About the Sony HAP-S1
High-resolution digital audio doesn't get any easier
High-resolution digital audio doesn't get any easier
If you're looking to integrate high-resolution music into a stereo system but aren't sure where to begin, Sony has made it easy for you. Their HAP-S1 does it all. It's an integrated amplifier, a high-resolution digital music player, a 500GB storage device, and a high-performance DAC. All of that is packed into one compact, sturdy component that's easy to set up and use. All you need to add are speakers and your digital music collection.
Discover the beauty of high-res music
The HAP-S1 offers 500GB of on-board storage for storing and playing back high-resolution digital music files (shown in Silver).
Digital music has come a long way from the early days of iTunes and Napster. Low bitrate MP3s evolved into lossless formats with 16-bit/44.1 kHz resolution that are on an equal sonic footing with CDs. Even better, there's been an explosion of high-resolution files available for download on sites like HDtracks and others. These files, with resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz, exceed the sonic limitations of CDs. High-res tunes can make familiar songs sound new again while also showing off your equipment's potential. Not only does the HAP-S1 deliver high-res files in their native resolution, it also uses Sony's Digital Sound Enhancement Engine to fill out the sound of MP3s and other low-res files.
DSD capability takes digital music even higher
The HAP-S1 takes digital music a step further, with support for Direct Stream Digital, or DSD, a Sony-developed format first used in Super Audio CD. These high-resolution files offer sound that, for many listeners, is closer to analog than digital has ever come. DSD capability makes the HAP-S1 a unique, one-box solution for storing, playing, and decoding DSD files, at a price that's more than competitive. With more record labels, including Sony Music, rolling out DSD downloads, this player is a great option for diving into this exciting format.
500GB of built-in storage
Computer audio is very simple — as long as your computer is situated right next to your stereo. But that setup doesn't work for everyone. That's why Sony built a 500GB hard disk drive into the HAP-S1. Worried you'll need more space? You can expand the memory by adding an external hard drive and connecting it to this player's rear-panel USB port. Once you're ready to start moving your music to the player's hard drive, connect the player to your home network via Ethernet and download the free music transfer software to your computer. It's the easiest way to get large digital music collections onto the HAP-S1. With your digital music library on board, you can enjoy all your tunes without connecting your computer or configuring a wireless streaming system.
Built-in amplification — just connect your speakers
The HAP-S1 is not just a digital music player. It's also an integrated amplifier. That means it not only powers your speakers, but it can accept other sources as well. Connect a CD player, turntable and preamp, and other components just like you would with any other integrated amp. Analog and digital sources will sound great thanks to Sony's dual-mono circuit configuration, which delivers clean stereo sound with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Already have a great-sounding integrated amp? The fixed-level line output lets you use this component simply as a digital player and DAC.
Easy to get started
The HAP-S1 is very easy to set up and use, especially compared to configuring a computer-based music server. One of this player's best features is the 4.3-inch LCD monitor on the front panel. Not only does it make it easy to navigate menu options, it also displays album art and song info for your stored music files. A free app for Apple and Android devices lets you control the player via Wi-Fi with your smartphone or tablet. Need help walking through setup and operation? Visit Sony's online help guide for detailed settings options and troubleshooting tips: http://rd1.sony.net/help/ha/haps1/
Product highlights:
- 32 watts x 2 into 4 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 10% THD
- 500GB built-in hard drive for storing digital music files (expandable via USB port)
- built-in Wi-Fi enables app remote control and lets you transfer music files wirelessly
- 4.3" LCD display with on-screen guide
- plays high-resolution digital music files, including DSD (up to 5.6448 MHz) and FLAC (up to 24-bit/192 kHz)
- compatible file formats: DSD (.dsf, .diff), WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC (Apple Lossless), MP3, AAC, WMA, ATRAC, (unprotected, 2-channel files for all formats)
- stream thousands of free Internet radio stations through TuneIn
- frequency response: 10-100,000 Hz
- Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) restores high-frequency signals to compressed digital formats like MP3 for more natural, expansive sound (settings: On, Off, and Auto)
- free music transfer software (click here for download link) allows easy transfer of digital music files from a computer to the player's internal hard drive (compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP SP3, and Mac OS 10.6 and higher)
- supports gapless playback
- adds artist, album, and song info to files without ID3 tags by automatically accessing Gracenote® (Internet connection required)
- free HDD Audio Remote app for iOS and Android lets you control the player with your smartphone or tablet
- tone controls (bass and treble) with optional bypass
Connections and Dimensions:
- 2 pairs of stereo RCA inputs
- digital inputs: 1 optical, 1 coaxial
- rear-panel USB port (Type A) for connecting an external hard drive
- 1 pair of fixed-level analog stereo outputs for connection to a separate amplifier (amp must have volume control)
- binding-post speaker terminals
- Ethernet port
- full-sized (1/4") headphone jack
- detachable power cord
- remote control
- 10-7/16"W x 3-1/2"H x 12-13/16"D
- weight: 12.8 lbs.
