About the Sony HAP-Z1ES
Digital audio done right, with ease
Digital audio done right, with ease
A digital music system can really pay off when you're listening to gorgeous-sounding high-resolution music files. Fortunately, Sony has done most of the hard work for you in designing their HAP-Z1ES. It's a high-resolution digital music player with a 1TB hard drive built in. So it stores, plays, and decodes all your digital tunes, from MP3s all the way up to lossless FLAC and DSD files. Connect this player to your amplifier or receiver, load up your digital collection, and revel in the ease at which your entire library is at your fingertips and how rich and detailed it all sounds. Oh, and it even has Spotify Connect so you can listen to online music from your Spotify Premium account.
Join the high-res revolution
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/192kHz, 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-Z1ES deliver high-res files in their native resolution, it also uses Sony's Digital Sound Enhancement Engine to flesh out the sound of MP3s and other low-res files.
" In overall sonics and build-value for the dollar, the Sony HAP-Z1ES sets new standards. For audiophiles and music lovers who want to listen to high-quality digital music files without the hassles of keeping another computer working optimally, the HAP-Z1ES is an attractively priced, yet fully featured option. It also doesn't hurt that its control interfaces are easy to use and unintimidating even for non-techy users. Its sound quality was such that it rivals comparably priced standalone DACs, yet delivers more functionality and won't be made obsolete by the latest USB, FireWire, or Thunderbolt interfaces since it uses Ethernet and Wi-Fi as input connections. "
— From Steven Stone's review in The Absolute Sound, February 14, 2014
DSD capability takes digital music even higher
The HAP-Z1ES 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. Plus, this player's DSD remastering engine can convert all audio signals to DSD, for a stronger sense of sonic depth and warmth with all your digital files. DSD capability makes the HAP-Z1ES 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.
Effortlessly search your collection on the HAP-Z1ES with the free HDD Audio remote app on your phone or tablet.
1 terabyte 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 1TB hard disk drive into the HAP-Z1ES. 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-Z1ES. With your digital music library on board, you can enjoy all your tunes without connecting your computer or configuring a wireless streaming system.
Built for superior sound
This player is about more than just easy access to your digital music collection. It's designed to make it sound its best. The high-performance digital-to-analog converter can handle most high-resolution formats. Independent digital and analog circuits with separate power supplies reduce digital noise and improve clarity. All components are solidly mounted in the rigid chassis, which is reinforced with internal framing to further minimize vibration and distortion. The resulting clean sound reveals more details in your music. Send this pure signal along to an integrated amp like the Sony TA-A1ES through the balanced XLR outputs or use the RCA outputs with any amp or receiver.
Easy to get started
The HAP-Z1ES 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 display album art and song info for your stored music files, it also makes it easy to navigate menu options. There's also a free remote app for Apple and Android devices — it's the easiest way to search your library and select tunes for playback.
Product highlights:
- 1TB built-in hard drive for storing digital music files (expandable via USB port)
- built-in Wi-Fi for easy connection to a wireless home network
- 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)
- supports Spotify Connect for streaming music from Spotify Premium accounts (requires firmware update)
- stream thousands of free Internet radio stations through TuneIn
- Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) restores high-frequency signals to compressed digital formats like MP3 for more natural, expansive sound (settings: Auto and Off)
- 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)
- DSD remastering engine converts all signals to DSD for superior audio performance (feature is selectable)
- USB output can be used with a powered USB hub for adding an external hard drive, DAC, and CD drive
- supports gapless playback (WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, and WMA Lossless files)
- 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 (Wi-Fi network required)
- If you don't have Wi-Fi, you can connect your laptop via USB and control the HAP-Z1ES with "Hi-res Audio Player" PC software
- independent digital and analog circuits with separate power supplies reduces digital noise
- robust internal frame and solidly-mounted components minimizes vibration and distortion for cleaner sound
Connections and Dimensions:
- stereo 3-pin XLR (balanced) outputs
- stereo RCA (unbalanced) outputs
- remote output for use with IR flasher (included)
- rear-panel USB port (Type A) for connecting an external hard drive, DAC, and/or CD drive for ripping
- Ethernet port
- detachable power cord
- remote control
- 17"W x 5/18"H x 15-3/8"D
- weight: 32 lbs.
