The discovery thread!
Oct 26, 2020 at 11:42 AM Post #51,181 of 103,015
Oct 26, 2020 at 1:26 PM Post #51,183 of 103,015
I save money for Kbear BEliveFB_IMG_1603727319135.jpg
Sounds like it may be a bit bass lite for my taste from what I've seen but one I'm picking up for sure nonetheless given its pure Berrylium and not plated, and the price makes it a no brainier for me.

Sounds like the release and early bird specials may coincide with 11.11. But the tuning sounds like it's a reference tuning, which I'm always "meh" about. This set is clearly about the driver itself though.
 
Oct 26, 2020 at 2:02 PM Post #51,184 of 103,015
Sounds like it may be a bit bass lite for my taste from what I've seen but one I'm picking up for sure nonetheless given its pure Berrylium and not plated, and the price makes it a no brainier for me.

Sounds like the release and early bird specials may coincide with 11.11. But the tuning sounds like it's a reference tuning, which I'm always "meh" about. This set is clearly about the driver itself though.

I don't think it'll be bass lite, the tuner said it's more on the thick/lush side signature. Btw compared to other pure Be IEMs:

118890661_10158291581339792_1142839911358098070_o.jpg

117765124_10158256593169792_589525680689572956_o.png
 
Oct 26, 2020 at 2:40 PM Post #51,185 of 103,015
@RikudouGoku, I closed on the XBA-Z5, so i'm looking forward to pairing it with my Sony for some sublime sound. Along with the A7, i got some nice toys on the way.
 
Oct 26, 2020 at 2:50 PM Post #51,186 of 103,015
Oct 26, 2020 at 3:11 PM Post #51,187 of 103,015
Oct 26, 2020 at 3:15 PM Post #51,188 of 103,015

I take it that it was used. When you get it. I would connect the cable it comes with and look at the connector for gaps or movement. The old Z5 are known for a weak mmcx connector. Known issue. If the connector is not moving at all I think you will be good. I would also listen to the sound and see if moving the cable will cut out the sound.

I bought a used one before I bought a new one. It was great sounding but one side cut out within minutes of buying the used one. Just a warning
 
Oct 26, 2020 at 3:15 PM Post #51,189 of 103,015
Oct 26, 2020 at 3:40 PM Post #51,190 of 103,015
Huh, I sold my (seriously, pristine, for sure less than 500 hours on them) Z5 a couple weeks ago. Sold only with a crappy Sony branded "upgrade" cable (stiff), no box, no tips for $350. I had them since late 2014, and they literally left the house once in that time. I actually tried to dissuade the buyer (from Italy) as my listing specified U.S. sale only; advised I only would ship to him direct via tracked/insured USPS shipping that he would pay for. :shrug: He wanted them and paid ($60 just for shipping).
 
Oct 26, 2020 at 3:47 PM Post #51,191 of 103,015
Huh, I sold my (seriously, pristine, for sure less than 500 hours on them) Z5 a couple weeks ago. Sold only with a crappy Sony branded "upgrade" cable (stiff), no box, no tips for $350. I had them since late 2014, and they literally left the house once in that time. I actually tried to dissuade the buyer (from Italy) as my listing specified U.S. sale only; advised I only would ship to him direct via tracked/insured USPS shipping that he would pay for. :shrug: He wanted them and paid ($60 just for shipping).
What did you upgrade to? I believe you used the Z5 for many years?
 
Oct 26, 2020 at 3:56 PM Post #51,192 of 103,015
What did you upgrade to? I believe you used the Z5 for many years?
I have zero IEMs in my possession right now (only have one pair of headphones, well, and some wired Apple Earpods and some Samsung ear buds).

I came back to the hobby/head-fi about 5 months ago after a 5+ year (mostly) hiatus. I mean, I might have visited the forums every 9 months or so during that stretch.

I really didn't use much audio gear during that time. My life was such... I just didn't have music in it that often. The Pandemic changed some things, so I came back, sold (and also selling) old gear. Have some cash ready to buy new IEMs, but thus far, haven't been moved to do so. Probably get something in the $750 - $1,000 range.
 
Oct 26, 2020 at 4:17 PM Post #51,193 of 103,015
To me the A7 is a great upgrade from the NM2+. While I'm really impressed with the what the NM2+ delivers for the price I do feel that it rely on a brighter signature to bring out the resolution and detail. The A7 manage to deliver the same with a, relatively, warmer sound that makes them more natural sounding. The NM2+ can also have too little bass for me when used outdoors in noisy environments.
Thanks for the reply, you are absolutely spot on with the NM2+. I have heard A7 sounds very natural but how much would you rate it on Technicalities? Have you tried the B2? I am wondering which one can of these two can handle busy tracks well.
 
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Oct 26, 2020 at 4:44 PM Post #51,194 of 103,015
my used Z5 comes with two different cables. One is balanced and one is regular 3.5mm. I asked about functionality and MMCX connection, and i was told it was functioning perfectly with no issues, so i will take them at their word, and if it's a bum lemon, i'll give them a crap rating and get my money back. But i'm hopeful for a great listening experience with my Sony A45 and the Z5.
 
Oct 26, 2020 at 4:48 PM Post #51,195 of 103,015
Thanks for the reply, you are absolutely spot on with the NM2+. I have heard A7 sounds very natural but how much would you rate it on Technicalities? Have you tried the B2? I am wondering which one can of these two can handle busy tracks well.

I'm sorry but I haven't heard the B2.

Technicalities on the A7 are very good imo. Separation and imaging are top notch as is resolution and details. I haven't listened to anything that they can't handle properly but I think our music preferences may be different. I'm sure someone in the A7 thread can help you with your specific music.
 

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