[jmills8]

I use the x3 with the z5, its good but the z5 needs power. Add an amp and the z5 becomes a great iem.

 

[BlinkST]

  But that cable makes the Z5 sound better..?

Either cable makes the Z5 sound better, yes. The balanced cable needs the PHA-3, though.
 

 Originally Posted by HiFiGuy528 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
  Question, does the Japan version of Z5 come with balanced cable?
 
My friend Naotaka Tsunoda let me try his pair and I have to say it's the BEST universal IEM I've heard to-date.  I'm getting a pair for sure!

 

 Originally Posted by HiFiGuy528 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
  Played track 8 from this album in AIFF files on iPhone 6.  The realism, the resolution, and the low frequencies definition nearly brought tears to my eyes.  I was absolutely floored...  Isolation on the Z5 is like being in a anechoic chamber.  I did not want to give the Z5 back to Nao.  Even though I know people at Sony Japan, I don't get discounts.  I will buy TWO Z5 at retail, one for spare.  It's that amazing... 
 
http://www.amazon.com/Brave-Enough-Live-Variety-DVD/dp/B00EQL4S4I/ref=sr_1_4?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1413220709&sr=1-4&keywords=sara+bareilles

 

 
Quote:

 Originally Posted by jbarstar /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
Hi ZacT94,
 
I've been using XBA40i for more than 2 years.  I am happy to let you know that Z5 is definitely worth the upgrade.  I mostly listen to pop, jazz, classical (organ, chamber, opera) , blues on ALAC, FLAC, WAVE, DSDIFF files with no equalizer enhancement on my Sony NWZ-ZX1/PHA-2.  Here is my initial impression after 40 hours listening with the MUC-M12SM1 unbalanced cable ( highly recommended for A3, A2, H3, H2 owners )  It gives better control of the low frequency (tighter and deeper bass) and more presence to your listening experience than the supplied cable. 
 
Comfort - A sizeable in-earphone but lightweight, very comfortable for long hours listening
 
Soundstage - Airy, clear, good separation between instruments and voices
 
Treble -  Crystallized treble with plenty of details coming through without being clinical. Very good clarity. No sibilance.  Plenty of headroom without being fatigued 
 
Mid - slightly warm mid, clear, engaging with plenty of presence factor, no mid bass bloat to voices and instruments
 
Bass - Tight, well controlled , clean, impactful when needed, depth of bass
 
Z5 requires a running in period in order to work to its best ability.  It keeps improving in all areas!  It really shines when listening to high res files! ( Best with Sony PHA-3/ MUC-M20BL1 balanced cable )

Originally Posted by Infinity Knives /img/forum/go_quote.gif
  Side note: got the replacement cables for the z5 today and damn these things sound even better. If you're at the point where you can already justify paying for the z5, I would say upgrading the cables are a must, the clarity and separation is astounding.
 

 

[jmills8]

I love the Z5.

 

[dweaver]

me too, the Z5 is the best IEM I have owned period. I understand it's price was probably to much and it appears Sony has abandoned it early into its life cycle but I still haven't heard an IEM as good as it.

 

[Kerouac]

  me too, the Z5 is the best IEM I have owned period. I understand it's price was probably to much and it appears Sony has abandoned it early into its life cycle but I still haven't heard an IEM as good as it.

Imo the price of the Z5 wasn't too much. It can hold its ground to all iems I've heard up to $1K. The only one in my collection that clearly beats it in sq has a retail price of $1250. Especially the bass and soundstage of the Z5 is spectacular for it's price. That it came with an extra stock cable that also can be used for balanced listening with a Pono player was a welcome bonus 

 

 

[rivermivida]

Ok, so,,,whta´s the best specific cable model do i have to purchase? The MUC-M12SM1?
 
Thanks!

 

[rivermivida]

Hello
 
What do you think about the amp Sound Blaster E5 to handle the Z5 with a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 or my Fiio X3?
 
Thanks!

 

[gerelmx1986]

  Ok, so,,,whta´s the best specific cable model do i have to purchase? The MUC-M12SM1?
 
Thanks!

That cable is normal stereo TRS, the other one has two TRS tips for balakanced like PONO dual-kacjs or PHA3

 

[rivermivida]

But the M12SM1 is better than the stereo stock cable or it's the same cable that comes with the z5?

 

[BlinkST]

But the M12SM1 is better than the stereo stock cable or it's the same cable that comes with the z5?

It's better.

 

[Kerouac]

It's better.

Better in which way?

 

[BlinkST]

Better in which way?

http://www.head-fi.org/t/733404/sonys-new-2014-flagship-iem-xba-z5/345#post_11011166

 

[Kerouac]

Hmmm, looks interesting...I might get me one => thanks!

 

[goneraz]

Hi anyone have solution for the sound cutting off. I have my third replacement. My warranty is about to end soon.

 

[gerelmx1986]

Hi anyone have solution for the sound cutting off. I have my third replacement. My warranty is about to end soon.

which one, z5 or A3? I have the A3 and they are OK