[Wiz33]

I'm curious, but why do you say this? My iPhone alone drives the X5 very nicely, though it's nicer (but not louder) with the PHA-3, even outdoors.

When I A/B the A3 and Z5 over 2 years ago in Tokyo (fully burned in units in store). I use my iPhone and I picked the A3 cause while the 4K spike on the A3 can be a bit sharp at times, the Bass feel tighter, whereas the Z5's mid is a bit more recessed by comparison but the bass seems loose and a bit muddy although it goes a bit lower. It's not until I got the Z5 on a whim a few months ago and start listening to it with a HA-P50, PHA-2A that everything changed. Even when not fully burned in. The soundstage opened up quite a bit, everything becomes more focused and the bass have tighten up quite a bit. It's not that I'm listening at a higher volume (I was only at 60% on my iphone when I A/B them). With a good amp, It's more that the power needed is available faster even at the same volume level.

The N3 I got in Japan last Dec, I tried it in the store for a bit and pick it up on the spot. It's basically a A3 without the 4K spike, the high has a bit less detail but the vocal is warmer and the bass is quicker and tighter but not as low and it's much easier to wear.

As you say, the Z5 sounds better with an amp. Using one without an amp, you're not getting everything the Z5 can offer so you might as well just get a N3 which arguably gives you better sound on a phone.

 

[Witcher]

When I A/B the A3 and Z5 over 2 years ago in Tokyo (fully burned in units in store). I use my iPhone and I picked the A3 cause while the 4K spike on the A3 can be a bit sharp at times, the Bass feel tighter, whereas the Z5's mid is a bit more recessed by comparison but the bass seems loose and a bit muddy although it goes a bit lower. It's not until I got the Z5 on a whim a few months ago and start listening to it with a HA-P50, PHA-2A that everything changed. Even when not fully burned in. The soundstage opened up quite a bit, everything becomes more focused and the bass have tighten up quite a bit. It's not that I'm listening at a higher volume (I was only at 60% on my iphone when I A/B them). With a good amp, It's more that the power needed is available faster even at the same volume level.

The N3 I got in Japan last Dec, I tried it in the store for a bit and pick it up on the spot. It's basically a A3 without the 4K spike, the high has a bit less detail but the vocal is warmer and the bass is quicker and tighter but not as low and it's much easier to wear.

As you say, the Z5 sounds better with an amp. Using one without an amp, you're not getting everything the Z5 can offer so you might as well just get a N3 which arguably gives you better sound on a phone.

I think it's more the difference of the DAC in the iPhone vs the PHA3 that's giving me the soundstage difference. Not the amp. I have no problems with the Z5 on the iPhone though.

 

[asquare3376]

XBA-Z5 with upgraded Kimber 4.4 MUC-M12SB1 on WM1Z is the best I have heard till date. So much better than the PHA-3 driving the Z5 on balanced

 

[Witcher]

XBA-Z5 with upgraded Kimber 4.4 MUC-M12SB1 on WM1Z is the best I have heard till date. So much better than the PHA-3 driving the Z5 on balanced

Did you try the star quad cable in balanced? How does that compare to the kimber?

 

[haoyuan]

A bit late to the party.. But I bought a pair of Z5s after purchasing N3s back in January. N3 being released a few years later and a bit cheaper still cannot match the Z5 for sound space and dynamic range.

 

[Wiz33]

A bit late to the party.. But I bought a pair of Z5s after purchasing N3s back in January. N3 being released a few years later and a bit cheaper still cannot match the Z5 for sound space and dynamic range.

It cannot but it's close and good enough for mobile use without an amp and you don't attract strange looks from people around you.

 

[asquare3376]

Did you try the star quad cable in balanced? How does that compare to the kimber?

Yes, star quad running balanced on PHA-3. Didn't impress me at all. But 4.4 on 1Z is a totally different story. I am buying another pair of Z5 to use them with MUC-S12SM1 on ZX-100

 

[Witcher]

Yes, star quad running balanced on PHA-3. Didn't impress me at all. But 4.4 on 1Z is a totally different story. I am buying another pair of Z5 to use them with MUC-S12SM1 on ZX-100

Ok thanks!

 

[Wiz33]

I think it's more the difference of the DAC in the iPhone vs the PHA3 that's giving me the soundstage difference. Not the amp. I have no problems with the Z5 on the iPhone though.

You won't have problem but they won't sound as good as they can be. In some ways, the A3 or even the N3 is a better choice when not using an amp.

 

[lesale08]

Yes, star quad running balanced on PHA-3. Didn't impress me at all. But 4.4 on 1Z is a totally different story. I am buying another pair of Z5 to use them with MUC-S12SM1 on ZX-100

Wow you really love them z5

Cheers!

 

[Witcher]

You won't have problem but they won't sound as good as they can be. In some ways, the A3 or even the N3 is a better choice when not using an amp.

That's subjective then. I wanted to buy the N3 at first. But after hearing the Z5, there was no contest. And this was direct with an iPhone.

 

[Wiz33]

Yes, star quad running balanced on PHA-3. Didn't impress me at all. But 4.4 on 1Z is a totally different story. I am buying another pair of Z5 to use them with MUC-S12SM1 on ZX-100

You mean MUC-M12SM1 right?

 

[gerelmx1986]

You mean MUC-M12SM1 right?

it has an N in the model number, I saw on Sony Asia

 

[Wiz33]

it has an N in the model number, I saw on Sony Asia

MUC-M12NB1 is a 4.4 balanced to MMCX. Does the ZX-100 have a 4.4mm balanced jack? The MUC-S12SM1 is a 4.4 to 3.5 balanced/

 

[gerelmx1986]

MUC-M12NB1 is a 4.4 balanced to MMCX. Does the ZX-100 have a 4.4mm balanced jack? The MUC-S12SM1 is a 4.4 to 3.5 balanced/

ZX100 does not have balanced, not even 4.4mm, The WM-1x series do have balanced and as well the new upcoming ZX300