Sony has long proven that it can make very cool and very expensive headphones. Many of their models have become legendary and, despite the cessation of their production, are very popular. Fans highly appreciate such models as MDR-R10 (from 3000 to 7000 dollars in the secondary market), Q010-MDR1 they are also “Qualia-10” (4000-6000), MDR-SA5000 (up to 700 dollars). The company recalled the past glory and presented a new premium model of headphones MDR-Z7.
Recently, Sony decided to actively promote the topic of high-resolution audio. All their latest audio products wear proud golden HiRes Audio stickers, and MDR-Z7 is no exception. The technical specifications claim an amazing frequency range from 4 Hz to 100 KHz, and the model’s website is full of graphs designed to prove the superiority of high resolution over ordinary audio, but if you set aside purely marketing moves, the headphones turned out to be very good.
First of all, the emitters used in these headphones are interesting. Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of drivers, and their products are very widely used. For example, it was Sony who made the famous emitters for old VSonic Gr07 models with biocellulose diaphragms. Naturally, Sony used all the latest technologies for its headphones. The MDR-Z7 emitters are very large, 70 mm in diameter, using an innovative membrane made of aluminum-coated liquid crystal polymer. This made it possible to achieve both lightness and strength, which significantly reduces the distortion due to parasitic oscillations of the membrane. The increased diameter of the radiator, according to the company's engineers, makes it possible to achieve a flatter sound wave and reduce the distortions caused by its re-reflection. For coils used high-grade aluminum-copper cable.
Specifications
- Radiators: 70 mm, dynamic, dome type, with neodymium magnets
- Design of cups: closed, covering
- Frequency range: 4 Hz - 100 kHz
- Sensitivity: 102 dB / mW
- Impedance: 70Ω @ 1 kHz
- Cable: balanced, interchangeable
- Complete cables: 3 m normal, 2 m balanced
- Weight: 335 g (without cable)
Package and Delivery
Of course, Sony would not be themselves if they had not thought about the packaging, which is called “from and to”. In the outer box of glossy paper with black and white decoration hides the inner, made of thick black cardboard. It opens like a book, opening access to headphones and accessories. Inside, everything corresponds to the price tag: expensive and neat. In addition to headphones, you will receive a set of instructions, an adapter from 3.5 mm to 6.3 as well as two interchangeable cables.
Sony decided to approach the cables with the utmost seriousness, so they put the usual three-meter cable with a 3.5 mm jack and a cable for balanced connection with a length of 2 meters, ending with two 3.5 mm jacks. Balanced cable is used with amplifiers and DACs that support the appropriate mode of operation (Sony itself released this under the index PHA-3, but about it next time). In balanced connection, both channels are completely independent, starting with a digital-to-analog converter and ending with headphones, this allows for better channel separation. Sony also went their own way here, in a special way, and they use two conventional 3.5 mm connectors for the connection instead of the more common options like XLR or RSA connectors. I didn’t see any players or amplifiers (except, of course, “Sonnevskiy”) with this balanced output option, so those who want to use a balanced connection will have to look for an adapter, change the connector or limit themselves to the company's technology (not the worst, though not an expensive option). In addition, Sony recently proposed a new version of the balanced connector - a 4.4 mm five-pin plug that will be both compact and compatible with the traditional 3.5 mm TRS.
I was lucky separately, and the headphones came with a cable from Kimber Kable, a famous manufacturer of high-quality cables, to my review. The replacement cable is made of 8 wires of oxygen-free copper, offers a fully balanced connection and also uses two 3.5 mm connectors. Its considerable price tag ($ 250) is due to the use of only the best materials and the company's experience in creating cables. I can not say that this is a mandatory purchase for future owners of headphones, after all, its price is more than 1/3 of the cost of the MDR-Z7 itself, but in a golden-black design it looks like an excellent addition to these headphones.
Design and wearing comfort
In appearance, there is a long-term continuity of the style of Sony and the company's approaches to design in general, and design of headphones in particular. Since this time we are talking about the flagship model, everything that is possible is made of metal. The design combines black and silver color, complementing and shading each other. Despite the abundance of metal, the headphones turned out light.
