Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Showing 1 of 39 conversations about:
ajaxender12
67
May 7, 2019
bookmark_border
Buy this IF you can use the balanced output (i.e you have balanced cables, and either 4.4mm plugs or a converter) and IF you're not interested in streaming.
If that applies to you, this is an exceptional device. It applies to me, and I've loved mine (not the A version but the only difference is internal storage) for a year and half now. With the balanced output, it's effectively in the top tier of portable players, for a mid tier price. Great sound, great size, great battery life, great UI. Only real annoyance is Sony using a proprietary cable instead of USB-C (so I can't just plug it in to any cable lying around).
If you want to stream, this doesn't, so don't consider it. If you can't use it balanced, the standard output is little better than my LG G6, and worse than my Hiby R3, so don't consider it. (Note that I don't think balanced is inherently superior. Sony's combined DAC/amp system they use in their portable gear is inherently balanced so it makes sense that it sounds better than converting it to standard. I find the opposite is true with the R3, for example)
Evshrug
3772
Community
May 8, 2019
bookmark_border
ajaxender12Have you performed the free firmware upgrade? The ZX300A can indeed stream (from a computer, phone, or tablet using Bluetooth instead of WiFi), but it cannot internally store music from streaming services for offline use. I’d argue that Bluetooth streaming to this ZX300A bests Lightning dongles or other Bluetooth receivers (Bluewave GET, EarStudio ES100, etc) if your smartphone of choice doesn’t have a headphone jack.
I’m just starting to use my ZX300A (manual actually states that the capacitors have something like a 200 hour optimal playback burn in time, so we’ll see about that), and I would say the SE port is drier and less “fun” than my FiiO X7 with AM2A amp module, but I was VERY impressed with the SQ to my HD 800 (currently my only headphone with a Pentaconn balanced cable). REALLY want to get an HD 650/660 style Pentaconn cable, I think those two headphones would pair silly good with this DAP. HD 6XX owners take note!
Related Products
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop