Sony XBA-Z5 Ultimate Hi-Res In Ear Headphone

General Information

A direct result of the relentless pursuit for personal audio excellence, XBA-Z5 Hi-Res, in-ear headphones deliver exceptional, spacious, and natural sound: deep bass, radiant mids, and notable vocal clarity. Exotic dynamic driver technology paired with cutting-edge Linear Drive Balanced Armatures deliver rich, dynamic, Hi-Res sound.
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earfonia

Headphoneus Supremus
Warm and bassy
Pros: -
Cons: Shell size is a bit large, might not fit smaller ears very well.
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https://www.sony-asia.com/electronics/in-ear-headphones/xba-z5

A head-fier drop-shipped Sony XBA-Z5 to me for measurement. I took this opportunity to write a short review of the Sony XBA-Z5.
MSRP: $631

Launched in 2014, Sony categorized the Sony XBA-Z5 as Sony’s ‘High-Resolution’ audio product. One thing I always ask for this kind of advertisement is, how do they justify the ‘High-Resolution Audio’ label for Headphones and In-Ear Monitors? Is there any measurement to support that claim? I guess the proof of the pudding is only in the listening test.


Pros:​

-

Cons:​

Shell size is a bit large, might not fit smaller ears very well.

Suggestions:​

To provide objective proof and measurement results to support the ‘High-Resolution Audio’ claim.
To improve the overall perceived detail and clarity.


The following is my guideline for the sound & engineering quality rating criteria that will be used in this review:
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Sound Quality​

Sony XBA-Z5 measured frequency response compared to Earfonia IEM Target Curve (EITC-2021), normalized at the midrange dip:
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*More info about EITC-2021 here.

The following is frequency response analysis and rating based on the 4 observation points of EITC-2021:
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Overall Sound Signature:​

Moderately warm and bassy. Fat and laid-back midrange with silky smooth treble.

From the frequency response graph, we can observe the followings:
  • Sony XBA-Z5 frequency response is within ±6 dB from my EITC-2021 observations points.
  • Sony XBA-Z5 frequency response around the bass and midrange area is within ±6 dB from the Harman Target IE 2019.
  • Around +3dB bass to lower-mid emphasis.
  • Around -7dB upper-mid recession.
Warm, bassy, and laid back are the few words that I think are appropriate to describe the XBA-Z5 sound signature. It has pleasant and polite characters in the sound quality. Quite pleasing for a long session of listening without causing ear fatigue.

The sub-bass extension is good. Sub-bass to mid-bass balance tilted up towards the mid-bass area. To me, there is too much emphasis around the Mid-bass to the lower-midrange area that makes the midrange sounds a bit bloated to my ears. The mid-bass emphasis makes the bass sounds a bit boomy, lacking texture and tightness. Bass punch and attack are a bit too weak for my taste. Midrange balance has too much emphasis on the lower midrange and the upper midrange response is too soft. Midrange sounds laid back, lacking presence and clarity. Treble is nice, sounds silky smooth without any sign of harshness, but a bit soft, lacking a bit of treble energy, sharpness, and perceived upper treble extension. The treble doesn’t sound dull, but at the same time lacks transparency, airiness, and the perceived ‘High-Resolution’ treble extension.

The sound signature of the Sony XBA-Z5 is not exactly my cup of tea, and as we can see from the frequency response it deviates a bit far from my target curve. So XBA-Z5 sound signature doesn’t sound balanced or close to neutral to my ears. I cannot use XBA-Z5 to mix my recordings. It is moderately colored with emphasis on the bass to lower midrange area and recessed upper mid. Having said that, I think XBA-Z5 doesn’t sound bad, and it can be quite pleasing and enjoyable with certain recordings like modern pop, especially the brighter ones. There are many positive reviews of the Sony XBA-Z5 that indicate that it has a likable sound signature. Not natural but likable. It is moderately colored with (I think) the type of pleasing coloration that our brain can easily adapt. No offensive peaks across the audio band. The tonality coloration can be perceived as a nice coloration for those who prefer a warm sound signature. Overall, it is good enough for casual listening but not for critical listening and Pro Audio applications.

