{"product_id":"sony-sa-z1-hi-res-near-field-powered-speaker-system","title":"Sony SA-Z1 Hi-Res Near Field Powered Speaker System","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSony SA-Z1\u003c\/strong\u003e brings together Sony's legendary audio expertise, with first-of-its-kind custom components and benchmark audio technologies. Thanks to a trio of accumulated acoustic, electronic and signal processing technology, SA-Z1 recreates music with exceptional presence and coherence. With its coaxial layout and time-alignment control, the SA-Z1 achieves both broad frequency response and accurate waveform at the same time.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_0\"\u003eThe pinnacle of near field listening\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe SA-Z1 is meticulously crafted to sit on your desk and provide you with a reference listening experience, whatever your choice of music. Play music from your laptop or PC, hook up your Walkman or Xperia, or use with a dedicated digital music player.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_1\"\u003eSony expertise in precision-engineered powered speakers\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe SA-Z1 brings together Sony's legendary audio expertise, with first-of-its-kind custom componentry and benchmark audio technologies. Thanks to a trio of accumulated acoustic, electronic and signal processing technology, SA-Z1 recreates music with exceptional presence and coherence.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_2\"\u003eCoherent impulse response\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWell-designed multi-way speakers have a flat and broad frequency response, but disengaging the impulse response (time-coherence) risks a compromised soundstage. Conversely, single driver units offer excellent impulse response but sacrifice frequency response. The SA-Z1's custom digital processing and coaxial layout delivers both — the sonic realism of a precise impulse response, along with a wide soundstage and frequency presentation. [1. Input signal (impulse) 2. Accurate wave form 3. Incorrect wave form]\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_3\"\u003eTime coherence\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe SA-Z1's multi-amplifier system and unique Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) perfectly synchronizes the wave front between driver units. The precisely aligned wave front and broad frequency response are capable of delivering both the power of an expansive orchestral sound stage or the focus of an intimate solo.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_4\"\u003eCoaxial driver layout\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor reference-quality near field listening, the SA-Z1 features a coaxial speaker layout. Combined with the FPGA for time coherence, this design offers ideal acoustic centering across the frequency range. The result is phase coherence — essential for clear stereo imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_5\"\u003eHorizontally opposed woofers, 'Tsuzumi' layout\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by a traditional Japanese 'Tsuzumi' drum, dual woofers are placed back-to-back. This layout hugely cuts unwanted vibration — the vibration from each woofer cancels out the vibration from the other. By reducing the enclosure resonance so significantly, SA-Z1 delivers supreme resolution and a precise sound image.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_6\"\u003eBass expansion duct\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe unique 'Tsuzumi' design also supports wide sound dispersion. Unlike conventional speakers, the rear bass expansion duct lets bass radiate to the sides as well as forward—just like sound sources in nature—so you experience a natural, realistic sound field that describes an even depth and height of sound space.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_7\"\u003eInnovative air control behind the woofer\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the SA-Z1 Sony developed the woofer from the ground up. Large aperture slits behind the diaphragm prevent turbulence that causes wind noise and disturbs the linear motion of the diaphragm. The breathable magnet layout is a new idea to suppress the turbulence around the voice coil. These structures deliver low distortion and faithful linearity for clear sound and tight response.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_8\"\u003eMore linearity and purity\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe woofer offers supreme linearity with very low distortion. The zinc die-cast basket holds the motor system firmly so that it can suppress vibrations from piston motion. Powerful neodymium magnets preserve the linearity and the copper sleeve reduces distortion.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_9\"\u003eI-ARRAY tweeters for wider frequency and off-axis response\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSony's acclaimed I-ARRAY high resolution tweeters combine a main tweeter with two smaller assist tweeters, for both impressive frequency extension and wider directivity. The large balanced dome main tweeter ensures excellent high-frequency realism, while the smaller assist tweeters expand the off-axis response, delivering high-frequency harmonic overtones up to 100 kHz for acoustic realism only possible with High-Resolution Audio.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_10\"\u003eNew balanced dome tweeter unit\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe balanced dome structure suppresses break-up mode—which disturbs high frequency response—so that it can reproduce 100 kHz to release the full potential of High-Resolution Audio. The voice coil drives at a point where the weight of the diaphragm and air load balance — which is why the structure is called 'balanced.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_11\"\u003eTitanium sputtering diaphragm\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface of the tweeter dome is coated with titanium sputtering for lightweight rigidity and a high-velocity rise. The high internal loss reduces resonance and results in a tightly defined transient response, even at high frequencies, for natural sound all the way up to 100 kHz.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_12\"\u003eAluminum body\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFeaturing body parts using two different alloys of aluminum, the SA-Z1 effectively minimizes noise distortion caused by resonance from the enclosure.