Ginza Sony MDR-Z7/... Impressions
MDR-Z7 + PHA-3, fed from Xperia Z1 using the Walkman app
Let's first address the most-anticipated Z7. Had about 20 minutes of listening time (lined up three separate times). Initial thought is that the Z7 is a well-balanced can. Lows, mids, highs are in line, no range particularly prominent, unlike mid-tier Sonys that deliberately emphasize low end rumble. Also unlike previous high-end Sonys that emphasize treble clarity and resolution. This leads me to think this would be a versatile can, with no conspicuous characteristic, it should able to present all genres rather well.
Second time around, I picked out a few test tracks that allow a better assessment of the can's sound. Was able to slowly get a handle on the Z7's traits. It has excellent separation of sound, and nice weight for full-bodied articulation, instruments such as percussion and piano sound solid with clear outlines. Its sound is very strong and impactful, though not as a result of increase in the quantity of the bottom end. Sometimes it gives a [you took some damage] feeling.
Even though the Z7 doesn't emphasize treble clarity, it gives an exceptional sense of resolution on tracks with treble content. From the short audition, the Z7's resolution seems on par with the TH900 and W5000, but has a more balanced tuning than the other two.
The Z7 possesses a medium-size soundstage with good positioning, exhibiting ample precision with complex passages. Vocals are positioned slightly more close-up. Though the Z7 doesn't have too particular a signature, one can hear hints of Sony's traditional colouration. At most I'll say that among Sony flagships past and present, the Z7 may turn out to be a very versatile choice.
I give the Z7 my utmost recommendation. Compared to other closed-back flagships, the Z7, though priced at only 55000yen, provides comparable performance and a remarkably well-balanced sound. Seems to be a very sincere effort.
Further Elaboration
Honestly, my listening time was rather short, with no A/B testing and in a noisy environment. Often, nothing more than an understanding of a can's general tendencies is possible from an audition, and the finer points on performance and technicality can only be taken as one opinion.
The Z7 sound is neutral with a bit of warmth, very delicate and refined on the whole. Yet when the music demands energy, as with the Gundam UC BGM being played on location, it has sufficient force to its sound for such material. Not unlike a good speaker system, with excellent control to its dynamics.
Judging from its exterior, the Z7 follows from the SA5000's half-open design, with vents everywhere. This design gives the Z7 a closed-back sound without the muffle prevalent in mid-tier closed headphones. I hear the Z7 as 3/4 closed, 1/4 open.
About the balance of the Z7, actually the MDR-EX1000, MDR-1R to MDR-1A DAC, and MDR-Z7 can be said to belong to the same system of tuning. Undoubtedly, the Z7 is at the top, both in terms of technicality and musicality.
I'm half a treble-head myself, and the Z7 indeed doesn't give me the same incisively clear, bordering thin, sound of the TH900 and W5000. Its presentation is measured and moderate, something like the HE-560 I previously reviewed. The Z7's treble is more smooth, robust, not piercing or harsh but exhibits a wholeness. Worth mentioning is that many top-tier headphones are like mirrors, emphasizing recording deficiencies. Today I specifically picked out a few badly recorded Hatsune Miku tracks which, though not able to bring out the Z7's potential, sounded sweet to the ears at the least, without being too strident or revealing.
Compared to the SA5000, the Z7 has more body across the entire FR, and has no problems with the treble being too sharp or too thin.
Compared to the CD3000, the Z7 has better musicality, where the CD3000 is monitor-like and favours upper-mid/lower-treble.
Vocals with the Z7 are warm and smooth, somewhat intimate, and like the EX1000 has Sony's thick and rich signature. Not in the style of Audio-Technica or some European brands, but rather like some Hifiman models. Maybe it's the other way around and that some Hifimans are like Sonys.
Didn't have time to delve into the Z7's soundstage, but for jazz tracks I was clearly able to locate the musicians in their positions. Overall, I very much recommend the Z7, of course on the premise that it's driven by the PHA-3. But I'd guess that the Z7 is not too picky with upstream gear.
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