[Marvellous_DAP]

I am assuming that you are referring to the standard Sony Upgrade Cable MUC-M12SM1 and not the Kimber Kable (which is 3 times the price of MUC-M12SM1)?

You probably can't find a brand new MUC-M12SM1 as it has been discontinued. The new version (MUC-M12SM2) is just as good with same built quality but with a more generic MMCX connector (without the Sony locking notch) and I am using it with my SE846. The first version will not fit other IEM well with the Sony locking notch.

Cost is subjective though as I have seen customised cables from Plussound/Toxic/Wagnus costing double to 10 times more for those exotic materials.

You should check out EX1000. Not saying that it is better than Z5 or worse off - I believe all the TOTL IEMs all sound good, but if anyone is buying 2 IEMs of the same, it is probably worth having a Z5 and a EX1000. Some users swear by EX1000 as the best dynamic IEM ever made.

Heard both, they are both good yet different. Sold my Z5 after having a few different IEMs, and if I were to go back to Sony, it will probably be either EX1000 or if Sony introduce a Z5 Mk2.

The Sony cable is way too expensive unless you buy used and even that is almost as much as it was new a few years ago. They must be really scarce right now.

A friend might pick up the ex1000 so I'm hoping he does so I can borrow it for the weekend and check it out for myself.

 

[Hinomotocho]

I think that the Sony cable when compared to other brands (excluding Aliexpress etc) is reasonably priced. It is well made, doesn't fray easily, and gives nice sound improvements over the stock cables.

 

[gerelmx1986]

These babies sing with DSD native (and also HR FLAC)

 

[Dsnuts]

Well. I just got this cable from Lunashops. Oh man I gotta say fellas this cable is a steal of a deal considering how much Sonys Kimber cables are. I am gonna go out on a limb and say I am willing to bet these cables make the Z5 sing just as good. I am listening to my Z5 using this cable and it sounds spectacular. It is exactly the cable I was looking for... And it didn't cost me $250.

http://www.lunashops.com/goods.php?id=5465 According to Lunashops. They are using pure silver wire with high purity copper wire for this cable. Very transparent and perfect for the Z5

Highly recommended. No housing movement either due to the proper slotted connectors.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Well. I just got this cable from Lunashops. Oh man I gotta say fellas this cable is a steal of a deal considering how much Sonys Kimber cables are. I am gonna go out on a limb and say I am willing to bet these cables make the Z5 sing just as good. I am listening to my Z5 using this cable and it sounds spectacular. It is exactly the cable I was looking for... And it didn't cost me $250.

http://www.lunashops.com/goods.php?id=5465 According to Lunashops. They are using pure silver wire with high purity copper wire for this cable. Very transparent and perfect for the Z5

Highly recommended. No housing movement either due to the proper slotted connectors.

The floodgates have opened on them!
https://m.ebay.com/itm/4-4mm-Upgrad...Shure-MMCX-Connectors-Universal-/182918214990


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B2Q5J9D/ref=sspa_mw_detail_3?psc=1


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077SKV2YZ/ref=sspa_mw_detail_4?psc=1

 

[photomadnz]

Im about to get a ZX-300 player. Ive narrowed down some IEM's to the Z5's or the Earsonics ES2 or ES3. They sound like they have a close signature (warm, good bass etc). Has anyone done a simlar deliberation between these 2 scenarios and formed an opinion?

 

[Marvellous_DAP]

It is probably better if you are able to find a store to do your own audition.

While you may be reading different reviews, the difference between IEMs is very subtle (if it is even audible to some) and even more difficult to differentiate in sound for DAP.

I have a colleague who feels the iPhone earphone sounds better than the Z5, while another found the B&O H3 sounds better (he is using the noise cancelling function). Not indicating that these IEMs sounds better than Z5 or the other way round, but we all have different hearing preference. Only you can decide which is better to your ears.

Im about to get a ZX-300 player. Ive narrowed down some IEM's to the Z5's or the Earsonics ES2 or ES3. They sound like they have a close signature (warm, good bass etc). Has anyone done a simlar deliberation between these 2 scenarios and formed an opinion?

 

[Hinomotocho]

It is probably better if you are able to find a store to do your own audition.

While you may be reading different reviews, the difference between IEMs is very subtle (if it is even audible to some) and even more difficult to differentiate in sound for DAP.

I have a colleague who feels the iPhone earphone sounds better than the Z5, while another found the B&O H3 sounds better (he is using the noise cancelling function). Not indicating that these IEMs sounds better than Z5 or the other way round, but we all have different hearing preference. Only you can decide which is better to your ears.

Very true. Unfortunate for people in a country with very few options that you can't even try.

 

[Marvellous_DAP]

I know. Probably can only rely on reviews, which almost every user will claim their new toy sounding the best.

Another way will be to buy used set to minimise loss, and try out different IEM to compare.

Very true. Unfortunate for people in a country with very few options that you can't even try.

 

[lacedaemonian88]

I need the cable (muc-m12sb1) to be reterminated to balanced dual mono pha-3 output. If someone knows, please help me out with the soldering schematics. Thanks.

 

[lacedaemonian88]

I need the cable (muc-m12sb1) to be reterminated to balanced dual mono pha-3 output. If someone knows, please help me out with the soldering schematics. Thanks.

no longer relevant. Got help from ClieOS, many thanks to him.

 

[Cloudtastrophe]

Can anyone whos used their Z5s for a long time post some pictures? Im having a paint chipping problem. not on the actual metal plates, but on the plastic section between the plates where the nozzle comes out of. Time is not being kind to my beloved Z5s..

 

[Hinomotocho]

Can anyone whos used their Z5s for a long time post some pictures? Im having a paint chipping problem. not on the actual metal plates, but on the plastic section between the plates where the nozzle comes out of. Time is not being kind to my beloved Z5s..

It seems really common, I was looking for a secondhand pair and almost every pair I've seen have paint peeling - not really good enough for the price you pay for them new, it kind of takes the polish off your premium earphones (excuse the pun). This quality issue and the awkward fit/design have me considering other options. Surely Sony are due for a mark ii model that will address these details

 

[gerelmx1986]

Can anyone whos used their Z5s for a long time post some pictures? Im having a paint chipping problem. not on the actual metal plates, but on the plastic section between the plates where the nozzle comes out of. Time is not being kind to my beloved Z5s..

Same for mine on the actual metal part but just a tiny bit

 

[gerelmx1986]

It seems really common, I was looking for a secondhand pair and almost every pair I've seen have paint peeling - not really good enough for the price you pay for them new, it kind of takes the polish off your premium earphones (excuse the pun). This quality issue and the awkward fit/design have me considering other options. Surely Sony are due for a mark ii model that will address these details

If sony releases a MK II i would buy them too and keep the Z5s as well, perhaps get a 2nd pair of Z5 as well