In Sony's headphone product line, XBA-H3, once considered as the successor of EX1000, performed mediocrely, which disappointed many people. When the new generation flagship Z5 of Quantie came out, people naturally became more rational. So can the recently launched Z5, which continues to look like the EX1000, take over the crown of the flagship in ear? Anyway, look at the picture first.
In fact, it is a knotty question whether Z5 should be classified into Z series or XBA series. When XBA series came on stage, the abbreviation of Experimental Balance Armature was used as the name of the series, which is quite appropriate. The subsequent H series iron earphones were also classified under this series, with H (Hybrid) It means that the ring iron is mixed, which is very easy to understand.
But in 2014, Sony launched two Z series earphones, and if Sony uses the letter Z on a product, it is basically flagship oriented. So from the name analysis, XBA-Z5 should be the flagship series earphones with balance armature unit (that is, Sony's own developed moving iron unit).
The unit composition of Z5 is the design of 1 moving coil+2 moving iron. The moving coil unit is an aluminized LCP (liquid crystal polymer) diaphragm. Whether the LCP diaphragm is the same as the diaphragm material advertised by Sony on the EX1000 is unknown. Forget it. Anyway, as long as the sound is good, what diaphragm does it matter.
Like Z7, Z5 has an independent number for each pair of Z5, but Z5 does not print a number on the unit - at least I did not find it.
The Sony logo on the side is etched. I don't know if it will be printed later like the EX1000.
There are a total of 7 pairs of earplugs in the original configuration, of which three pairs on the left are filled with sponge, which theoretically has better sound insulation effect.
The original headset storage bag has a good feel and workmanship, but it is not as luxurious as the EX1000 and is also pressure resistant.
Sony's original factory has provided Z5 with dual 3.5mm balanced wire plug, but the self provided balanced wire plug is naturally designed to match its own PHA-3.
The original balance line is very long, but it can be stored slightly with the matched clamp, The shape of the ear hook part can be adjusted freely. Compared with the EX1000, the relatively hard and fixed material is easier to adjust, but the ear hook is very ash absorbing.
The Z5 unit is imported from Japan with original packaging, the wire rod is produced in Malaysia, and the packaging location is China.
The material of the cavity shell is unknown. It is said to be like metal, but not as solid as the metal cavity shell of the EX1000. However, it is said to be plastic, but not like the handle. However, the weight of a single cavity is much lighter than that of a huge cavity.
In fact, not only the ear hook, but also the original silicone sleeve can absorb dust.
Since there are three units under the internal fortress of the Z5 chamber, the size of the Z5 chamber is naturally impressive. The volume of a chamber is close to that of an adult's finger. When you wear it, you feel like you have two U-disks in your ears.
The diameter of the catheter is also very large, which is basically a disaster for people with small ear canal.
After actually wearing it... my sister said she was uncomfortable.
We will conduct a detailed evaluation of the XBA-Z5 in the future. However, from the perspective of the initial use of the ZX1 direct drive, the sound of the Z5 may not be as good as many people think. Although it is the second generation of coil iron headphones produced by Sony, the overall sound is still to be improved. Compared with the EX1000, the sound of the Z5 is very different.
In the face of such Z5, to be honest, it is difficult for me to shout the same recommendation slogan of "buy buy buy" as Z7. As for whether I can be a qualified successor to the EX1000, I also reserve my opinion. As for why, please look forward to our follow-up detailed evaluation.
