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Turcoda
3
Apr 25, 2016
I dropped out of this one due to the long wait time. Anybody know how these fare in comparison to the Sony Z7? I can get either one for around the same price, but I'm not sure which one would be the better buy. So far all I hear is that the Z7 is built better, leaks less sound, and has boomier bass, but the x00 is easier to drive and seems to have sound that's more perceivably hifi. Is this true?
Deleted_456518
Apr 25, 2016
TurcodaI'm in the exact same situation, the Z7 would actually cost about $25 less for me, but then there's the issue of driving it. As far as I can tell they're fairly similar: the TH-X00 is supposed to sound slightly better (possibly depending on amp?), whilst the Z7 is a bit more comfortable and better built. They're too close for me to justify buying both; my gripe with the Z7 though is that I feel compelled to also buy the PHA-3 so I can take advantage of the balanced connection. Can somebody clarify?
Meru
52
Apr 25, 2016
Deleted_456518Z7 sounds like a Beats Studio if you use anything worse than PHA-3 to drive it IMO. And not in terms of power/quality but price point. You're better off to get a MDR-1A if you don't feel like getting the PHA-3 or don't own a suitable set of DAC/AMP. Both are quite different in many terms. TH-XOO sounds more to the reference headphones side with a tad bassier while Z7 is just all about the bass. And 25$ isn't any difference at all tbf, the official balanced cables for Z7 will net you another 200$.
Meru
52
Apr 25, 2016
Deleted_456518To my preferences, and I believe for many, TH-X00 sounds better without amping, and with amp. Z7 is just too bassy and the details aren't at the same level with this headphones. Of course ultimately you should try it by your own and take my words with pinch of salt.
Turcoda
3
Apr 25, 2016
MeruAwesome, this helps. I own the MDR 1A and i feel they are good, but not great. I wanted something better. Sounds like the x00 is the better option then. I figured the 70mm drivers would have been nice, but perhaps not worth driving without the PHA-3.
Deleted_456518
Apr 25, 2016
MeruThanks for clearing up the confusion, the TH-X00 seems like the better buy for me. My problem with getting the PHA-3 isn't necessarily price, it's just that I'm a bit of a neophyte where that is concerned, and I have no idea what else I could pair it with (I don't have a proper setup yet, that is something I will have to buy as well). Is there anything in particular that works well with the X00's? I was considering Schiit for a home setup; getting a Mojo seems like a waste since I don't plan for on-the-go use.
Meru
52
Apr 25, 2016
TurcodaObjectively Z7 is better than MDR-1A with the gigantic amount of bass, when driven right. The detailing alone doesn't make much difference compare to the mdr-1a, can't stand against pseudo-flagships like K712. DT880 and HD600. Hearing pleasure wise, that's where the 70mm drivers come into play. It's very very very bassy, listening disco pop on these cans is a joy. And that's all. Another example of bigger=/= better. And there's 4 days left, you can get to a nearby headphones store or a major Sony store to try out the Z7(tho I think only major "experience" stores or flagship store has it).
Meru
52
Apr 25, 2016
Deleted_456518The Grace m9XX on the deal page seems legit. Or you can go with the old-fashioned ODAC+O2 dac/amp from JDS Lab, Mayflower and such.
Meru
52
Apr 25, 2016
Deleted_456518Mojo seems like a beautiful thing(looks and sounding) for IEMs for me rather than a legitimate headphones dac/amp. Not into Schiit that deep so can't really talk about that.
Turcoda
3
Apr 25, 2016
MeruWish i could try them out, but I dont have that option. I live out in nowhere and im working full tme, so there's no way i can find the time to drive somewhere for it. Therein lies my dilema - I love great bass, but i love great detailing as well. I kinda want something right now. If x00 was out right now Id have already purchased it. Im not a fan of the long wait.
Meru
52
Apr 26, 2016
TurcodaWell if this is the case then the choice is on you. The wait is long but the payoff gonna be grand.
Turcoda
3
Apr 26, 2016
MeruI know : S Hmmm I heard these have considerable leakage both ways. Can they be used in an office environment? Would they be difficult to use on a plane?
Deleted_456518
Apr 26, 2016
MeruSince you mentioned JDS Labs, what do you think of 'The Element'? Steve Guttenberg at CNET wrote a fairly positive review of it.
Meru
52
Apr 26, 2016
Deleted_456518Haven't tried it yet but as the spec sheet goes it is literally an odac+o2 amp with better design and build quality. Worth getting one I'll say.
Meru
52
Apr 26, 2016
TurcodaShouldn't be a problem in office but not on a plane.
Pierre111
413
Apr 27, 2016
TurcodaFor those interrested by Sony, the MDR-7520 are excellent headphones, at a cheaper price. Plentyful Bass and incredible amount of details. Don't know the Z7 but those are also easy to drive. Worth checkin'
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