Sony NWZ-ZX1 128GB Walkman Audio Player Review (Part 1)

[@HiFiInsider]

Waiting for part 2. :)

[@annangie7783]

if you use the special port of zx1 connect with portable amp (with special cable) such as Sony PHA-2, sound quality is better than connecting with 3.5mm jack.

[@mickice69]

Due to ease of use, an older style walkman with the WM cable connected to a Fiio E7 or SONY PHA-1 seems like a better solution. Both of which I alternate with.

[@dxace1]

Interesting observation on the earphone jack on the SONY. I obtained one of SONY's noise reduction headphone sets a few months ago, and noticed (as did others in reviews) the same thing -- that the 3.5mm cable attaches very loosely in the jack hole on the headphones. Seems to me there must be something to this -- why SONY would build this into a design on multiple instruments, I have no idea...

[@MusicFillsMyLife]

Omg, been waiting for this review for so long!

[@1lastsoldier]

This really makes me miss the iPod classic. It was an affordable high capacity player.

[@physicsmonkey2]

i glad large capacity mp3 players still exist. i couldnt find one i wanted so i bought a 128gb sd card for my galaxy s3. Anyway, good video Lachlan.

[@physicsmonkey2]

Previously i had an 500gb archos5, it was a might beast until it finally died about a week ago.

[@KonradArgasinski]

+lachlanlikesathing - you mentioned that you weren't able to find good sync software for MAC + ZX1 (Android). I recommend you trying out iSyncr. It is a small desktop agent that allows you to sync iTunes from Mac/Windows to Android. Works nicely with Rocket Player (ratings and playcounts get transferred back to iTunes)

[@MarkBird32]

Thanks for this video. I am trying to find a new mp3 player and hope you can help. I heard you say at the end of part 2 you would go with Apple but have you compared the ZX-2 with the 128gb Apple Ipod Touch? Do you know what the big differences between the Zx-1 and Zx-2 are besides price? Have you ever compared apple ipods with other mp3 players like the PonoPlayer? I am really looking for the best audio quality with the best and easiest set up and play control. From what i've researched apple has the best control and set up and Walkman has the best sound. Can high priced $1,000 and up mp3 players be avoided by just getting the right headphones, portable amplifiers, and higher grade audio formant files? If you can please help, you seem very knowledgable and unbiased and thanks for putting in the time.

[@chronos4573]

Hi Lachlan, the new LG V20 phone has a really good DAC and low noise amplifier in it. It would be interesting to see a comparison of the LG V20 with this Sony Walkman both are Android. I am about ready to hit the order button on this Sony unit through Amazon, until I found out it's only at Android 4.2?

[@physicsmonkey2]

the built in amp is a nice touch as well.

[@filipuskurniawan]

Is it possible to rearrange the apps icon in the ZX1 just like how we do it in smartphones? Because I don't see a menu button as always seen in an Android smartphone, right?

[@khmeraustrian]

Sorry, I am too lazy to read all comments if someone has mentioned about Sync Android App for Macintosh.. I use TuneSync, it works even over wifi like charm.

[@Obisp2]

When I bought my I was disappointed with the sound at first but later I realized that I didn't turn the DSEE HX on, when I did "Jesus Christ " the sound was unbelievable.i used a17,I phone 6 with xba-z5 for long but Zx1 is the best of all.

[@TonyLemonade]

The WM port seems to be the original WM one, so I assume it is for their special hardware. I actually don't like the iPhone's default music player app because it lacks the feature that add and delete music in a playlist without remembering what I've added, or say, a like or heart button. Anyway, sound quality is the main story, isn't it? BTW, last time I asked about F885, what I meant to say is, strangely they share similar specs, especially the sound performance on paper, but the other one is a lot cheaper, maybe it could be a better choice for most people. (Yes, Sony Oz never sold them...)

[@lachlanlikesathing]

The rating system serves as a like or heart button surely? But yes there are definitely little annoyances in the music player for sure.

[@annangie7783]

By the way, i use PowerAmp apps with this player, it's faster UI and manageable (it isn't the hardware problem at all). This good thing of this player is android .

