[Whitigir]

Good thing I didn't have any coffee with me, then Also, I still regret not asking to take a pic with the Sony Japan team, that was a mistake.

I would have handed them an art utility knife and ask for a signature directly engraved on my WM1Z . It would have been a signature on top of a signature

 

[SHAMuuu]

I would have handed them an art utility knife and ask for a signature directly engraved on my WM1Z

. It would have been a signature on top of a signature

That would be cool

 

[echineko]

I would have handed them an art utility knife and ask for a signature directly engraved on my WM1Z . It would have been a signature on top of a signature

I'll keep that in mind for the next one. Though maybe not a knife la

 

[PeteSTRADAMUS]

Good thing I didn't have any coffee with me, then

Also, I still regret not asking to take a pic with the Sony Japan team, that was a mistake.

Me too. I liked the one guys Sony jacket he had on. With the short spikey hair. He let me test out the Z1R. I gave him a thumbs up and he smiled lol.

 

[echineko]

  Me too. I liked the one guys Sony jacket he had on. With the short spikey hair. He let me test out the Z1R. I gave him a thumbs up and he smiled lol.

I was telling them how much a fan I am of the Signature series, especially the 1Z, which I happened to be showing someone when they were walking past. They seemed quite excited to see a fan in real life, also told them I hope they finally release a Signature IEM later on. Good chat 

 

[Earbones]

Got the PHA-2A yesterday. Been listening to it. Initial impressions with the MDR-Z1R...

Like I said earlier, I've found this headphone is a strange bird to power. Sounds great through something as simple as a smartphone, and a lot of casual listeners (although that demographic is small with this can) might leave things well enough alone with that setup... But it scales incredibly well with good power. Listening through my iFi Micro iDSD, there is fair amount of detail and seperation gained on the lower end.

Through the Sony, using the balanced connection, that low-end detail and seperation take another step forward. Like I mentioned before, the idea of a balanced vs. single connection, just scientifically, doesn't hold much water with me... With all things being equal. However I hypothesize that with the Z1R, all things are not equal. I do believe that the power source a headphone is tuned with affects things. Since a balanced source delivers more power, if the Z1R was tuned with a balanced source (and it makes sense that it would be, with the new 4.4mm standard and all), it stands to reason that the Z1R is at it's best when getting the power it was originally tuned with.

Who knows, maybe my science is off-base. What I think is what a lot of people are coming to think... that the Z1R really likes a quality balanced connection.

So the PHA-2A is staying, the Kimber 3.5mm cable is going back. I'd be very interested in a Kimber 4.4mm balanced cable, in a 1.2m length... Anybody know if Sony makes one?

 

[PeteSTRADAMUS]

Got the PHA-2A yesterday. Been listening to it. Initial impressions with the MDR-Z1R...

Like I said earlier, I've found this headphone is a strange bird to power. Sounds great through something as simple as a smartphone, and a lot of casual listeners (although that demographic is small with this can) might leave things well enough alone with that setup... But it scales incredibly well with good power. Listening through my iFi Micro iDSD, there is fair amount of detail and seperation gained on the lower end.

Through the Sony, using the balanced connection, that low-end detail and seperation take another step forward. Like I mentioned before, the idea of a balanced vs. single connection, just scientifically, doesn't hold much water with me... With all things being equal. However I hypothesize that with the Z1R, all things are not equal. I do believe that the power source a headphone is tuned with affects things. Since a balanced source delivers more power, if the Z1R was tuned with a balanced source (and it makes sense that it would be, with the new 4.4mm standard and all), it stands to reason that the Z1R is at it's best when getting the power it was originally tuned with.

Who knows, maybe my science is off-base. What I think is what a lot of people are coming to think... that the Z1R really likes a quality balanced connection.

So the PHA-2A is staying, the Kimber 3.5mm cable is going back. I'd be very interested in a Kimber 4.4mm balanced cable, in a 1.2m length... Anybody know if Sony makes one?

Ugh, the Pha-2 isn't balanced though right ? Or am i wrong ? The Pha-3 is definitely balanced. But not using a 4.4, It's using dual 3.5's.

 

[ross1974]

Got the PHA-2A yesterday. Been listening to it. Initial impressions with the MDR-Z1R...

Like I said earlier, I've found this headphone is a strange bird to power. Sounds great through something as simple as a smartphone, and a lot of casual listeners (although that demographic is small with this can) might leave things well enough alone with that setup... But it scales incredibly well with good power. Listening through my iFi Micro iDSD, there is fair amount of detail and seperation gained on the lower end.

