Sony HAP-Z1ES Hi-Res Music Player RMAF 2013

Would someone please buy the Sony unit and send it to Modwright for all of the fully pimped-out mods? I'd like to see this thing on steroids.
and reviewed.
Mitch4t

Looks like Vinnie at RWA has shipped his first modded unit to a customer. Don't know about steroids but it does have a tube output stage per channel, dedicated linear power supply installation, and other things as well.

I don't want a computer and all the attendant hassles in my audio system, even if that does offer flexibility. As a potential one-box solution, I think this unit is compelling - in either stock or modded form.

Brownsfan
Still don't see your post. Was it a post or PM? I'm curious as to what Dan will say.

Vinnie with RWA now has a page on his own web site detailing his Level One mod with other levels to follow.

I asked Vinnie his thoughts about adding a digital input on his circle over on another forum. You may want to check out one man's thoughts on it.

I'm also with Mitch4t. While not essential for me, a digital in will allow me to listen to Internet radio and other digital sources and possibly eliminate an extra DAC in the system. The HAP-Z1ES DAC, while not the best out there, will probably be good enough for me. The tube stage mods being offered by Vinnie and Dan may take it to a whole different level.

The HAP-Z1ES is not being targeted at people who already have a computer-based audio system. Their target is someone like me who has songs stored on computer but hasn't gone to the lengths of installing the different drivers necessary, buying an external DAC, installing a media player like JRiver, etc so I can listen to it in my two-channel system.

Do I forego flexibility and processing by not choosing a Mac/PC/DAC combo? Yes, but I also eliminate endless fiddling around with the computer audio system.