[Kerouac]

amp and source definitely change the sound of the Z7 which may explain why so many varying reports. I recently got a Pono and am now listening to the Z7 in balanced mode and they sound leaner and more articulate than out of my other sources and amps.

I also think the sq out of the Z7 depends highly from the source that you use it with. With almost all my gear (the excellent Chord Hugo included) the Z7 doesn't really impress me, it just sounds OK to my ears...nothing special. But balanced out of the Pono player it scales up in an unbelievable way. If I didn't have the Pono, I probably would have sold the Z7 already...

 

[pietcux]

If you want to sell it inside the EU, I can help you to get rid of this worthless headphone.

 

[Kerouac]

As long as I have a Pono player, my Z7 won't go anywhere

 
Btw, I would never call it ''worthless'' myself. I only think it doesn't deliver such great sq out of the rest of my gear...the difference with balanced from Pono is huge imo...

 

[Sonic Defender]

I used my Z7 balanced from the Sony PHA 3 and it was very nice indeed. If it had a little better sub bass you know I think I would have kept it.

 

[vr1]

Z7 with Gustard H10 sounded very good too (imho).

 

[pietcux]

Does anyone know, where one can buy Sony replacement earpads for the MDR-Z7?

 

[paulchiu]

  Does anyone know, where one can buy Sony replacement earpads for the MDR-Z7?

You need to call Sony Germany for the Sony Parts order department.  I only have the number for the USA division.
The parts to order is listed here:
https://docs.sony.com/release/MDSM/989605201_sm.pdf

 

[pietcux]

You need to call Sony Germany for the Sony Parts order department.  I only have the number for the USA division.
The parts to order is listed here:
https://docs.sony.com/release/MDSM/989605201_sm.pdf

Wow, that's great information especially the pdf. Not that I need new pads now, but over time I will need to buy some. Thank you!

 

[eaglex3]

Just picked up my Z7 and wow I am really digging the sound sig and comfort. Initial impressions:
 
Mids are extremely well done whilst bass feels controlled with that subtle punch I love. Treble is rolled off as described by many reviews which is something that doesn't bother me at all. 
 
Sound isolation isn't as great as I expected however still better than open-backed headphones however still keeping the sound stage in tact. 

 

[hemtmaker]

Just picked up my Z7 and wow I am really digging the sound sig and comfort. Initial impressions:

Mids are extremely well done whilst bass feels controlled with that subtle punch I love. Treble is rolled off as described by many reviews which is something that doesn't bother me at all. 

Sound isolation isn't as great as I expected however still better than open-backed headphones however still keeping the sound stage in tact. 

Great, also the Z7 opens up nicely with good power. What gear do you use it with?

 

[yakkosmurf]

Great, also the Z7 opens up nicely with good power. What gear do you use it with?

I do with there was a standard for people stating what gear they are using when they evaluate a set of headphones.  The Z7 is a great example of a headphone with reviews covering a broad spectrum of positive and negative.  Sure, some of it is personal taste, but they are going to be sound very different when plugged into an iPhone versus a quality headphone amp via balanced connections.  To their credit, they are very versatile headphones, but it's hard to say the "lack bass" when you drive them from an iPhone.

 

[paulchiu]

My Z7 arrived from Canada's NCIX.com.
Listened immediately with Chord Hugo with Sony unbalanced cables (good quality).  First song was Adele's Set Fire To The Rain.  The intro was solid in the low end.  Then the build up in strings filled the head to slightly above and sweetly beyond both ears.  So, in just one song, I am thrilled with the Z7.  I am wearing it at the 9 notch on the sliders.
The cups are as comfortable as the TH900.  More so than HD800.  Stays on my size 7.875 hat sized head well.  No wire microphonics and the Sony jack goes into my Hugo and the iPhone 6 plus with extra battery case with ease.
Serial number etched in the the chrome is class!  Made in Japan. Listening to 中森明菜 now.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

[pietcux]

  You need to call Sony Germany for the Sony Parts order department.  I only have the number for the USA division.
The parts to order is listed here:
https://docs.sony.com/release/MDSM/989605201_sm.pdf

Hi Paul,
can you do the same trick for the MDR-MA900 please? I have it incoming and I cannot get to the service manuals on the Sony site....

 

[paulchiu]

 
Hi Paul,
can you do the same trick for the MDR-MA900 please? I have it incoming and I cannot get to the service manuals on the Sony site....

 
Unfortunately, this discontinued headphone does not have a free service manual online.  I did place a request to Sony USA for one just now.
I also found a 3rd party selling it for $7.50 
http://www.manualuniverse.com/manager/products/manual.asp?codigo=911628&shwBt=0&xpageG=93&xmdelG=MDR-MA900&xmrcG=184
 
That's more expensive than some 3rd party offering a pad that may fit the MDR-MA900
http://www.amazon.com/Jntworld-Professional-Overhead-Foldable-Headphones/dp/B00AN5T72E/ref=as_sl_pd_wdgt_ex?&linkCode=wsw&tag=billyccom-20
 
Hope this helps.

 

[eaglex3]

Great, also the Z7 opens up nicely with good power. What gear do you use it with?

 
Running off my Fiio E17K + E9i at the moment.
 
Does a stellar job and really liking the mids / bass response on them to my ears.