The cups are made of black magnesium alloy and did not save on their thickness, this, in combination with thoughtful damping, made it possible to get rid of parasitic resonances and the metallic ringing caused by them on HF. At the bottom of the cups are small holes for ventilation. The cables are angled forward and downward, 3.5 mm plugs with rotating sleeves on the threads are used for connection, this provides a very secure fit. Ear pads are worthy of all praise - soft, comfortable, well insulated. The designers tried to minimize the number of obstacles between the emitter and the ear, it also had a positive effect on the sound.
Headband securely and thoroughly. It provides an excellent balance of downforce, thanks to which both reliable fixation and comfort are achieved. From above, it is covered with leather, which provides a soft and comfortable fit, although after a couple of hours of wearing you want to take a short break, since most of the mass falls on the upper part of the head. The cups rotate around both axes, which ensures a secure fit. On the inside of the retractable parts is a scale that makes it easier to adjust the size under your head.
Soundproofing MDR-Z7 is very pleased in both directions. You will not be disturbed by external noises, your music will not disturb others. Ears in the headphones do not sweat, almost no overheating. If it were not for the pressure from above - they could be worn indefinitely.
Sound
The following equipment was used for listening:
- Yulong DA8 as a DAC
- Yulong A28 as an amplifier
- Sony PHA-3 as a DAC and Amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2013 as a source
- Audirvana Plus as a player
- HiFiMan 901 and Fiio X5 as portable players
- High-resolution recordings in Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)
Sony MDR-Z7 came to me already warmed up, so I didn’t perform additional warm-up.
By evaluating the headphones are always worth taking into account their price. Therefore, the requirements for Z7 are higher than for headphones costing 300 dollars, fortunately, Sony tried and gave a very pleasing result. Headphones are far from typical monitor sound, they are taste, but this taste is sustained in the traditional Japanese style of the company.
In general, the headphones are slightly darkish, but not strong, slightly reinforced low frequencies are not enough to write them into typical "bassheed" headphones, in the production of which Sony has been very, very advanced in recent years, but the company could not change its traditions and made a bet on bass. Therefore, the first thing that attracts attention is the given frequency range. The bass is really deep (which is not surprising at 70 mm dynamics), and is very well controlled, creating an excellent base for most songs. It’s as if all the rest of the headphones sound is built on this lively and physical bass.
Mid frequencies are a little lowered relative to the low-frequency range. This, of course, does not give such a catastrophic effect, as in cheap headphones with a V-shaped frequency response, the mid-frequency range also pleases with detail and elaboration of nuances, the bass does not clog it, but it is impossible to note a little detachment. In most tracks, you don’t pay attention to this at all, but sometimes it still creates the effect of vocal detachment.
High frequencies are quite good. They are filed with good detail, although quantitatively they are also reduced. To create the effect of volume and detail, peaks were made around 3 and 8-9 KHz, so the headphones sound very “detailed” and open.
Thanks to the uneven frequency response, the MDR-Z7 creates an interesting effect on a very wide imaginary scene with quite good depth. Tools are well positioned, easily distinguishable and have their own character. I think all the irregularities in the frequency response in Sony were carefully calculated to create the desired effect. Combined with incredible energy and great detail, it gives a wonderful effect of engaging in music.
Compatibility
Undoubtedly, these headphones need a quality source. Despite the good sensitivity and non-limiting impedance, their 70 mm emitters need good amplification. Using them with simple players or smartphones is a very unfortunate idea. Three-meter complete cable confirms this thought. In spite of the fact that on many promofoto Z7 are shown connected to NWZ-ZX1, the last not well copes with their disclosure.
Fortunately, both Sony and many manufacturers around the world offer very interesting and accessible sources that can make MDR-Z7 a couple. Naturally, the quality of records should also be as high as possible. The class of these headphones simply obliges them to play all very honestly, showing the slightest flaws.
findings
Sony once again showed who is who in the personal audio market. MDR-Z7 turned out very stylish and very interesting in all respects headphones. Their considerable price tag is backed up by the manufacturer’s many years of experience in creating high-end audio solutions, and I’m willing to bet that the Z7 will take its rightful place in the modern HiEnd line of headphones.
The article is based on materials .
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