SOUND SETTINGS
The Sony WM1A has more professional looking EQ and sound settings in the software, compared to the 5 band EQ and Clear Bass feature of the previous flagship ZX2. What you have now is a 10 band EQ with which you can adjust each frequency by 0.5db margins. DSEE HX is again included, but you can choose between Standard, Female – Male Vocal, Percussion and Strings. This is for CD quality or Lossy file types to increase their range and make them close to Hi-Res files. In practice, I didn’t really hear a difference to be honest.
There’s also a DC Phase Linearizer, which aims to give you an analog amplifier type of bass. There are 6 settings to choose from, each affecting the character of the lows. There’s Type A and Type B, and both have 3 settings each; low, standard and high. Low setting gives more subbass emphasis, standard gives a little more kick to both mid and subbass, and high gives more midbass emphasis. The difference between Type A and B is that; Type B bass is a little further back and gives more focus to mids, while Type A bass is more intimate.
Dynamic normalizer is the last feature of the sound settings. This levels the volume between all songs you play.
Ultimately, if you don’t want any of these features and just want to listen to the player’s pure sound, use the Direct Source feature. This disables all DSP settings with one touch. It’s a nice and quick way to compare your DSP settings with the original sound of the DAP, and it also adds a professional touch to the Sony WM1A. Personally, I almost all the time listened to it with Direct Source on.
SOUND
Like I mentioned in the review of the WM1Z; while advancing in the project, engineers decided to produce 2 devices for 2 different sound signatures. Thus, although sharing identical parts (mostly), the 1A has an obvious difference in sound character to the 1Z.
The Sony WM1A has an open, relaxed, non fatiguing smooth sound with a very good sound stage performance and dynamics. It doesn’t have the same amount of warmness, richness and bass presence like the flagship model. But at the same time if you compare it with the old flagship, it doesn’t have those slightly laid back mids and a little colored trebles. Those were the criticized points of ZX2. Instead it has a brighter and flatter character, better controlled bass with a better accentuated mid performance. Nicely extending detailed highs are another plus. So I can easily say WM1A is an obvious step up from ZX2. That’s what led me to get it after all.
Be aware, the Sony WM1A is not a typical Walkman. This is the first time I hear a Sony DAP that chooses to go with a flatter signature. Their previous offerings and recent flagship 1Z is the total opposite (1Z is also superb in technicalities and that makes it really special). But don’t think that WM1A is boring, too bright or too thin sounding. This is the area that Sony shines in. Yes it’s not warm and bold like the 1Z, but it still has that touch of warmth in it, which makes the sound very enjoyable and smooth. And also, with its great control and big sound stage, you always feel comfortable with the sound as it never goes over the limit to sound harsh and in your face. Unless the recording is bad of course.
Although not being at the same level as SP1000 or WM1Z, this is definitely one of the best DAPs you can get.
BASS
When I first listened to the Sony WM1A at the shop, the thing I noticed immediately was the bass quality. I love the lows of the ZX2 which are quite delicious, but in terms of resolution, tightness and control the WM1A simply tops it with its performance. The bass of the 1A also has better texture and speed overall. This is a good accomplishment from the Walkman team and I think this comes from the new S-Master amplification.
Sony WM1A with a Custom Art Special CIEM
On the other hand in terms of amount you’ll get less bass with the 1A compared to 1Z and the good old ZX2. This gets better with burn-in, as I found the bass a little thin and laid back when I first listened to it right out of the box. But even if you burn the output to the recommended 200 hours, you still won’t get the bass kick like with the 1Z. As mentioned by Sony Engineers themselves, the 1A aims to have a good speed and attack with the sound. We know that bass presentation can play a big part on a player’s overall signature, therefore the Sony WM1A doesn’t have huge bass like 1Z.
Since they aimed for different signatures with both of these DAPs, it would be unfair to compare it with the 1Z’s bass performance. It’s not meant to be that way in the first place. There’s also a whopping $2000 USD price difference between them. But if you want the best low frequency performance in a DAP, the WM1Z is the obvious choice to me.
Overall, the Sony WM1A gives a beautiful bass presentation which is very very controlled. The midbass region is gorgeously separated from vocals and instruments. And it has a truer midbass than the ZX2 with a more realistic and tighter bass tuning. The ZX2 is just a little boomy and looser when you compare them side by side, and it lacks the midbass presence.
