This Sony dap brings out a maturity in my iems that I don’t get on any other device,very full lush and detailed also love connecting it to the euforia… highly recommend that combo 😉
Thanks for this great review in comparison. 100% agree with your assessment of Astell&Kern vs Sony WM1ZM2 in the area of bass, midrange and treble. Thanks so much!!
Extremely well said and you touch upon some excellent points about DAP/companies having a signature/house sound, so synergy is vital for optimal performance. I very much agree with your assessments, especially when talking about AK DAPs. Thank you.
Great review, so I think everyone should choose the right dap for their preferences.The most important thing is not to think that more expensive and newer must be better.
@@amplifyaudioreviewsI'm trying to understand your message about the Sony sound, I'm 50 years old so I remember the sound of cassettes but I don't understand what you mean by "audio cassettes"
Are you also high on the sound of this dap for use with Stellia and Utopia? I’ve been debating getting this vs a desktop amp. The dap would be more practical.
Ive auditioned this dap along with some chord products. Mojo 2 and hugo 2. From my listbing, its on par with the mojo 2 in terms of technicalities and tone. But Hugo 2 put a smile on my face while comparing, bought the hugo 2 instead. Now looking for an actual dap that can top that. Looking for cayin n30le or LP6 pro as those are heavily hyped!
Hey man! Thanks again for these videos. Here’s my situation: My buddy is visiting Japan next week and asked if he should pick anything up for me. Given the USD/¥ conversion rate, the 1Z/1A becomes much more attractive to me. Is the heavier 1ZM2 still “portable” enough to take on walks & work trips? I’ve heard it’s quite a bit heavier than the 1AM2, but sounds more analog/tubey, which may be nice with the IE 900. Have you tried using it with ZMFs?
Hey man better with Focal rather than ZMF because the latter is warm to start with. It's definitely very portable if you can hold it in your hand but putting it in your pocket will weigh you down I think. But it's an amazing product.
Hi @Sajid. Congratulations for the channel. Like what is said in this video, SONY has become my favorite DAP. I currently own some Empire Ears Odyssey, Raven and (newly arrived) Odin. ¿I understand from this review that the first two have good synergy with the SONY, but with the Odin no? I would like you to confirm that. With my other DAP, an Astell&Kern SP3000 the synergy with the Odin is perfect. Thank you very much 🙏
What I understand the difference between the Walkman WM1ZM2 and the WM1AM2 is the internal KIMBER KABLE connector and the alloy of the case. Now for the detail retrieval, the WM1ZM2 is it better ?
Hey, thanks for the video, really clears up a lot of my questions. I have a Sennheiser IE900, not the highest end unit in the world, but I really enjoy their sound and how tiny they are - in your experience, would they pair well with the Sony DAP in this video? Thank you!
Long live the 1ZM2. ❤ It would have been nice to hear about the synergy of the Tsuranagi and the DMP-Z1 with the 1ZM2. That said, the video would've been a bit longer. 👍
Thanks, I have an mdr-Z1R as well as an ier-z1r (I do love Sony sound) but today paired to an ak sp2000t. Do you think the Sony DAP would be a much better pairing? Kind of love the 2000t.
It's weird, there's not many reviews on this DAP. The only flaw I've seen with mine is no android auto. But besides that, there's not much to complain about. Have you tried the ground pin adapter?
Great review, I too feel I'm set for a long haul with my DMP and ZM2. What volume level are you usually on the ZM2. Also do you have high gain, mostly on or off?
Nice review thank you so much...I have a question: With this Sony would you recommend the Sony headphones MDR Z1R or the in ear SONY IER Z1R Thanks again greetings from Mexico!
This m2 is designed for iem. Not powerful enough to power the mdr z1r. My Sony m2 drives my traillii and um amber pearl wonderfully. Mdr-z1r needs a desktop class amp to drive like the Sony 1es which I also own.