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # HAPS1/B
What's in the box:
- HDD Audio Amplifier
- 6.5' AC power cord
- Remote control (RM-ANU183)
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- 8' Ethernet cable
- Reference Guide
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Information
- Online Product Registration
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More details on the Sony HAP-S1
Product Research
Music Sources
Audio Section
Convenience Features
Music Sources
500GB Hard Disc Drive (HDD): The Sony HAP-S1 HDD Audio Player System features a built-in 500GB Hard Disc Drive (HDD) which allows you to transfer and store high-resolution audio files (such as DSD) and various other formats of music files (such as MP3 and FLAC) from your computer to the Sony HAP-S1, as well as CD ripping from an external USB disk drive. The HDD Audio Player System can handle up to 20,000 music files. You can also connect an external hard disk drive via USB to the EXT port on the rear-panel of the HAP-S1 for additional storage space. The music files transferred from your computer to the external hard disk drive can be played in the same way as music files stored in the internal hard disk drive of the unit. You are able to view the status of the internal or external HDD.
- Capacity: The total capacity of the hard disk drive is displayed.
- Used: The used space of the hard disk drive is displayed. The used space in the hard disk drive will not be 0GB even when you have not transferred any files, because the pre-installed sample tracks and the system use some space in the hard disk drive.
- Free: The free space of the hard disk drive is displayed.
Network Connectivity: You can transfer music files from your computer to the Sony HAP-S1 by connecting both to the same home network, either by a wired or wireless connection. The HAP-S1 is fitted with a Ethernet (RJ-45) port for a wired connection and features built-in WiFi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) for wireless connectivity. By connecting the unit to your home network you are able to transfer music files from your computer to the HAP-S1. The following system environment is required to use the network function of this receiver.
- Broadband Line Connection: A Broadband line connection to the Internet is required in order to listen to select online music services.
- Modem: This is the device that is connected to the broadband line to communicate with the Internet. Some of these devices are integrated with the router.
- Router: Use a router compatible with 100 Mbps or greater transmission speed to enjoy content on your home network. 802.11 b/g/n compatible wireless router for WiFi connection (2.4GHz only).
- LAN Cable (CAT5): A LAN cable (CAT5) is required for hardwired connection.
- WiFi Security: None, WEP, WPA/WPA2-PSK (AES), or WPA/WPA2-PSK (TKIP).
HAP Music Transfer: HAP Music Transfer is a free downloadable application that transfers music files stored in your Windows or Mac computer to the Sony HDD Audio Player System. In addition to widely used file formats (such as MP3), HAP Music Transfer allows you to transfer non-compressed and High-Resolution Audio files such as 192kHz/24-bit and DSD (Direct Stream Digital) file formats. You can select multiple folders (up to 100) in which music files are saved on your computer, and then transfer them in a batch to the HAP-S1. If you turn on the automatic transfer function, your computer will automatically start transferring music files to the HAP-S1 when new music files are added to the designated folder on your computer; this can also be done manually. You can also use this application to delete music files from the device.
