[darmccombs]

@darmccombs is your $160 figure for the encompass website? I just checked there and the OEM cable is $130.

I am using this link here and ther price shows $162.95 for me. https://sony.encompass.com/item/12290497/Sony/1-849-532-21/

I found the link you are referring to. It looks like the same cable without the locking connectors.

To All,
In short, it looks like I either go with a stock cable for $130-163, or try to figure out a 3rd party cable. The problem is there are no cables like this in town to audition. Aside from ordering the stock cable, I'd have to order a 3rd party cable, have it shipped, and try it, then hope it works out.

Are there any clear upgrades to the stock cable for say less than $200? I know there are no guarantees because we al hear differently, but is the a concenous on a great affordable cable? At this point I am fine with a 4'-5' cable.

 

[purk]

Buy a used upgrade cable here for better sound. I advise against buying a stock cable. Find a used silver dragon for the same price if u can. It sounds great over stock.

 

[hifi80sman]

I am using this link here and ther price shows $162.95 for me. https://sony.encompass.com/item/12290497/Sony/1-849-532-21/

I found the link you are referring to. It looks like the same cable without the locking connectors.

To All,
In short, it looks like I either go with a stock cable for $130-163, or try to figure out a 3rd party cable. The problem is there are no cables like this in town to audition. Aside from ordering the stock cable, I'd have to order a 3rd party cable, have it shipped, and try it, then hope it works out.

Are there any clear upgrades to the stock cable for say less than $200? I know there are no guarantees because we al hear differently, but is the a concenous on a great affordable cable? At this point I am fine with a 4'-5' cable.

For what it's worth, Sony works with Kimber Kable on a number of cables, so it may be worth getting some estimates from them.

 

[darmccombs]

For what it's worth, Sony works with Kimber Kable on a number of cables, so it may be worth getting some estimates from them.

From what I can see, their cheapest z7m2 cable is $698. That is way out of my budget. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[darmccombs]

Buy a used upgrade cable here for better sound. I advise against buying a stock cable. Find a used silver dragon for the same price if u can. It sounds great over stock.

I'll keep my eyes open for a used one here. It doesn't look these come up often, if ever though. We never know though. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[purk]

I'll keep my eyes open for a used one here. It doesn't look these come up often, if ever though. We never know though. Thanks for the suggestion.

You should. Plentty of good deals on the FS/FT forum. I won't spend $170 or so on a stock cable....just my opinion. Sony stock cable has very thin gauge wires.

 

[runssical]

@darmccombs The $130 cable is part no 1-848-516-51. This is the original Z7 cable. From what I can tell it only differs cosmetically. It has locking threaded connectors. You can check the Sony product pages for both headphones to be sure.

 

[purk]

@darmccombs The $130 cable is part no 1-848-516-51. This is the original Z7 cable. From what I can tell it only differs cosmetically. It has locking threaded connectors. You can check the Sony product pages for both headphones to be sure.

I think the Z7 is inferior to the Z7 MKII cable. I believe the Z7 MKII and Z1R cables are identical.

 

[lugnut]

This is the original Z7 cable.

About any 3.5 x2 to your preference on the amp end. They may or may not have the locking mechanism.
Cheap something like this, https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Focal-E...000-Headphone-Cable-Balanced/123352805305?has
I use these and like them, in the end thats what matters ! https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sony-z1r-listening-impressions-only.853330/page-267#post-15378367
Here is more, in about any price range . https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sony-z1r-listening-impressions-only.853330/page-267#post-15378367

 

[runssical]

About any 3.5 x2 to your preference on the amp end. They may or may not have the locking mechanism.
Cheap something like this, https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Focal-E...000-Headphone-Cable-Balanced/123352805305?has
I use these and like them, in the end thats what matters ! https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sony-z1r-listening-impressions-only.853330/page-267#post-15378367
Here is more, in about any price range . https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sony-z1r-listening-impressions-only.853330/page-267#post-15378367

I'm with you with budget cables delivering. I'm happy with my ebay cable.

 

[chimney189]

Has anyone tried this headphone for gaming?

 

[runssical]

The marketing talking points Sony used to describe the structure of the cables included with both the Z7 and Z7M2 is very similar...

https://www.sony.com/electronics/headband-headphones/mdr-z7m2

https://www.sony.com/electronics/headband-headphones/mdr-z7/specifications

Sony's marketing team did a much better job with the Z7 product page imo. They provide more details about the cables and cooler graphics of their internal structure.

What I read here for both products leads me to believe the cables are the same between the original and updated Z7. This makes sense. Sennheiser has essentially used the same cables for their HD6x0 series headphones for over two decades. The HD650 cable is thicker than the HD600 but a Sennheiser rep confirmed the actual copper innards were identical to the HD580/600 cable.

Aside from a couple aesthetic changes for the Z7M2 cables they also shortened the length of the includedb balanced cable.

 

[runssical]

Anyone here that owns both the Z7 and Z7M2 check and see if the ear cushions are interchangeable between both models?

 

[purk]

Anyone here that owns both the Z7 and Z7M2 check and see if the ear cushions are interchangeable between both models?

Not interchangeable sadly.

 

[runssical]

Not interchangeable sadly.

Interesting. On eBay there's someone selling knockoff replacement cushions and the description says it's for both the Z7 and Z7M2.