The silver plated cable may contribute slightly to the brightness. I am using an upgraded silver cable and they are not as bright as stock cable. I am never a fan of silver plated copper cable.Just had a chance to listen to the Z7M2 again... To my ears, they are way too bright. I prefer the old Z7 by far, and think that model is closer to the Z1R although they might be too dark and muddy for some. Just my 5 cents
See I'm the same way I think. I upgraded to the Z7M2 from the 1AM2, which I adore, and while I loved the Z7M2 at first, over time I realized that when I went back and forth between the two I preferred the 1AM2! I realized I didn't like the airy sound of the Z7M2, like everything was just too spaced apart. I ended up funding an IER-M9 purchase with my Z7M2 refund and I couldn't be happier! The 1AM2 was my introduction to the Sony house sound and I have to say, after owning three of their headphones, I'm a fan for life. Especially so with this IER-M9. I've paired it with my ZX300 and I listen to it constantly. Luckily I have a job where I can listen to my headphones all day and not be bothered.I can't praise Sony enough for what it has done in recent years since it decided to re-focus its energies on its consumer audio division with the quadruple release of the WM1A/WM1Z/Z1R/1000X in mid-2016. There's something about the "rejuvenated" Sony house sound, at least for products that target the casual to serious audiophile crowd: a manageable balance between warm-to-dark classic Sony sound and a more transparent/lively/midrange-y signature. And the Z7M2, especially if you got it for less than SRP, epitomizes that push towards the middle without losing its characteristic spirit along the way.
Good thing I am not a big fan of headphones with a wide soundstage hence the Z7M2's presentation suits me just as well. Pairing it with the WM1A is, in a few words, among the better HP-to-source synergies I've ever heard. For those not demanding the ultimate best, who would've thought audio nirvana can be had for less than two grand minus all the bulky contraptions?
Funny you say that about your fitment issues with universal IEMs. I have the same issue and always struggle with fitment. My damn right ear hole is just a pain in my ass. I always have fitment issues with my right ear. But the M9 has been the best IEM fitment yet for me personally, although still not perfect. I'm using the biggest supplied silicone tips and I could actually use a bigger one for my right ear. It's just barely big enough to create a seal but it bothers me that the seal isn't as sturdy as the seal on my left ear. The supplied hybrid foam tips don't fit at all. I've been looking at some upgraded tips for them although the provided ones are fine, I just think it could be better. Back in my less civilized days I used Comply foams haha. They provided excellent fit, at the expense of clarity. Won't be retarding the sound of my 1k+ M9 in any way though haha.My love affair with Sony started when I first got the MDR-1000X roughly 2.5 years ago, right after I attended one of Sony's meet-and-greet sessions with fellow audiophiles. What's funny was that I was initially queuing to audition the MDR-Z1R; since the line was too long (and the movement was too little), I decided to go to another table where the MDR-1000X was displayed (and no one was demoing it). Lo and behold, five minutes into my demo of the MDR-1000X I knew I had to get a pair, fast.
Since then, here's the list of Sony products that passed through me:
1. PCM-D100 (already sold to give way to the NW-WM1A)
2. MDR-CD900ST CE-02 (modded by Cartonode Engineering of Japan, removable cables and foldable earcups)
3. MDR-EX800ST
4. NW-WM1A
5. MDR-7520 (already sold)
6. MDR-1ADAC (already sold)
7. MDR-1AM2
8. MDR-Z7M2
9. WH-1000XM3
I still have a bit of seller's remorse with the PCM-D100; thankfully, the friend I sold my D100 to agreed to a reverse buyback if and when he determines he does not have any need for it. I would like to have a chance to purchase an MDR-Z1R (at the right price), as well as the vintage Sony HPs (1000Z, SA5000/SA3000, CD3000, and of course the R10) someday.
Too bad the shape of my ears prevent me from fully enjoying universal IEMs (there's some channel imbalance when i try medium-insertion IEMs, something custom IEMs can only solve). That said, I've tried the M7 and M9 and I was quite happy with what I've heard. Hopefully, the IER-Z1R won't disappoint.
Congratulations on the IER-M9!
Yeah but I was kinda bummed that only one pair out of the 13 provided fit me! And barely fit at that haha. My old Monster Miles Davis Trumpet IEMs give Sony a run for their money in the tips and accessories department though.You might want to try the following, which might solve your fitment issues:
1. Final Audio Type-E silicone ear tips;
2. Acoustune silicone ear tips; or
3. SpinFit silicone ear tips.
The Acoustunes are a bit larger for a given size (i.e., the medium-sized tips can be considered large for some).
The good thing about Sony's premium IEMs, they'll spoil you with an abundance of tips (this was the case with the MDR-EX1000 before haha). I hope you'll find the proper tips to solve your fitment issues so you can fully enjoy your M9s!
place the headband closer to the front of your head, the deeper parts of the pads should align with the back of your ears.
