New musical elite: DAC / amp Headphone Review of Sony TA-ZH1ES

In the area of personal audio, Sony dominated ever since the appearance of the first cassette Walkman. And today, she did not intend to give up their positions ambitious newcomers from China and South Korea!

This season, the company is taking all measures ensure that, in order to strengthen its position in the premium segment of this promising market.

SONY TA-ZH1ES: REVIEW AND TEST

This important mission assigned to the top-end line of Signature Series, which the company introduced at the recent IFA. Today we look at the most solid of the device in this series – the DAC / amplifier TA-ZH1ES. It’s time to find out why Sony holds for this model such hopes! And why such calls for her money.

SONY TA-ZH1ES: HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER

SONY TA-ZH1ES: APPEARANCE

Metal casing, black textured finish and no decorative frills – in the guise of the new model is recognized by the same noble minimalism, which marked her next of kin of the Signature Series family. By the standards of the home, an appliance is a device that looks more like a fat encyclopedia than the usual High-End box.

But it is quite heavy: when trying to shift power from the spot immediately realizes that his body is not full of foam. And indeed, in the stuffing TA-ZH1ES contained metal, as it is enough for half a dozen simpler devices.

The solid chassis made from aluminum and thickened aimed at full vibration damping, and a metal base is made in the form of a double-layer sandwich, the center of gravity to shift down and increase the stability of the construction. Cover from TA-ZH1ES also not easy – it is based on a combination of steel and aluminum, designed to eliminate resonances.

It was on the cover taken out of the main unit controls, with the exception of the large volume knob, the rest of the front panel. All the rest of the space on the front and rear of the given multiple inputs and outputs. They are really a lot! Where more than gets from most other designers High-End amplifiers.

SONY TA-ZH1ES: SWITCHING

How headphone jacks put the ordinary amplifier? Most of it is missing one or two. TA-ZH1ES – special case: on its facade crowd of half a dozen different-sized connectors starting with “national” minijack and finishing studio XLR4.

Two of them are reserved for the standard, unbalanced connection of headphones and four others imprisoned under the balanced connection, excluding the loss in audio quality regardless of cable length.

An explicit focus on balanced connection not only brings the TA-ZH1ES with other devices in the line of Signature Series but also provides them with all the conditions for joint work.

First of all, it refers to the flagship headphones MDR-Z1R, which is included in the box additional balanced cable. On the rear panel – USB-B to work in conjunction with a computer in quality USB-DAC, optics coax to connect with other digital sources and line input and preamp output.

On the side – something more interesting: a digital interface for connection to Walkman music players and smartphones Xperia. Due to its thought-out placement of the user does not need to fumble his hand on the wrong side of DAC / amplifier connecting to it their portable gadgets.

After all, this can be done without too much fuss, just one simple movement!

SONY TA-ZH1ES: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

In the scheme of power and strengthening TA-ZH1ES applied a number of interesting decisions, successfully tested Sony designers on its top High-End audio components, but the biggest concern is its digital to the analog module.

It is based on Gate Array – a semiconductor device with the most flexible configuration that can reach a maximum computing power in the processing of the digital audio stream. It is at such gate arrays most advanced audiophile solutions are built today – for example, the well-known analog converters Chord.

In the scheme of TA-ZH1ES on FPGA entrusted conversion of any input in the one-bit DSD stream with an uncompromising resolution of 22.4 MHz. That’s where it has a flagship device as outstanding processability!

In addition, 22.4MGts DSD is prepared to accept the PCM ultra 32bit / 768kGts resolution unsupportable for the vast majority of today’s DAC. In addition to a powerful arsenal, attracted to the HD-audio processing, a new DAC / Sony amplifier equipped with a decent set of tools for sound compensation.

In addition to the linear phase correction with multiple operating modes in this set include proprietary processor DSEE HX, designed to correct the frequency and dynamic losses in the MP3-compression.

The availability of this function in the High-End device may not seem quite appropriate until you remember that one of the main tasks of TA-ZH1ES – work in tandem with portable devices. With the ability to DSEE HX owner of these devices will be able to squeeze the maximum sound quality from even the most pinched files!

SONY TA-ZH1ES: SOUNDING

The powerful amplifier of the Sony TA-ZH1ES allows it to handle any load in the range from 8 to 600 so that the choice of headphones to test anything you can not limit yourself.