[@minhbu95]

actually i think the performance on that music player is right up there with same or higher priced music player. I've seen some that are much worse in navigation such as the Cowon Plenue D

[@Steampunk915]

I wonder if you can root and install cyanogen mod... it'll be interesting what the modders can do with a fully customizable zx1

[@Mightykid1980]

Hi can you do a review of Ibasso or Fiio player? thanks

[@dfainc9905]

ZX1 can play up to 2.5MHZ DSD and below, Iphone 5s Can also play up to DSD and all formats below by using "Vox" application; however, The output for either dock or headphone jack only goes up to 16/48khz on the Iphone 5s. So it is not truly playing Hires music except 16/48 max which is similar to (CD quality). Apple will never tell you that, yet you can view the output by using FLAC app and swiping up. If you plug the Iphone 5s or ZX1 into a Sony PHA-3 DAC Amp then both units are cancelled out by the AMPs DAC. Only, if docked and not if using headphone jack. The DAC needs to read code to translate. The Iphone is naturally designed to play Lossy music formats and CD quality audio. ZX1 is Designed to play lossy, CD, Vinyl Rips, SACD Rips all at their true frequency levels. If I use a pair of HD800 headphones to play CD or mp3s I will notice a crap load of distortion. These products are sensitive to any imperfections. I recommend you download some 24/96, 24/192, 32/192 or DSD64 files and play directly from your unit with a pair of decent headphones that have a good frequency range 5-50,000 even get a PHA-3 amp and dock. You will not be disappointed. I have used 900.00 headphones on my Iphone thinking that it will produce a great sound. Its simply not the case, you need all equipment and no weak links to achieve perfection. the 3,000 dollar model Walkman will sound better than the 500.00. Its just in innovative design and materials used.

[@BalboaBaggins]

Does anyone know how it recognizes hi-res files?

[@DisruptiveHarmony]

I wish it had a better proccesor in it. It does seems choopy and see screen lag sometimes. I like perfectly fluid navigation.

[@jordannovek2911]

Hey mate ! First I love all your reviews. Im very dissapointed that the sony is that bad. I wanted one real bad.I also saw your vid about 24 bit. Does that mean a wav file is just as good as flac for listening ? Would you then recommend an Ipod touch as a player. Is there a player you can recommend? What would be the best file codec for audio listening? Thanks

[@nomikism]

nice taste of music, man !

[@DK_alex]

I bought one for 650 two days ago in sydney.

[@GMT2019]

Hiby r6 or the Sony zx1 better ?

[@DJScopeSOFM]

It kind of feels like a let down. How would this player compare to the iBasso DX90, DX100 or the Fiio X5? Would it even hold a candle?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

The ZX1 is probably a lot better built and more usable than those!

[@explosionkamikaze]

***** i dont think so....

[@DJScopeSOFM]

***** Fiio products are incredibly built. The attention to detail is astronomical. You really can't fault them in build quality. I can't say the same for the iBasso as I've not held one in my hand before.

[@kyoazakura]

***** I just wanna know what is the basis for ZX1 that it is much better to iBasso DX90, DX100 and also the Fiio X5?

[@JRKhoury18]

Wallpaper on your phone looks familiar. Is it from Gintama?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Evangelion!

[@SuperGustav123]

***** Evangelion its one of the best anime serie I've ever seen! with psychological wrecks, great action and religion stuff I've seen it like 4 times including Rebuilds and movies

[@amandafariasfrancisco5496]

is this a smartphone though? can it be used as cell phone?

[@ziomus1500]

Nothing can beat X1000's hardware buttons (on the top). I wonder why they never did that again? It has awkward and outdated interface, doing basic things with it is cumbersome but I still wouldn't swap it for anything else.

[@8118is8]

definitely a "playah" thanks for the videos

[@zenfreestyler]

The HTC 816 has the capacity for 128Gb of storage, but those SD cards cost a highly unnecessary $/€200. Just saw part 2 as well.. wow, this thing isn't great at all. I don't mind the hump for better electronic DAC parts but the fact that it's sub par is disappointing, ridiculous price point for this walkman really, their Z2 phone would be better probably.

[@Soulrave]

I'm spamming refresh on your channel for part 2 :)

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Haha. It will be uploading while I sleep, so it will probably be public in about 9 hours. Check back then ;)

[@9time007]

Why don't you compare it with iPod.

[@angrygoldfish]

I'm not sure I see the fairness or relevance in comparing these two devices. Although I imagine we'll see a very different viewpoint in your second part of the video, the Walkman is nothing more than a music player and will therefore have nowhere near the level of detail that the biggest phone in the world will have. The iPhone 5s is a flagship for one of the most advanced companies and can be used to do amazing things, including run a business, make calls that save lives, record weddings, a babies' first step, etc. The Sony Walkman, on the hand, is a music player for music enthusiasts and does little else. I can imagine that if people were buying Walkman's as much as iPhones then the price would be substantially lower because Sony would recognize that the hardware does not compare to that of devices. It's annoying when the hardware cannot keep up with the software, I get that totally, but you're comparing two completely different devices that were built for different things. In my opinion, people use the iPhone as a music player because it's practical and because it's fast, seamless and can store plenty of data, not because that's what it was designed for or because it's the best at reproducing sound. I know your video details this, but I feel like it was going to be a no-brainer. The iPhone 5s is a fantastic device and will only falter in one area: sound quality. Everyone worth their salt (I don't meant that rudely) will know that an iPhone 5s will outshine a Sony Walkman any day of the week when it comes to hardware and functionality, and everyone knows a high-end Sony Walkman will outshine any Apple product when it comes to sound quality. An iPhone 5s will outshine a HiFiMan HM-901 or Astell & Kern AK240, two devices twice the price, at hardware speed, screen resolution and detail, and software application. These players are designed with one thing in mind: sound. An iPhone is designed with everything in mind. I'm not trying to be an annoying, overly-analytical whiny bitch. I'm just thinking out loud.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

