[Uberclocked]

   
I've used the 7550s and they'd be exceptional for some professional work. But I'm looking for some enjoyment in my life. I'm a recovering treble-head.
 
 
I've been warming up to warmer signatures but also want to pick up the 7550s and proper RK-EX1000LP cable for my EX1000s. (US variant shipped with EX600 cable. Because Sony just loves the US.) For some reason the collection needs to be complete, I agree.

DID SOMEONE SAY XBA-4/40??? (OBLIGATORY CAPS LOCK)
Also, just fyi in case you missed it, Joker compared the Earsonics Velvet to the XBA-Z5 (and a bunch of other iems) in his latest review:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-342-iems-compared-earsonics-velvet-added-09-02-15-p-1081/16200#post_11885218

 

[dweaver]

I agree with Joker's assessment for the most part. I know that his sweet spot is colder and more analytical than mine so where I love the Z5 he just enjoys it as alternative to s preferred signature. I personally think the Z5 is only a bass head IEM when run from just a straight portable source like a phone though. When it is run from a good amp or a specialized music player like the Pono using the balanced cable it's bass tightens up enough that it becomes a bit more balanced and enters into the realm of audiophile with extra bass versus just bass head performance.

 

[obsidianshard]

DID SOMEONE SAY XBA-4/40??? (OBLIGATORY CAPS LOCK)
Also, just fyi in case you missed it, Joker compared the Earsonics Velvet to the XBA-Z5 (and a bunch of other iems) in his latest review:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-342-iems-compared-earsonics-velvet-added-09-02-15-p-1081/16200#post_11885218

...Oh yeah.

Can we just forget that the first generation XBA lineup ever existed?

But anyway, that's an interesting comparison. Given how similar-ish they are in sound and that they cost the same, it'd come down to design somewhat and I'd drift toward the Z5s. They're like a hypercar of earphones.

 

[nuxos]

The Z5 is like a capitol L shape sound lol

So is the Z5 suitable for every kind of music? A good "all rounder"? 
 
Because I mainly listen to rock/hardcore and jazz  

 

[dweaver]

I listen to Jazz, classical, hard rock, classic rock, country, Celtic, new age, folk, pop, and I like them all from the Z5.

 

[nuxos]

I listen to Jazz, classical, hard rock, classic rock, country, Celtic, new age, folk, pop, and I like them all from the Z5.

That's good to know ty

 

[airkitoy]

cant believed they were on sale right now at my local sony store for $350.I was thinking to get one..lol

 

[Uberclocked]

  cant believed they were on sale right now at my local sony store for $350.I was thinking to get one..lol

:O  Buy all of their stock and sell them on the head-fi classifieds.

 

[nuxos]

350$ is more or less the half of normal price 

 

[Uberclocked]

  350$ is more or less the half of normal price 

Street price atm is around $500, MSRP isn't really a great indicator of actual pricing.

 

[tl13m]

  cant believed they were on sale right now at my local sony store for $350.I was thinking to get one..lol

Where is the store location man?

 

[dweaver]

Heck, I would buy a backup pair for that price!!!

 

[nuxos]

  Street price atm is around $500, MSRP isn't really a great indicator of actual pricing.

On ebay I see that most pair cost around 550$ 
 
I've also spotted the Westone W40 for the same price. 
 
What would be the best choice for me?
 
I am planning to use it everyday on the go, when I take the train or the bus. So isolation, confort and solidity is very important for me 

 
My kind of sound : 
 
well balanced but a bit warm, light bass boost, good clarity, roll-of in the treble
 
 
Last question : 
 
Is the Z5 much better than the W40 for the same price? 

 

[gerelmx1986]

  cant believed they were on sale right now at my local sony store for $350.I was thinking to get one..lol

hah where? amazon has then also like in ebay at $500 US, I ended ordering a pair of A3's

 

[RedJohn456]

  cant believed they were on sale right now at my local sony store for $350.I was thinking to get one..lol

 
With current exchange rate I paid for 325 USD (429 CAD before tax) for my pair and that was the best price I saw them at. At that price I would buy two and sell one to pay for most of the other pair or buy several and sell them to help buy a kickass amp/dac