Sony Walkman firmware mods

Project Z (for ZX300)

A custom firmware for the ZX300/ZX300A players, combining
sound characteristics of the WM1Z and DMP-Z1 sound signatures.


Features:
 
- a lushy warm, organic, analogue sound signature, with harshless highs, improved detail retrieval, full and balanced sound, and with an airy and holographic presentation (especially in the Plus mode) - characteristics of both the WM1Z and DMP-Z1 sound signatures;
- two boot modes: "Classic" and "Plus";
- native DSD playback over the 3.5 mm output;
- DSEE AI (present on DMP-Z1);
- visualizations in sync with the music;
- progressive JPEG and interlaced PNG album covers are supported;
- showing a battery "charging/needs charging" image when the player cannot turn on anymore if the battery is too low.


Boot modes:

"Classic" - provides the normal Project Z sound signature;
"Plus" - adds improved rendition of this sound signature (a more accurate and balanced sound, with better controlled bass, improved detail retrieval, better soundstage holography, more present mids), at the expense of additional battery usage.

• The boot mode is selected by using the Hold button on the side of your player before
you start the player - the "down" position of the hold button is for "Classic", while the "up"
position is for "Plus" - for example leave the button in the "down" position while the player
is starting, and it will start in the "Classic" mode.

• You can check the current boot mode by going into the "Unit information" menu in Settings.

• You don't have to do anything with the Hold button while installing the firmware. Just install
the firmware and the external tuning, and after that you can use the Hold button as described above.


You can find the firmware and additional info, here (please read all the info).

Pow pow pow

Its available for both WM1 and ZX300 - a new variant to FEv2

It's like DMP-WM1_FEv2 (as in 2 boot modes) but with a mix of WM1Z & DMP-Z1 tuning for a more analog signature

Out of curiosity, which one do you personally prefer? FEv2 or Project Z?

I live the holography and detail retrieval of FE V2

 
+1. ProjectZ’s sound signature is exactly what I’m after. I found the original FEv2’s signature a tad sharp on “plus” mode. The high’s were piercing for me and very fatiguing, I assume my ears are just sensitive to higher frequencies. The mids were definitely more noticeable, but I found them overwhelming.

ProjectZ is exactly what I’m after; A warm and highly musical sound signature that isn’t fatiguing even after a few hours of listening. I can’t imagine any improvements beyond ProjectZ for me personally.

This isn’t to say that the FEv2 firmware isn’t good, it’s just not for me or what I’m looking for. Thankfully, there’s more than one option and highlights what might be right for one person probably won’t be right for another.

Awesome work again MrWalkman!!