Sony TA-ZH1ES Premium Headphone Amplifier

Sound Amplification Resolution

The Sony TA-ZH1ES non-feedback S-Master technology maintains the purity of digital sound. The new TA-ZH1ES D.A. Hybrid Amplifier Circuit takes this one step further, enhancing its precision and sound quality with an analog feed-forward amp. The analog amplifier corrects the conversion error caused by switching amplification.

Pushing digital limitations

To achieve ultimate sound reproduction, S-Master HX digitally amplifies the music signal without any resulting transmission loss. However, at the final stage of amplification, the physical limits of the semiconductor unavoidably cause distortion: there has to be a trade-off between the high power and high speed response. We have developed the D.A. Hybrid Amplifier Circuit to overcome these physical limits.

Preserving the feeling

Capturing every note and nuance with DSEE HXTM

Experience your music as the artist intended, in near High-Resolution Audio quality. Sony's new DSEE HX™ upscaling technology features four additional modes to the standard: female vocal, male vocal, percussion and strings, for optimal sound reproduction.

Convert any source to DSD

Personalizing sound with the new DSD Remastering Engine

Offering double the conversion accuracy of previous models, the new DSD Remastering Engine let you convert all PCM music sources into DSD 11.2 MHz. The technology uses FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) to convert any signal into the DSD sound format.

Advanced FPGA processing

Uncompromised music reproduction

To maximize the potential of the new D.A. Hybrid Amplifier Circuit, our engineers developed the amplifier using an advanced FPGA processor. This let them fully customize the technology and develop something truly unique.

DC Phase Linearizer

Familiar analog-like sound

Sony' DC Phase Linearizer works to effectively replicate the phase character of a typical analog amplifier. It matches the phase characteristics of the analog amplifier to deliver a more analog-like sound.

Ideal sound isolation

The TA-ZH1ES features a rigid FBW Chassis, which has been designed to isolate the circuit board from vibration. By minimizing vibration and preventing lateral movement, noise is reduced for a cleaner, purer sound.

Eliminating resonance

The headphone amplifier's top panel is made from a combination of steel and aluminum. These materials each have their own resonance frequency, and when used in combination, they suppress each other. The result is the effective elimination of unnecessary resonance.

Rigid and durable

The TA-ZH1ES features an innovative chassis design. The structure of the baseplate supporting the FBW chassis has two layers for enhanced rigidity and a low center of gravity. This added protection and durability enhances sound quality.

Output connections

The amp uses a variety of headphone output connections, including both balanced (0.17", 3-pole mini plug x2 & XLR4) and unbalanced (stereo standard plug, stereo mini plug).

Input connections

The amp features several terminals to support a variety of input devices, including Walkman®, TVs and PlayStation™ consoles.