Perceived detail, resolution, and clarity are ok but not great. Instrument separation is sufficient but not as good as what I would like to hear. Spaciousness and airiness are lacking especially for orchestral works. Transient and attack are a bit slow and blunt. For an IEM with a ‘High-Resolution’ label at this price category, I expect a lot more. I would give the liveliness score 6/10, good enough but not great.

Since I’ve mentioned that XBA-Z5 sound quality is not my cup of tea, I don’t see the reason to do comparisons with my other favorite IEMs (obviously, they sound better).


Engineering Quality​

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Disclaimer: The measurement results of the engineering quality measurement in this review represent only the pair of IEMs that was measured for this review. It doesn’t represent the overall quality control of the factory.

Left-Right Mismatch​

Observation range: 20Hz – 7kHz
The unit has an overall under ±2dB matching from 20Hz-7kHz, with a 1.9dB maximum mismatch at around 6.7kHz.

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Harmonic Distortion​

Observation range: 55Hz – 7.1kHz

Sony XBA-Z5 performs well in distortion measurement. Overall THD level is quite low. Only at a high volume level, the distortion peak is a bit high, but in my opinion, it is not a concern. Left and Right channels show similar THD profiles. There is no abnormal distortion peak across the measurement range. Please take note that distortion measurement is not part of sound quality evaluation. It is only used to observe the engineering quality of the IEM.
Distortion measurement at 94 dB SPL at 500Hz:

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Distortion measurement at 104 dB SPL at 500Hz:

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Harmonic distortion analysis:
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Electrical Impedance​

Observation range: 20Hz – 20kHz
The impedance curve is relatively flat from 20Hz to 1kHz, followed by a rise and a steep downslope around 3-4kHz. Overall impedance linearity is still ok for a hybrid IEM.

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Sensitivity​

At 98.1 dBA SPL at 100mV @ 1kHz (measured) Sony XBA-Z5’s sensitivity is around the average, slightly higher than the Etymotic ER2XR which can be considered a bit low. Most portable devices would be able to drive Sony XBA-Z5 sufficiently, but a good quality DAC+Amp will improve the perceived dynamic, liveliness, and overall sound quality.


Fit, Comfort, & Build Quality​

Subjectively the Sony XBA-Z5 is quite comfortable for me. No issue with comfort. I would give a comfort rating of 8/10 for XBA-Z5. But please take note that it is not a small IEM so comfort level could be greatly varying between individuals. I’m not a fan of cable with memory wire but it seems necessary for the XBA-Z5 design. The wearing style of XBA-Z5 makes the memory wire is recommended on the cable end that connected to the driver. This can be an aspect for consideration for those who prefer not to have memory wire in the cable.

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The build quality of the Sony XBA-Z5 is generally pretty good. All plastic The full-Magnesium housing feels strong and sturdy. I don’t see any issue with the build quality.

The 2x 3.5mm balanced cable that is included in the box is suitable only for Sony’s headphone amplifier with 2x 3.5mm balanced output.

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Recommendation:​

Although Sony XBA-Z5 is good enough for casual listening (not for critical listening and Pro Audio applications), at this price point I cannot recommend the Sony XBA-Z5.


More information about my IEM Measurement Setup & Methodology:
Earfonia IEM Measurement Setup & Methodology


Advertised Technical Specifications:​

Drivers: Hybrid 3-way – 16mm dynamic + 2 Balanced Armature
Frequency Response: 3-40,000Hz
Sensitivity: 107dB/mW
Socket: MMCX
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Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
Well, the included cables, both of them, seemed to detract from the fit of the XBA-Z5. Where due to the unique Z5 (USB stick) shape and the way they seemed to sit in the ear, fit became an issue for most. The problem seemed to be movement. The provided cable would pull the XBA-Z5 out of place. Where in reality it needed a way to interface with the ear; as to not move. The rubber “mechanism” of the provided cables seemed to make matters worse, concerning fit, as the cables would flip from side to side. Also the XBA-Z5 seemed to wake-up to more power. So in many views it’s regular sounding with a phone and slightly muddy, but becomes something much more special when driven 4.4mm balanced from a 1Z or 1A. With the right source it’s really good.

