Sony
TA-ZH1ES Premium Headphone Amplifier with D.A. Hybrid Amplifier Circuit
$2,199.99 USDFeatures
High-performance built-in USB DAC
plays PCM digital audio files up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD audio files up to 22.4 MHz
supports AIFF, WAV, FLAC, and Apple Lossless formats
selectable DSEE HX™ audio upscaling technology helps improve the sound of compressed files
selectable DSD Remastering Engine converts incoming PCM audio sources to DSD (11.2 MHz)
two-position gain switch optimizes performance with low- and high-impedance headphones
top-panel push-button controls and display window
Vibration-resistant aluminum chassis helps minimize noise
Wireless remote
What's in the Box?
Warranty
The powerhouse Sony TA-ZHIES headphone amp features a plethora of connection options, so it can work with all types of audio gear. Yet it was tailor-made for the Sony MDR-Z1R Signature Series headphones, and pushes them to their peak performance. Former Crutchfield scribe Dave Bar — a legendary audiophile 'round these parts, and hard man to please — was blown away by Sony's flagship headphone and amp combo:
"Listening to a high-res version of Bob Marley's hauntingly beautiful Redemption Song through the MDR-Z1R headphones and Sony's TA-ZH1ES headphone amp gave me chills. You could positively feel the anguish in Bob's voice as it carried over the spare, woody resonance of his acoustic guitar. I've never heard this track reproduced with such depth and emotion. Simply stunning. One of the best and most revealing headphone listening experiences I have ever had.
"One of the things I like most about these cans is their ability to unravel even the densest recordings, laying bare each element and placing it into its own respective space. They sound deep, detailed, and transparent without ever becoming harsh or overly analytical — much like the best vacuum tube electronics.
"I'm usually an “open back” headphone kind of guy — preferring their generally more airy and spacious presentation — but the closed-back MDR-Z1R not only provided much of that spaciousness I love, they also delivered the extra visceral punch and power that sealed cans do so well. It's like having the best of both worlds."
Features
- high-performance D. A. Hybrid headphone amp design combines switching and non-switching amp circuits for smooth, accurate sound
- high-performance built-in USB DAC
- plays PCM digital audio files up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD audio files up to 22.4 MHz
- supports AIFF, WAV, FLAC, and Apple Lossless formats
- selectable DSEE HX™ audio upscaling technology helps improve the sound of compressed files
- selectable DSD Remastering Engine converts incoming PCM audio sources to DSD (11.2 MHz)
- two-position gain switch optimizes performance with low- and high-impedance headphones
- top-panel push-button controls and display window
- vibration-resistant aluminum chassis helps minimize noise
- wireless remote
What's in the box?
- Headphone amplifier
- 6' AC power cord
- Remote control
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- 5' USB-A to USB-B cable
- Sony WALKMAN cable
- Operating Instructions
Specifications
- Style
- Over-ear, open-back
- Transducer Type
- Planar Magnetic
- Magnetic Structure
- Fluxor™ magnet array
- Phase Management
- Fazor™
- Magnet Type
- Neodymium N50
- Diaphragm Type
- Ultra-Thin Uniforce™
- Transducer Size
- 90 mm
- Maximum SPL
- >130 dB
- Frequency Response
- 5Hz - 50kHz
- THD
- <0.1% @ 100 dB SPL, 1kHz
- Sensitivity
- 100 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point)
- Impedance
- 18 ohms
- Max Power Handling
- 5W RMS
- Min Recommended Power
- >100mW
- Recommended Power Level
- >250mW
- Weight
- 495g