Sony HAP-Z1ES Hi-Res Music Player RMAF 2013

Mitch, My thoughts exactly, except that Dan doesn't just start slapping parts in and hope it comes out ok. I looked recently and didn't see anything on his website. Its my hope he will take on the task of evaluating the Hap-z1es, and offer an upgrade package. I would expect that is going to take several months. Such an offering might have a very large market. I'm going to continue to sit on my ModWright Sony 5400 ES until it is clear if he is going to offer something on the HAP-Z1ES.

Kclone, my thoughts exactly. I'm going to wait for reviews, but the main thing for me will be if Dan Wright offers a mod on this unit. That in my estimation would make this a no brainer, but it could cut into sales on his new DAC, so he may pass on this one. I'll be following this closely, but I won't be an early buyer.

Mitch, Sony chose not to provide inputs on their 5400ES, which one would have to consider a marketing success. Eventually, Dan Wright added digital in as an option on his Sony Mod. In the case of the HAP 1Z, my guess is that we will see the same. No digital in from Sony-- The HAP 1 will stand as is for another 5-6 years. I'm guessing Dan will eventually think about a digital in on his HAPZ1 mod, which I believe is in the very early stages.

I'm going to wait until Dan commits to a ModWright package for the HAPZ1 before pulling the trigger on the Sony. A digital in on the Sony would have pushed me over the edge on buying a stock unit, but as it is, I'm in the wait and see mode.

Mitch, exactly! I joined Audiocircle this morning so I could posit the question to Dan regarding his intentions on the HAPZ1. My post hasn't been reviewed yet, but I'll let you know when he responds.
He is a smart business man. He likes to hear what his potential customers are thinking up front. What a concept!

Finsup, Since I am a new member the post has to be approved before it appears. I guess all the reviewers are on vacation. I will certainly take a look at the RWA site.

Finsup, Vinnie provided a very clear explanation of the issues. Sounds like digital in might not be a great idea on this unit. Looks like it is going to require an all in on computer audio for me to utilize the Sony. I've got 2000 CDs. My music library is already built, so purchase of hi-rez downloads is going to be minimal.

Still want to see what Dan has to say, but I will be surprised if we get something fundamentally different from him.

Guys, my post on audio circle still has not appeared. However, Dan Wright addressed the issue, so you can take a look at what he has to say. Use with a transport is not going to happen. Pretty much its go computer audio or forget it.