I own SP3K Cu and WM1ZM2. Just like Sanjit pointed, Astell&Kern has texture to the bass, but lacks the nice grunt (bass “grind”) that only Sony can deliver 😊. Astell&Kern generally has a wider soundstage, more airy treble (yet being a tad bit recessed) and addictive midrange (especially for string instruments). In everything else, e.g. vocals, bass, notes positioning, layering, separation and most importantly dynamics and musicality, Sony wins over Astell&Kern.
@@pdl3895 So if you can only have 1 DAP which would it be the SP3000CU or Sony. I have AK SP1000CU and finally want to upgrade to either SP3000CU or Sony. When i tried the Sony I was mightily impressed compared to it 1st generation. While the SP3000 SS I was dissipointed and thought my sp1000 CU maybe even better. What I will say I prefer the AK interface and love the Manual volume wheel....the Sony may take time to learn to navigate.
Hello, I have the same model. I wonder if you can activate LDAC 990 in settings? Whenever the active returns to "best effort" I don't think it is limited by Sony being the same codec. I wonder if there is a solution?
I want to get my first headphone and don't want to own many and I want to us it for all genres of music, movie like Tenet, gaming d want to make music and soundtrack in the future, right now decided to get Sony Z1R, I tried Sony MV1 open headphone and played Horizon Dreamer off UA-cam and the vocal is fuzzy compare to M1, why? Should I get another headphone down the line in addition to the Z1R between M1, MV1 and B&O H95 (because 95 number mean a lot to me)? Is DAP like ZX707 and WM1AM2 worth to get or USB DAC off phone, MacBook, console and tv will get the same sound?
Cayns players are better than Sony in any case, especially n8II, because 8 ka has gain levels a, ab, p+, p+ is very suitable for planars because a planar diaphragm always sounds deader than a dynamic driver. The only non-disputed + Sony can be an equalizer that does not introduce distortion, this is really a merit! N7 is worse than 8II, but clearly better than Sony!
For now I'm using a Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact with a 512GB MicroSDXC card as DAP. Any reason I should use a dedicated DAP? I play many file formats, mostly .mp3, .ogg, .flac, .wma .ape .m4a and .mid
Bro go for wm1zm2 you won’t regret it. Because I had wm1a since since 2016 and when I listened to zm2 I was blown away. I have to save up and buy it under six months.
Great DAP, but Sony sacrificed battery life for power. This DAP lacks the power to even drive the very sensitive HiFiMan Arya (stealth) via the 4.4mm jack. That said. IEM's sound otherworldly on it.
I find the 1ZM2 great for simplifying a setup, add an IEM (that accepts the Sony house sound) and done. Otherwise 1ZM2 can be a nightmare, not enough driving power to play with many IEMS, some brise cables and tsuranagi would do the trick, after you find an IEM, the aftermarket cables are all so dominant and compete against 1ZM2's house sound , which means you'll need stuff like Orpheus, Shirogane 8W which lets everything shine. It's like buying a (maxed out) Mac Pro plus Pro Display XDR to play games 😢😢😢
Hi ! A very good day to you , just curious I wonder if I to get this WM-1ZM2 does it works well with Meze Audio Liric II planar. Hope to hear from you soon please advice
Well there are redeeming features Sony releases flagship DAPs every 5 years compared to every year or every other year by the likes of AK and Cayin. Cayin’s latest DAP is 5K so there’s that. 🙂🙏🏻
yeah, its favorite as is sponsored and you get premium device for free. who will not like device for free. honestly i would never spend over 1,5k for mobile device. real music is from apmlifier and proper speakers. in reality, just 128gb of memory? this is just for few albums in DSD and 1,5k usd for 128gb memory? is a joke, with this price should be ate least 500gb.
My Sony nw-wm1zm2 is my favorite dap, combined with Empire Ears Odin. Incredible sound and very warm organic sound signature ❤
This Sony dap brings out a maturity in my iems that I don’t get on any other device,very full lush and detailed also love connecting it to the euforia… highly recommend that combo 😉
Thanks for this great review in comparison. 100% agree with your assessment of Astell&Kern vs Sony WM1ZM2 in the area of bass, midrange and treble. Thanks so much!!
