Using an ouboard DAC with SONY HAPZ1ES

I've tried HAP-Z1ES USB into Oppo 205, Denafrips Terminator, & Marantz SA-10.  There were some problems with Terminator which uses Amanero USB interface, so it was returned.  I don't have any problems with both 205 and SA-10 which use XMOS USB interface. 

Eventually, I discovered the Z1ES limits the sound quality since I have 2 DACs which also have transport, so I can compare easily.  Not willing to spend too much money on player/renderer, I built my own using Intel NUC 7i5BNH with linear power supply and 2 internal SSDs, using Win 10 Pro with HYSOLID free player.  The sound from NUC into SA-10 DAC is much better compared to using Z1ES as player into SA-10, even after upgrading the Z1ES internal drive to SSD.

Interesting -thanks for the info.  I know that the Sony does some PCM to DSD conversion internally, and also will upsample lossy files (mp3, etc).  I think when used as a storage device only (external DAC) it outputs in native resolution.  That might account for some of the loss in body.

I have used tried an Auralic Vega DAC, Esoteric N-05 Streamer/DAC, a Bryston BDA-3 DAC, and am now using a Mytek Brooklyn DAC with the Sony HAP-Z1 in my home office.  I think all the DACs sounded better than the internal HAP-Z1 DAC.  Having said that, YMMV.