Though the tuning may not be your personal choice, many found the sound (despite the fit) to be exemplary!
Wietjunk
Wietjunk
Thanks for the details.
This is one of the best EDM in-ears out there, just a beast, got them for 2 years now, technical facs my @ss i sold the Shure SE846 for the Z5.
The 16mm are the special trick sound like a big one.
On Balanced they get awake and go 3D!!!!
Need some power for brutal EDM bass stamp, loaded with details in full 3D, mids are fine, highs are very smooth, crisp and never i say never faulty just space away...
Timings are awsome for a hybride.
4.4mm balanced with @MrWalkman 1Z firmware on a 1A is just like a big EDM party with LÁcouistics thunder.
Vamp898
Vamp898
The upper mids aren't recessed, the target curve assumes that piercing upper mids sound good.

The upper mids on the XBA-Z5 are recessed, but only very slightly and nowhere close to what this graph shows.

This target curve expects that when you listen to Songs like "Let it die" from ReoNa, you actually enjoy the pain when she sings S's and things like that.

But i think this is a rather rare audiophile phenomen and most people who actually use their In-Ear to listen to music do not like painful, piercing sounds.

Audiophiles like that, because this virtually increases the illusion of details but i don't think this is the target group of the XBA-Z5.
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Wasaabi

Sponsor: FiiO
Previously known as TweedLee
Sony XBA-Z5 may be the most "being real" one among portable iems.
Pros: Superb cost performance;
Sound: High resolution, nice bass transient response, large sound stage.
Cons: The shape is unique and difficult to wear.
Sony has two headsets that I am most impressed with. One is the MDR-EX1000, and the other is the XBA-Z5. The Z5 is a BA+DD hybrid headset released in 2014. It was Sony's flagship product at the time, but the price was only about 500 USD. Indeed, its price does not seem to be "flagship-ish" enough, but I think the Z5 is almost the most "conscientious" or "being real" iem of the flagship portable market.
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A few years ago, in our country, if we mentioned the flagship in-ear monitors, we would usually think of SE846, K3003, Xelento, etc. Indeed, the first thing most people notice when distinguishing flagship products from entry products is the price. The prices of the three aforementioned headsets were all above 1,000 USD in our country when they were released. In the eyes of a group of people who define performance by price, the Z5 is simply not worthy of the title of flagship at its price.
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In addition, the Z5 has a shape similar to a USB flash drive, which is easy to cause discomfort to wear, and it is really unsightly to wear. Maybe passers-by will cast strange eyes when you going out and wearing it. But such a design is because that the Z5 has adopted a large dynamic driver. The sound quality improvement brought by the large dynamic driver is absolute, which also shows that Sony at the time had a strong pursuit of sound quality and was willing to compromise other aspects for sound quality.
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Due to the adoption of large-diameter dynamic drivers, the sound of the Z5 is very characteristic. First of all, the uniqueness of the Z5 as a flagship is that it does not have the obvious "head effect" like most in-ear monitors. The longitudinal soundstage of the Z5 also makes me feel very comfortable. This feeling can be obtained from the EX1000 which also adopts large-diameter dynamic drivers.
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But it must not any manufacturer can make a sound as good as EX1000 and Z5 by the adoption of large dynamic drivers. Soon after Duna launched the DK3001, I purchased the DK3001 because of my missing the sound of the Z5. Although the sound quality of the DK3001 is not bad, it is not as good as the Z5 in terms of the connection between the dynamic driver and the balanced armature, or the size of the soundstage. The vocal is full of charm on the Z5 when listening pop songs, and the distance feeling of the vocal is very appropriate. The female vocal is sweet, while the male vocal is magnetic. One thing I like the most on the Z5 is its treatment of treble: it makes a roll off at 6~7kHz, which reduces the chance of harsh or discordant sound, while keeping it rich in treble details.
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The Z5's bass is like a benchmark for me. Even with a 3.5mm single-ended plug, the Z5's sound is very balanced and has a high degree of stereo separation. The bass volume is moderate for me, the sub bass is excellent, and has a very fast response.
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The Z5 is an excellent headset with Sony's characteristics. The Z5's performance is by no means inferior to those more expensive than it, and claims to flageship or high-end in-ear monitors, for example, the three aforementioned headsets which I have listened all of them before. Except for the K3003 which may be able to compete with the Z5 (although the sound of the K3003 is not balanced at all), I don't think the overall sound of other headsets is better than the Z5.
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Pushing the time to 2019, Sony released its new generation of flagship in-ear BA+DD hybrid headset: IER-Z1R. Perhaps the high pricing of the IER series is Sony's compromise on the phenomenon that "defining performance by price" and the current high-priced portable earphones.
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Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
Loved reading this! Cheers!
Wasaabi
Wasaabi
Thanx for reading!

