[zowki]

I am upgrading from my Audio-Technica M50. I have narrowed down my choices down to the Sony Z1000 and Ultrasone Pro 900. Can someone with both these headphones explain the differences between them? I listen to electronic, JPop, jazz, classical and funk music (in order of time spent listening).

I am going to be playing from my iPhone 3GS and laptop onboard soundcard. I will invest in a DAC/Amp soon after buying new headphones.

 

[Amarphael]

I have owned only the PRO900 but i've read all the impressions on the Z1000 thread. In short, the PRO900 will have more slam and dryer sound, Z1000 will be more refined and with fuller, probably more accurate, midrange. The Sony is also more sensitive thus will sound better from your current sources, Pro900 isn't very sensitive despite the low impendace.
 
However the Pro900 can be modded quite simply to to bring more balance and tamer bass. I found the result a bit boring though.

 

[ZARIM]

I will recommend the Pro 900 if using with AMP/DAC because it won't get loud enough out of iPhone 3GS HP jack. But overall Z1000 is better with or without AMP/DAC use with great balance sound.

 

[zowki]

At the moment I am leaning towards the Ultrasone Pro 900. It is cheaper by $100 compared to the Z1000 so with that money I could buy a Fiio E7. Would a Fiio E7 be sufficient for the Pro 900? I have also read that the Pro 900 has better bass than the Z1000 and sounds better with electronic music which makes up the bulk of what I listen to.

 

[tokendog]

The E7 will power the Pro 900s and are decent as a portable amp for them.  I have run mine off of the e7 and the e9 - and as expected, I notice a huge difference between the E7 / E9.   However, the E7 doesn't ruin the head phones sound by any means, just doesn't have the extra "umph" you get from a more powerful amp.
 
Quote:

At the moment I am leaning towards the Ultrasone Pro 900. It is cheaper by $100 compared to the Z1000 so with that money I could buy a Fiio E7. Would a Fiio E7 be sufficient for the Pro 900? I have also read that the Pro 900 has better bass than the Z1000 and sounds better with electronic music which makes up the bulk of what I listen to.