The Watercooler-- Impressions, philosophical discussion and general banter. Index on first

So having A/B-ed for a while and mulled over it, I am pretty certain that the DMP-Z1 is not categorically better than my Sony WM1ZM2 + Brise Tsuranagi.

Without the Tsuranagi, the DMP-Z1 is certainly an upgrade but with the Tsu, I am not so sure.

Pros of the DMP-Z1:

1. Bigger bass. Ballsy, earth-shattering bass.

2. Larger images and more holographic soundstage.

3. Ever so slightly more perceptible microdynamics (small changes in volume, lets say in a singer’s voice), especially noticeable with female vocals

Pros of the WM1ZM2 + Tsuranagi chain:

1. More effortless and analog I dare say

2. Less digital sounding treble. The DMP-Z1 has a pretty fantastic sounding treble and its not digital-sounding by any means, but the ZM2 + Tsu treble is unmatched in how natural it sounds

3. A tad more midbass warmth owing to the ZM2

There is no clear winner in my humble opinion.

But that volume knob though. Lol.

Sources: Sony DMP-Z1 | Sony WM1ZM2 | Brise Tsuranagi Transducers: Campfire Trifecta + Effect Audio Centurion | Dita Perpetua + Dita Celeste | Aroma Fei Wan (Incoming) + PW Audio Orpheus YT Channel: Amplify Audio Show