We are given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities device in conjunction with a disparate set of planar Oppo PM-2, high impedance Sennheiser HD600, as well as the flagship Sony MDR-Z1R. From Oppo, PM-2 amplifier achieves a dense and rich sound in which the sharpness of the image detail is harmoniously combined with integrity in the supply of music.

The easy disadvantage of the lower bass is compensated by excellent speed and low-range precision by which the bass drum sound with the utmost elasticity and energy. Classic Sennheiser HD600 when connected to the TA-ZH1ES start playing as air, relaxed space and that if it were not tight pressure cups, they could be confused with the flagship 800th model of the famous German company.

Completely disappear soaring high frequencies, which some mistakenly believe stereo file congenital HD600.

In fact, these headphones do not have high-flaws, but they need quality amplification path! But the most vivid impressions of the device are a duet with his closest relatives in the family Sony Sound Signature – Headphones MDR-Z1R.

The sound of the chords struck a rare combination of scale and sophistication, thanks to which the orchestra when listening to recordings with a resolution of 24 bit / 192kHz feel dizzy about the same as when you view a movie on a screen, a fantastic giant 8K TV.

This sound is so saturated three-dimensional so that the word “realistic” it does not describe. This is a real hyperrealism! All tools are clearly divided on the scene, for each instrument part is easy to follow, and every touch bow to the violin string, or tapping his finger on piano key pops up so many details that any piece of music can be indefinite. The main thing – do not forget to arrange breaks for sleep and food. Or even just a dream.

SONY TA-ZH1ES: EVENTUALLY AND CONCLUSIONS

This DAC / amplifier Sony TA-ZH1ES is able to extract the maximum musical potential of even relatively inexpensive headphones – it is able not only to identify their strengths but also smooth out the inherent flaws. But to get a really strong impression, it is to hear how it sounds paired with top models like the Sony MDR-Z1R. This is not exactly forgotten soon!

Source: Sony

Title: New musical elite: DAC / amp Headphone Review of Sony TA-ZH1ES
Updated: 2017-01-31
Author: Dan Green

http://nsmartphone.com/sony-ta-zh1es-new-dac-amp-headphone-review-test/

Headphone comparison Audio Technica ATH-M50x

In 2015, in honor of the ongoing celebration of the 50th anniversary of headphone comparison Audio -Technica several models were produced in limited quantities (in English – limited edition). Such models are valuable for the real fans of the brand, and they are good to buy as a gift. Just say, in terms of sound quality and a complete set of differences there.

We got to test version of headphone comparison Audio -Technica ATH-M50xDG (dark green). However, in this case, is a green so dark that he is indistinguishable from black. See photo. However, the main feature of the model – a dark brown color of the headband and ear cushions. The internet suggests that the color of the metal inserts on cups called honey gold. There is another version of the limited edition, M50xBL, flashy blue with light brown skin. Common serial options – all-black and all-white M50x M50xWH. Headphones from a limited batch are slightly more expensive than usual. The difference, however, is insignificant.

Recall that the headphone comparison Audio -Technica M50x differs from the older model with removable cables. Three cables are included. According to store Amazon, headphones M50x became the most purchased over the Internet in 2014 model.

The appearance in 2015 model M70x provoked a mixed reaction community of music lovers. In fact, there remains the same 45mm radiator was removed hinge part headband structure became more rigid and classic. At the sound of special changes have occurred, however, the price jumped twice. Perhaps the manufacturer has decided to segment the market by selling the same thing at different prices? Thus, the model M50x does not lose relevance, and, in fact, continues to be a favorite of the M series for bulk buyers with the sensitive budget.

The package is interesting leather bag-cover. Also, note the three high-quality wires. One of them, partially twisted more will appeal to professionals, including headphones into the console or computer audio interface. A short cable is perfect for connecting mobile devices. Well, the long cable is traditionally invited to audiophiles who are placed at home in a chair in the 2-3 meters from the front with a component Hi-Fi-equipment.