If you expect the traditional bass from Sony be aware that this is not the DAP for that (in terms of quantity). You can get more kick with DC Phase Linearizer which I referred at the start of this page, which works very nice and sweet. But it’s a software enhancement after all. In short, it’s quality over quantity for 1A. 1Z is both quality and quantity at the same time which is astounding to hear, but 1A’s bass response can play well for those who are looking for a more open and flat signature.
Quokka
Thanks Berkhan for your excellent review. I’ve recently upgraded from the ibasso DX90 to the Sony WM1a and couldn’t be happier. One area I’m keen to explore is find how well it matches with various headphones. I’ve listened with Oppo PM-2 and it sounds great but would like to know what other headphones/earphones you recommend. What phones did you use in your review?
Berkhan
Thank you.
It matches with warm headphones and IEMs really well and I recommend to pair it with those types of phones.
I used Audeze EL-8 and Oriolus MK2 mostly for the review.
Emm Fickle
Hello Berkhan,
I have a Sony A105 Walkman and would like to know if its amp is powerful enough to drive a pair of Sennheiser HD660S headphones. What do you think?
Best,
Emm Fickle
Cobaltico
you’ll need an amp for it to sound its best. Sony players are very power efficient they’re geared toward easy to drive stuff like iems. You can make the 660s sound but it wont be at an optimal level.
Lieven
Fully agree!
Fkrbormes
This review is total b…This SONY NW-WM1A is unable to drive any high quality headphone to a suitable level.It seems that SONY has deliberately bridled this device for european markets.
I can’t get a correct output level with my high impedance headphones (Sennheiser hd-xx Beyer dynamic amiron or Shure 1840) & it’s barely adequate with my Beoplay H6.
I have a Hifiman h901 a Askell & Kern a Onkyo Dp-x1 & all of them drive my headphones to correct levels.
What’s wrong with SONY?
Berkhan
Well, first of all before calling a review bullshit, I suggest you to think about the amount of effort we put in here. Secondly, if you didn’t like the review, you can always share your opinions in your own reviews in platforms like Head – Fi.
Sony DAPs give an enormous battery life to its users thanks to the totally different architecture to other DAPs in the market. Search Class D Amplification and Pulse Width Modulation methods.
The sound limit is a shame and I criticize it, but you can uncap the device easily and after that, the balanced output gives very good power. I listened to the HD660s and HD800s headphones from Sennheiser with high enough volume levels.
Although I really liked the 901s’ sound, it’s absolutely no match to the WM1A in terms of battery life, user experience and software quality. DP-X1 sounds mediocre, it’s not high quality, and it has a terrible hiss with streaming apps. Balanced output doesn’t change that also.
Nothing’s wrong with Sony. If you like to have a DAP that can drive your full size, high impedance headphones, than you can always choose another DAP, nobody’s forcing you to buy this one.
And that doesn’t make my review bullshit.
Fkrbormes
I have finally managed to uncapp my SONY NWWM1A using the scsitool (I had already found it but was reluctant to use it because I was afraid of ruining the device and the guarantee) and now my Sennheiser HD-660S sounds great at half the volume level.
It’s a shame SONY doesn’t provide its customers with correct information and the tool to restore the walkman to its original status because the difference between the two statuses is really huge.
Besides the logic behind it is rather irrelevant the sound pressure level being a function of the headphone as well.
Now I can appreciate your review although a small preamble making it clear that it applies to an uncapped version only and how to do it would probably save many people a lot of troubles.
Best greetings.
Berkhan
That tool is not official. So we can’t expect Sony to share that kind of information. Actually they weren’t even aware of this method when I talked to a Sony officer via e-mail.
OK. I’ll add a small note to the beginning of the review.
Jogibaer
Nice review, thank you very much. 🙂
Berkhan
You’re welcome 🙂
Fkrbormes
What I don’t appreciate is that you and SONY don’t mention that the NWWM1A sold in Europe is capped and as such is unusable with high quality headphones.It also seems that the capping affects the sound quality.Using a Sennheiser HD-660S both outputs sound identical although the balanced one should provide a higher volume but that’s not the case.After hours spent on Internet I have not been able to find an easy way to uncap my walkman.I bought it after reading your review and I have the feeling I have been cheated.