Note: The HAP Music Transfer application is supported by Windows Vista (SP2+), 7 (SP1+), 8/8.1, and 10. It is also compatible Mac OS X 10.6-10.12. The Sony HAP-S1 must be connected to the same network as your Windows or Mac computer.
Supported Audio Formats: The Sony HAP-S1 HDD Audio Player System supports the transfer and storage of the following high-definition and standard-definition music files (2ch only) that are stored and managed on your Windows or Mac computer.
File Type | Extension | Sampling Frequency | Bit-Rate |
---|---|---|---|
DSD (DSF, DSDIFF) | .dsf, .diff | 2.8224, 5.6448 MHz | N/A |
LPCM (WAV, AIFF) | .wav, .aif, .aiff | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz | 16-/24-bit (WAV 32-bit w/ firmware update) |
FLAC | .flac, .fla | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz | 16-/24-bit |
ALAC | .m4a | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz | 16-/24-bit |
MP3(MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer-3) | .mp3 | 44.1, 48 kHz | 64-320 kbps, 16-bit |
AAC (MPEG-4 AAC-LC, HE-AAC) | .m4a, .mp4, .3gp | 44.1, 48 kHz | 64-320 kbps, 16-bit |
WMA (WMA, WMAPRO, WMA Lossless) | .wma, .asf | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz | 32-320 kbps, 16-/24-bit |
ATRAC (ACTRAC3, ATRAC3plus, ATRAC Advanced Lossless) | .oma, .aa3 | 44.1 kHz | 48-352 kbps, 16-bit |
Multipurpose USB Port: The Sony HAP-S1 is equipped with a rear-panel USB-A port the can be used for a number things. It allows you to connect an external HDD, a USB disk drive, or a USB DAC. You can even connect all three with a USB hub.
- External HDD: You can also connect an external hard disk drive to the HAP-S1's rear-panel USB-A port for additional storage space.
- CD Ripping: Via a firmware update, the Sony HAP-S1 now supports CD ripping from an external USB disk drive. Simply connect your USB disk drive to the unit's rear-panel USB-A port.
- USB DAC: Connect an external USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter), using the HAP-S1's rear-panel USB-A port.
Registered Music File Information: The Sony HAP-S1 analyzes the ID3 tag information, a type of music information metadata contained in music files, and registers the files to specific categories (Genres, Artists, Albums, and, Tracks). If music files do not contain ID3 tags or if any of the information is missing, the HAP-S1 automatically accesses the Gracenote server on the Internet and obtains music information. WAV files do not contain ID3 tag information. These files are registered in the following categories (Unknown Genre, Unknown Artist, Unknown Album, and Tracks) with their file names.
Automatic Playlists + Favorites: The Sony HDD Audio Player System automatically creates the following playlists - Newly Add Tracks, Most Played Tracks, and Least Played Tracks. You can also create, edit, and play playlists using Sony's HDD Audio Remote app on your compatible Apple iOS or Android device. You can create up to 100 playlists with 1,000 tracks each. You can also identify specific music files as "Favorites", so all your favorite music is in in one location.
SensMe Channels: "SensMe Channels" is a function of the HAP-S1 that analyzes and automatically categorizes music tracks according to their mood and tempo using the 12 Tone Analysis technology developed by Sony. You can enjoy channels that suit your mood or the time of the day. You can select from the following channels - Morning, Daytime, Evening, Night, Midnight, Energetic, Relax, Upbeat, Mellow, Lounge, Emotional, Dance, and Extreme.
Random/Repeat Playback Modes: You can play tracks in a random order (shuffle play). You can select a setting of Off, Tracks, or Albums. If you select Albums, the order of the albums will be shuffled but the order of the tracks in each album will not. You can also play tracks repeatedly (repeat play). You can select a setting of Off, 1 Track, or All tracks.
