StarQuads came in today. Very nice! more clarity on the upper mids and highs. Brings the sound a little more forward. Too bad the Kimbers don't have a standard stereo plug option.
Sony's New 2014 flagship IEM - XBA Z5
Wiz33
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I'm referring to this message:
asquare3376 said: ↑
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 can't use a S12SM1 with a ZX-100
Wiz33
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Anyone in the US interested in trying balanced output should check this out on Amazon. Korean dealer is selling the MUC-M12SB1 4.4mm Kimber balanced cable at the price of US$139 with Amazon prime shipping. The MUC-M12SB1 is currently priced at over 22,000 yen (US$200) in Japan while the new non-kimber MUC-M12NB1 is priced at 15,000 yen (US$135). Now I think it's a mistake and they are actually selling the NB1 but if that's the case, you can always return it at their expense.
Since we're talking cables, just got my Beat Audio Thor balanced cable from the classifieds. Finally found the PERFECT cable for my Z5s
-Collin-
Hey, those are nice! are these customizable?
I have spent a few days with the Sony Star Quad cables on the Z5. These are definitely a much recommended upgrade. the sound is a little brighter than stock, but also a lot more balanced. the bass isn't as prominent now, and soundstage is slightly more pronounced. If only they made the Kimbers with the 3.5mm TRS plug instead of balanced.
asquare3376
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Yes, MUC-M12SM1 it is, with 3.5 mm pin
hemipowered007
Headphoneus Supremus
Man it's really hard to find these for sale for a decent price now, if anyone has one they'd like to sell, I don't need a balanced cable, please, please, pm me. Before I buy an andromeda, save me....
Wiz33
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Cheapest is probably Amazon prime for $499, that's cheaper than using a buying service from Japan.
Wiz33
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Yes, MUC-M12SM1 it is, with 3.5 mm pin
Why not the SM2 as they are half the price and made of the same cable.
you need to demo both. the Andromeda is a different animal. pick the one that works for you. The closest I'd say to the Z5 is the Lyra 2.
Wiz33
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You're comparing a pure BA setup with one of the best hybrid around. I don't have the Andromeda but I have a few other pure BA sets so I can give you a general impression. Pure BA tends to be cold, most noticeable in vocals while hybrids tends to be a bit warmer and natural while still having the clarity of BA mid and highs, Dynamic bass driver will also have more presence at the same volume level (move more air mass). I first got the XBA-A3 and never looked back at the pure BAs. I have since picked up the N3 and Z5 and I would not go back to a pure BA.. Even the N3 beats the Shure 535 in most area in my view and the Z5 will wipe the floor with it.
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hemipowered007
Headphoneus Supremus
Thanks for the impressions, got kind of frustrated sourcing a z5 for a decent deal so I bought an ex1000, I know, pure dynamic. I'll see how I like it then see about a z5 or going over to a jupiter.
azabu
100+ Head-Fier
Hopefully you can test all of these phones. Wasn't impressed with the Z5 at all, monster bass with poor time alignment.
gerelmx1986
Headphoneus Supremus
not proeprly driven i bet. Mine sound fantastic from WM1A Balanced circuit
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