Pigs on the Wing

Any word on a follow-up for the Z1ES? I had its little brother for a while, and was planning to upgrade to the Z1, but I never got around to it. I'm assuming that there must be at least half a dozen more advanced players/streamers out there by now (I haven't done any research yet). It looks like MQA is starting to get a bit of a foothold. I wouldn't mind having something that supports it as well. Networkable would be nice, too. That would certainly eliminate any need to replace an internal HD.

I'd use dBpoweramp or Exact Audio Copy on a PC, or XLD on a Mac, so that you can compare your rips with the AccurateRip database. These programs will also account for your CD/DVD drive's read offset, if you're the type to lose sleep over the possibility that your ripped tracks might be missing 1/1,000th of a second of most likely silence.

Thanks for this. I haven't opened mine up yet... where are they hiding the HD in there? I may have to switch to the Z1ES if I can't find the darned thing.

This is true. But, between my PS3 SACD rips, the ever increasing number of DSD downloads that are available, and my collection of 24/96-192 HDtracks, I don't know how much I'm really going to miss the Z1's DSD remastering capability. With the S1, I'm gaining a smaller cabinet, in black, and I get to keep an extra $1,000 in my wallet (which keeps my wife happy). The digital/analog inputs, headphone out, and 40-watt x 2 amp are all gravy, but may end up being just what the doctor ordered should I decide to put the S1 in my den and pair it with some nice bookshelf speakers. They apparently overlooked DSD remastering, but I enjoyed the humor in Audioholic's remark when comparing the Z1 and S1: "If you ever needed an example of how audiophiles will pay a premium to have LESS features, this is it." My HAP-S1 arrived a day early and I'm loving it so far! The included Z1/S1 remote is a joke, but what a joy it is to use Sony's iPad app!

I'm so glad I found your post(s) re: replacing the internal hard drive! I've got the HAP-Z1ES' little brother coming on Friday, the HAP-S1/B 500GB, and I'm hoping to be able to do the same. Right now I'm trying to decide whether I want to go with the 2TB Seagate or a 1TB SSD. Does anyone see any benefit to going with an SSD? Once I've got everything set up it's goodbye to the Mac mini. I'm looking forward to being able to leave Audirvana/iTunes behind, plug my Shure SE846s directly into the HAP-S1, or have it power some nice (to be determined) bookshelf speakers, and just concentrate on the music.