The XBA-Z5 is not made of plastic, it is 100% metal construction. PM me if you want a picture with the paint sanded off. Also you state twice that it came with only a 2X3.5mm balanced cable? But you also photographed it with the 3.5mm to MMCX, so obviously you do have the 2 cables that came from the factory?

Right my mistake. Thanks for your correction! The shell feels like plastic. I will amend. The unit is 2nd hand, so I thought that both regular unbalanced and the 2x 3.5mm balanced cable come with it as default. The MMCX is the connector on the driver end. I mean the other end that goes to the amp.

Right, two cables came. Sorry I don’t mean to be critical of your review. I’m simply trying to help you be complete! Cheers!

I really appreciate that! Thank you!

I edit the cons, I think the 'unique' 2x 3.5mm balanced cable shouldn't be considered a cons point. It is just their way to fit their own system.

Well, the included cables, both of them, seemed to detract from the fit of the XBA-Z5. Where due to the unique Z5 (USB stick) shape and the way they seemed to sit in the ear, fit became an issue for most. The problem seemed to be movement. The provided cable would pull the XBA-Z5 out of place. Where in reality it needed a way to interface with the ear; as to not move. The rubber “mechanism” of the provided cables seemed to make matters worse, concerning fit, as the cables would flip from side to side. Also the XBA-Z5 seemed to wake-up to more power. So in many views it’s regular sounding with a phone and slightly muddy, but becomes something much more special when driven 4.4mm balanced from a 1Z or 1A. With the right source it’s really good.

Though the tuning may not be your personal choice, many found the sound (despite the fit) to be exemplary!