MDR-SA5000? - Page 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT 

Think of W5000 with smaller soundstage, colder signature, less accentuated, neutral mids, and more bass load.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldwine 

In my opinion, SA5000 is a v. detailed and nice phone, but it needs some care and matching to the headamps in order to draw its potentials.

Bump... It matches very well, as somebody else pointed out some time ago (in this thread?), with the AT-HA5000 amp that is made for the W5000. I picked up a "good as new" pair recently as a second headphone for that amp, and I find them to be very comfortable and non-fatiguing. I will have to send the amp out to Japan at some point for servicing, so it will be interesting to hear both cans with my trusty EF5 backup amp. But I won't be expecting as much, as I think that the HA5000 has a unique signature that compliments both the W5000 and SA5000 very well, as it really seems to balance these two headphones out. Going back and forth the W5000 has a more resolving and emotional sound, but the SA5000 is a bit more forgiving of substandard recordings. Both have great soundstage, but different. The W5000 being like a concert hall, and the SA500 being more non-directional, as left and right kind of disappear. But with the RA5000 neither are lacking in low end dynamics, and they can both rock out with the best of them. I just listened to "Sweet Child in Time" from Deep Purple's re-mastered "Live in Japan" album with each one so I can testify to that!

Bringing back an old thread.

I just a Brand New Pair of these today.  Wanted to see what was better, these or the AKG Q701.  I have been loving the Q701's and very happy with them overall.  I am kinda of a gear nut and am never satisfied, so I am always looking and trying new stuff, some stays, most goes.

I can say that the Q701's are going.  I feel like a veil was lifted off of my ears.  Although the Q701 seems to be a little more airy and just a little better depth and soundstage.  The Sony's are like a laser beam, sharp and detailed.  Hearing stuff, I usually only hear on my Ultimate Ears IERM and even still I think I am getting more from the Sony.  I can' wait till there actually properly broke in.

I will say at first I thought it was harsh at first listen, but that was also right out of the box at first listen.  After a couple of hours, that has eased and when I just relax, it feels like aural bliss.  Mouth wide open wow factor is at a 10.  Even grabbed my wife and had to have her listen.

I don't see how anything can compare in the price range I got these for New from Amazon.

All running thru a Cambridge DacMagic Plus, soon to be replaced by a Benchmark DAC1 USB.    Loving the Cambridge, but figured why not go all out.