The manufacturer does not write, what stands out model M50x. And really, why in the model with the prefix «x» to improve that, and so everyone liked and well sold? The only thing that can be found on the website is mention of the remastered M-Series line, that is, “update line M”. Again, what are the main features of the model headphone comparison Audio -Technica ATH-M50x:

• proprietary 45-mm emitters with rare-earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum coil
• full-size, soft ear pads, with full coverage of the ear and sound insulation
• cups rotate 90 degrees
• high-quality materials of the headband and ear cushions for comfort and long work
• folding for storage and transportation
• use for professionals and home users
• detachable cable 1.2-3 m twisted section, 3 m forward and 1.2 m straight

Data sheet:

• Closed dynamic headphones
• 45 mm radiator
• Neodymium magnet
• Coil CCAW (copper-clad aluminum wire)
• the frequency range of 15 – Hz 28000
• Maximum capacity of 1,600 MW
• Sensitivity 99 dB
• impedance 38 ohms
• weight 285 g without cable and connector
• threaded adapter minijack Big Jack 6.3 mm (1/4 “)

Please note that the connection is possible only in the left cup, like most professional models. Cable securely turns to align the light mark.

We connected the headphones to the professional interface Tascam UH-7000 TI PCM1795 DAC and USB-DAC domestic Yulong U100 with CS4398 and Diamond-transistor amplifier.

The sound quality of headphone comparison Audio -Technica ATH-M50x can be called very well. This is one of the most successful models for the price, if not the best. Definitely, it is a benchmark for other manufacturers. One of the main achievements of the headphones is a good detailed sound in the mid-range, relatively little distortion. For this, you can forgive some roughness on the HF and excess bass. The focus on low frequencies predicted for closed headphones.

Ease of use headphone comparison Audio -Technica – at a fairly high level, but it requires some getting used Aquatic folding structure. The impression that the M50x slightly stronger than the M50, but maybe that was just our new headphones, not blabbed, and while it’s not annoying. After a few minutes of listening affects the lack of ventilation, the ears start to sweat, but this is inevitable with such a design.

Measurements of the frequency response: headphone comparison Audio -Technica

The measurements used software and hardware RightMark Audio Analyzer Pro in our development and test stand Brüel & Kjær 4153 – Artificial Ear / Ear Simulator (IEC 60318-1), Made in Denmark, the price of about 5,000 euros. Measurements of the frequency response are as a reference – it is not necessary for them to guess the sound of the headphone models! In response seen a range of frequencies and main trends! The rise on the low-frequency response of the closed headphones is highly dependent on the pressing force of the cup. We measure a standard force generated by the dynamometer bench.

AFC headphone comparison Audio -Technica ATH-M50x has a flat middle, emphasis on bass and a slight rise in the RF. Mid-range and the lower part of the HF do not have failures and timbre are reproduced faithfully. While listening, you can use EQ to remove the emphasis on the bass in the area of 80-100 Hz and reduce RF to 6 kHz. From this sound becomes more natural, mid-range will return to its central location.

Conclusions: headphone comparison Audio -Technica

Famous closed headphone comparison Audio -Technica ATH-M50x were issued in 2015. limited edition in the new color scheme. Although the sound equipment and no surprises expected, we have reaffirmed this during testing.

Thus, it does not matter whether you buy headphone comparison Audio -Technica ATH-M50x in the usual form or in non-standard colors – the headphones will not disappoint you. Of course, when compared with the much more expensive models, you can find more interesting options. But for the masses, these headphones completely deserve the right to be in the home or work of the collection.

Headphones best suited to those who seek it are a closed model with good sound insulation and a comfortable fit on the head. The strength of the headphone comparison Audio -Technica ATH-M50x – balanced: a good sound, foldable design, interesting accessories, and lightweight, compatible with mobile devices.

Source: device-boom

Xiaomi Mi Headphone Music Amplifier Review

We often write reviews of headphones, but for truly iconic models need to make exceptions. So today we’ll talk about Xiaomi Mi Headphone music amplifier, who do in fact deserve.

You have probably heard that it’s such a new Xiaomi Samsung, only – for now – narrower range. Shirts do not sew self-propelled artillery units do not produce. But, in contrast to the Korean-yet another competitor, almost all access to new markets, the company obtained.

How to look like Xiaomi Mi Headphone music amplifier?

