[jincuteguy]

DAmn the Z5 came out a while ago already, and there's still alot of ppl like it.  I might get one

 

[JTLovesMusic]

 
In my experience with the Z5 just get a good amp and it will shine in every area. A cable if one picks the right one get a 5 to 7% improvement but a good amp will improve more. For now I wont touch the cable due to my fears of this type of connectors. I had many issues with Shure and Westones when I kept changing cables , like loosing sound every now and then etc.

Hmmm have you tried the A3 with the upgrade cable? If yes how good is the improvement @_@?

 

[johnwamp55]

The Sony A3 and Z5 sounds great and my amps do improves the sound. No need for cables.

 

[JTLovesMusic]

The Sony A3 and Z5 sounds great and my amps do improves the sound. No need for cables.

What good amp to use then?? 5-7% improvement u mentioned using the cable seems like a huge deal since the cable doesn't cost a lot O_O

 

[daniel_hokkaido]

  What good amp to use then?? 5-7% improvement u mentioned using the cable seems like a huge deal since the cable doesn't cost a lot O_O

 
I've been loving the z5 from my apex glacier and Samsung phone. I plan to sell this dac/amp in early July. 
Like the PONO player the glacier is a fast amp and suits the z5 well. I'm side grading to the pono player as it'll be a present from a family member who lives in USA. 

 

[johnwamp55]

  What good amp to use then?? 5-7% improvement u mentioned using the cable seems like a huge deal since the cable doesn't cost a lot O_O

will depend on the right materials used on the cable. I like the Headstage Arrow and Vorzuge amps.

 

[JTLovesMusic]

   
I've been loving the z5 from my apex glacier and Samsung phone. I plan to sell this dac/amp in early July. 
Like the PONO player the glacier is a fast amp and suits the z5 well. I'm side grading to the pono player as it'll be a present from a family member who lives in USA. 

 
 

 
will depend on the right materials used on the cable. I like the Headstage Arrow and Vorzuge amps.

Woah the amp/dacs u both mentioned are quite pricey(still a student) and can't find in my country, i guess i better start saving and get both cable and amp/dac for a full rig...

 

[johnwamp55]

   
 
Woah the amp/dacs u both mentioned are quite pricey(still a student) and can't find in my country, i guess i better start saving and get both cable and amp/dac for a full rig...

Cayin C5 Portable HIFI Audio Headphone Amplifier

 

[JTLovesMusic]

  Cayin C5 Portable HIFI Audio Headphone Amplifier

I'm caught in between FiiO E12A and Cayin C5 for quite a while still don't know which one is better i would like an amp that can bringout more details/vocals and tighten the bass in my A3.

 

[johnwamp55]

  I'm caught in between FiiO E12A and Cayin C5 for quite a while still don't know which one is better i would like an amp that can bringout more details/vocals and tighten the bass in my A3.

Hard choice both are good.

 

[gerelmx1986]

  I'm caught in between FiiO E12A and Cayin C5 for quite a while still don't know which one is better i would like an amp that can bringout more details/vocals and tighten the bass in my A3.

why not look also at the Oppo HA-2 it has hardware level bass boost. tough it depends on the music, fe. Organ music is good with the bass on, aso chamber music, but harpsichord tends to sound muddy

 

[jincuteguy]

What about the Astell & Kern AK120 or AK120 II  for the Z5?
 
And why are these Astell & Kern so much more expensive than the like Cayin C5 , FiiO X3 / X5?

 

[dweaver]

I believe the Shell and Kern are music players...

But they are crazy expensive which is part of why I bought a Pono.

 

[BensonTT]

I hope the Pono player sounds good cause its ugly as hell.. Looks like a Fisher Price kids toy or something IMO.. lol

 

[jincuteguy]

  I hope the Pono player sounds good cause its ugly as hell.. Looks like a Fisher Price kids toy or something IMO.. lol

 
Yea it does look ugly as hell.  Why would they make a shape like that? if it's flat like a rectangle it would be a lot better.