If you really know how to easily uncap that walkman I would appreciate if you shared that knowledge with our community.
While I don’t totally agree with your answer I appreciate that you did it.
Berkhan
I already mentioned the volume cap on WM1Z review and ZX2 Picture Sunday post. I think everybody who are into this niche market have or should have the knowledge about this volume cap.
Tom
This is a suburb review, thank you. I’ve been waiting for a thorough review for this device. When it was first announced, I was disappointed that it didn’t have Android on board. I love my ZX2, but I mainly use it to play my own files. In all actuality, I rarely use the Android features. After reading this, I’m seriously considered selling my ZX2 to get the WM1A. Is the difference in sound really significant? The inclusion of a pentagon out, really puts this above all other competitors for me. Does this do a better job of driving high end headphones? The ZX2 doesn’t do well in this area.
Berkhan
Much thanks for your compliment.
Yes, in my opinion the difference is really significant. If you have the chance to try it out somewhere, go with your ZX2 and take an SD Card to put the exact same files to WM1A to compare directly with ZX2. That was what I did to decide if it’s worth to get the WM1A. And yes, it’s worth it.
It has quite a powerful output from balanced but you need to get an uncapped version or uncap it yourself. Then when you set it to high gain, it can drive HD800S from single ended. I imagine it would be even better from balanced out but I coudn’t try since the HD800S doesn’t have a 4.4mm jack.
Definitely way more power than ZX2 (uncapped).
Tom
What do you mean uncapped version? How can you tell if the version is uncapped? I own the HD800 S, and would get a pentagon attachment for those if this can drive it from the balanced output.
Berkhan
The ones that are sold in Europe for example have volume limits. Because of the EU regulations. But it’s not hard to convert the device’s software version to another region. So when you change the region of the software you simply unlock the sound limit.
Where are you from? If you’re in Europe then you’ll get an EU version which has the sound limit. But like I said it’s easy to unlock it.
Tom
I’m in the US (New York), so I should be safe from the capping. I think the ZX2 had a issue with volume cap in Europe as well. Thanks for the feedback, I’m going to take your advice and try this out at the Sony store.
Berkhan
You’re welcome.
Choi
Nice review, been contemplating between this and Onkyo dpx1… any suggestions?
Berkhan
WM1A is way beyond DP-X1 in terms of sound quality.
Alfy
Thanks for a great review. I already own an AK70, and I’m looking for an upgrade, sound-wise but also in terms of autonomy: would the WMA1A be that?
The Answer
Yeah much better than AK70. But you’re going to lose the streaming.
otoko_oidon
Thanks for the review Berkhan. How do Mojo compares to WM1A? I’m planning to replace my Mojo with something like that one from Sony or a DX200+AMP3. I will only use some IEM (IT03, Angie) with that player.
Berkhan O.
You’re welcome.
DX200 and WM1A both nice players but as I said in the review, WM1A is superior from balanced output, and the sound stage is much wider even from SE output. But if you’re looking a DAP for streaming, DX200 is the best choice IMO.
For Mojo, I think WM1A is much much better.
Sang Yhee
Was the comparison with the ZX2 done with all the sound adjustment apps turned off? With it turned off, the ZX2 sounds more neutral. There are still things that I like better from the ZX2 than the WM1A. Also driver grip and impact on sensitive iems such as a Andromeda is better on the ZX2. I found the andromedas inferior from the SE of the WM1A and only better on bal with high gain engaged. Still its quite close with the WM1A winning in lower noise and hiss.
Berkhan
The ZX2 is warmer and WM1A is more neutral of the two in my opinion. If you look into them in a technical way, WM1A is superior.
But, the ZX2 is already a legendary DAP to me.
And yes, the comparison had been made with all DSPs off.
Brian Fu
Great review, Berkhan. By chance have you compared the WM1A to A&K KANN?
Berkhan
Thanks!
They’re somewhat similar in terms of non-fatiguing sound, but WM1A is technically better in my opinion. KANN is much powerful though, and I really liked it’s smooth and beautiful sound.
sulabh
How is the driving power of WM1A compared to fiio x5iii?