lllandline

New Head-Fier
Can be fixed with modding.
Pros: 1) Great treble extension, upper treble sounds awesome, super-tweeter actually works.
2) No sibilance.
3) Overall coherency, Sony house sound.
Cons: 1) Boomy, low-quality bass that bleeds. Not great! Even the leanest of sources fail to fix this.
Balanced outputs/cables also don't do anything.
2) Dynamic driver was tuned wrong, it just overpowers the BA tech.
They had to justify the XBA in the name, it seems, so they let the driver loose.
Bad decision.
3) Because the dynamic driver is overpowering everything, everything in the middle is smoothed over and sounds a bit like a mess.
4) Fit is atrocious, they are BIG, default cable is awful, make sure you have really big ears, otherwise they'll be sticking out too much.
I am strongly advising against buying them if you do not intend to mod them.
They do not sound that great and there are lots of $20-$50 IEMs that sound much better.
If you want unique Sony sound, buy EX1000 or EX800ST.

I have fixed them by opening them up and covering the dynamic driver's port with tape and stuffing both nozzles with 2 high-density tuning foams 4x4mm each, you can make you own, or just buy them on some Chinese marketplace.
You need to heat them up before doing that, there's glue holding them together, start with the notch near the MMCX port, press really hard at 45 degree angle and pry the cover out.
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Yes, you will scratch them while doing that.
You can see tuning foam used for covering the port of the DD, there isn't nearly enough.
If you want the bass to still be dominant, use a bigger piece of foam instead of taping them up completely.
Afterwards they have 9/10 treble extension/quality/realism, literally the best out of my whole collection (including 7HZ Timeless and HZ Heart Mirror).
I can imagine something that sounds better, but I've never heard it.
Bass sounds good, with good balance and nice sub-bass kick.
Mids are cleared up.
There is some sibilance in the treble, somewhere around 9kHz.
However, I am really treble sensitive and can tolerate it without a problem, it doesn't ruin the sound, you can add more foam into the nozzles and the sibilance will be gone, but you will lose some treble extension/realism, just use warm sources.
The mod is easily reversible, just don't lose these small foams that are already inside.
My score after the mod is 4.5 out of 5.
Sources used: E1DA 9038D with 75ohm adapter, xDuoo Link2 BAL, iBasso DC03 Pro.
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lllandline
Review was rewritten

Comments

pchandy

New Head-Fier
I am getting an offer to get a pair of used Sony XBA-Z5 IEM for $200
Should I go for it over a brand new sealed Sennheiser IE80s? Sennheiser though is direct from sennheiser authorised official dealer in my country..
 
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