Play Queue Screen: The "Play Queue" screen is a list of all tracks currently selected to be played, such as all tracks by a certain artist or in a certain album.
Gapless Playback: When the Gapless Playback function is set to "Auto", the HDD Audio Player System plays tracks without the silent part between tracks. This is useful for playing albums of concerts or other live music. The Gapless Playback function works with WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, and WMA Lossless music file formats. The unit also offers Gapless playback for DSD music files (requires firmware update).
Online Music Sources: The Sony HDD Audio Player provides access to TuneIn internet radio & Spotify Connect online music service (Spotify Connect requires firmware update).
- TuneIn: TuneIn enables you to discover, follow and listen to a variety of content - from sports, to news, to music, to talk. TuneIn provides listeners access to over 100,000 real radio stations and more than four million podcasts streaming from every continent.
- Spotify Connect (firmware update will be available the summer of 2016): The HAP-S1 supports Spotify Connect. If you subscribe to Spotify Premium and have the Spotify App on your Apple iOS or Android smartphone, you can stream the Spotify online music service to the Sony HDD Audio Player. Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand access to one of the largest music libraries in the world (over 15 million tracks and counting). Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage, and share music with your friends. You can browse music by artist, album, track, or most popular; and create your own music library with customized playlists.
Media Server: Via the latest firmware update, the Sony HDD Audio Player can act as a DLNA media server so you can stream music out to other DLNA-compliant devices and players.
Audio Section
High Quality Construction: The Sony HAP-S1 HDD Audio Player System features solid aluminum (3mm thick) construction. The HPA-S1 employs an acoustically tuned, custom block capacitor and concentrates all its audio signal paths into a single ground point to eliminate fluctuation of left- and right-channels, and contributes to dynamic sound.
Analog FIR Filters: The HAP-S1's digital-to-analog converter effectively reduces high-frequency noise in DSD signals. It features independent right and left channels, with four analog FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filters per channel producing a combined one-clock delay. FIR filters are ideal for D/A conversion of DSD signals.
Two-Channel Class AB Amplifier: This analog 32W x 2Ch (in 4ohm) Class AB amplifier utilizes an EBT (emitter balance transistor) with a cutoff frequency of over 300MHz for the final transistor. The amp device features minimal phase variation up to the high range and excellent transient response. Its twin mono format with separate left and right channels eliminates left-right sound interference and ensures clear, high-quality sound reproduction. The resilient high range reproduces sound with rich musicality and a high degree of faithfulness.
Binding Post Speaker Terminals: The HDD Audio Player System is equipped with a set of binding post speaker terminals to connect a pair of loudspeakers. The binding post speaker terminals will accept bare wire (up to 12-gauge), banana plugs (single/dual), or pin-connectors. The amplifier can accept 4-ohm to 16-ohm speakers.
Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE): When the DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) function is set to "Auto" (factory default setting), the HDD Audio Player System offers natural and expansive sound by restoring both high-frequency signals and fine fade-out sound that is likely to be lost by compression in compressed audio sources, or restoring fine fade-out sound that is likely to be lost by quantization in PCM audio sources with lossless compression.
Volume Normalization: If you set the Volume Normalization function to "Auto", the recording level of tracks or albums is analyzed when the music files are transferred and registered to the HAP-S1, and the volume level is adjusted to minimize the difference in volume between each track or album during playback. Even if you play tracks from multiple albums with different volume levels in random order (shuffle play), this function stops the volume from increasing or decreasing for different tracks, allowing natural change in volume during playback.
Tone Controls: You can adjust bass and treble to your desired preference using the Tone Control function. Bass and treble can each be adjusted between levels -10 and +10. You can also choose to bypass the unit's tone control (Precision Mode) for original sound.