Berkhan
If you unlock the WM1A, they’re similar. From Balanced WM1A is pretty strong (unlocked).
Ricky M.
Great detail review. Because of your review, I ended up purchasing the 1A(US model) a week after reading your review. There is are a lack of reviews(and detail reviews) of the 1A online.
I own a ZX2 for almost 3 years. I identify some of the weakness and strengths of the player that you were talking about. Despite the flaws of the ZX2, it is still a great player hands down. Great sounding DAP. Still keeping mines because of what it can do and for what it is.
As far as the 1A, that DAP perform magic to my music library. Hearing details that I never heard before. Blacker background, tighter bass and the highs are so detail and yummy. I am only at 65 hour of burn in. And that is on the unbalanced end. Working on the purchasing a 4.4 mm cable asap.
Thank you for the great review!!! Keep that s@%t up!!!
P.S. When will folks learn to just use low impedance headphones/earphones to utilize the output on today’s DAP? Especially the Sony Walkmans.
Berkhan
Thanks Ricky.
I still own the ZX2 as well. Can’t replace it with anything at the moment. Such a unique player.
Get the 4.4mm cable and hear the difference buddy.
These devices are not designed to drive full size cans properly in the first place, so I don’T understand the complaints either. If you want to get the best performance from those headphones you have to have a nice desktop setup anyway. And uncapped WM1 devices can drive those headphones from balanced (although not at their full performance), and Sennheiser includes 4.4mm cables in their new models.
Winipou
Thank you for this nice review.
One question: This DAP stills runs on Android 4.1.
Taking into account the considerable investment, what is the expected lifetime of this software and the DAP? Does Sony foresee software updates or when necessary an upgrade to a newer software?
Regards!
Berkhan
It’s not Android, it’s a custom Sony software which is Linux-based.
Adam
How does the wm1a compare to the zx300 in sound?
Berkhan
I can’t find the ZX300 to listen here. So no idea.
Steven
Thanks for the review Berkhan. Been considering to upgrade my X5iii to the wm1a and stop using streaming services, is it still worth it buying this after almost 2 years of its release date?
Regards.
Berkhan
In my opinion the WM1A is always worth it 🙂
And most importantly, switching to it from the X5III will be a significant upgrade for you.
But if you’d like to keep having streaming, you can look at the DX200 from iBasso.
Auronthas
Great review. How does WM1A sound quality compare with Hiby R6?
Berkhan
WM1A is simply better 🙂
Sven
Great review, thank you. How does WMA1 sound quality compare with Calyx M and Hugo Chord 1?
Berkhan
Hugo 1 sounds more like WM1Z, 1A is a bit more relaxed and laid back compared to Hugo, and Hugo has better dynamics.
For Calyx M I have no idea.
Javier
Very deep and interesting Review. Thanks a lot.
Based on your description I would definitely go with the 1Z.
The only thing that keeps me from that is that is a product that already have more than two years. I’m afraid to buy it because Sony might be releasing a new version soon.
Thanks again
Berkhan
You’re welcome.
Sony won’t release a new model very soon, they just released a “desktop DAP” which is nowhere near portable (DMP-Z1). And they’ll update the WM1 series’ software next month, which shows that they will stick around for quite a bit of time.
So you can go for the 1Z, it’s still one of the 4-5 best DAPs in the world.
Maarten
Thanks for the really good review. I considere getting it myself but I can’t decide between the WM1A and Astell&Kern’s SR15. Do you know how they sound compared to each other or how WM1A compares to AK70 mkII?
Berkhan
WM1A is the superior DAP in terms of pure sound. But the AKs you’ve mentioned are more compact and they have streaming feature.
So you must choose between the best sound or the streaming capability (Tidal, Spotify etc.).
WM1A is especially a great DAP from 4.4mm BAL output.
Berkhan
Btw, if it helps, I’ve listened the SR15 in CanJam London and I think it’s a very good upgrade over the AK70 series.
MhtLion
Thanks for the great review. Looks like this and AK SE100 is in similar price bucket. Did you get a chance to compare them by any chance? Thanks!
Berkhan
I listened the SE100 in CanJam but didn’t directly compare to my WM1A.
