Sony HAP-Z1ES

[Cohibaman]

Thanks Craig. Yup...I've had that enabled , so I think it's the "DoP" that's messing with the DAC. I'm checking compatibility with the manufacturer right now.

[crwilli]

And you have digital Audio set to 'auto' in settings?

[Cohibaman]

Yes sir.

[crwilli]

Hmmm

[FloridaBoy]

I just stumbled onto this thread. Is this box still a good choice for someone with 600 or so CD's and is OK with Spotify which should sound better through the Sony box? I want a simple server and presently have a Pure Audio i-20 Pod doc for Spotify and Tune in. Great doc with it's own DAC for $99. I expect the Sony will be better.

Thoughts?

[crwilli]

The HAP-Z1ES is a good solution for those who like to keep things simple. It is easy to use, sounds great and has a good media interface. I have set up two for friends and am a fan.

It's built in 1TB hard drive will easily hold lossless versions of 600 CDs. Should you add higher resolution files such as 24/XXX or DSD and find you need more room, you can easily replace the OEM drive with a 2 TB HD.

[Cohibaman]

As it happens, just yesterday I signed up for Spotify Premium and gave it a whirl on my Sony HAP-Z1ES. Although sound quality on Premium is better than Standard, it's unfortunately limited to only 320kbps. Even still, it doesn't sound too bad. Hopefully they boost this in the near future. My main reason to use Spotify is so I can "kick the tires" on any music before I purchase the CD.

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Cohibaman

As it happens, just yesterday I signed up for Spotify Premium and gave it a whirl on my Sony HAP-Z1ES. Although sound quality on Premium is better than Standard, it's unfortunately limited to only 320kbps. Even still, it doesn't sound too bad. Hopefully they boost this in the near future. My main reason to use Spotify is so I can "kick the tires" on any music before I purchase the CD.

I understand that Spotify will be offering 'lossless' for $5 more a month. Some of the playlists have pretty good SQ. Do you use Tune In radio?

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by crwilli

The HAP-Z1ES is a good solution for those who like to keep things simple. It is easy to use, sounds great and has a good media interface. I have set up two for friends and am a fan.

It's built in 1TB hard drive will easily hold lossless versions of 600 CDs. Should you add higher resolution files such as 24/XXX or DSD and find you need more room, you can easily replace the OEM drive with a 2 TB HD.

Thanks. Simple and easy to use. I really do not want to use a computer and streaming audio and internet radio is pretty cool. There is a Rockabilly station in the Canary Islands.

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by FloridaBoy

I just stumbled onto this thread. Is this box still a good choice for someone with 600 or so CD's and is OK with Spotify which should sound better through the Sony box? I want a simple server and presently have a Pure Audio i-20 Pod doc for Spotify and Tune in. Great doc with it's own DAC for $99. I expect the Sony will be better.



Thoughts?

The Sony is a good solution. Great sound, easy to use, works with App compatible with iPhone/iPad/android, solidly built. Highly recommended.
Keep in mind that although you can rip CDs using the Sony, that is not the Sony's forte and in your case with a 600 CD collection, I would recommend that you use a computer and software like DBpoweramp to rip the CDs.