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Final Thoughts: The NEW Sony MDR-ZX700 vs the Legendary Sony MDR-V6

post #1 of 70
4/30/11 at 8:45am
Thread Starter 

I did an unboxing video of the NEW Sony MDR-ZX700 a few weeks ago.  You can watch it here if you missed it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QQQXjulM7w

 

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Today I am going to give you my final thoughts on how this new comer stacks up against the legendary MDR-V6.  Sorry for the delay no this to those you have been waiting.

 

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Like in all my impressions/final thoughts, all music files are AIFF uncompressed from my 2010 Mac Mini fed to my Cullen Modified PS Audio DAC connected to my Lehamann Audio Black Cube Linear amp.  I chose this headphones amp because it is neutral (no added flavor) and very powerful featuring TWO headphones out with enough power to spare.

 

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MDR-ZX700, Comfort & Design:

This headphones is very comfortable.  The cups are big enough for my ears to fit inside.  There is enough padding on the headband to be comfy for many hours of musical enjoyment. 

The cable is NOT removable and IMO not long enough for home use.  I suspect Sony designed for portable use.  The headphones does not require an amp to sound it's best.  In fact, I did not hear much improvements running it through the Lehmann vs. my Sony X-Series Walkman (WAV. audio files).  That is a good thing for those not wanting to lug around a portable amp.

 

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MDR-ZX700 vs. MDR-V6, Sound Quality:

After a few days of continuous burn-in and some head time, here are my impressions on the ZX700 vs.V6.  The ZX700 is easier to drive and the sharp upper midrange spike on the V6 is ALMOST gone.  The mids on the ZX700 is bit more forward.  The bass on the ZX700 is fuller but not as tight as refined as on the V6.  The highs does not have the sparkle that the V6 has.  The overall sound package on the ZX700 is smooth and easy to listen to.  I don't think there is a clear winner here.  They are both really good for the money.  However, I am leaning towards the ZX700 because it is easy to drive off a portable device and a bit more comfy to wear.  If you are seeking a great over the ear headphones for the road, the ZX700 should be high up on your audition list.  

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post #2 of 70
4/30/11 at 8:53am
Very nice DJ, have you owned the D1100's? If so, which did you prefer (compared with the zx700)? Im considering selling my Denon's and opting for these, as they don't require amping, and then will have both the Z1000's and ZX700 to feast on. biggrin.gif
Edited by rovex - 4/30/11 at 8:55am
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post #3 of 70
4/30/11 at 8:58am
Thread Starter 

No Denon D1100 in my collection yet.  My next headphones is the Sony MDR-Z1000. :D

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post #4 of 70
4/30/11 at 9:40am

I think design/build-wise ZX700 looks A LOT more solid and well built than D1100, pads are great for the cost and they simply look like they can handle a lot more abuse which I'd value in a portable headphone. The D1100 IMO feels slightly fragile, especially at the point where the "claw" that's holding together the cup is connected, very small/thin plastic piece holding it together which also sometimes makes some creaky noise when expanding it.


Edited by RPGWiZaRD - 4/30/11 at 9:41am
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post #5 of 70
4/30/11 at 9:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by RPGWiZaRD View Post

I think design/build-wise ZX700 looks A LOT more solid and well built than D1100, pads are great for the cost and they simply look like they can handle a lot more abuse which I'd value in a portable headphone. The D1100 IMO feels slightly fragile, especially at the point where the "claw" that's holding together the cup is connected, very small/thin plastic piece holding it together which also sometimes makes some creaky noise when expanding it.


I'm interested in the sound, I'm going to take a guess and say the ZX700 will have the better sound, simply because my Z1000 truly brushes past my D1100's. I just feel that if it sounds anywhere near my z1000's they will be to my ears at least the better option.

What's more, the Z1000's are built like tanks, and presumambly the all plastic ZX700's too. I prefer though the silver part where you adjust the headband on the Z1000, it's more seamless and elegant, just looking at the photos of the zx700's you appreciate this missing feature.
Edited by rovex - 4/30/11 at 9:58am
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post #6 of 70
4/30/11 at 11:59am

Thanks, DJ. Forgiveness for my earlier comments?

 

What about ear SWEAT? I remember the V6 made my ears sweat like the devil.

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post #7 of 70
4/30/11 at 2:13pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChiComm4 View Post

Thanks, DJ. Forgiveness for my earlier comments?

 

What about ear SWEAT? I remember the V6 made my ears sweat like the devil.

The material on the pads are very different from the V6.  I didn't feel much ear sweat after 4 hours of continuous use as compared to the V6.
 

 

 

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post #8 of 70
5/1/11 at 3:04am
For comparison sake, I much the prefer the silver strips for the adjustable headband instead of the black on the zx700. The pleather ear pads and headband looks more softer too on the former.

http://assets.head-fi.org/4/4a/4a499925_201009152154094955.jpg[URL=http://assets.head-fi.org/4/4a/4a499925_201009152154094955.jpg
Edited by rovex - 5/1/11 at 4:03am
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post #9 of 70
5/1/11 at 6:17am
Just bit the bullet, got the ZX700 off Amazon £73 (bargain) shipped. Let's see if the 4.5 times as much Z1000 truly hammer these! biggrin.gif
Edited by rovex - 5/1/11 at 6:22am
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post #10 of 70
5/1/11 at 7:29am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rovex View Post

Just bit the bullet, got the ZX700 off Amazon £73 (bargain) shipped. Let's see if the 4.5 times as much Z1000 truly hammer these! biggrin.gif

I suspect it will be because the MDR-EX1000 is worth the high price tag when compared to the less cost brother the MDR-EX600.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS0K3mUgaqI
 

Please keep us posted because I am waiting for the MDR-Z1000 to hit the U.S.

 

 

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post #11 of 70
5/1/11 at 4:42pm

The V6 is a great pair of beater cans, built like a tank.

 

Is the ZX700 a tank?

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post #12 of 70
5/2/11 at 9:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rovex View Post

Just bit the bullet, got the ZX700 off Amazon £73 (bargain) shipped. Let's see if the 4.5 times as much Z1000 truly hammer these! biggrin.gif

Heh...

 

Really must stop walking past Sony Centres!!

 

...I now have the ZX700 as well as the Z1000...

 

I am intruiged by the outcome with A/Bs...
 

 

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post #13 of 70
5/2/11 at 11:04am



 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Duncan View Post



Heh...

 

Really must stop walking past Sony Centres!!

 

...I now have the ZX700 as well as the Z1000...

 

I am intruiged by the outcome with A/Bs...

 

 


Well played, although i know Sony Centres are notorious for selling stuff at very high prices (RRP) just like sonystyle.co.uk got the ZX700 and 1000 for £99 and £499 respectively. I'm getting mine Friday, feels like an eternity! :D
 


 

 


Edited by rovex - 5/2/11 at 11:08am
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post #14 of 70
5/2/11 at 11:10am

Quote:

Originally Posted by rovex View Post

Well played, although i know Sony Centres are notorious for selling stuff at very high prices (RRP) just like sonystyle.co.uk got the ZX700 and 1000 for £99 and £499 respectively. I'm getting mine Friday, feels like an eternity! :D
 

 

To keep this half on track, and hoefully not to thread hijack, I have done a mini comparison of the ZX700 and Z1000 here

 

I would love to get another pair of MDR-V6 - am a total Sony whore it appears!!

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post #15 of 70
5/8/11 at 12:21am

A vendor on Amazon currently has these for $87.69 + $7.07 shipping ($94.76 total).

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004P150LY/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1304838905&sr=1-1&condition=new

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