But I personally did not like it. It’s very (too) relaxed, therefore dynamics weren’t at the level I desired. Surely it has a great wide sound stage, but I think the WM1A is the better player. Not to mention that the SE100 costs 1700 $.
Sony has a much better battery life too. But of course the AK has streaming.
MhtLion
Thanks for the honest impression!!
Gerson Dzib
Yo tengo el Sony ZX2 y es un reproductor unico, un sonido que wuau me enamoro y es mi favorito ..nunca me despego de el y es mi joya ..
Te agradesco tu comparacion del zx2 entre WM1A y creo que juntare para comprarme el WM1A ..nunca jamas venderia mi ZX2
Berkhan
Gracias. Es bueno saber que todavía tienes el ZX2. Siempre mantendré la mía también.
Timothy Lee
Hey Berkhan,
Been looking at replacements for my AK70ii. I currently use an EE Hermes and they’re incredibly sensitive, how’s the hiss on these? With the AK70ii there’s some hiss, loud enough to make me want to use an impedance adapter. But once the music is on, it kinda gets drown out. However I do listen to alot of ambient stuff, and it’s not loud enough to cover the hiss.
Berkhan
Well I can’t precisely comment on the matter of hissing, but I can clearly say the WM1A is the better sounding DAP for sure.
Nishy
Thank you for a very informative review! I love my 901s sound, both as a dedicated portable with Beyerdynamic DT1350 portable headphones for years (even Xiomara items), and especially via a Hifiman Dock and over a Carbon amp and Stax 009. The 901s sound to me is very clear and “juicy” and feels “just right” to my ears. I just tried the Kann as I lost my Hifiman and somehow it did not come close on any jazz track I sampled – rather flat and definitely less clear and with less depth and less sparkle (ok it is cheaper and single chip). I even ran the same tracks from Kann through my Ray Samuel’s Dark Star and an Hifiman HE6…and I was disappointed not to be more positive about a lovely player (Kann) and GUI. Which brings me to your review in the hope that the Sony 1A may be more 901s-like aka “Holy Grail” circa $1500? The 901s GUI is clunky to say the least and I am not desirous of WiFi or really Bluetooth (better indexing certainly)…10 hours battery is a minimum… but I am after great jazz sound. Somehow I can’t adjust downwards from the warm 801 or very natural 901s sound quality…would you please give your expert opinion as 1A does sound hopeful from your review? Thanks!
Berkhan
You’re welcome.
901s is a great player for the reasons that you’ve mentioned, but the WM1A is quite similar. It’s resolving, close to neutral sounding and it has a very nice sound stage. So I think in terms of sound character they’re pretty close.
And yes, KANN is not a high end player.
N
Many thanks for your quick feedback! That’s heartening. Have you tried the 1A alongside the SP1000M? I am toying between the two. Any thoughts on sound quality (…coming from 901s stable)? Keep up your great reviews!
Berkhan
No, I’ve never heard the SP1000M. But there’ll be a review here soon.
R
Thanks for taking out the time to write such a awesome review. If I can ask you one question would you recommend the high gain output set on balanced mode? Or do you think a balanced connection without the high gain is the better option. Did you use the balanced output with high gain on?
Berkhan
Doesn’t matter for sound quality. Gain is only a gain. I use the High Gain in my DAP.
N
Having bought the NW-WM1A after reading your in-depth review, I am a) very happy with it (signature and feel in hand/OS), b) your review in hindsight again hits the right buttons. I will probably uncap it as it can do with a little higher sound, though not a crying need. Very tempted to go for a 1Z!
Berkhan
Thank you. Glad to hear that my review helped you to get the device.
Kulankot
Thank you very much for the thorough review. Will it drive the Audeze headphone? Thanks.
Allan
Berkhan
Which one?
Kulankot
LCD2
Berkhan
If you hook it up through the balanced output with an uncapped software, then you can have some volume.
But in any case, you should have a full size desktop amp for the LCD 2.
Lui Cartin
Hi Berkhan, thanks for the review!
I have a question about a mental bug:
I want to buy a high-end DAP like the 1A, just that the 1A is more than two years old.
Is this a factor against the newer proposals like the new AKs (SR15, SE100) and the DX200 (Amp8 is newer), or does the quality of the 1A hold in spite of its age?
