[TheBoss]

 
http://cdn.head-fi.org/7/78/78eaa07a_XBAZ5.jpeg
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdpYCIbVHAU

Looks like Z5 is the successor to the XBA H3 with improvements to the dynamic and BA drivers

I wonder if XBA Z5 will be a new model above XBA H3 or a replacement to H3...
 
... and imo the Z5 reeks serious business because of the conservative design & looks, and I also think it's even more conservative than even the already conservative EX800st / 7550 in the looks & flashiness department.

 

[svyr]

subbed

 

[kbal]

Any word or thoughts on pricing?

 

[AUserName501]

  Any word or thoughts on pricing?

 
I think the MSRP is $699 (what it is currently priced on Amazon) but I doubt it will stay at that price for long. I'd expect the retail price to be around $400.

 

[svyr]

I think the MSRP is $699 (what it is currently priced on Amazon) but I doubt it will stay at that price for long. I'd expect the retail price to be around $400.

wonder how much z7 will be.

 

[leylandi]

700 USD

 

[Fizban]

Successor to H3? Oh that's quick

 

[zaim]

Awesome, can't wait for a UK price.
 
Wonder what the difference is between the Z5 and A3:
http://www.sony.com.sg/product/xba-a3

 

[mochill]

Did you say $700 XD...slightly too much money for an iem for me but ill see the reviews first before deciding

 

[gerelmx1986]

Subbed too

 
 
EDIT:
 
differences between A2, A3, A1 and Z5 are obvious
 
Different frequebcy extension, different sound pressure levels, and the size of the dynamic driver, however, A3 and z5 have the same frequency response, but appears z5 has premium stuff on it, mainly the supertweeter is made of magnesium (doesn't say so on the A3 specs), the LCP driver of Z5 is coated in aluminum...
 
As sony said when they released the SACD... "THE Compact disc (CD) was already a good start"... IMO the XBA-H3 were also already a good start

 

[TheBoss]

  Subbed too

 
 
EDIT:
 
differences between A2, A3, A1 and Z5 are obvious
 
Different frequebcy extension, different sound pressure levels, and the size of the dynamic driver, however, A3 and z5 have the same frequency response, but appears z5 has premium stuff on it, mainly the supertweeter is made of magnesium (doesn't say so on the A3 specs), the LCP driver of Z5 is coated in aluminum...
 
As sony said when they released the SACD... "THE Compact disc (CD) was already a good start"... IMO the XBA-H3 were also already a good start

 

  Awesome, can't wait for a UK price.
 
Wonder what the difference is between the Z5 and A3:
http://www.sony.com.sg/product/xba-a3

 
 
Why can't all sony regional sites stay in one page?
 
I didn't know XBA-A3 is a new model (replacement to H3?) until I checked out Sony Singapore.  Sony China (mainland) and Germany only featured Z7.  Sony USA features no new models & upcoming flagships.

 

[TheBoss]

  Any word or thoughts on pricing?

 
I'm sure it will be on the high side like the EX1000 because it's made in Japan.
Apparently "Made in Japan" is now part of the marketing bullet point.
 
Z5 pre-order page on amzn is up
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-XBAZ5-Ultimate-Hi-Res-Headphone/dp/B00NBMHTH6/?tag=hpg33k-20

 

[Ivabign]

Litz cables.... interesting

 

[gerelmx1986]

Newbie question, what are Litz cables???? i know OFC is oxygen-free copper... perhaps the copper is vacummed and the cable hot plastic injected in the copper wires during vacuum?
 
I see on sony specs that they say OFC-Litz.... i think also says so on the XBA-H3 user manual
 
EDIT: REading the manual of my XBA-H3's it says both cables are OFC-Litz, and the supertweeter diaphragm is made of aluminum

 

[lomenhk]

Sony makes the XBA-Z5 really tempting, it seems it is a total different and new level up from H3. There are successors announced of the H series (XBA-A3 might be the successors of H3, A2 for H2 and so on) and Z5 is another special, standing out MIJ model that being the new flagship of Sony IEM.