Imperfectionist
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2016
- Posts
- 150
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- 70
The z1r is definitely miles ahead of m50x. How both got compared against each other is truly and sadly beyond my comprehension.I didn't get any of that from his post - I just take that to mean that with his great power to influence, then Tyll has to take more care in how he is using them, it doesn't say he has to agree to the wider opinion.
I think we can all agree that the most controversial point of Tyll's review was how he said the ATH-50X was better buy than the Z1R, and he kept focusing on what he said are the problematic measurement flaws of the Z1R sound signature by using reference sound as that criteria. We've already broken down why these comparisons themselves are in fact flawed, and I think it helps to remind Tyll that it is in everyone's best interest that if he could reframe his views in a tone that better shows its subjective nature. For example, presenting the Z1R as an inaccurate phone that is not reference class is perfectly fine - people can objectively see that in the measurements and have no ground to dispute this finding. He is also completely free and in his right to say he doesn't find this inaccurate sound pleasing to his own ears due to his own personal subjective preference, there's also no ground to dispute this, however throwing in a sniping comment implying Sony's choice of tuning a non-reference sound signature is unacceptable practice and a sign of Sony engineer's incompetence - rather than presenting that as a deliberate choice on their part - is, to put it bluntly, a bit arrogant. And I would say that is the point where Tyll is using his power as a respected reviewer a little irresponsibly, and where most sensible and rational Z1R owners that even agrees with his previous two findings (that it is inaccurate, that he finds that signature not to his taste) finds to be problematic.
The most responsible way of saying this could've easily been something like "Ok so for whatever reason Sony's engineers decided to tune it this particular inaccurate way - I respect their choice, but it's just not a sound I can like or enjoy, so if you share a taste similar to me (a preference to reference headphones) and is sensitive to 10kHz peaks, then this headphone is just not for you and you should look elsewhere to spend your money". Simple and informative, clear to the point and equally states his personal feelings and preferences as they were, doesn't agree with the "hive mind" you are accusing people off (which BTW, doesn't actually exists), yet not offensive in any way. Isn't that better for everyone?
As I have mentioned, I used both. M50x when I had just finished bathing, hair still a little wet. Z1r for true enjoyment and pure bliss. Never have I thought the m50x is better than z1r.