I’m still conditioned to think that newer = better. I’d like this baby to hold for a good 2-3 yrs in top form.
What do you think?
Berkhan
Hi,
Of course it’s a factor, but it also depends on your preferences.
Yes, the 1A holds in there among the great DAPs in its price range despite being 2 years old. And you can see Sony keeps giving it updates to improve the software. Now you also have the BT Receiver feature to use streaming apps from your phone. If your phone has an LDAC connection, then it’s even better. You can transfer high res data with BT.
But if you want to use streaming directly from your DAP, then the new AK players would serve you very well with their fluid and polished software. They’re neat.
In terms of raw sound performance? I suggest the WM1A, especially against the SR15.
Lui Cartin
Thanks so much for the response!
In fact, based your your review and other glowing info, I went ahead and got it!
It’s in the burning stages, so I’m still patient, but so far it’s all that and then some…
The only comment is that this morning, at the near 50hr mark (I know it’s still not much) I heard hiss… Hisss!!
Is this normal?
I thought it was supposed to be pretty black… anyways, I’ll keep burning and let’s see!
Berkhan
Hiss is normal. It should be gone once you start playing the song. It’s not a problem.
Lui Cartin
Whew! Thanks a mil again!
Robert Noblitt
Thanks for your excellent review, which helped me decide to buy a WM1A to use with my Sony MDR-1AM2 headphones. To me, the sound is amazing, with great clarity. Using balanced cable, of course. It is interesting to try high gain output. Maybe I imagine it, but the sound seems better with high gain. Anyway, no harm as long as I don’t turn the volume too high. An actual advantage of high gain is that fewer clicks are needed to adjust the volume, whether raising or lowering.
Berkhan
You’re welcome.
There shouldn’t be a sound quality difference with the gain setting.
Very thanks for the comment.
Ed
Hi good review, not many reviews i could fine on the wm1a online. Im currently thinking of maybe purchasing a dap for my ie800S. Ive been listening to music with high end iems for many years but only used my smartphone (now a iphone x) by itself as a source. Im not too technically knowledgable when it comes to audio equipment but to my understanding the ie800s are 16ohm and 125 db sensitivity so they are easy to drive and ive been enjoying their sound with just an iphone, which i read online is actually one of the best audio quality smartphones you can buy right now.
But my question is do you think with the wm1a i will get a significant upgrade in pure sound quality?
And ive read online many people who have tried both the wm1a and zx300 say they actually sound nearly identical with the only difference that the wm1a provides more power? Do you know if this us true?
Thanks
Berkhan
Hello Ed,
To me the sound performance between a plain smartphone and a dedicated audio player is significantly different, especially when you compare it to a DAP like WM1A.
So the source is very important. The sound you would get from the WM1A compared to the iPhone should be much much better.
For the WM1A vs. ZX300 I don’t know to be honest. I also know that people speak highly of the ZX300 but I never had a chance to sit down and test it.
But if your priority is portability, then the ZX300 would be the better option. But the WM1A BAL output is really something.
Ronald
I really enjoyed your review. I was looking at the Opus 2, but after reading about the WM1a I am leaning more towards the 1a. How would you compare them. I am more interested in sound quality, and not streaming.
Eddie Ngan
I just bought the wm1a. I am looking for a 4.4 cable for my andromeda. I am thinking the Sony Kimber 4.4mm or Alo Litz 4.4mm. Any suggestion
Lieven
The HEadfonia team uses Effect Audio, Plussound, DHC, C3Audio
Matt
I have the NW-ZX1 (Japanese Version) 35th Anniversary edition. Surely Sony will release a 40th Anniversary Walkman this year? Any news on this?
Berkhan
There aren’t any news that we know of.
mike
one thing helpful in a review like this is to know what kind of music and engineering you’re listening to. Ideally, for me, classical orchestra or quartet single mic’d with sound engineered pushing for focus…
Blue
Thanks for this review. I’m thinking of breaking into the market, and I was considering my purchase options between The Onkyo DPX-1A and the NWWM1A.
I was also looking at the NWWM1Z as an expensive alternative, and your input has given me plenty to digest.
After I organise some FLAC files of well known songs, I will head off to a local Hi Fi Centre to hit the ground running.
