[vault108]

Collection so far.

SONY MDR-EX800ST (New) $187.20 with 10% eBay discount
SONY XBA-Z5 (New, open box) $373.99 with 15% eBay discount
XBA-A3 (Used) $219.00 Amazon

Missing XBA-H3 and MDR-EX1000(getting soon)
Goal: Comparing all 5 IEMs with miniDSP Ears

 

[hemipowered007]

I've wanted to get the z5 for a while, so would be nice to see another impression(comparison). I wouldn't be looking for an upgrade but a different presentation, which the z5 definitely has since it was designed by a different team.

 

[kms108]

Many say the Z5 doesn't compete with the EX1000, may be just different SQ.

 

[davidmolliere]

Many say the Z5 doesn't compete with the EX1000, may be just different SQ.

It's a totally different signature altogether, the Z5 is much darker and bassier (I ran it out of ZX2 and PHA-3). Technically the EX1000 is miles ahead though and I am not only speaking of detail retrieval but tranparency and clarity is not in the same league IMHO. Imaging, soundstage are also vastly superior.

It does not mean the Z5 is not plenty of fun to listen to, just not TOTL contender.

 

[kms108]

It's a totally different signature altogether, the Z5 is much darker and bassier (I ran it out of ZX2 and PHA-3). Technically the EX1000 is miles ahead though and I am not only speaking of detail retrieval but tranparency and clarity is not in the same league IMHO. Imaging, soundstage are also vastly superior.

It does not mean the Z5 is not plenty of fun to listen to, just not TOTL contender.

It's not for everyone, especially me, it's too big, and just keeps falling out of my ears, with inital testing.

 

[kms108]

Right now I using the EX1000 with my ZX2 with trrs pentaconn plug, a new experience.

 

[all999]

Anyone tried this cable? Is it as goog as original RK-EX1000PL pentaconn terminated?

https://www.amazon.co.jp/Yodonami-E...id=1543484924&sr=1-1&keywords=yodonami+ex1000

 

[kms108]

Anyone tried this cable? Is it as goog as original RK-EX1000PL pentaconn terminated?

https://www.amazon.co.jp/Yodonami-E...id=1543484924&sr=1-1&keywords=yodonami+ex1000

These EX connectors are a hit or a miss, between the ex600, ex800 and ex1000. Sometimes you may have to force it is, at least with these the connectors are plastic, if threads does get damages, it's the cable, with some of the previous ones, the threads are metal, which damages the actual IEM.


You may want to try AliExpress, is cheaper, and if shipped to the US sometimes free shipping.

 

[davidmolliere]

Anyone tried this cable? Is it as goog as original RK-EX1000PL pentaconn terminated?
https://www.amazon.co.jp/Yodonami-E...id=1543484924&sr=1-1&keywords=yodonami+ex1000

I have purchased one and it works very well I like it... I can't say if it's as good as RK-EX1000PL though... What I like is that it has a small footprint, it's not like the top dog cables that you can probably get custom built but it's decent enough and I like that it's smoother than the stock cable, the hard edges in sound are somewhat less present.

While I am here, I have spent some time with the EX1000 and ALO CV5 and it's clear those babies like good amping and a touch of tubes is really great with them!

 

[Malfunkt]

Collection so far.

SONY MDR-EX800ST (New) $187.20 with 10% eBay discount
SONY XBA-Z5 (New, open box) $373.99 with 15% eBay discount
XBA-A3 (Used) $219.00 Amazon

Missing XBA-H3 and MDR-EX1000(getting soon)
Goal: Comparing all 5 IEMs with miniDSP Ears

Really want to hear your comparisons. Having owned in the past 7550, ex600, and A3 I’m looking to get either z5 or ex1000 - or perhaps another 7550/800st.

 

[hemipowered007]

See, I don't think I would like the z5, but, someone's ears who I trust completely that I've shared the near same experiences with on audio gear over the years, really liked them in the past. This was with the infamous sony upgrade cable. Which to me is still an odd phenomenon, considering so many claim such a different iem comes out with the sony upgrade cable. Makes you think sony added some resistors or something to the cable to make it correct the z5s tuning. I've never read someone saying they preferred the z5 stock cable. I have 3 different cables on my ex1000. 1 stock changed to balanced, 1 custom balanced, and that stiff flat braid cable on ebay, I don't hear a difference. But, I'm not the end game on micro changes between cables that's for sure. I don't have the time to AB test to see what .01 percent difference there is. Not saying it doesn't happen, because I've noticed silver sounding different than full copper. Just, the z5 still has my interest, and I need to swap with this head fi member so we both get to hear the z5/ex1000. On a more on topic note, I spent the better part of a week running the ex1k out of my fiio x3i, then put it on the zx300 single ended, and really, it's such a pleasure. The x3i honestly does well for what it is, its just a nice easy listening small dap. But the zx300 is magical with the ex1k for sure, especially on balanced

 

[davidmolliere]

@hemipowered007 I can confirm that I got the kimber cable for the Z5 back then and it shifted the signature, better extension both ways but more importantly much better clarity and transparency.

 

[fickl3]

Right now I using the EX1000 with my ZX2 with trrs pentaconn plug, a new experience.

How would you describe the difference? I've had a pair of EX1000 for less than a year (purchased right before they were discontinued) but out of my ZX2 have always found them slightly 'underpowered' compared to my BA iems.

I've only used them a few times, and as such they are still in mint condition. Considering selling them as they just sit around.

 

[daid1]

How would you describe the difference? I've had a pair of EX1000 for less than a year (purchased right before they were discontinued) but out of my ZX2 have always found them slightly 'underpowered' compared to my BA iems.

I've only used them a few times, and as such they are still in mint condition. Considering selling them as they just sit around.

If you sell it probably I'm in to buy it

 

[daid1]

Hello, I tried to find it myself but, the only new one I found on Taobao is sold out, and is too pricey from elsewhere, so I ask also here if anyone want to sell his ex1000 to me , I'm looking for a light used item or in "like new condition"

Thanks in advance