CSL

I think I have seen one with two thin lines across the screen (may have been of eBay).

Sony suggests you back up your files before sending the product for repair. You will need an appropriately sized external hard drive to do this. Just follow the instructions in the manual. I backup routinely to a hard drive just in case I have a catastrophic hardware failure.

No hum from my three HAP S1 units. I have ripped hundreds of CDs. Use an external CD drive with a power supply (not a stand alone player) connected to the USB port on the back. The Sony should recognize the CD drive when you select the import CD function. You may have to experiment as to which you power up first (the Sony or the CD drive).

It would be nice it these updates came with some instructions. How would I set up a music server using the HAP S1? Should I assume that the USB DAC support is plug and play?

I noticed you have the horizontal line. See this link for the Sony solution: https://esupport.sony.com/US/p/news-item.pl?mdl=HAPS1&news_id=501

From the Sony US support page: UPDATE HAP-S1 HDD Audio Player Firmware Upgrade Release Date 4/21/2016 Version 17050R File Size 1 Bytes Download File Description IMPORTANT!! This update is available only by performing a Network Upgrade. This firmware upgrade (version 17050R) provides the following improvements over version 16152R: Improves secure communication Improves playback quality IMPORTANT: If you use the HDD Audio Remote app on your smartphone or tablet, you must also update the app software. It's available from the Google Play™ online store for Android™ devices and from the iTunes® App Store for iOS devices.

I will check the version when I get home and post it this evening, but it has to be latest update since I already had the previous update installed.

I am new to this forum so I am not sure where I should post this. I upgraded my hard drive on one of my HAPs to a 1TB solid state drive. You need to take your time and don't force anything. I think owners with some tools and technical skill will find this manual helpful: http://riverparkinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/HAPS1_SERVICE_MANUAL.pdf

My equipment updated the firmware this morning. I never experienced any problems on my equipment, but I have only had them for about 2 months (I have two). I am in the US. Firmware update is still not live on US Sony Support, but I was prompted on the HAP screen to approve an update this morning.