[RikudouGoku]

After looking at the FD5, I think the N3s more mellow sound will be for me. Hows isolation? My ie40s provide about -20db from outside noise. I ask as most say N3s have average isolation, was looking for a more concrete answer.

Above average isolation on the N3.

 

[Toto77]

Above average isolation on the N3.

Hahaha okay. Just placed an order at accessoryjack. Thanks! Kind of relieved I didnt have to spend 400$ on a dap to power a pair of Z5s. Hopefully these will be for me.

 

[RikudouGoku]

Hahaha okay. Just placed an order at accessoryjack. Thanks! Kind of relieved I didnt have to spend 400$ on a dap to power a pair of Z5s. Hopefully these will be for me.

All iems benefit from a better source though. If you are using a smartphone, I at least recommend that you get a dongle for it like the E1DA 9038 or a bluetooth amp/dac like the Qudelix 5k.

 

[Toto77]

All iems benefit from a better source though. If you are using a smartphone, I at least recommend that you get a dongle for it like the E1DA 9038 or a bluetooth amp/dac like the Qudelix 5k.

Will look into it. Thanks.

 

[TheRealDz]

FWIW, I just posted a quick comparison between my Z5 and Sony IER-M7.

TL;DR: with some tweaks, the M7 is a better substitute for the Z5 than I initially gave it credit for.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/thr...er-z1r-ier-m9-and-ier-m7.886121/post-16225845

 

[TheRealDz]

I forgot that I still have a pair of Final E5000. They are indeed mellow sounding, with decent bass and soundstaging. But they are outclassed in every way by the Z5, except comfort and isolation. They are especially lacking in clarity and resolution, if that matters. Overall, the E5000 are not a bad choice for the price, but I would recommend saving up for the Sony IER-M7, which definitely outclass it in every way, IMHO.

That said, I bought the N3, but thought it sounded terrible. I quickly returned it, and ended up snagging the IER-M7s. To my ears, the N3 had a harshness that I couldn't get rid of or get past. But I only listened to them via JVC Spiral Dots - which I have now come to find are not a universally good match (my IER-M7s sound MUCH better with Final E-type tips). Now I am wondering how the N3s would have sounded with the right tips...

 

[RikudouGoku]

I forgot that I still have a pair of Final E5000. They are indeed mellow sounding, with decent bass and soundstaging. But they are outclassed in every way by the Z5, except comfort and isolation. They are especially lacking in clarity and resolution, if that matters. Overall, the E5000 are not a bad choice for the price, but I would recommend saving up for the Sony IER-M7, which definitely outclass it in every way, IMHO.

That said, I bought the N3, but thought it sounded terrible. I quickly returned it, and ended up snagging the IER-M7s. To my ears, the N3 had a harshness that I couldn't get rid of or get past. But I only listened to them via JVC Spiral Dots - which I have now come to find are not a universally good match (my IER-M7s sound MUCH better with Final E-type tips). Now I am wondering how the N3s would have sounded with the right tips...

Missed potential for sure. I take the N3 over the Z5, almost considered selling the Z5 as well. (but keeping it due to SONY.)

 

[TheRealDz]

Ha! I guess that's where I am; with my current batch of IEMs (plus my hope for a Z1R), do I NEED an N3? Nope. But then again, SONY...

Missed potential for sure. I take the N3 over the Z5, almost considered selling the Z5 as well. (but keeping it due to SONY.)

 

[RikudouGoku]

Ha! I guess that's where I am; with my current batch of IEMs (plus my hope for a Z1R), do I NEED an N3? Nope. But then again, SONY...

Sony ftw.

 

[Redcarmoose]

I’m coming back to the XBA-Z5 again. It’s a warm homecoming. Big splashes of dramatic color, listening to soundtracks. The bass is miles better than anything the N3 could hope to achieve, in my opinion. Wow, I need to spend a week with this set-up.

1A
Walkman Firmware Midnight Plus
J Region
Kimber 4.4mm
Special tips that are middle bore.
I’m wearing the cables over ear, cinch.

 

[Charlie Norwood]

I forgot that I still have a pair of Final E5000. They are indeed mellow sounding, with decent bass and soundstaging. But they are outclassed in every way by the Z5, except comfort and isolation. They are especially lacking in clarity and resolution, if that matters. Overall, the E5000 are not a bad choice for the price, but I would recommend saving up for the Sony IER-M7, which definitely outclass it in every way, IMHO.

That said, I bought the N3, but thought it sounded terrible. I quickly returned it, and ended up snagging the IER-M7s. To my ears, the N3 had a harshness that I couldn't get rid of or get past. But I only listened to them via JVC Spiral Dots - which I have now come to find are not a universally good match (my IER-M7s sound MUCH better with Final E-type tips). Now I am wondering how the N3s would have sounded with the right tips...

The m7 is twice the price of the e5000 and it’s also a multi BA and the e5k is a single DD. So
It’s a weird comparison... and if you think the m7 outclasses the e5k in visceral bass response you are massively under-powering the e5k.

 

[JoshG1217]

The M7 actually resolves better than the Z5, but the Z5 has better bass. The e5000 doesn't hold a candle to either, regardless of tips.

 

[snapandslide]

I’m coming back to the XBA-Z5 again. It’s a warm homecoming. Big splashes of dramatic color, listening to soundtracks. The bass is miles better than anything the N3 could hope to achieve, in my opinion. Wow, I need to spend a week with this set-up.

1A
Walkman Firmware Midnight Plus
J Region
Kimber 4.4mm
Special tips that are middle bore.
I’m wearing the cables over ear, cinch.

I do miss mine - there was a sense of drama with the Z5s. The Z1Rs are fantastic, but they lack a slight immaturity that the Z5s had. And I definitely need a better source with the Z1Rs!

 

[JoshG1217]

I do miss mine - there was a sense of drama with the Z5s. The Z1Rs are fantastic, but they lack a slight immaturity that the Z5s had. And I definitely need a better source with the Z1Rs!

Does the m11 run the Z1R okay on high gain?

 

[snapandslide]

Does the m11 run the Z1R okay on high gain?

It drives them admirably well - but I do feel its hitting a limit in terms of extracting the best technicalities out of the IEMs. The Z1R is another class to the M11. I'm going to get a W2 soon which should be an upgrade and then I'd love a better source like the WM1A or the Shanling M8 - not really heard much about the DX300 in combo with the Z1Rs.