noiseless

Very good and full of technical info thread started by Vinnie here: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=124280.0

Yes, BUT.... Z1 has two separate power transformers, dual mono DAC configuration and I suppose more sophisticated power supply in general. I don't mind paying the premium price but why it is so different in the different parts of the World!

Yes, only for the Sony because it doesn't have ground connection anyway....

Unfortunately, S1 doesn't offer the DSD remastering which might be alright for some but I prefer to have it on my disposal...

Great reply - thank you! I see the benefits of the isolation transformer but all the savings from the Japanese order will be put in this PSU and may be more and I still don't know how/if the warranty will work here.... Is the balanced PSU good idea for the Sony only and leave all the rest audio system powered "unbalanced"?

Actually this is not a bad idea - I can find some good quality power conditioner which can (eventually) additionally improve the AC power supply while down-converting it to 100V? Thanks!

Thanks, but I don't like step-up transformers for audio and changing with original transformers will cost me even more, I think. This is very unfair with this price differences!

Thank you, Peter, a really good price indeed - so sad it's only 100V though. Any other links to 220V version, please? Do you have any ideas what this option means: "Churi CSW100W (voltage transformer) (8,800 Yen)"?

Bob, all the Sony's new line of hi-res audio products are with metal (Aluminum) enclosures. Ground loops are likely to happen if the signal ground is connected to the power supply ground on more than one points. If this connection is at the front end unit only a good, clean and low potential power ground can even improve the total sound quality. I wonder what is the reason behind this floating ground solution the Japanese engineers took?

One another strange thing to me - I noticed that ALL new Sony hi-res products have only 2-pins power inlets. Even the power amp doesn't have earth/ground power connection - any ideas why? Is it safe? As a rule of thumb there should be one connection of the audio system to the power supply ground terminal and this connection should happen in the source unit. In the case with Z1ES it's not possible? How Sony grounds and shields all their metal enclosures and chassis?

Oh, and in UK it's even £ 1999 GBP !?!

Yes, that's correct...

I managed to see the Z1ES yesterday at the local dealer here. Unfortunately, it was not connected yet because they were waiting for the new speakers to arrive there. The unit looks and feels very good and solid. It's quite heavy for a media player with no mechanical parts inside. Obviously the two transformers under the hood are quite substantial. Unfortunately, as always with the electronic equipment here if something costs $ XXX USD in the States the price in Europe is the same amount but in Euro which is really unfair! Even if you take in the account the 20% VAT and 5% import duties there are more than 10% price difference - are we richer around here or what?!?

I understand - thank you! Unfortunately, this is not appropriate for rock/jazz music so I'll need to split the tracks prior importing them in Sony - one more time wasting procedure, I am afraid :-(

Thanks, good to know for this restriction too :-( ljames, what image file do you use, please?