[Damz87]

Hmm, kind of curious what your source is where the BLON has more low end than Z5? I've been doing a lot of AB tests between the two, and coming straight out of the E1DA 9038S with no EQ, the Z5 has more bass quantity (though not a ton more), but the z5 extends much deeper, and bass quality is also better on the z5. Some lower quality tracks can give the BLON mid-bass some issues and it loses energy - but it's basically impossible to trip up the Z5 DD. Once you start EQ'ing it's game over for the BLON.

(And if you're curious, I use comply foam tips and never had an issue with getting a proper seal with the BLON - not actually sure what all the complaints are about that? Maybe I just have the right sized ears, or maybe just newbies in the scene that haven't spent the better part of decade tip rolling...)

Don't get me wrong, the BL-03 is really really great, at any price point, and it's dirt cheap price just makes it even more impressive.

But Z5 is easily still the king to me - and I think people should be revisiting it more right now - because if you look at their graphs, it would appear the BLON tuning has been taking some cues from Sony.

Completely agree, I’ve had a similar experience when comparing Z5 with BL-03. The BL-03 is great, but not Z5 great

 

[JoshG1217]

For sure, but for $40 and to be that close is pretty amazing.

 

[redrol]

To me they both have approx the same bass response with small differences. The Blon pulls away in sound stage, 3d effects, and overall enjoyment factor. Don't get me wrong, both IEMs are excellent, I find the Z5 to just be a different signature rather than less good.

 

[JoshG1217]

The Z5 is wider and has more treble extension and detail, but the Blon are amazing for $40. They work for me for now until I can get the M7/M9

 

[asquare3376]

Ak Jr paired with the XBA-Z5 on IER-Z1R 3.5 stock cable is one of the best I have heard on such portable setup. Ofcourse, there is the NWZ-A17 to try out here but Jr sounds pretty full bodied.

 

[gerelmx1986]

Ak Jr paired with the XBA-Z5 on IER-Z1R 3.5 stock cable is one of the best I have heard on such portable setup. Ofcourse, there is the NWZ-A17 to try out here but Jr sounds pretty full bodied.

A17 with the low power ourpur doesbt cur it get eithwr a A55 or zx300

 

[asquare3376]

A17 with the low power ourpur doesbt cur it get eithwr a A55 or zx300

Thanks, own the ZX300. Most of the time, it goes with PHA-2A.

 

[AltoBajo]

Has anyone compared a Senn. ie80 or ie80s with an xba z5?? I'm intrigued by the z5,and very interested in buying one.My worry is that ie80s,which is a very much improved ie80,could be very close in tonality to the z5.Thanks!

 

[Malfunkt]

Has anyone compared a Senn. ie80 or ie80s with an xba z5?? I'm intrigued by the z5,and very interested in buying one.My worry is that ie80s,which is a very much improved ie80,could be very close in tonality to the z5.Thanks!

I've compared to the original ie80 and imo, it isn't even a contest. The Z5 is much better. The balanced-armatures of the Z5 render a higher quality of detail and depth. The bass driver of the Z5 is more controlled while still retaining a BIG sound. The Z5 tuning is remarkable. I've listened to many headphones, and the Z5 is one of the smoothest sounding of any type. The mid-range is present, the treble a bit subdued though the detail remains.

Couple additional notes on Z5 vs H3

Been also enjoying my XBA-H3 increasingly. I now value them as much as the Z5. They have an entirely different presentation with significantly more treble and 'air'. It makes the H3 more realistic with a range of material - and just gives it a higher extension. In testing binaural nature recordings, the H3 presentation has more realism but with a tinge of sharpness. The Z5 in contrast sounds a bit too muted for such recordings if realism is paramount. Both are spacious, the Z5 is just 'dark, organic, and atmospheric' the H3 is very present and alive, but can be a bit harsh (on some recordings) and little less refined.

With how good both of these are, I just can't ever seeing myself fork over $$$ for the new Sony flagship models. Just seems like it makes sense to go with one of these or comparable and get a high-end over ear for their own benefits. At the same time, I can see if one wants one ultimate headphone, maybe the IER-Z1r is it. Certainly my IEMs are getting more and more of my listening time, even with the Utopia in hand. The portability, comfort, and general high quality of sound is more than good enough for almost all purposes. Hard to beat.

 

[redrol]

Excellent Review. I think the Sony XBA N3 is in my future for Xmas. It almost matches the Blon 03 tuning which is my favorite right now.

 

[AltoBajo]

I've compared to the original ie80 and imo, it isn't even a contest. The Z5 is much better. The balanced-armatures of the Z5 render a higher quality of detail and depth. The bass driver of the Z5 is more controlled while still retaining a BIG sound. The Z5 tuning is remarkable. I've listened to many headphones, and the Z5 is one of the smoothest sounding of any type. The mid-range is present, the treble a bit subdued though the detail remains.

Couple additional notes on Z5 vs H3

Been also enjoying my XBA-H3 increasingly. I now value them as much as the Z5. They have an entirely different presentation with significantly more treble and 'air'. It makes the H3 more realistic with a range of material - and just gives it a higher extension. In testing binaural nature recordings, the H3 presentation has more realism but with a tinge of sharpness. The Z5 in contrast sounds a bit too muted for such recordings if realism is paramount. Both are spacious, the Z5 is just 'dark, organic, and atmospheric' the H3 is very present and alive, but can be a bit harsh (on some recordings) and little less refined.

With how good both of these are, I just can't ever seeing myself fork over $$$ for the new Sony flagship models. Just seems like it makes sense to go with one of these or comparable and get a high-end over ear for their own benefits. At the same time, I can see if one wants one ultimate headphone, maybe the IER-Z1r is it. Certainly my IEMs are getting more and more of my listening time, even with the Utopia in hand. The portability, comfort, and general high quality of sound is more than good enough for almost all purposes. Hard to beat.

Thanks lot,that's seriously encouraging!

 

[Redcarmoose]

Ak Jr paired with the XBA-Z5 on IER-Z1R 3.5 stock cable is one of the best I have heard on such portable setup. Ofcourse, there is the NWZ-A17 to try out here but Jr sounds pretty full bodied.

Thanks for that cable idea, I have the IER-Z1R 3.5mm cable but have not tried the combo? I’m guessing the cable may be on the bright side; adding slight XBA-Z5 upper boosts? Guessing it may add a slight bass attenuation too?

 

[asquare3376]

Thanks for that cable idea, I have the IER-Z1R 3.5mm cable but have not tried the combo? I’m guessing the cable may be on the bright side; adding slight XBA-Z5 upper boosts? Guessing it may add a slight bass attenuation too?

If you compare the IER-Z1R 3.5 stock with XBA-Z5 stock, the boominess in the bass is gone with the Z1R cable. It's worth a try. You'll notice slight upper frequency move as well.

 

[asquare3376]

Thanks lot,that's seriously encouraging!

If comfort is what you seek, stay away from the IER-Z1R. Though it has the best sound money can buy.

 

[Redcarmoose]

If comfort is what you seek, stay away from the IER-Z1R. Though it has the best sound money can buy.

The IER-Z1R can fit some people though.