I appreciate the commentary on the portability, weight, and physical features of the DAPs, also. However, I intend to keep mine in a pouch on my backpack although there is a risk of being knocked from time to time.
Which product seems sturdier? which would suffer more from a possible knock? (I would turn the screen inward)
The final question I have, though, is did you test any speakers using bluetooth? Does everything sound just as amazing if I don’t directly inject it into my ear? I’m trying to find the perfect solution for my workplace, and headphones are probably illegal and definitely frowned upon where I work.
Thanks again
Berkhan
I would recommend WM1A over Onkyo any day, including build quality.
Speakers are no problem with the WM1A. I use it with speakers time to time.
Daniel
Hello, thanks for your review.
I recently bought the WM1A and i really want to try the Balance output since the single ended feels a little bit “unpowered” , i was thinking The 660s from Sennheiser. Do you know if the WM1A can drive the 150 OHMS from the 660s?.
Thanks again for the review.
Daniel
By the way, i bought the “uncapped” US version.
Berkhan
Hello Daniel.
I actually used it with the very HD660S. They match up great in terms of sound, and the player can drive it from BAL.
You still go to the very upper volume levels to drive the HD660S, but it’s enough in home environment.
changiphone
Did you drive hd660s on wm1a with low gain, or high gain?😁
Tito Mariátegui
I’ve owned the WM1A and paired it with 660s, sounds kinda boring, not bad, but boring. WM1A doesn’t have the power to driven them properly (of course by balanced).
Genek
Hi! Great review and nice comparison to other DAPs. I own Fiio x5II and considering WM1A for an upgrade (I can’t afford 1Z unfortunately). I recently bought Sony MDR-Z7 and for me Fiio lacks power and bass, I need more punch and juice so my question is should I buy 1A or look at some other DAP? Will I get much more power from balanced output compared to Fiio X5? Thx!
mark2mark
what fiio are you referring to?
Berkhan
You won’t have too much of a power difference but you will have better sound quality.
changiphone
I really do think that x5ii character is on neutral and not bassy at all, if you go with wm1a (midnight fw), im pretty sure z7 is sounded great from balanced output.
NIHAL
Hey Berkhan,
Great review. After owning Fiio M9 and then Cayin N6ii (which is a brilliant dap) I have realised that I donot need an Android-based device and I need a better battery life. N6ii is bit bulky also, which may seem normal to some, but it seems bit odd to me. I was looking for a dap with a great battery life and a good sound quality. Could not find a better marriage between the two except in the Sony WMA1. I looked for reviews all around but could not find a better review than yours. Now, can you please please help me with a doubt? Does this device have a good sound as compared to N6ii or will it be a significant downgrade? By any means will this device be an upgrade to N6ii? Or if you have any suggestions please let me know. Hoping for a reply.
Thanks a lot.
Berkhan
Hello,
Thank you.
No it won’t be a significant downgrade for you I’m sure of that. I don’t know if it’s an upgrade though. Based on the price levels and their places in the companies’ lineups, I assume that they’re close.
And since you want to have great battery life, you should go with the WM1A.
Mr Fripp
Hi, good review. I had the old zx2, the fiio m6, fiio m9, fiio m11 pro, fiio q5s and now i have the A&K Sr15, the kann, the shanling m2x and sony wm1a and i really love it. Today we can find very good DAPs but i think sony have something special in their products. While fiio are producing each 6 month new models with the last chips sony only produce a few models but they can compite with any new DAP even if they don’t do streaming. My last fiio dap was the m11 pro and after two month i realize that I only was using the sony and the sr15 (excellent for transportarion and good sound too), so i sold the fiio (beautiful device and good sound but after a while i felt that something is missing).
Berkhan
Thank you Mr. Fripp. I agree that the Sony DAPs are special. Good to know you’re enjoying your WM1A. What are your ear/headphones?
Mr Fripp
Hi. I’m using the HD650, Grado 80 and IEMs Fiio FH1 and the Sony 1000X.
Berkhan
Does it drive the HD650?
Tito Mariátegui
Great review, thank you. How do we know if our wm1a player is capped or uncapped? if I can set the volume to high gain then it is uncapped?
Berkhan
You’re welcome. Yes, if you can select gain it probably means that it’s uncapped.
