by 'that route' you mean a PHA2 or a CLAS?
Yes, but with the USB line out, its still very convenient, I would say its more convenient that using the WM Cable.

Yes, because the PHA2 is better than the ZX1 that's why. And besides, if you have a device like the PHA2, it being able to connect to any many devices should be their aim, why would they want to limit it to non high end devices?

Neither. Just the RX Mk3b with the ZX1 via the Fiio cable.

Yes to me portable wise, it is good enough already. But of course, if you wanna squeeze out the last 10% from it then using the PHA2 would be beneficial. Or if you are would really want to get the end game portable set up then yes, the HUGO. Especially if you're playing DSD files.

Currently addicted to the ZX1 with the FiiO line out dock. Listening to it with the MK3b and the LCD 2 now. Happy Days.

Thanks for your reply.

Yeah, that was my point (and confusion, lol). If one has a PHA-2 which is better than the NWZ1, then what's the point of getting NWZ1 or any other high-end player?

In your case for example, you have an even better DAC amplifier than PHA2, so why did you choose to use it with NWZ1? Why not a simple mp3 player?

Because you can't always be using the external DAC and PHA2 for that matter. There are portable rigs and transportable rigs. For example, when I am on the go, I would just use my AK120/ZX1 to my customs. BAM! Ultra portable set up. I can't be walking around the streets of London with my CLAS and amp stack connected to my iPod Classic. When I am stationary but out however, thats when my transportable rig comes into play, lets say for example I am in Starbucks, then I can whip out my iPod and CLAS stack and listen to it, or the ZX1 line out to one of my portable amps.

and also, even if you have a good portable DAC you need a somewhat expensive player to be able to get the digital outs from it as normally only more expensive players have the function of being able to get the digital signal out or even a true analogue line out.

This post has been edited by joshuachew: Apr 29 2014, 09:56 PM

Any reason for favouring ZX1 over the RWAK-120S? Surely the RWAK is better?

The end game portable setup for me would include a AK240 in the equation.

Plan is to feed via balanced 2.5mm TRRS to my RX Mk3B+ and balanced out to my LCD 2. Fully balanced in and out.

The RWAK120 sounds better than the ZX1 thats for sure, but I only use the RWAK120 when I am using it as a stand aloen player and not with extrenal amps (rarely) becase I cannot get a true line out with the RWAK120 unless i get the S mod done by RWA. The ZX1 however, I can use with the external amps as I will not be double amping it when I use the FiiO line out cable.

But people are even feeding the digital signal out of the AK240 into the Chord Hugo because the Hugo is still better than even the AK240. So for the ultimate end game set up... The Hugo with the AK120/240, doesn't really matter which one you use as both will just be acting as a transport. But of course, for the ultimate end game set up and the final word, LO> The AK240 and the Chord Hugo.

Wouldn't the RWAK120B for play with external amps and ZX1 for standalone be more logical choice?

So how do you plan to have the Hugo connected to the ZX1?

Yeah, I know. Ok lar. There's a limit to everything. Hugo + AK240 is a double whammy ! My version of end game was in reference to what I already just had and what I should get should not ideally overlap. Yeah, the Hugo is quite a bit better than the ALO RX Mk3B+ but at the current moment, I'm more in need of a good DAP that has a good DAC and with fully balanced in and out, sound quality should be enough. Problem is ZX1 and AK120 is already good but now we have a better AK240 that can do a lot of stuff that I actually like i.e. native DSD playback, WiFi streaming from NAS etc . So a bit in a dilemma because of the price.

This post has been edited by jchue73: May 2 2014, 12:26 PM

Yes problem is, I only got the AK120 modded with the basic mod where I can still use it as a stand alone player, the S-Mod does not allow the player to be used byitself as it will only be able to provide a line out signal to be used with amplifiers. As there is no output stage from the internal amplifiers anymore.

The hugo connects to the ZX1 via the official digital out cable that I bought when I bought the ZX1, the picture is in the posts that I posted above:
To use the ZX1 as transport, you have to use the WM Sony cable which you can see here below:





You could get the ZX1 and the Hugo as it allows you to do all that DSD playback, streaming etc. Thats a player you can just use and put in your pocket and when you are stationary, you can use it with the Hugo. Its about the same price as a AK240, but at the same time, the Hugo sounds betetr than the Ak240. Yes it really really does. Especially DSD. You can also use the Hugo to playback DSD from your computer as it functions as a computer DAC. And it will make you think twice, maybe even three times of the AK240.

I see. Thanks a lot for your explanation.

Your rig looks great!

You're welcome.

And thanks. 😏

Ok. Noted that you want flexibility for both of your DAPs.

Ah yes... Why didn't I see that.

I am trying to minimise equipment and by minimising equipment, hopefully spend less.

Did some random reading. Yes, granted that the Hugo has a better DAC and Amp, the Hugo is already as expensive as the AK240. Add the ZX1, it would be a more expensive solution not forgetting that I would need to sell off my new ALO Mk3B+ amp. Esthetics wise, the Hugo's size plus ZX1 is a little awkward. The AK240 + my ALO Mk3B+ seems better fit in the form factor. I think the AK240 is a good compromise. I'm looking at it's capabilities plus the fact that it has balanced out which neither the Hugo nor the ZX1 has.

Also, if I needed to stream wirelessly from my NAS, the Hugo would need to be connected via Bluetooth. Don't like the idea of that since the it needs to go from NAS to gigabit lan on desktop PC or wireless 802.11b/g/n/ac on notebook and then transmit via Bluetooth. Lastly, I read that connection is not very stable with Bluetooth (noise / hissing intermittently). With AK240, I get streaming from NAS to wireless 802.11b/g/n/ac via the router.

Pelican Cases for the audio gear when travelling.

Hmmm, the setups above seem familiar.

Btw my A845 is still kicking since 2010. Sony FTW.

More pictures of my set up on the road with the ZX1 fed to the BOSE Music Monitors.

First road test for the BOSE Music Monitors.

Dignis Canas Buttero cases made in Italy for the Sony ZX1 Players

Hi there i wanna ask about sony xba bt75 is it a good headphone? is it worth it to buy?

Wah, I thought quite hard to find accesories for sony walkman since it's not as popular as mobile phones. When I bought my f886, i had a hard time finding a case for it.

I'm currently using a cheapo silicone case from iGadgitz, but lookin for something better. Each case I see is usually leather kind, and I don't like leather cos it scratches, creases and can get affected by moisture. Did you come across any non-leather version?