[kimvictor]

  I'd like comparison with EX-1000, one of my all time fav in terms of airyness and accuracy compared to other universals of that time.  
 
Please share your impressions if you have both.  Isolation sucked ass, but that's what made the airyness.

Hehe. I had the 7550, and rather good experience with EX1000. In terms of air, there is as much, if not more. Sony's new Z line tuning has a peak around 10k, which causes hyper realism and extreme airiness. However, in terms of accuracy, Z5 lacks behind EX1000 and even the 7550.

 

[kimvictor]

   
Did you get this from Amazon? I have the same sticker on mine!
If so, please check if the left cable connector is lose! The left side is way too loose than the right side on my Z5 :/

That is a sticker for Sony Korea. I bought it from a authorized seller in Korea who offered it to me for $500. And as I said, I have no issue with the connectors. You might want to check with Sony's customer service if one side is loose.

 

[SilverEars]

I take it that Z5 has smoother control of the treble with the BA up top with more clarity.  I really like the sound of the EX-1000, not for clarity, but it's output was a bit textured up top.  It's textures caused the perception of treble output accuracy(detailing) than something that is a bit more smooth with clarity.  
 
Didn't know that a boost in 10K causes the airyness.  I've tried fitting the EX-1000 with tight seal, and the sound was congested.  I thought the airyness came from the less seal.

 

[kimvictor]

  I take it that Z5 has smoother control of the treble with the BA up top with more clarity.  I really like the sound of the EX-1000, not for clarity, but it's output was a bit textured up top.  It's textures caused the perception of treble output accuracy(detailing) than something that is a bit more smooth with clarity.  
 
Didn't know that a boost in 10K causes the airyness.  I've tried fitting the EX-1000 with tight seal, and the sound was congested.  I thought the airyness came from the less seal.

Little hype in the upper middle-lower treble range causes open feel(what we call air) and realism. Sony has been going all for that tuning in their newer products.

 

[james444]

In my understanding, airiness is mainly a result of treble response, while openness is a result of venting (i.e. air pressure equalization).

 

[kimvictor]

  In my understanding, airiness is mainly a result of treble response, while openness is a result of venting (i.e. air pressure equalization).

Well, I guess I'm wording this wrongly in that sense. Z5 sounds very airy, but not as "open" as the EX1000. It's a similar wording, but definitely a different feel.

 

[armannn]

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ErqBtTlMcg
 
I have exactly the same issue just like him!
 
The left side is way loose than the right side.  T^T

I have the same issue too. ( left side )
SN : 531

 

[feverfive]

What do you mean by "way loose"?  Does the cable turn easily...or does the connect on the housing appear loose?
 
I think my serial # is around 630, & I don't have this issue.  At least not yet.

 

[kimvictor]

I have one of the later serial number. Maybe Sony had some issue with the earlier makes.

 

[qsk78]

  I have same issue too.
SN : 531

I do have the same issue!

 

[dweaver]

My pair in the 1600s and no issues.

 

[qsk78]

Actually if you put a small piece of paper between the connector and the headphone socket, the issue disappears but yes, it should not be fixed this way..
 
Now I use a custom cable (see the pic)  with them and non-original connectors go tighter - the problem disappears again. 

 

[gerelmx1986]

where is the S/N located, tried looking over my XBA-H3 to no avail, perhaps in the box?

 

[Spamateur]

  where is the S/N located, tried looking over my XBA-H3 to no avail, perhaps in the box?

Yup, it's in the box in the tray where the Z5 sat. Top right hand engraved in a little metal plate. I'm at 3118 and don't have these problems.

 

[Spamateur]

Sorry, I just realized you were asking about the H3. Not sure about the H3, but that's where the serial number is for the Z5.