Through the Sony, using the balanced connection, that low-end detail and seperation take another step forward. Like I mentioned before, the idea of a balanced vs. single connection, just scientifically, doesn't hold much water with me... With all things being equal. However I hypothesize that with the Z1R, all things are not equal. I do believe that the power source a headphone is tuned with affects things. Since a balanced source delivers more power, if the Z1R was tuned with a balanced source (and it makes sense that it would be, with the new 4.4mm standard and all), it stands to reason that the Z1R is at it's best when getting the power it was originally tuned with.

Who knows, maybe my science is off-base. What I think is what a lot of people are coming to think... that the Z1R really likes a quality balanced connection.

So the PHA-2A is staying, the Kimber 3.5mm cable is going back. I'd be very interested in a Kimber 4.4mm balanced cable, in a 1.2m length... Anybody know if Sony makes one?

The biggest difference I noticed once I plugged them in the Sony TA amp was the vocals, much more open and forward

 

[cloud_c]

  Ugh, the Pha-2 isn't balanced though right ? Or am i wrong ? The Pha-3 is definitely balanced. But not using a 4.4, It's using dual 3.5's.

Correct.

 

[thatonenoob]

  Ugh, the Pha-2 isn't balanced though right ? Or am i wrong ? The Pha-3 is definitely balanced. But not using a 4.4, It's using dual 3.5's.

New PHA-2 updated version is.  Don't know if its differential balanced but it does have a "balanced" output.

 

[PeteSTRADAMUS]

  New PHA-2 updated version is.  Don't know if its differential balanced but it does have a "balanced" output.

Correct, Just checked it out. 

 

[sosrah]

how's the combo? any standout features in the sonic department? interested with the v281 myself, very versatile amp

This combo shows all the positive features, people are talking about here: the bass hit hard like good floorstanding speakers + sub, you hear details in a wide soundstage and i never find trace of harshness in the highs. Like i said awhile back, i can listen to a great variety of genres with this setup; only classical music requires a arier sound like the one from Hd800s (i use it with the same system).
With v281 anyway one thing you never miss is the power together with control and neutrality: it let express the headphones nature to it's best.

 

[DonChuy]

Hi,
 
I'm pretty new posting on head-fi (been lurking on the forum for quite some time though). On Dec 9 of last year I purchased a pair of Z1R from amazon US because I enjoy strong bass and Sony's IEMs do the job for me (I own 7550, Z5 and XB90). I was trying to replace my JVC SZ-2000 with something better and to my ears, the Z1R does the job. It might not have a stronger bass that the SZ2000, but overall I like the sound signature more on the Z1R. I use an iFi iCan Micro special edition, an iPhone 6 plus and an app called Equalizer.
 
At the same time, I found out that amazon UK had a better price, placed an order also back in December and kept the 1st pair until the return policy allowed it. Long story short, While using the 1st pair and waiting for the UK pair, I decided that I wasn't going to keep these headphones. The main reasons are portability, price and it just doesn't fit my lifestyle, I like portable gear and normally I just carry my Headstage Arrow 5TX enhanced bass boost, my Z5's and ASG 2.5s. My UK order was fulfilled last week, opened the box to inspect them (box doesn't come sealed with any sticker) because I was very skeptical about them being less expensive, tested them to make sure they work, they are new, in perfect condition and now I'm finding a home for them. I'm starting here because there is lots of love for them, and want to give a head-fier the opportunity to grab a good deal. The second option will be Ebay next week, and if not, they will just go back to the UK and I will have to eat the shipping cost. The serial number is 343. PM me if you are interested. Thanks. 

 

[beowulf]

Got the PHA-2A yesterday. Been listening to it. Initial impressions with the MDR-Z1R...

Like I said earlier, I've found this headphone is a strange bird to power. Sounds great through something as simple as a smartphone, and a lot of casual listeners (although that demographic is small with this can) might leave things well enough alone with that setup... But it scales incredibly well with good power. Listening through my iFi Micro iDSD, there is fair amount of detail and seperation gained on the lower end.

Ah, interesting timing... I ordered the Micro (Black Label tho) today, mostly to try to maximize the fun out of the hiss-detector Andromeda and was wondering if it could work out well with the Z1R too.

Guess you find it a decent match, good to know!

I'm doubly curious now. That thing sounds way better than the super popular Mojo, at least in theory on paper specs. But will it deliver? Hmm. Guess I'll find out in a day or two...

 

[twiceboss]

  get it without any hesitation , very nice portable combo ,, and great DAC ..
its amazing with the Z1R

Thank you. I plan to get the z1r next year not the mojo btw haha. I dont think i can spend more upgrading my dac/amp. 
 
but headphone overall,
HD800 is really good mids! some songs are bad not enough bass and can be sibilant
TH600 is really good bass! some songs are bad not enough mids and can be sibilant too..
 
That's my major problem. So the z1r can solve this?