Let's talk about Sony BRICS II ----NW-WM1ZM2. From 2016 to 2022, the second generation of BRICS came out, and it has been 6 years since Sony launched the first generation of BRICS NW-WM1Z. Before I wrote this review, many media and audiophiles had already shared the experience, and the description of parameters and hearing was not new.
At last year's Jinan Audio Exhibition, I got the machine from a dealer friend, and it has been more than half a year now. Because there was a surplus of prototypes, and my friends did not urge me to return them, I got a bargain and listened to it for so long. If I don't write something, I'm really sorry for the trust my friends have placed in me. Furthermore, although the NW-WM1ZM2 has been on the market for a while, it is still a reference level. Let's talk briefly about the parameters and share the listening feeling in detail.
See real gold for subtleties
The second generation of BRICS NW-WM1ZM2 is not much different from the first generation of BRICS in terms of design language, and on the surface, it is mainly upgraded products and screen sizes. In fact, the design team has also worked the body material of the player and the upgrade of system and circuit optimization.
The BRICS generation uses a 3N oxygen-free copper gold-plated body + Corson copper alloy backplate in the design, a 4-inch screen, a small and compact body, but not a light weight. The NW-WM1ZM2 enlarges the screen size to 5 inches, and the body size is enlarged to 80.5mmx142.5mmx21.0mm, but the weight has only increased by more than 30 grams.
The second generation of BRICS is more luxurious than the first generation in terms of materials, the purity of oxygen-free copper has been increased from 3N (99.96%) to 4N (99.99%), and the use of high-strength aluminum alloy backplate has reduced the weight of the fuselage to a certain extent. The high-purity oxygen-free copper gold-plated housing provides higher durability, greater rigidity and lower body resistance, resulting in more airy sound, clear and powerful low-frequency performance, better mid-high frequency ductility, and better presence performance.
The 5-inch screen brings a larger field of view and control area, and at the same time scientifically takes care of the one-handed control experience of enthusiasts.
The charging and data interfaces also have the original SONY proprietary interface upgraded to TYPE-C. This change may seem small but very convenient. TYPE-C has become the mainstream interface of mobile devices such as mobile phones and notebooks, as a portable player, users can bring less charging cable or data cable when traveling, which can be regarded as reducing some burden during travel; In addition, changes to the data interface make it easier to copy and transfer documents between devices.
The power button has been moved up and separated from the volume adjustment and song cutting keys, which avoids misoperation to a certain extent.
A thickened KIMBER KABLE 4-wire custom cable is used between the amplifier and the headphones.
In fact, the position of the BRICS generation uses KINBER wire, and this upgrade of the wire can also reflect Sony's attitude of striving for excellence to create "mellow" products from some aspects.
Abandoning the original closed system and switching to the deeply optimized Android 11 operating system, users can freely download and use various streaming music platforms, and can guarantee high-quality audio output. The exclusive LDAC also brings a wider wireless transmission bandwidth, allowing users to listen to high-fidelity music nearly lossless through Bluetooth.
In addition, the NW-WM1ZM2 can also be used as a USB DAC. The USB transfer protocol will be more standardized, and the improvement in charging speed and data transfer speed is very obvious.
The local playback time of the machine has also reached 40 hours, and the battery life under the Android system can be maintained at about 20 hours.
More sophisticated circuit and power supply design
In addition to the purer 4N oxygen-free copper gold-plated housing, the NW-WM1ZM2 also features oxygen-free copper filling and gold-containing lead-free soldering technology. The player uses oxygen-free copper to fill the wiring gaps of the circuit board to reduce signal transmission obstacles. The use of gold-containing lead-free soldering technology makes the audio signal connect in the frequency band more naturally during transmission, increases the dynamic range of sound, and has a more powerful and accurate sound positioning.
In terms of shielding, the digital-analog separation design is adopted to reduce the noise interference of components generated during the operation of digital circuits, as well as the interference of Android SoC; The oxygen-free copper module is used to cover the digital circuit to strengthen the shielding of digital circuit noise, and at the same time increase the digital ground terminal with a large volume of 3 times to enhance the anti-interference ability of noise. In actual listening, you will find that the sound background of this player is very clean, the sound level performance is very delicate, and the overall smoothness of the sound is very high.
The upgrade of capacitors is also very elegant, NW-WM1ZM2 circuit uses polymer capacitors and film capacitors to replace the original ceramic capacitors and coils, and uses 8mm large solid polymer capacitors to replace the original EDLC double-layer electrical capacitors to stabilize power supply.
The next-generation polymer capacitor, FT CAP3, uses technology and inspiration developed in home speakers to improve the anti-vibration performance of capacitors, fully release capacitors, and display a wide dynamic range and dense and elastic low frequencies. This capacitor can amplify the circuit power supply, remove interfering signals, and improve signal stability.