Thanks for watching!
Extremely well said and you touch upon some excellent points about DAP/companies having a signature/house sound, so synergy is vital for optimal performance. I very much agree with your assessments, especially when talking about AK DAPs. Thank you.
What do you think of the Astell and Kern SP3000
I own both Gen 1 Sony Signature DAPs. They're beautiful. I haven't checked out the M2 series yet.
Great review, so I think everyone should choose the right dap for their preferences.The most important thing is not to think that more expensive and newer must be better.
🙏🏻
@@amplifyaudioreviewsI'm trying to understand your message about the Sony sound, I'm 50 years old so I remember the sound of cassettes but I don't understand what you mean by "audio cassettes"
Yo tengo el Sony NW-WM1AM2 ya me imagino como debe de sonar el WM-WM1ZM2 para el 2028 compraré el NW-WM1ZM3
Are you also high on the sound of this dap for use with Stellia and Utopia? I’ve been debating getting this vs a desktop amp. The dap would be more practical.
This dap doesn't have a lot of power, it's really for iems I'd say
Better off with another DAP
I'd recommend getting a SE300
Nothing comes close Wm1zm2 the goat.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Hi @Sajid : How does it compare to NW1-AM2 ? Is it worth to pay more for NW1ZM2 ?
No....unless it's very high end classical music
Please can you talk more about the vinyl filter?
Ive auditioned this dap along with some chord products. Mojo 2 and hugo 2. From my listbing, its on par with the mojo 2 in terms of technicalities and tone. But Hugo 2 put a smile on my face while comparing, bought the hugo 2 instead. Now looking for an actual dap that can top that. Looking for cayin n30le or LP6 pro as those are heavily hyped!
have you tried Annihilators on this? I own a WM1AM2 idk if the sound sig is hugely different to the ZM2, curious for your thoughts.
Proud owner of this device plus oriolus traillii and UM Fabled sounds iem.
Hey man! Thanks again for these videos. Here’s my situation: My buddy is visiting Japan next week and asked if he should pick anything up for me. Given the USD/¥ conversion rate, the 1Z/1A becomes much more attractive to me.
Is the heavier 1ZM2 still “portable” enough to take on walks & work trips? I’ve heard it’s quite a bit heavier than the 1AM2, but sounds more analog/tubey, which may be nice with the IE 900.
Have you tried using it with ZMFs?
Hey man better with Focal rather than ZMF because the latter is warm to start with. It's definitely very portable if you can hold it in your hand but putting it in your pocket will weigh you down I think. But it's an amazing product.
Hi @Sajid. Congratulations for the channel. Like what is said in this video, SONY has become my favorite DAP. I currently own some Empire Ears Odyssey, Raven and (newly arrived) Odin. ¿I understand from this review that the first two have good synergy with the SONY, but with the Odin no? I would like you to confirm that. With my other DAP, an Astell&Kern SP3000 the synergy with the Odin is perfect. Thank you very much 🙏
What I understand the difference between the Walkman WM1ZM2 and the WM1AM2 is the internal KIMBER KABLE connector and the alloy of the case.
Now for the detail retrieval, the WM1ZM2 is it better ?
It really depends what kinda of music you play with.
And for detail retrieval ?
Just received my ZM2. Which IEM/s would you recommend to pair with? Thanks for great reviews.
You can check the Sennheiser IE900. IE900 with the Sony zm2 is a marriage made in heaven .
I agree
Hey, thanks for the video, really clears up a lot of my questions. I have a Sennheiser IE900, not the highest end unit in the world, but I really enjoy their sound and how tiny they are - in your experience, would they pair well with the Sony DAP in this video? Thank you!
Long live the 1ZM2. ❤ It would have been nice to hear about the synergy of the Tsuranagi and the DMP-Z1 with the 1ZM2. That said, the video would've been a bit longer. 👍
Next time!
