[Tr1ppy]

My suggestion would be to wait. I have the H1's. They are fine, but I am happier with the H3's. Also you already have your eye on the A1 or A2. So even if you by the H1 you will still be wondering if the others have the sound signature that you really are looking for.
So hold tight, and wait.

Thanks romeyp. I'll keep my itchy trigger fingers from hitting that Buy button lol!!

Yeah I imagine the A1 and A2 will be a lot more refined than the H1 and H2, judging by how people are comparing the new Z5 to the H3. But then I dont think we've had many comparisons between the A3 and H3 have we?

Anyway I'll most likely hold out for the A2 as that adds another driver to its previous counterpart to give the same 1dd, 2ba config as the H3/A3 (of course the tuning, and hence sound may be different). Should be interesting

 

[HiFiGuy528]

So mad...  Mine is delayed for another week.  Z5, Z7 and MDR-1A coming.

 

[wateryakcat]

So mad...  Mine is delayed for another week.  Z5, Z7 and MDR-1A coming.

You are very lucky to have all three!
Will You get A series as well+xba100?

 

[Boffy]

Mike, according to Sony Korea there is a high quality cable, a balanced cable, and a bluetooth cable available for separate purchase for both Z5 and A3. So the balanced cable does not come with the Z5. Haven't heard of any of the new Sony products yet, despite there being a Sony store right across the street from my house lol.
 
http://store.sony.co.kr/handler/ViewProduct-Start?productId=92888810

 

[Idsynchrono_24]

  Mike, according to Sony Korea there is a high quality cable, a balanced cable, and a bluetooth cable available for separate purchase for both Z5 and A3. So the balanced cable does not come with the Z5. Haven't heard of any of the new Sony products yet, despite there being a Sony store right across the street from my house lol.
 
http://store.sony.co.kr/handler/ViewProduct-Start?productId=92888810

 
WHAT ARE YOU DOING. GO. GO NOW. RUN LIKE THE WIND. INQUIRING MINDS NEED TO KNOW

 

[violencer]

  So the balanced cable does not come with the Z5.

It comes. Here is the unboxing http://bbs.imp3.net/thread-11185441-1-1.html

 

[xedjflowx]

we need an ie800 comparison

 

[Boffy]

   
WHAT ARE YOU DOING. GO. GO NOW. RUN LIKE THE WIND. INQUIRING MINDS NEED TO KNOW

It is Sunday here in Korea gotta take a visit tomorrow!!

  It comes. Here is the unboxing http://bbs.imp3.net/thread-11185441-1-1.html

Oh nevermind, I guess Sony Korea is a little bit different from other regions then? Because it clearly says next to the balanced cable "Available for Separate Purchase." 

 

[musicdragoon]

There is stock balanced cable packed in the box, but it used the same flat noodle like cable just like the normal cables come with all XBA series. The extra cable you can purchase is thicker, partially meshed and without the silicon ear hanger, I had also auditioned Z5 with this extra cable connected to PHA 3, this combination makes Z5 switch to a more monitor like character compared to the more beat immersive character with stock unbalanced cable.

 

[xedjflowx]

So, is there a concensus on bass extension, overall soundstage and clarity?

 

[IEMman]

Does anyone know how this compares against the new JVC fx850?

 

[richbass]

Does anyone know how this compares against the new JVC fx850?

+1

 

[gurus]

Does anyone know how this compares against the new JVC fx850?

More specifically the fit and ease of wearing. I have small ear canals.

 

[Kunlun]

So mad...  Mine is delayed for another week.  Z5, Z7 and MDR-1A coming.

Are these a purchase and, if so, where are you gettting them in the states?

 

[getclikinagas]

The bluetooth aptX cable is interesting. I hope this catches on. Compatible with all the xba detachable models (XBA-Z5/A3/A2/H3/H2)
 
Spec: http://www.sony.jp/headphone/products/MUC-M1BT1/spec.html