The headphones Xiaomi Mi Headphone music amplifier positioned as a solution for audiophiles but are at the same time a little more expensive than a hundred dollars. And frankly, in appearance these headphones do not even say that they are so cheap.

Gilded mesh on external cups, nice leatherette ear pads on, rotary speakers and adjustable headband as a hint to us the seriousness of this model. The case for transport adapters for 6.3 mm connectors and under the plane, too, symbolize. But this is not limited to: Xiaomi Mi Headphone music amplifier has a removable cable with the headset and a proprietary “chip” – the removable device that can be easily replaced by a single motion. One pair is a compact version of a street that is relatively convenient to move around the city. The second – home or studio monitors. And if the little streets start to rub the ear, where an hour socks and, therefore, require the user to a certain amount of time to get used, the large ear cups, it seems, even to live.

Soundproofed is all very ambiguous. Due to the semi-open form factor you, first, will not achieve complete isolation from the outside world, and secondly, if you are listening to music at high volume, your companions or colleagues will hear its echo. And this, perhaps, is called the main drawback of the ears as the sound quality all just gorgeous.

How to play of Xiaomi Mi Headphone music amplifier?

I must say, the Xiaomi Mi Headphone music amplifier is demanding to the sound source and will play Smart’s shitty. I tested it with a good player Cowon Z2 and smartphone Lenovo Zuk Z1, and now with these gadgets headphones more or less uncovered potential. In the small ear cups are very well designed bass: bass guitar, drums, bass sound is clean and does not merge in hum. This top is also pleasing to detail, and the vocals, though not bulging, but also executed perfectly.

But in the large ear pads the sound is softer and more balanced, just for thoughtful home listening.

Are we buying Xiaomi Mi Headphone music amplifier?

In a matter of a hundred and ten bucks, Xiaomi offers us Mi Headphones headset earphones walking down the street and house headphones and even with this design, you can safely fill in people that bought them three times as much.

Therefore, I fully approve of buying Xiaomi Mi Headphone music amplifier. Excellent headphones can be a great gift for the upcoming holidays.

Source: device-boom

Headphone comparison Sennheiser RS195 vs Denon AH-MM400

Wireless System headphone comparison Sennheiser RS 195 with full-size headphones gated warrant exceptionally clear and natural sound digital quality. Due to such ergonomic design of the headphones you can wear the device for a long time without much discomfort. Convenient placement of interface controlgreatly facilitates the work of setting the parameters detailed sound to suit your preferences. Suffice it to connect a multifunctional transmitter with analog or digital inputs to your home entertainment system and you can enjoy the music.

Modern design: headphone comparison Sennheiser RS 195

Sennheiser RS 195 have an innovative design and provide complete comfort while listening to music. Earphone housing has a movable structure, a full-sized made of soft material. The headband is provided with two pads that gently adhere to the head. The advantage of this model is the presence on the shell of buttons to control the sound balance. Sennheiser RS 195 has a reliable digital signal transfer and clear sound at a distance of a hundred meters.

Sound quality: headphone comparison Sennheiser RS 195

Headphone comparison Sennheiser RS 195 are equipped with the high-tech unit from Sennheiser, which will provide rich and high-quality sound. With a wide frequency range 17-22000 Hz, you can enjoy rich bass tones and high purity. This model has a sensitivity of 117 dB.

Features of the headphone comparison Sennheiser RS 195:

• Signal transmission on a radio channel
• Comfortable full-size ear cushions with noise insulation
• Convenient management interface
• 18 hours battery life
• Analog input sensitivity control
• Multi Transmitter (charging and docking station)

Headphone comparison Denon AH-MM400

Denon AH-MM400 includes a series of Music Maniac manufacturer Denon, and no doubt will appeal to music lovers who listen to your favorite music for hours. They represent overhead headphones that are designed in a modern classical style, perfectly combining the high-quality sound and an incredibly comfortable fit. Included with the headphones are the handy case and adapter jack 6.3 mm in diameter, allowing you to connect them to any fixed. Cable equipped with a built-in remote and mic Handsfree will connect the headphones to the devices iOS, listen to music and take calls, but by the second cable, you can connect headphones to any other smartphone.