I compared the two precisely because of the sound quality! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6OqY2yIjd2fnMU

[@syn010110]

Except that the iPhone 5S _does_ beat all of those things on sound quality. Like wine lovers, audiophiles are easy to scam and lots of companies have discovered this.

[@40missedcallz]

U do realize iphone has samsung parts in it....the concept is old

[@TheJohnHalsey]

OK, can everyone stop comparing dedicated music players to smartphones. STOP IT. I dont expect the screen to be as bright as a smartphone, nor do I care. And yes, I am screaming at you.

[@MrToede]

Interesante propuesta la de Sony, pero creo que perdieron el rumbo al instalarle Android. Pienso que si quiero escuchar música en mi reproductor, solo quiero eso: música. Lo demás son solo agregados que no ayudan en nada y distraen. Respecto de las características del dispositivo es la carencia de un ECUALIZADOR decente. Hasta el momento me estoy diciendo por el Fiio X5 o el X3.

[@MrAbell88]

is it a comparing video, or a single review. make it clear. dont waste your time!!!

[@Gocajoca]

Get yourself a iPod classic by far bigger storage and better value for your buck!

[@cameronw6259]

Too bad it is now discontinued RIP In pepperonis iPod Classic

[@TheLilPhip]

Could it be... is someone an eva fan?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

COULD BE

[@supernightslash]

I kind of feel that that walkman looks just wrong.... They couldve made it look sleek, flat, and like a the shape of their xperia smartphones instead of the big brick-like bottom. Especially the big front lump from where the headphone jack is.....eugh......

[@lachlanlikesathing]

The big hump is actually to house some of the fancier amplifier components, ostensibly to provide more stable power output for the class D amplifier.

[@supernightslash]

oh i see now.

[@Infinitiveworld]

Lol are you really saying that the best thing on this walkman using and android base system is the customization?! Lol do you know how big is the music stuff on an android? bubbleupnp, and all the similiar stuff you just can use with this walkman is endless...lol one day you will say that another bad thing in this walkman comparing to an iphone is that doesnt make calls... Lol stop comparing...

[@mitchelljermaine]

FLCL !

[@jjll7557]

OMG you are comparing a dedicated DAP with a Iphone 5S that are well known for thier OS!! Of course Iphone is easier and smoother to opereate!!!!!! Come on, they have put lof of effort in the sound department and coponent, if you want a DAP that have octa core, or quad core Snapdragon 805, 3gb ram, and 2k display you will have to pay 2000$ extra!! Even Astell & Kern 240 that cost 2500$ dont have that kind of hi res display and and smooth OS that you looking for. If you think 800-1000 Iphone 5S is bang for the buck, stick with it. Why bother other player. Take a look at, Fiio, Ibasso, Hidiz,Hifiman, Calyx, Cowon, they all have expensive player, and non of them are near the OS perfomance as the Sony ZX1. This is a dedicated music player, not an Iphone OS player, stop comparing "a apple with a pear" as they are not the same product!!!!!!!!

[@diegoflores8764]

first again!

[@stanstoodley309]

I'm sorry....but this is embarassing.... While I really do appreciate all the effort that Lachlan goes to ......he should stick to things he knows about.....and clearly he knows nothing about audio and more to the point, must be deaf ! I'll bet Peter Gabriel and Neil Young listen to thier mixes on iphones too.

[@Infinitiveworld]

Just another apple fan boy... Are you really comparing an walkman with an iphone? Lol

[@NiohNiohYT]

Actually this Walkman has noise level over 16/44.1 hiss, let alone 24/192. iPhone performs better and it is not a matter of opinion. Walkman has more powerful output tho so you can drive some harder to drive headphones than on the iPhone, but when it comes to sensitive headphones with low impedance iPhone sounds better, and it is measurable also, not a matter of opinion

[@ihalloway]

newest iphone has greatest audio chips i think on phones, but ofcourse LG v series crushes it like a bug aswell with everyone .. but yeah , better comparison would be between different daps