony DMP-Z1 with Sony IER-Z1R 🎧🤗 + kimble Kable 4.4mm balanced cable thanks for your reviewing too Michael

[@crisyorke1328]

Boo!

[@slyfox720]

Pretty funny that my 2020 Nissan Versa was not too much more than this player....lol

[@drkinferno72]

Who needs a $8000 music player?

[@adriannasyraf3534]

i do :O

[@veedub95]

Same people who can afford an $8000 cartridge

[@allydea]

Derelicte - by Mugatu.

[@emmanuelpalmer8108]

How do you afford all this super expensive audio gears?

[@HiFiInsider]

this one was a loaner but I will buy my own next month when it is available. I saved money from working at my day job to buy gear.

[@crisyorke1328]

Hi-Fi Insider Your day job must have paid you a lot!

[@Sforza_]

Looks like I might need a night job to afford this!

[@Vamp898]

It's called priorities

[@ubacow7109]

All I want is a a40/a50 refresh

[@HiFiInsider]

new A105 with USB-C should be better.

[@desmondting2002]

is anyone know how to get hi-res audio song... thank you

[@mikelautermilch8939]

You can stream CD-quality music from Tidal, for $20 a month. Also, in the near future, you will be able to stream hi-res music (better than CD-quality) from Qobuz, for $25 a month. If you want to actually buy and download individual hi-res songs/albums (instead of streaming), there are numerous sites that allow you to do this: www.sony.com/electronics/best-music-download-sites-hi-res-audio

[@crisyorke1328]

Chord Dave would be the choice. Made in England.

[@ashflame6888]

you dont get it.......

[@spintroxy5336]

2:50 ASMR

[@e3kovsky]

2Chainz бы оценил

[@mobilepsycho]

I'm $8400 short.

[@masterkingsir3714]

honestly ur too slow on getting to the point and you showed the thing ovee and over and over seriously we already know how it looks just hurry up to the capability of the gadget please!!

[@BuratinoZolotoiKluchik]

Ну сколько денег обошлось?

[@danielartyukhov944]

Буратино & золотой ключик в начале видно цену $7999

[@BuratinoZolotoiKluchik]

@@danielartyukhov944 нормальный ценник...

[@dreisechseinsberlin]

Using with 3$ headphones - who dares?

[@songboek]

8000 dollar Ipod OMG!! this world!!

[@ivanhan5515]

songboek you only deserves iPod

[@TheMaux64]

iPod is the worst that happened to the audio quality music... but yes, 8000 is too much, not for everyone