Modern design: headphone comparison Denon AH-MM400

Denon AH-MM400 has a stylish design and provides total comfort while listening to music. Elipsovidnye cup with a diameter of 40 mm dynamic emitters are made of American walnut and lacquer spraying attached headphones elegant look and protects the surface from scratches. Memories form ears ear cushions provide passive noise isolation. The advantage of this model is the folding mechanism of the aluminum structure. Adjustable headband closed damping plate. Denon AH-MM400 completes a robust case for comfortable transportation.

Sound quality: headphone comparison Denon AH-MM400

Headphones Denon AH-MM400 with high-quality sound insulation and resistance to 32 ohms will provide rich and high-quality sound. With a wide frequency range 10-40000 Hz, you can enjoy rich bass tones and high purity. This model has a sensitivity of 96 dB. The unique design of the speaker consists of a carbon fiber material of the diaphragm, which is fixed in the basket without suspension, combined with neodymium magnets.

Features of the headphone comparison Denon AH-MM400:

• Stylish design
• High-quality and clear sound
• Cable with remote and mic
• Passive noise isolation
• Folding mechanism
• Transport case included
• Free Edge Technology

Source: device-boom

Headphones Sony MDR-10RC Review

What qualities must have overhead headphones buyer to pay attention to them? At a minimum, good sound, good build, pleasant appearance, successful ergonomics and adequate price. Sony MDR-10RC collected all the above advantages, unfortunately, without a drop of tar has not done.

Contents of delivery: Sony MDR-10RC

Making packaging reminds premium Sony MDR-1R / 1A, which causes positive emotions because this model is much cheaper. Inside the hidden earphones, two 1.2-meter cable, one of them with a remote control, carrying case, and documentation.

Outward appearance: Sony MDR-10RC

Sony MDR-10RC look like a small copy of said MDR-1R. Feels corporate style Japanese company that stands out from the mass of other headphones.

The housing is made of plastic and metal – aluminum made the cup and the base of the arc, and the remaining plastic components. Soft leather is used on the ear cups and headband upper part.

Headsets are available in black, white and red colors. Build a high-level model in the hands felt better than more expensive solutions from Sony. At the head of Sony MDR-10RC look neat and stylish.

Ergonomics: Sony MDR-10RC

The notorious fly in the ointment is waiting for us in here. Do not think that everything is so bad. Soft ear pads, ears comfortably rotate the bowl and turn, and the length is adjustable with optimum rigidity.

But Sony MDR-10RC very poorly kept, just tilt your head as they begin to crawl. Run, do in the hall, cycling is not particularly comfortable, there is always the possibility of falling headphones. This makescompact headphones are designed for listening to music outside the home, not the best choice for the street.

Foldable in a pair with a complete cover greatly simplifies transportation. Removable cable also refers to the advantages of the model – lost / will tear standard, changed to any other with connector mini-jack.

Sounding: Sony MDR-10RC

But the sound in front of us a good copy of their money. The total picture is soft and voluminous, nice to listen to electronics, pop music. Mid and high frequencies are blurred and inexpressive, so the sound of instrumental music or rock music will not please everyone. The stereo sufficiently mature, but to discern where the virtual scene is a specific tool does not always work.

Soundproofing at C grade with a plus, but this situation is typical of overhead headphones Sony MDR-10RC – in a noisy environment a good half of the frequency spectrum is not heard. The official website states that when creating a model, participants were invited to group The Script in order to achieve a realistic sound – excellent, we are happy. Sony MDR-10RC is played loudly and expressively with simple smartphones, which partly compensates for the average sound insulation, but with high-quality sound equipment becomes more detailed and juicy.

The remote control Sony MDR-10RC has a single button that lets you control the player in the smartphone and receive calls.

Verdict: Sony MDR-10RC

As competitors considered the headphones Sony MDR-10RC can recall the AKG K518 and Marshall Major. The first similar in sound, but are losing the design, the latter look very stylish but sound worse creations Sony.

Summing up, we can say that Sony MDR-10RC distinguished brand Sony-style, high-quality materials, good sound, detachable cable and an acceptable price. You can buy Sony MDR-10RC for £ 99.00. The lack of one – poor fixing on the head.

Pros Sony MDR-10RC:

+ Sony design Corporate

+ Materials

+ Sound

+ Options

+ Removable cable

Cons Sony MDR-10RC:

– Poorly kept on the head

Source: device-boom