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_13\"\u003eFBW chassis\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the SA-Z1 Song have updated their renowned frame and beam chassis with a new wall structure made from a solid aluminum block to isolate the circuit board from vibrations from the speaker. This suppresses structural resonance for a clean, uncolored sound with high-end audio authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_14\"\u003eBridge arm structure\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA precision-engineered bridge structure decouples the speaker enclosure from the amplifier and digital processing circuitry. The solid aluminum isolation links preserve sound purity for a remarkably focused and coherent presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_15\"\u003eComposite enclosure structure\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe enclosure of the SA-Z1 consists of six pieces of thick aluminum plate. While a monolithic enclosure is strong, it sustains resonance for a long time as a speaker enclosure. By jointing the six plates using a technique inspired by traditional Japanese construction methods, the SA-Z1 effectively suppresses the unnecessary audible resonance.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_16\"\u003eD.A. Hybrid Amplifier Circuit\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSony's original S-Master digital amplifier was a revolution with its non-feedback design for pure digital sound. The D.A. Hybrid Amplifier took this one step further, enhancing precision with an analog feed-forward amp to correct digital switching errors. Now, the introduction of a Gallium Nitride (GaN) power device evolves digital amplification to a whole new level.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_17\"\u003eDistortion reduction\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo 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. So, to deliver both high power and accuracy, the D.A. Hybrid Amplifier Circuit combines a new ultra-speed power device, GaN, with an analog amplifier for error correction.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_18\"\u003eGallium Nitride\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMOSFET transistors are typically used for digital amplifier switching, however they can produce ringing distortion due to slow switching speeds. By using Gallium Nitride (GaN), we can suppress the ringing through high speed switching. This means that amplification errors are significantly reduced, even before the signal is error-corrected by the feed-forward analog amplifier. [1. Ideal 2. GaN 3. MOSFET]\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_19\"\u003eError correction\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe analog amplifier compares the true signal with the digital amplifier output signal, identifying the error caused by switching. Then it produces an error correction signal to restore the output signal, preserving the purity of the original sound and reproducing the signal with absolute precision. [1. True signal 2. True signal + error 3. Error correction signal]\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_20\"\u003eCustom architecture on FPGA processor\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSony's engineers realized early-on that typical, off-the-shelf DSPs could never draw optimal performance from their unique D.A. Hybrid amplifier and coaxial speaker design. So they built an original architecture on an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) from scratch — the most advanced signal processing for the most advanced digital architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_21\"\u003eL\/R synchronization\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe OFC cable that transmits the high speed differential signal between speakers is engineered to suppress signal reflection and loss, and shut out interference. This ensures accurate time alignment between the left and right speakers — crucial for reproducing spacious sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_22\"\u003eDSD Remastering Engine by FPGA\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe DSD Remastering Engine lets you convert all PCM music sources into DSD 11.2 MHz. The technology uses the FPGA to convert any signal into the DSD sound format.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_23\"\u003eNew DSEE HX analyzes song type by AI\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAudio upscaling is improved even further by new DSEE HX processing, which intelligently recognizes instruments, voices and musical genres. By identifying these and the relative energy of the audio, it can accurately rebuild audio lost during digital compression, for a full fidelity experience, even with compressed formats.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_24\"\u003eD.A. Assist\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith hybrid amplification you get the best of both worlds — standard or blended sound. In the standard position, the analog amplifier works as just an error corrector. When you select the blended position, the analog amplifier starts to drive the speaker units with the digital amplifier. The blended position gives a slightly more analog sound to the digital amplifier. [1. Standard 2. Blended A. Digital B. Analog]\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_25\"\u003eAssist Woofer Motion\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou can choose to lock the assist woofer in place, rather than using it to complement the sound of the main woofer. This adjusts the sound stage to suit your tastes, music and listening environment. [1. Active 2. Fixed]\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_26\"\u003eAssist Woofer Frequency\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou can change the frequency range of the Assist Woofer. The narrow position delivers a tighter bass sound. The wide position reinforces the bass sound. [1. Narrow 2. Standard 3. Wide]\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_27\"\u003eAssist TW Time Alignment\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou can intentionally change the time alignment between tweeters and woofers. 'Sync' offers you perfectly time-aligned sound. 'Advance' describes a clear-cut sound image by advancing sound from the tweeters ahead of the woofer. Conversely, 'Delay' offers a soft and silky sound by delaying the sound from the tweeters in relation to the sound from the woofer. [1. Advance 2. Sync 3. Delay]\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_28\"\u003eSupported sound formats\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSupport up to PCM 32 bit\/768 kHz and DSD 22.4 MHz.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_29\"\u003eInterface\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnalog-In connections include RCA, stereo mini and balanced XLR. Digital inputs include USB-B, optical and micro-USB for Walkman.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3 id=\"toc_30\"\u003ePure Walkman sound\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo realize pure sound from a connected Walkman, the charging circuit can be deactivated.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sony","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44450665365607,"sku":"150958","price":7999.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/8848\/5479\/files\/sony-sa-z1_150958_1_0fea312d-68bf-4a03-81e6-83606181d4a6.jpg?v=1787093978","url":"https:\/\/vintageking.mom\/products\/sony-sa-z1-hi-res-near-field-powered-speaker-system","provider":"Vintage King","version":"1.0","type":"link"}