Lachlan on the Sony NWZ-ZX2

Lachlan fondled the new NWZ-ZX2, which he compared to version 1. Evidently, it still hisses:

“So I had a quick demo of the Sony NWZ-ZX2! First of all, I confirmed with the IM02 that the ZX2 still hisses. It was quite noisy in the shopping centre so I couldn’t tell if it hisses less than the ZX1, but it seemed like it might be a slight improvement. The unit on the whole is chunkier and heavier than the ZX1, which makes the whole thing seem a bit excessive. But hey if you are paying 1299 then I suppose you want to look like you have something in your pocket. I can’t comment on the sound as the player was only loaded with demo tracks that I’m not familiar with. Don’t think I’ll be getting one any time soon though.”

Lach's got loads of great stuff on his Facebook page, so check it out.

BTW, the earphones he yaks about in the above quote the Audio Technica ATH-IM02, which he reviews here (YouTube). 

Sony will sell a “premium sound” microSDXC card to audiophiles in Japan

Ars Technica promoted the following comment to this post about Sony's new audiophile microSDXC card which will hit Japanese-only shores soon enough.

“Okay, everyone here needs to take a step back. I am an actual analog circuit designer, so here is my take:

First of all, let me start by saying I’m sure, just like everyone else, that these devices have no practical effect on the audio produced by pretty much any practical system. That said, people seem to be confused about the nature of noise in a system.

As the story correctly notes, digital systems are inherently noise resistant, and often include error correction. There is no SD card or cable in the world that will help improve digital transmission if all the data is already being successfully transmitted. However, analog systems are susceptible to noise. In fact, a significant amount of analog design is dedicated to dealing with noise. In addition to random noise, which is introduced by thermal movement or other random processes in the devices, analog signals are also susceptible to interference, or other nearby signals which can corrupt the analog signal. Nearby electromagnetic fields can couple to analog traces on the board, degrading performance. A significant effort goes into carefully routing and shielding analog traces, as well as moving sources of interference further away.

High speed digital systems are a large source of interference. The fact that digital systems involve several wires switching at “full swing” at high frequency means that it produces a comparatively large electromagnetic field in the immediate vicinity. Again, a significant effort goes into keeping digital and analog components apart from each other in high quality audio systems. If your analog trace goes next to a memory running at hundreds of MHz, it will effectively increase the noise floor of your audio.

It is conceivably possible that Sony actually did design an SD card which generates less electromagnetic interference (EMI). This could conceivably lessen the amount of interference coupled into an audio signal somewhere. That said... it’s not going to make any difference in reality. If the SD card noise was having a practical effect on your audio then the whole systems was crap to begin with. So, as I think everyone in this thread can agree, this is snake oil.”

And there really is nothing left to say until Sony get into the business of making porper hi-end ethernet cables.

via @Lachlanlikesathing

Lachlan's hi-res/Sony NWZ-A15 rant

Lachlan gives the Sony A15 about thirty minutes. He adds a number of sighs. It's a rant and review. It's also the one that he and I went back and forth about in the latest OHM AIR, 007: Dick Moves.

Watch it, folks. 

Lachlan likes the Sony XBA-H3

Poor Lachy filmed this excellent 10:25 review with a cold. Nevertheless,  his work is as clear and concise as it is free of distractions. It is also the first review of the XBA-H3 that I personally endorse. 

Check out Lachlan's YouTube channel, and his webpage. 

Sony Hi-Res Walkmans to gain DSD playback

Sony are on record (in Japanese) saying that DSD playback functionality couldn't be added to their hi-res portable audio line via firmware. That was the Sony of September 2013. The Sony of March 2014 ain't having none of that. No no. Today they're like: "We'as jus' goofin' yo!" (Remember, Sony dig doing new things just because they're new.)

Unless the joke's on us, April will be the month of the DSD-capable Walkman. Both Sony Hi-Res Walkmans, the NW-ZX1 and F880, will get DSD-enabling firmware updates. 

Check it, yo! (Japanese)

Cymbacavum: Prototype Sony XBA-H3

Take a look at what Cymbacavum uncovered at Sony's website.

This is what happens when a photographer reviews a headphone

Martin Irwin, a comrade in towns, put up a brilliant review of the Sony MDR-1R headphone back in June. Brilliant because it says all that is necessary in just a handful of paragraphs. Brilliant also because it is beautiful. 

Martin Irwin has a lovely website and some great insight, especially on the photophile world, though methinks he be beating around the audiophile bush quite a bit. Be sure to check him out for more of the good stuff.

イヤホンGeek's XBA-H3/H2/H1 hand's on

Earphone Geek is a pretty well-known audio blogger here in Japan. Rightly, he got a short but good ear on Sony's new earphones. Here are a few notes from his review. 
 
XBA-H3 Highlights: ohmage

• Wide sound stage
•  Good high frequency extension
• Powerful, well-resolved 30-50Hz detail
• Great sound balance for a hybrid dynamic / balanced earphone

XBA-H3 Highlights: porridge

• Vocals should step out further

NOTE: MMCX connection
  

XBA-H2 Highlights: porridge

• Balance is poor
• Same confused high range as EX1000
• Cloudy high range of Sony's previous XBA series
• Too much bass for such confused high range

NOTE I: Sound that mimics the worst of the EX1000 and the worst of the previous XBA series.
NOTE II: Earphone geek notes NO good points.
 

XBA-H1 Highlights: ohmage

• High range is a clear improvement to the cloudy presentation of the previous XBA series
• High range still not perfect; some defects from the XBA series remain
• Beautiful bass reproduction
• Most mature-sounding of the new H series

NOTE: Among the new, bass-blessed H series, this model has the best cost/performance ratio.

Again, Earphone Geek's review is here.