Loris N.
Probably the best purchased I ever made and it’s thanks to this enjoyable review.
So, thanks a lot Berkhan
Berkhan
Thank you too Loris.
O Khan
Hello and thanks for your in-depth review. The product is out for a long time and still can’t find detailed review like you did. The price hasn’t changed much since it came out, therefore, I was wondering if there’s any updated model in the pipeline that you are aware of? Currently I own Pono Player which I still enjoy very much and want to upgrade to something better. I am considering Wm1a of Kann Cube that just came out. Any thoughts or insights on this?
Berkhan
You’re welcome.
There’s a new model which is the ZX-500. But that works with Android with lesser battery life.
Otherwise, I don’t have any information about a possible release. WM1 series still go strong to this day. I guess Sony will not release something until they develop a better sound.
jerzy
Witam, wreszcie kupiłem wspaniały walkman cyfrowy sony WM1A według mnie jest z najlepszych w historii dziękuję za recenzje pozdrawiam.
Berkhan
Thank you for reading too 🙂
proedros
Bought my wm1a back in July 2017 , and still enjoy it very, very much after 4000 hour of usage…
along with my 1960s 2wire cable + Zeus XR ciem, this is a TOTL setup that didn’t cost me an arm and a leg (paid 3000$ for all 3 items , so yeah no complaints there…)
Great review , thanx for taking the time to write it
Berkhan
You’re welcome. Enjoy your Walkman.
Jose Luis Altamirano
Hi Berkhan, thank you for your review…I have my 1A with 18 hours of use…would you recommend to make the burn-in till the 200 hours Sony says?…and another question my friend, I also have KANN Cube its in burn-in process…would you recommend to me burn- in it 200 hours as well ( right now is getting 100 hours) thank you for your kind answers, best regards!
Berkhan
Don’t be too bothered about the burn in time. Just listen to your player and see if it improves eventually. 100 hours is OK for that.
As for the CUBE, I think 100 hours is enough as well.
Aakash Kumar
Hi Berkhan… Enjoy reading your reviews and I own a WM1A. Need to check if the 4.4/3.5 on 1A supports Line out into an external portable AMP?
In case I want to connect something like iFi xCAN with WM1A for more power hungry cans, can i use the 4.4 Out on 1A into the 2.5 Bal input on the xCAN ? Not sure if it’s digital/analog, or will it result into double amping? (not an audio tech expert so please pardon any lack of understanding)
Berkhan
Hi 🙂
The WM1A doesn’t support a Line Out from its audio jacks, so yes, it will result with double amping. However, I tried to connect an external amplifier before, and it worked out nicely. So although double amping is not ideal, it works out quite nice. Just try for yourself and see the results.
Mark Taylor
Thanks for your excellent review.
How about using output via WM-port instead to feed headphone amp? I think this avoids double amping. Have you tried this?
Berkhan
No I haven’t tried it. However I don’t think you can use the WM-Port as a line out.
Mark Taylor
I can get audio output from the WM-Port of my Sony NW-A56, but not from WM1A. Aha.
Carlos
Hello Berkhan!
Thank you very much for your review and all your kind and precise answers.
I currently own a Hiby R6 Pro and I am considering buying a WM1A. Do you think it’s a worthy upgrade? I don’t care much for streaming services, although it’s a nice to have feature.
I’m also considering the A&K SA700 or A&K Kann Alpha, but WM1A are on top of my list because of the reliability.
I’ll be listening on Unique Melody Mest, Unique Melody Maverick 2, Noble Audio k10 and Sendy Aivas.
Thank you very much.
changiphone
Been using r6pro for a while and now im with wm1a. All i can say that r6pro has a superior mid section and it is more height and musical as well. While wm1a is more open due a greater treble extention, and it has wider soundstage.
Comparing both of it using my ie800s from both of their balanced output as well.
Edward com
El wma1a moverá los sundara por lo menos decentemente he escuchado que dicen que no los mueve al 100 pero si es cercano… Y el z7m2 dicen que ni se acerca a moverlos al 100% ni 50% tu sabes algo de estos 2 caso saludos?
Andre
Hi Berkhan, thank you for the awesome and detailed review. May I know what is the region of the WM1A that you used for the review ?