Four Way Portable (Sony ZX2, iPhone 6, AK100ii, Chord Mojo) Shootout w/ Andromeda IEM

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by purr1n, Jun 10, 2016.

  1. Bina

    Bina MOT - Shanling

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    Does anybody know if all balanced 3,5 mm jacks are the same? I think Sony has slightly different order of channels to like Hifiman balanced, no?
     
  2. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    Yes, if the argument is that the quality of cables make a difference, then a cheapie adapter would impair the quality of your chain.

    However, the Tinsel cable is correctly terminated for use with the ZX2, so no need for an adapter. The Reference 8 cable would need an adapter.
     
  3. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    Really? That's interesting , I didn't know that. I may have to go to best buy , yet again, to test the zx2. I'm going to look like a lunatic there. I bring a Pelican case, 3 or 4 iems, and my P1.
     
  4. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    Right but I already have a tinsel cable that ends in 2.5 and the sony is 3.5. I'm using the adapter and it sounds great - just wondering what (if anything) I'm missing with the cheapo connector.
     
  5. LunaC

    LunaC New

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    Im still a believer that cables only make a difference when component mismatches are present. Properly engineered components will take into account the operating characteristics that interconnects only do that. However, the audio industry has many components that are homebrewed without proper standards being upheld. So simple LCR like zobel networks can help to fill in the gap (or even a resistance change in the case of the Andromeda)...So a cheapie cable with cheapie zobel can do the same thing as the expensive cable. Cable quality is a misnomer these days because we treat twisted low gauge wire as a simple wire.....point being, I wouldnt assume a cheapo connector would adversely affect the sound of an expensive cable.
     
  6. Cellist88

    Cellist88 Friend

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    Its the same as hifiman trrs to answer the question above. I'm listening to a GO v2+ infinity, and I have to say sony zx2 sounds quite better with iems. Much more engaging and punchy, better imaging. I just really love the inner detailing and long decay in the sound, esp in cymbals. Geek out v2+ infinity sounds clean, but a bit boring for my tastes. YMMV
     
  7. Cellist88

    Cellist88 Friend

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    Probably not losing anything with adapter. I just think its important the termination is correct....balanced or unbalanced
     
  8. Madaboutaudio

    Madaboutaudio Friend

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  9. KenBall

    KenBall Owner - Campfire Audio

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    Hey Guys,

    We do have 3.5mm TRRS plugs of high quality, however we have not really devoted much love for the 3.5mm 4 pole plugs and cables, sadly. Mostly because we have been so busy with CFA. I just made a balanced cable for Marvy to bring to the show. I am curious about the Sony ZX2 and its balanced out. I found all the AK players to have the balanced out actually sounding worse than the SE out. Anyhow I will bring a AK240, AK70, and PAW Gold players along with some balanced cables. Looking forward to trying the ZX2.

    Ken
     
  10. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    The weird thing is that the balanced out on the ZX2 isn't even "balanced" in the way we normally think of it, as it doesn't provide any extra power.

    The Pono player and the GOV2 line all have balanced outs that are notably superior to their SE out.
     
  11. Cellist88

    Cellist88 Friend

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    I'm so tempted to go to the Sony Store in NYC and just grab a w1ma there but it would not be very financially responsible of me ><
     
  12. SteelCannon

    SteelCannon Friend

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    The zx2 with andros and @Merrick's spartans had a really large and clear soundstage and was unexpectedly very resolving. However I am a psycho neurotic person and wouldnt be able to live with the noise.

    The spartans had an enormous wide open sound stage and a clean, fresh neutral sound. Left me speechless for a few moments. It was the closest I have ever come to buying an iem, only real flaw was the abrupt low end roll off and the difficulty of getting them to seal.
     
  13. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Ken,

    I'll have the ZX2, the LH Labs GO2A and the LH Labs GOV2+ at the table right next to you. If you have a spare 3.5mm TRRS balanced cable, I'd love to buy one from you and show it off with my andromedas at my table.
     
  14. Koth Ganesh

    Koth Ganesh Friend

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  15. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    It really is annoying getting them to seal correctly. I suppose that's why people use customs.
     
  16. KenBall

    KenBall Owner - Campfire Audio

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    10-4

    kb
     
  17. likearake

    likearake Acquaintance

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    I tried out my Andros with the ZX2 at the store today and there was a fair bit of hiss with some kind of wifi digital sounds as well (like when a mobile is interfering with speakers). Is that normal?

    A few posts around note the hiss but then others say there is none.
     
  18. Stuff Jones

    Stuff Jones Friend

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    I get loud hiss when starting the music for a few seconds but after that it's only audible with very quiet music in a very quiet place.
     
  19. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    That's surprising. I thought the zx2 would be fairly silent with Andros. Is it an impedance issue?
     
  20. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Mine is totally silent with Andros. I have a JAP / AUS version and I've also disabled the Sony sound enhancement daemon. iPhone has has tiny hiss.
     

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