Wiz33
500+ Head-Fier
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- Feb 6, 2015
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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.
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