Thanks, I have an mdr-Z1R as well as an ier-z1r (I do love Sony sound) but today paired to an ak sp2000t. Do you think the Sony DAP would be a much better pairing? Kind of love the 2000t.
How well does the DAP drive cans like Empy 2?
It's weird, there's not many reviews on this DAP. The only flaw I've seen with mine is no android auto. But besides that, there's not much to complain about. Have you tried the ground pin adapter?
Yes. Own it. Love it but I somehow end up using the DAP without it. Less clunky?
Great review, I too feel I'm set for a long haul with my DMP and ZM2. What volume level are you usually on the ZM2. Also do you have high gain, mostly on or off?
Mostly on! And between 40-80 clicks, mostly somewhere around 50. Highest possible is 120.
@amplifyaudioreviews Thank you, I am mostly around 50, and I felt the high gain is needed but wasn't using. It's good to know you have it mostly on!
Nice review thank you so much...I have a question: With this Sony would you recommend the Sony headphones MDR Z1R or the in ear SONY IER Z1R Thanks again greetings from Mexico!
This m2 is designed for iem. Not powerful enough to power the mdr z1r. My Sony m2 drives my traillii and um amber pearl wonderfully. Mdr-z1r needs a desktop class amp to drive like the Sony 1es which I also own.
Hi Sajid, just bought the dap. What iem goes well with it? At the moment using iem, JH Jimi Aion. Thx
this was very nice...
i tried it in sony showroom . it sounds outstanding but the price is sky rocket
So sorry to ask i love warm , rich , thick ,lush sound and not bright sounding DAP any recommendation
Sir nw1zm2 vs ibasso dx320 max ti which is better
Hello. Have you tried the sp3000. Wondering if you can do a comparison among Sony and sp3000. Thanks
I own SP3K Cu and WM1ZM2. Just like Sanjit pointed, Astell&Kern has texture to the bass, but lacks the nice grunt (bass “grind”) that only Sony can deliver 😊. Astell&Kern generally has a wider soundstage, more airy treble (yet being a tad bit recessed) and addictive midrange (especially for string instruments). In everything else, e.g. vocals, bass, notes positioning, layering, separation and most importantly dynamics and musicality, Sony wins over Astell&Kern.
@@pdl3895 So if you can only have 1 DAP which would it be the SP3000CU or Sony. I have AK SP1000CU and finally want to upgrade to either SP3000CU or Sony. When i tried the Sony I was mightily impressed compared to it 1st generation. While the SP3000 SS I was dissipointed and thought my sp1000 CU maybe even better. What I will say I prefer the AK interface and love the Manual volume wheel....the Sony may take time to learn to navigate.
Hello, I have the same model. I wonder if you can activate LDAC 990 in settings? Whenever the active returns to "best effort" I don't think it is limited by Sony being the same codec. I wonder if there is a solution?
I want to get my first headphone and don't want to own many and I want to us it for all genres of music, movie like Tenet, gaming d want to make music and soundtrack in the future, right now decided to get Sony Z1R, I tried Sony MV1 open headphone and played Horizon Dreamer off UA-cam and the vocal is fuzzy compare to M1, why? Should I get another headphone down the line in addition to the Z1R between M1, MV1 and B&O H95 (because 95 number mean a lot to me)? Is DAP like ZX707 and WM1AM2 worth to get or USB DAC off phone, MacBook, console and tv will get the same sound?
What are your thoughts on the Cayin N7 with its 1 bit resistor configuration
Cayns players are better than Sony in any case, especially n8II, because 8 ka has gain levels a, ab, p+, p+ is very suitable for planars because a planar diaphragm always sounds deader than a dynamic driver. The only non-disputed + Sony can be an equalizer that does not introduce distortion, this is really a merit! N7 is worse than 8II, but clearly better than Sony!