- warranty: 5 years
- MFR # HAPZ1ES
What's in the box:
- HDD Audio Player
- 6.5' AC power cord
- Remote control (RM-ANU183)
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- 8' Ethernet cable
- 39" Stereo RCA cable
- 58" IR blaster
- 6.5' Minijack cable
- Reference Guide
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Information
- Online Product Registration
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More details on the Sony HAP-Z1ES
Product Research
Music Sources
Audio Section
Convenience Features
Music Sources
1TB Hard Disc Drive (HDD): The Sony HAP-Z1ES HDD Audio Player features a built-in 1TB 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-Z1ES, as well as CD ripping from an external USB disk drive. The HDD Audio Player can handle up to 40,000 music files. You can also connect an external hard disk drive via USB to the EXT port on the rear-panel of the HAP-Z1ES 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-Z1ES by connecting both to the same home network, either by a wired or wireless connection. The HAP-Z1ES 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-Z1ES. 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. 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-Z1ES. If you turn on the automatic transfer function, your computer will automatically start transferring music files to the HAP-Z1ES 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.
- The HAP Music Transfer application is supported by Windows 8.1 and 10 (not recommended for earlier versions of Window PC).
- It is also compatible with Mac OS X 10.9, 10.10 ,10.11; as well as macOS 10.12, 10.13, 10.14, 10.15.
- In order to use MacOS 11.3.1 or later you'll need to change the player's SMB Version. Click here for details and follow the instructions.
Note: The Sony HAP-Z1ES must be connected to the same network as your Windows or Mac computer.
Supported Audio Formats: The Sony HAP-Z1ES HDD Audio Player 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-Z1ES 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-Z1ES's rear-panel USB-A port for additional storage space.
- CD Ripping: Via a firmware update, the Sony HAP-Z1ES 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-Z1ES's rear-panel USB-A port.
Registered Music File Information: The Sony HAP-Z1ES 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-Z1ES 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 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-Z1ES 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 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-Z1ES 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
DSD Re-Mastering Engine: This ideal D/A conversion system combines a high performance DSP and FPGA (field programmable gate array) to convert all signals to 128 FS DSD signals. It was designed based on know-how garnered from Sony's direct 8x over-sampling and Extended SBM (Super Bit Mapping) technology for professional recording. DSD re-mastering is a selectable feature.
Analog FIR Filters: The HAP-Z1ES'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.
Twin Transformers & Low-Phase Noise Oscillator: For analog and digital circuits, big and powerful transformers are used individually. This unit also employs a liquid crystal oscillator with extremely low phase noise to achieve an ultra-clear sound.
Ultra-Rigid Chassis: The unit's ultra-rigid chassis (composed of frame and beams) offers both high-precision mounting of parts and high rigidity, achieving a high-fidelity sound carrying large amounts of information. Notably, the base is composed of two plates of differing thickness that provide sturdy support for the chassis. There are two additional base plates beneath the transformers as well, offering robust reinforcement that anchors the transformers firmly in place.
Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE): When the DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) function is set to "Auto" (factory default setting), the HDD Audio Player 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-Z1ES, 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.
Precision Mode: Precision Mode bypasses the DSP engine for original sound.
Balanced & Unbalanced Outputs: The Sony HAP-Z1ES is fitted with both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs to connect the HDD Audio Player to your home AV receiver or integrated amplifier. These outputs are fixed (not variable).
Convenience Features
IR Remote: The Sony HAP-Z1ES HDD Audio Player includes a simple IR remote control for basic wireless operation of the system. Basic remote functions include - Power On/Off, Play/Pause, Fast Forward/Reverse and Previous/Next Track. Also, many Sony and other brands of receivers' remotes can be programmed to operate basic functions of the HAP-Z1ES. 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-Z1ES 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 Apple iOS or Android device to the Sony HAP-Z1ES's 1TB 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-Z1ES is automatically turned off. The Sleep Timer can be set for 30, 60, 90, or 120minutes.
Auto Standby: When you are not using the HAP-Z1ES 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-Z1ES 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.
- HDD Protector: The internal temperature of the HAP-Z1ES 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-Z1ES. Turn the power off, confirm the connection and then turn the power on again.
- CPU Protector: The internal temperature of the HAP-Z1ES 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-Z1ES HDD Audio Player via its wired or wireless network connection.
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After doing much research in trying to get in the "Audio digital age" I decided to buy this Sony "High Resolution digital music player" 3 weeks ago, found it to be an excellent product. Sound quality is superb even when listening to converted music from my Ipod .
Q Nguyen from Laguna Niguel, California