Thanks for the forum link, will check that out.
I'm a little confused about what exactly is required to play hi-res audio on Z3. It sounds like some type of hardware has been added from the Z2 to the Z3 to enable hi-res, but I also keep reading about how you still need an external USB DAC?
Also, what exactly is meant by 'hi-res compatible' headphones? Are these also required to hear hi-res audio files on the Z3, or is the term 'hi-res compatible' headphone simply code for a really high quality set of headphones.
I understand that Z3 requires special compatible headphones to take advantage of the Z3's noise canceling technology, but I am only trying to find about the hi-res music capability and what is required to enable this.
Thanks.
A little of apples and oranges going on here. First, you can play hi-res music files without an external DAC or special headphones. Every smartphone has a DAC and amp built-in otherwise you would not be able to listen to your digital music collection. Not all phones are capable of playing h-res files.The Z3 is capable of playing FLAC files which are hi-res. More on file types coming.
Due to power, space and weight limitations in a smartphone, the internal DAC's (Digital to Analog Converter) and amps may not be be the "best" in terms of sound quality which is why people who are really into music may elect to use an external DAC and amp. A quality external DAC and amp are one piece of the signal chain if you are trying to get a better music listening experience from your smartphone.
People may also elect to use an external power amp to get more volume from their smartphone output. This is more important if you are using high quality headphones with higher resistance (bigger Ohm numbers) These types of headphones generally require more power to produce an acceptable amount of volume. Using high quality headphones is another piece of the signal chain. A quality DAC / amp will not produce the results you are hoping for if you are using lower quality headphones. This brings us to the third piece of the signal chain, the source file.
The most common form of digital music file is MP3. The problem with MP3 is you "loose" some of the music fidelity during the encoding process. The advantage is MP3 files are smaller so you can store more of them on your phone (more music). There are other types of digital music files (for example FLAC) which are "loseless"......you don't loose as much fidelity (sound quality). However, FLAC files are much larger than MP3 files since they store more "music information." FLAC (and there are others) files are often referred to as hi-res files. BTW, your Z3 will be able to play FLAC files "out of the box."
I have a FiiO e17 portable amp for smartphones. I use the USB connection, and let me tell you, this thing really works. It was **** on my galaxy s4 lol. The hi res and USP options do make a difference. I use sol republic on the ear headphones, and munitio billets earphones. Both listening experiences have been improved!
The FiiO e17 is a good choice for a DAC / amp combination. Reasonably priced and good performance. Many people who are entering the high quality / hi-res smartphone arena use this piece of equipment and are happy. There are others from other manufacturers and they can run from $100.00's USD in to the $1000.00's USD. I think you should also be aware that there are external amps that do not have a DAC. For example, I use a FiiO E11, which is just an amp. This helps when I'm using a device that may have a weaker power amp.
Also, as mentioned above, you DO NOT have to use Sony headphones to get a hi-res experience. With the Z3, Sony does provide a set of settings especially designed for their headphones. Not sure what they do yet, but, use whatever type of headphones you enjoy. As I suspect you know, a good sounding headphone is a personal experience and you should use headphones (or in-ears, or whatever} that sound good to you.
I've rambled enough. I hope this helps. Good luck in your search! It's a fun adventure and be warned.......if you really get into hi-res / high quality sound, it can become a very expensive adventure!
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