S-Master HX digital amplification and gold create phase-noise crystals
The NW-WM1ZM2 still adopts Sony's proud S-Master HX all-digital amplification technology, and the original S-Master HX system has been enhanced during the digital-to-analog conversion process. The crystal oscillator plays a very important correction role in the sound signal transmission process, and the crystal oscillator electrode of Sony NW-WM1ZM2 adds gold to change the characteristics of the electrical appliance and more effectively reduce the distortion of the sound signal during transmission.
sound
Sony's spirit of For the Music hasn't changed
Remember when the BRICS 1st generation WM1Z was first launched, I sat with a very good friend, took the voice recorder D1 and WM1Z with ZMDR-Z1R and CD3000 to make a sound quality comparison, at that time, D1 still has obvious advantages in low-frequency dynamics and resolution, but if from the perspective of understanding music and artistic processing, it is clear that WM1Z wants to get rid of that straightforward and slightly blunt expression, and the designer has done a very ingenious treatment in some aspects. Make the music more rational, natural and emotional to the audience.
The same is true of the NW-WM1ZM2 conceptually. But after 6 years, the iteration of hardware and the upgrade of market aesthetics are also driving the voice of new products to change. Without turning on any sound effects, the energy and dynamics of NW-WM1ZM2 music are better than those of the first generation, which can bring everyone a better musical atmosphere. In addition, the image of the whole sound is more solid, and the linearity, delicacy and transparency of the sound are also significantly improved. What impressed me even more personally was its excellent ability to reshape the sound stage and presence. Of course, we can't assume that the first generation is not good enough, but after years of hardware iterations and product upgrades, the player has brought better sound performance.
Authentic presence and precise positioning
With the qdc Chameleon V14, used to listen to the Musica Antiqua Köln performance of the second movement of the Brandenburg Concerto Adagio, a solemn sense of hall comes to the face, through this combination we can very clearly and intuitively feel the NW-WM1ZM2's regular sound stage and scientific instrument positioning. The horn and soprano violin sound in the opening passage are beautifully restored and natural, and the rounded and clear oboe theme can make people can't help but revel in the music, and be conquered by the long and romantic temperament that is like a world away. This player seems to have an extraordinary ability to express emotions, vitality, unrestrained, gentle, sad, everything can be accurately conveyed to the audience. After turning on the vinyl record processor, it is warmer in tone and emotion, and the restoration of instruments such as bass sack style and big bass is more infectious. The restoration of some classical music and jazz music is more excellent and enduring.
DSD mastering for a more detailed sound experience
When the DSD mastering setting is turned on, it is possible to convert PCM signals to DSD signals. Compared with the original PCM format, this setting is bound to bring some differences in sound quality, the sound performance of some files is more delicate and natural, Têtes Raides' "Les Papiers", like the filter to open the slow down mode, overall is a little less straight out of the majestic dynamics and inches, but the smoothness and hearing resistance of the music has been improved, and the layered expression of singing and instruments is more delicate. This performance is generally very satisfactory, from the sound, we can clearly perceive the positioning of accordions, drums and other instruments, the texture and sound characteristics of the instruments, as well as the details of the human voice are also very natural.
In addition, the player is equipped with DSEE Ultimate technology, DC phase linearizer and dynamic volume equalizer. DSEE Ultimate technology can accurately upscale compressed MP3 audio and reproduce the frequency response and dynamic range of the original sound source, and DC phase linear can adjust the filtering state to bring the low-band characteristics closer to traditional analog amplifiers. The dynamic volume equalizer, on the other hand, minimizes the difference in volume recording between songs.
Comparison with SP3000
I have listened to both the two players of BRICS II and Astell & Kern SP3000 for a long time. It will be an interesting topic to compare them, both of which are top portable HIFI players, both with excellent sound quality and extreme experience. However, they also have some differences.
Exterior and body material
In terms of appearance and materials, WM1ZM2 follows the design of a generation, using a larger screen size and a larger body, which also wins more space for the circuit design inside the fuselage. Overall, this is a very recognizable design, and the high-purity 4N oxygen-free copper gold-plated body also plays a role in improving sound quality and reducing distortion. Gold is a very vulgar color, let Sony operate, the overall color and look and feel is so strange, calm colors and simple lines highlight a calm and atmospheric style.
The exterior design of the Astell & Kern SP3000 still follows the light and shadow concept that has been carried over, with a 904L stainless steel metal body frame and a ceramic back cover on the back. The fuselage adopts mirror polishing treatment, and the LED indicator under the volume knob can display different colors according to the different specifications of the document. As far as my personal preference is concerned, it is superior to Sony in terms of design sense and look and feel.
system
Secondly, the operating systems of the two devices are also different. Sony WM1ZM2 uses the open Android 11, which improves the convenience of accessing streaming media resources and the overall user experience. With the popularity of streaming music and the increasing attention to music copyright protection, most of today's music platform APP uses encrypted documents, which means that users cannot play downloaded music documents without music APP. This was a fatal blow to early player products with closed systems. The fully open Android system used by the BRICS 2nd generation is the same as the Android mobile phone in terms of operation logic, and it is easy for users to get started, and they can listen directly after installing some music apps, without spending any effort to download music resources.
