P6fitz well stay tuned, I have 2 more headphones to review, the 2nd piece of Sony HiFi equipment and some new hifi streaming services to boot. Got a lot in the works
Can you record directly in real time via the "line-in" analog inputs. Example connect a MiniDisc recorder to the device and press play on the MD and record on this Sony HAP-S1 like "old-school." Also to reference another example: Can you record from a cassette tape deck via "line-in" in "real-time"? That's my question, ca you record audio from any analog source, not just using your computer to transfer?
I've tested the same thing and I was unsuccessful in recording straight to the haps1. Sony is very particular with using their software or other computer based methods for transfer or audio
Yeah, it's an interesting point. Since reel-to-reel tape machines became popular, we took for granted the recording capability of hi-fi equipment. Then Compact Cassette became very successful, everyone was recording things off the radio. CD was great, because even though one could not record on it initially, it offered far higher audio fidelity than recording off the radio. DAT failed because it was too expensive. DCC and MiniDisc failed because nobody needed recording device any longer since CD's were so ever present and Internet downloads became popular. People all of the sudden could have thousand songs on their computer or iPod, who needed "recording" more? So now, we're left with no recording options whatsoever in hi-fi market. None of the audiophile gear offers recording either. Everything is pure playback and consumption. Now if you wan to record, you have to go to the audio "production" videos so that they'll show you how to set up your levels. Everybody knew those things in the past. Now you're a "recording engineer" if you know that. World stands on its head.
Steven W it's pretty expensive way of doing it but yes. It has a 2 channel 40w amp so it can be used with a pair of speakers. Also has multiple inputs so you can plug in a computer or blu ray player, then select that specific input and it will output that audio to your attached speaker pair.
Patrick Burnham Actually, I decide to buy HAP-S1 and SS-HA1 in these couple days. But I need cables are about 12.5 ft., I don't know what kind of the speaker wires I should buy, and how many gauges for the wires. Could you recommend me some high quality speaker wires? And by the way, is gauge the bigger the more?
Any speaker cabling will do really, the better cabling you buy the better sound you'll get. There are $10 cables and there are $3000 all depends on how much you want to spend. I use this www.amazon.com/Monoprice-100ft-2-Conductor-Speaker-Installation/dp/B003L1AFL4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433863293&sr=8-1&keywords=12%2F2+speaker+cable
Good review couple of questions... So if I want to hook up some Tower speakers like for example Polk Audio S60 s are you saying I will need to add an amplifier do this thing and also I was considering just getting a regular receiver but if I get this does it replace it like I can put it in line with a CD player. Anything else I need to be aware of?
I have a semi high end hifi set up with a turntable I listen to vinyl I have about 1800 invested in so far in my hifi and I'm saving up for this gonna take me about a month to save up for it. I just think it's awesome.
Solid review, lots of good info. How well does it manage playlists? Is it easy to create playlist and add, edit and delete songs from a playlist. Is it possible to manage the playlists from a laptop or PC or is it only done thru iOS or Android devices using the Sony App? Any help will be appreciated. Thx!
+PowderKegSoCal Playlists are transferred when music is added to your PC but I don't think you can create playlists through the Sony App just delete songs from certain lists.
+shechshire hi res audio files are everywhere. HDtracks.com, hiresaudio.com, prostudiomasters.com nativedsd.com. When you purchase any Sony HiFi product they also include about 50 free hi res songs from those vendors to get you started. But yes it does upscale any audio not just mp4 (PS this player doesn't play mp4 because mp4 is more of a video and audio codec rather than a audio only format) Straight from the link in the video description: High-Resolution Audio takes your digital music to another level. By converting analog music to digital at a higher rate than CDs-24 bit/192 kHz, as opposed to the 16 bit/44.1 kHz rate of CDs-High-Resolution Audio delivers better-than-CD quality sound, so you get closer to the original studio master recording.
agreed but they did try to streamline the look of the unit. this haps1 is meant to be controlled through the app for ios and Android. within the app you can rewind and fast forward and skip to any part of a song like you normally would be allowed.
I tested few Hi-Fi brands and I'm not impressed by nowadays Hi-Fi audio lines, those sound pretty bad, poor in highs and bass. I prefer old Hi-Fi systems of the 80's and 90's, were the best. I would like to change my old and used Hi-Fi system but I hesitate.
Great to see you're still uploading, Patrick. You're doing great work and I'll always tune in whenever you're reviewing anything Hi-Fi!
P6fitz well stay tuned, I have 2 more headphones to review, the 2nd piece of Sony HiFi equipment and some new hifi streaming services to boot. Got a lot in the works
Great review, I have been into a local hifi store today, Richer Sounds in the UK and seen it. Thanks for the information, really enjoyed your review.
***** thank you sir. stay tuned I've got the sony UDA-1 review coming up also, those two pair together wonderfully.
i have a massive files of hi res music in my WD memory hard drive,is it possible to directly connect them to it?
What did you do with Clete ?!
Great review Patrick!
What are the main differences between this Sony model HAP-S1 ($999) and Sony model HAP-z1es music player ($1,999) ?
If you had to choose between th e hap 1 or uda unit. Which do you prefer and why? I never could find your review of that unit. Thanks for your input
I've just bought one of these from Japan running at 100v - will I need a voltage adaptor to run it in the UK at 240v? Or does it have multi-voltage?