For now I'm using a Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact with a 512GB MicroSDXC card as DAP. Any reason I should use a dedicated DAP? I play many file formats, mostly .mp3, .ogg, .flac, .wma .ape .m4a and .mid
❤
Any day anytime i would choose a sony over any cos i love their sound | video preference. How loud is the volume? Great review.
Does it have optical out to also use as a server for external DACs
Nice video, i have Sony WM1A 2016 , i am getting a good deal on WM1Z 2016. Do you think WM1Z M2 is worth upgrading from WM1Z 2016? Thanks
Yes
Bro go for wm1zm2 you won’t regret it. Because I had wm1a since since 2016 and when I listened to zm2 I was blown away. I have to save up and buy it under six months.
What about Hiby RS8 in comparison? Such a versetile unit..
Good sound I talked about it
Where can I buy hi res music for this mp3 player?
🎉
Great DAP, but Sony sacrificed battery life for power. This DAP lacks the power to even drive the very sensitive HiFiMan Arya (stealth) via the 4.4mm jack. That said. IEM's sound otherworldly on it.
Just get the ZX707. Third of the cost for the same features.
Yeah its a good buy. I didn’t quite like the level of resolution the 707 offered but hey you get Sony build features and all that!
How about lotoo daps?
And how do you compare the 1zm2 to 1am2?
Yeah that’s a miss! Lotoo is great.
How about AM2?
It makes me so nervous watching you talk with your hands while holding over $3000 in one of them😱
I find the 1ZM2 great for simplifying a setup, add an IEM (that accepts the Sony house sound) and done. Otherwise 1ZM2 can be a nightmare, not enough driving power to play with many IEMS, some brise cables and tsuranagi would do the trick, after you find an IEM, the aftermarket cables are all so dominant and compete against 1ZM2's house sound , which means you'll need stuff like Orpheus, Shirogane 8W which lets everything shine. It's like buying a (maxed out) Mac Pro plus Pro Display XDR to play games 😢😢😢
Hi ,any opinion on daps from fiio like m17 or lotto or shanling ? Nothing you liked more than the Sony ?
It’s because you have not heard the LP6TI😜
Hi ! A very good day to you , just curious I wonder if I to get this WM-1ZM2 does it works well with Meze Audio Liric II planar. Hope to hear from you soon please advice
hi! have you tried any of the shanling daps?
Liked all of them esp M9 and M9 plus
yes but the price is just mad
Well there are redeeming features Sony releases flagship DAPs every 5 years compared to every year or every other year by the likes of AK and Cayin. Cayin’s latest DAP is 5K so there’s that. 🙂🙏🏻
Me too I thought the price was too much but when I listen to it, I realize that the price is very cheap.
I use my iphone and apple donle for my ie900
👍🏻
you need to listen to the N8ii it trade blows with WM1ZM2
Disagree. Tried both and bought the WM1ZM2. WM1ZM2 is better than the N8ii in every aspect IMO.
Sold the Cayin N8ii recently to a viewer on this channel owned it for awhile
It does not. Nowhere near as good
Didn’t like the n8ii. Mine bricked and I sold off the replacement
Any device that doesn't have a volume knob is an instant disqualify for me.
I need the Knob!
Please what about lotoo paw gold dap
Great DAP
The AM2 is made in China!
yeah, its favorite as is sponsored and you get premium device for free. who will not like device for free. honestly i would never spend over 1,5k for mobile device. real music is from apmlifier and proper speakers. in reality, just 128gb of memory? this is just for few albums in DSD and 1,5k usd for 128gb memory? is a joke, with this price should be ate least 500gb.
🤦🏻♂️
Hi ! Just wondering which IEM or headphone goes for this Sony NM-WM1ZM2 DAP for sound quality ? Can please kindly please reply me thanks
IER-Z1R.
The lagging shit!
Ibasso 320 max ti smokes this dap
Okay
And my new p6 pro Hong Kong Edition smokes the Ibasoo 320 max ti @@raymondwebby2441
Not even close to n8ii and p6 pro, yet Ti and N30le in regard of technicalities. Nice tuning though.