That some people are willing to pay through the nose for them. It is indeed.

Never had any problems whatsoever, but apparently some do, so depends who you ask I guess. Agree with others that technically and soundwise, they are superb. Compared to the MDR-Z1R, they were a major step up for me.

In my view, most certainly not. That would feel like putting the cart before the horse, and the difference to me would never justify getting a new piece of hardware only to be able to use the cable. But others can and will ferl differently. Ultimately, only you can tell how much you appreciate...

Your loss. ;)

Curious, I'd define myself as "treble sensitive" (couldn't bear listening to TH-900, for example), but I've never had any problems with this IEM. Treble goes way up without ever being strident, let alone "piercing" IMO. For me, it's definitely a strong point of the IEM and among the best I've...

I think you'd have to go to the SE-Master1 for that.

Fostex TH-900 has a strong emphasis on subbass (and definitely more of it than Z1R).

@6PANDEMONIUM6, unless you're desperately trying to get your post count up, could you please stop dropping six or seven posts in a row on us every time? It's crapping up the thread. Thanks!

Just don't forget to clean them between sessions. ;)

Yes, it is IMO. Also, I found the Hugo 2 filters so subtle that I decided I didn't need them and stuck with my original Hugo.

I own both, and I can assure you that the IER-Z1R is most definitely not harder to drive than the MDR-Z1R. The Kann Cube would be probably be massive overkill in this case (WM1A drives the IER-Z1R just fine), but sometimes overkill is just what people want, so why not.

I have the original version of this on Klik Records; beautiful album! Rex The Dog Versions:

I would be very careful with this sort of "guarantee". Just because you like something doesn't mean everyone will feel the same. There are so many subjective factors, especially in audio. I'm sure you mean well, but are you really willing to make good on that guarantee? ;)

Thanks, that is great news indeed! I never understood why the Sony players are so terribly finicky with artwork.

The Pioneer SE-Master1 checks all these boxes and more, but can be a little difficult to test drive outside Japan. If you do get the chance, give it a spin, it might be just what you're looking for.

Hi, I haven't compared them, and it's been a while since I've heard either, but considering the Monitor5 is a closed-back, that's rather unlikely. The Master1, on the other hand, is definitely a strong contender for largest soundstage with a headphone.

If you look at the dedicated thread, responses are actually pretty mixed. Some people have problems with insertion due to the strong stickiness, for example. But yeah, there is a sort of FOTM hype around these -- until the next thing comes along. They look cool though.

Q Question of taste; I love the IER for everything it does differently than the MDR, so for me it would just be an expensive downgrade if the tips would actually narrow the gap. But if you like it, good job.

Sorry to hear that. *snicker*

Sounds pretty random tbh.

Just to be clear, you're comparing the Kimber cable on the TA to the Lavri on the Dave, correct?

I was just about to say the same. That's how they still sound to me most of the time, even though I like them a bit better out of the DMP-Z1 as opposed to the WM1A. Don't know if that is mostly due to output power or other factors, but I've always found them lackluster when powered by the walkman.

Sure, but 60,- big? For three pairs out of which you end up using one? Against other tips that cost a fraction, are much more hassle-free and might sound just as good or better? Not for me. YMMV.

For tips? That's absurd. I just bought six pairs of tips in two colors for €20,-, and I got two IEM's on top. :D Hearing very mixed things about the Xelastecs TBH; quite a lot of people don't like how sticky they are and find them finicky to insert because of it. The cleaning routine doesn't...

I'm very satisfied with the V281 and my little Genelec 8331's, FWIW.