James Paddick you will need a step up
This is a great device to store music on so does this device store digital movies because I'm thinking of putting it in my home theater setup.
is a Audio device (not Video) there is not Video input or Video output
Can you record directly in real time via the "line-in" analog inputs. Example connect a MiniDisc recorder to the device and press play on the MD and record on this Sony HAP-S1 like "old-school." Also to reference another example: Can you record from a cassette tape deck via "line-in" in "real-time"? That's my question, ca you record audio from any analog source, not just using your computer to transfer?
I've tested the same thing and I was unsuccessful in recording straight to the haps1. Sony is very particular with using their software or other computer based methods for transfer or audio
Yeah, it's an interesting point. Since reel-to-reel tape machines became popular, we took for granted the recording capability of hi-fi equipment. Then Compact Cassette became very successful, everyone was recording things off the radio. CD was great, because even though one could not record on it initially, it offered far higher audio fidelity than recording off the radio. DAT failed because it was too expensive. DCC and MiniDisc failed because nobody needed recording device any longer since CD's were so ever present and Internet downloads became popular. People all of the sudden could have thousand songs on their computer or iPod, who needed "recording" more? So now, we're left with no recording options whatsoever in hi-fi market. None of the audiophile gear offers recording either. Everything is pure playback and consumption. Now if you wan to record, you have to go to the audio "production" videos so that they'll show you how to set up your levels. Everybody knew those things in the past. Now you're a "recording engineer" if you know that. World stands on its head.
Can the Sony HAP-S1 be used as a pair of ordinary speakers to playback movies in computer?
Steven W it's pretty expensive way of doing it but yes. It has a 2 channel 40w amp so it can be used with a pair of speakers. Also has multiple inputs so you can plug in a computer or blu ray player, then select that specific input and it will output that audio to your attached speaker pair.
Patrick Burnham How long are the cables come with for connecting with speakers?
9ft of cable is included. It is really garbage cabling I would recommend purchasing something appropriate for your speakers.
Patrick Burnham Actually, I decide to buy HAP-S1 and SS-HA1 in these couple days. But I need cables are about 12.5 ft., I don't know what kind of the speaker wires I should buy, and how many gauges for the wires. Could you recommend me some high quality speaker wires? And by the way, is gauge the bigger the more?
Any speaker cabling will do really, the better cabling you buy the better sound you'll get. There are $10 cables and there are $3000 all depends on how much you want to spend. I use this www.amazon.com/Monoprice-100ft-2-Conductor-Speaker-Installation/dp/B003L1AFL4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433863293&sr=8-1&keywords=12%2F2+speaker+cable
I'm wondering if I can hook this up to my computer to use it as an audio out source?
+Santiago Del Rio you certainly can but I'd more recommend the Sony UDA1 which I am working on a video review on that shortly.
Explain everything except sound quality. I guess sound quality is the least important aspect in a sound system.
where the hell does sony suppose we get those hi res audio files? I mean, does it upscale regular mp4's?
You buy them, of course!
Good review couple of questions... So if I want to hook up some Tower speakers like for example Polk Audio S60 s are you saying I will need to add an amplifier do this thing and also I was considering just getting a regular receiver but if I get this does it replace it like I can put it in line with a CD player. Anything else I need to be aware of?
I have a semi high end hifi set up with a turntable I listen to vinyl I have about 1800 invested in so far in my hifi and I'm saving up for this gonna take me about a month to save up for it. I just think it's awesome.
is there a cheaper alternative? like 300ish $/€? nice vid btw
Great review Thanks
question please
Can it run bluetooth speakers and or bluetooth headphones
Much appreciated
no it cannot. this is a audiophile grade piece for some less tech savvy equipment. Bluetooth is kinda a misnomer with this sony piece of equipment
Solid review, lots of good info. How well does it manage playlists? Is it easy to create playlist and add, edit and delete songs from a playlist. Is it possible to manage the playlists from a laptop or PC or is it only done thru iOS or Android devices using the Sony App? Any help will be appreciated. Thx!
+PowderKegSoCal Playlists are transferred when music is added to your PC but I don't think you can create playlists through the Sony App just delete songs from certain lists.
+shechshire hi res audio files are everywhere. HDtracks.com, hiresaudio.com, prostudiomasters.com nativedsd.com. When you purchase any Sony HiFi product they also include about 50 free hi res songs from those vendors to get you started. But yes it does upscale any audio not just mp4 (PS this player doesn't play mp4 because mp4 is more of a video and audio codec rather than a audio only format)
Straight from the link in the video description:
High-Resolution Audio takes your digital music to another level. By converting analog music to digital at a higher rate than CDs-24 bit/192 kHz, as opposed to the 16 bit/44.1 kHz rate of CDs-High-Resolution Audio delivers better-than-CD quality sound, so you get closer to the original studio master recording.
nice piece of Sony
Massive shame, no fwd or rwd on the unit.
agreed but they did try to streamline the look of the unit. this haps1 is meant to be controlled through the app for ios and Android. within the app you can rewind and fast forward and skip to any part of a song like you normally would be allowed.
Lol, I was wondering what he was looking at until I scrolled down to see the video description :p
I tested few Hi-Fi brands and I'm not impressed by nowadays Hi-Fi audio lines, those sound pretty bad, poor in highs and bass. I prefer old Hi-Fi systems of the 80's and 90's, were the best. I would like to change my old and used Hi-Fi system but I hesitate.
good nice job