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MW Sony HAP-Z1ES

My MW Sony HAPZ1-ES arrived Thurs. After 48 hours of break-in, I'm at the point where I can enjoy it. Sound stage is expanding in all directions, images are well defined with solid density, dynamics improving with excellent Bass and High extensions. Still hearing POSITIVE changes so can't wait until it's fully broken in.

Setting up the Sony was SIMPLE. It took me longer to replace the fuse than launch the program and download music to the unit.

The stock fuse was replaced with SR Red immediately. Replaced stock tubes after 24 hours with NOS TS 5U4GB and 60's Siemens e88cc.

Comparing to MW 6SN7, one is not superior but just different. HAP-Z1ES has superior detail, resolution, more neutral and less warm but definitely not bright or SS sounding. Personally I prefer the sound of the HAP-Z1ES. For reference, Shuguang BT cv181-z was my favorite 6SN7 in MW.

FYI, I was also considering Bryston BDP-2 or Antipode with Allnic D5000 ... Dac. Ultimately chose Sony due to simplicity with available reference mods and definitely not disappointed in my decision.

So far the only suggestion I have is it was difficult removing the driver tubes from the unit. I couldn't get a good grip so either increase tube exposure or expand the hole diameter.

Dan clearly hit a HOME RUN with this new transformer coupling design. I look forward to new MW models with this design.

Thanks Dan for the excellent work and service.
knghifi
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,610 posts
 
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Ctsooner, I'm willing to bet that Oppo will come out with the one-box system you are looking for. They are almost there already with their BDP 105 unit. If they add DSD, they'd be there. It seems like a natural progression for their product line.
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gz3827
232 posts
 
Oppo did add DSD via a USB DAC input when they came out with the 105D (aka 105 Darbee) model, which costs $100 more than the 105 model. The 105D cannot play DSD files that are wirelessly streamed to it, but it can play DSD that are on a portable USB harddrive that's plugged into the 105D's front USB port.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Trying to understand all of this as it's new to me and with my MS it's not as easy to learn...I'll get there. How do the Oppo units sound? I have a pretty high end system with Ayre integrated and Vandy Treo's...top AQ cables. Does Oppo do a fully balance output? I have a Darbee box for my TV and have for years as I love it. Just curious..thanks.
knghifi OP
1,668 posts
 
Knightfi, how long did you play the Sony in your system before you sent it in to Modwright for the mod? How much better is the mod over the stock unit?
I heard stock unit in a friends system many times. Like most stock Sony, sound is detail, high resolution and very good overall. Mod is superior in every way.

I've been playing with the DSD Remastering feature. I find with poorly recorded tracks, enabling DSD Remastering improves SQ. You can actually understand Dylan's mumbling. LOL!

It appears DSD Remastering reconstructs the data so you can hear more information. So with well recorded tracks, it all depends on the track. It just sound different and glad I can enable/disable on the fly.

I also wish that it had toslink and coax inputs for the DAC so that I could use it for the whole system.
I'm only interested in 2 channels so don't need all the extra connections and probably improves overall SQ with less complexity.

I have all my music on HDD or attached USB drive, built-in internet radio and wireless (have an Ethernet drop so didn't bother setting up wireless). Just launch HDD App on my iPhone 6 Plus to control everything. Basically I have a cd player with all my music. It's fantastic!

The only thing I'm missing is SACD. I have a stack of SACDs collection dust so replacing some with DSD downloads.

For HT, probably best Swiss army knife is Oppo BDP-105 w/MW Mod. BUT for 2 channel, unless you want to use the transport, NO THANKS!!!, you still need a computer, BDP-2, AntiPodes ... to stream the music.
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