Astell&Kern SP3000 still uses a deeply optimized operation interface based on the Android system, supports a series of software such as Tidal, Apple Music, and Qobuz, and has built-in Roon high-resolution streaming technology. It should be noted that Astell&Kern has opened support for streaming platform APP since the SP1000 era, and has begun to fully support MQA in SP2000 generation players. Astell & Kern's flagship product update speed is faster than Sony, and the prediction and control of market trends are relatively more timely. (ASSUMING THAT SONY UPDATES ITS FLAGSHIP EVERY YEAR, THE RESULT IS THE SAME.) ）
Both have design sentimental selling points, such as the addition of a cassette cover by Sony and a CD cover by Astell & Kern. These seemingly bland designs are all thought out behind them, and these nostalgic elements can stimulate the emotional resonance of old enthusiasts to some extent.
Decoding and circuit architecture
The biggest difference between the two is the way the sound source is handled.
The second generation WM1ZM2 adopts Sony's exclusive S-Master HX digital amplifier technology, through sophisticated circuit design, especially the strengthening of analog circuits, the use of various capacitors, further affect the capacitance and transmission method of signal purity, and finally bring users a high-quality and artistic sound experience.
The AK SP3000 is the world's first portable HIFI player with independent dual audio circuits and a new HEXA concept DAC architecture. It is equipped with HEXA discrete technology architecture: digital and analog signals are independently decoded by six of the latest AKM modular DACs (2*AK4191EQ+4*AK4499EX). Balanced output modules and unbalanced output modules are physically separated.
sound
Needless to say, the Sony NW-WM1ZM2 and Astell & Kern SP3000 are currently the industry's top flagship HiFi players, and it is no overstatement to describe them as "industry benchmarks". Both brands have their own souls when it comes to sound tuning, and they both have their own unique views on musicality and artistry, and they have their own way of tuning. However, after some things develop to a certain height, there is some meaning of "convergence of actions and thousands of miles from each other".
Both are the crystallization of the design team's thousands of hammers, and they are impeccable in terms of the inclusiveness of the music genre, as well as the faithfulness and naturalness of the music restoration, it can be said that like these two products, as well as the Letu Chrysanthemum and Mo Ju that I have been in contact with before, are doing their best to faithfully restore the expression intention of the music creator. Moreover, both have their own ways to make music more natural and better, such as SONY's DSD mastering and vinyl record processor, which respectively present a more natural and delicate musical expression and warmer vocabulary; And Astell&Kern SP3000's Crossfeed cross-feedback technology mixes some signals from one channel and sends them to the opposite channel with a slight delay, resulting in a more focused and natural sound that reproduces sounds similar to those listened to through a speaker system, reducing auditory fatigue.
Personally, I feel that without turning on any EQ, the SP3000 has tighter vocal lines, more transparent high frequencies and better separation. The NW-WM1ZM2 is a fuller mid-low frequency, such as in the performance of Adele's "Rolling In The Deep" and other rhythmic music, careful comparison, you will find that SONY NW-WM1ZM2 is slightly fluffier, the sense of atmosphere of the music is a little stronger, while the SP3000 is more balanced and neutral, and the cohesion of the sound is slightly better. In terms of musical expression, SONY is more suitable for listening to some pop, folk, rock, chamber music, and SP3000, although not as serious as KANN MAX, its performance of classical music and instrumental SOLO is still slightly more solemn, aside from these, Astell & Kern's tuning concept must be to take care of different styles of music types as much as possible. Take the chameleon V14 and Campfire Audio Trifecta, the same Paganini twenty-four songs, both of which can almost realistically shape the texture and temperament of the violin, the NW-WM1ZM2 feels full and solid, timeless and bright, while the Astell & Kern SP3000 is slightly transparent, gentle and bright, and the jump and abruptness of the bow are sharper. The sound style of the Sony NW-WM1ZM2 is like that of a courteous gentleman, noble and elegant; And SP3000 is like a suit thug, polite, but people do not talk much, live a good way.
In addition to the ultimate audio experience and user experience, both have their own social attributes. In terms of user base, Sony has obviously a larger user base through decades of market cultivation, and there are many people who recharge faith and sound quality. And Astell & Kern gives me a personal impression, in addition to the audiophile circle, the offline gathering of the image circle and the car audio modification circle is almost everyone, which is more like the word-of-mouth spread of some kind of luxury circle.
Write at the end
It's rare to write so much text to whitewash an audio product.
6 years.....
Today, when major brands iterate frequently, few companies are willing to spend 6 years honing a good product. After years of polishing by Sony, the originator of Walkman, NW-WM1ZM2 is not out of touch with the market's consumer preferences and environment, more exquisite body, larger screen, more open use environment and smooth control experience brought by Android 11, as well as deep optimization for the system and major music apps, so that NW-WM1ZM2 can perfectly meet the listening needs of the mobile Internet era. And the circuit design of leaving gold everywhere also makes the sound quality of the second generation of BRICS stand firm in the first echelon. If you were to draw a profile of this product, what would it look like? In my limited understanding, the NW-WM1ZM2 should be able to afford these words: ingenuity, authenticity, elegance, and excellence!