Digital Input: The Sony HAP-S1 is also equipped with one optical (toslink) and one coaxial (RCA) digital input for connection of a CD player, SACD player, DVD player, or Blu-ray player. The digital inputs only support 2ch PCM and do not decode 5.1ch (Dolby Digital/DTS). The coaxial digital input supports sampling frequencies up to 192khz, while the optical digital input only supports sampling frequencies up to 96kHz.
Analog Inputs: The HAP-S1 features two stereo analog RCA inputs to connect external analog audio sources.
D/A Direct Line Output: You can use the HAP-S1 as a D/A converter by connecting it to an external integrated amplifier, using the unit's fixed level D/A Direct Line Outputs (stereo RCA). These D/A Direct Line Output jacks directly output analog signals through the unit's D/A converter without using any internal connectors or signal switchers. This eliminates as many elements that reduce the sound quality as possible. You can connect a digital audio device to the Optical Input or Coaxial Input of the HDD Audio Player System and output the signal from these inputs through the unit's D/A Direct Line Output jacks. The D/A Direct Line Output jacks do not output analog signals input through the system's analog inputs.
Headphone Output: When headphones are plugged into the full-size 1/4" jack on the front-panel, the speaker outputs are automatically muted.
Convenience Features
IR Remote: The Sony HAP-S1 HDD Audio Player System includes a simple IR remote control for basic wireless operation of the system. Basic remote functions include - Power On/Off, Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track, Volume Up/Down, and Mute. Advanced music navigation is done through the unit's front-panel LCD and front-panel controls, or from the HDD Audio Remote App on your compatible smartphone.
HDD Audio Remote App: The HDD Audio Remote App is a mobile application that allows you to operate the Sony HAP-S1 using your Apple iOS (9.0 or later) or Android (4.0 and up) device. You can download the application from the Apple App Store or GooglePlay for free. From your mobile device, you can remotely select and play tracks, change playback volume, stop playback, and more. You can even create and edit playlists with your favorite tracks, as well as edit music information of your tracks. You'll be able to view a list of available music in select categories such as Genres, Artists, Album, or Tracks on the same screen and select the track you want to play. Album art, track name, artist name, and album name are all displayed on the app. Via the latest firmware update, you can now copy stored music content on your Android device, FAT32-formatted thumbdrive, or FAT320-formatted HDD to the Sony HAP-S1's 500GB Hard Disc Drive (HDD)
Front-Panel LCD: The unit's front-panel LCD displays the album art, track name, artist name, and album name of your current music file. This information is also displayed on the HDD Audio Remote app for your Apple iOS and Android device. The LCD also displays information such as the file format, sampling frequency, bit-width, and bit-rate. The brightness of the backlit display can be set to Max, High, Mid, Low, or Off.
Sleep Timer: When a specific time you set has elapsed, the Sony HAP-S1 is automatically turned off. The Sleep Timer can be set for 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.
Auto Standby: When you are not using the HAP-S1 or there is no audio signal input to the unit for 20 minutes, the device will automatically turn off and enter standby mode to reduce the power consumption.
Protection Circuitry: If the HAP-S1 detects an abnormality inside the unit, one of the following messages appears for about 5 seconds and then the system automatically enters the standby mode.
- Amp Protector: The internal temperature of the HAP-S1 is too high. Turn the power off, remove any objects covering the ventilation holes and then turn the power on again.
- HDD Protector: The internal temperature of the HAP-S1 is too high. Turn the power off and remove any objects covering the unit. Wait until the system cools down sufficiently and then turn the power on again.
- USB Protector: An abnormal current is being output to the EXT port on the rear of the HAP-S1. Turn the power off, confirm the connection and then turn the power on again.
- CPU Protector: The internal temperature of the HAP-S1 is too high. Turn the power off and remove any objects covering the unit. Wait until the system cools down and then turn the power on again.
Software Update: You can update the software of the Sony HAP-S1 HDD Audio Player System via its wired or wireless network connection.
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Great for users not familiar with computer stuff for playing DSF (DSD music).
FNSNYC from Jersey City, NJ