Headphone Safari: Audio Technica ATH-LS50iS, Sony MDR-Z1R, Simon

[@katwinabee]

I feel like this headphone review style is familiar. Go Pro attached to the head. You should watch Z Reviews. I believe you have heard of him, and I really do think you should watch one of his videos this one time. Trust me.

[@motap001]

Katrina Bautista - took the words right out of my mouth Katrina...Are you single?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

No, this is a very innovative idea. It is completely original. No one has ever tried this before. Trust me. But no, seriously speaking, Zeos' videos are great and using a GoPro is a smart idea. It frees up your hands and lets you move around, and it feels a lot more intimate. I've been thinking for a long time about how to do regular headphone safari videos (was looking at the DJI Osmo stabilizer), but then I thought of Z Reviews and thought that a GoPro might be perfect. As far as everything else goes, Zeos has a hilarious personality that I am definitely not qualified to borrow, but let me know what you think of the new GoPro video!

[@etact8888]

I would suggest getting a smartphone and handheld stabilizer, check out blunty review for one. You can then do interview and rotate back for your own take. The cost is freaking cheap. Gopro has this wide angle and look weird and really is only suitable for outdoor sport.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Yeah, I was looking at the DJI Osmo. The issue is that I lose a hand to show stuff to the camera with, or else I have to put the stabilizer down and then worry that everything is being captured in frame. The wide angle on the GoPro looks a bit strange, but I can be pretty sure it will capture everything I want it to capture, and it does allow me to interact with people more naturally. Maybe at some point I'll get an Osmo or even the GoPro stabilizer.

[@rohanes]

Lachlan you need to hop on to that Full Frame™ video meme so you can shoot F/0.95 glam-shot B-rolls.

[@nib95]

I actually own the following headphones at the moment, the Sennheiser HD800, HD800S, Audeze LCD-3, Beyerdynamic T1.1 (sold my T1.2's), AKG K501's, AKG K545's and finally, the MDR-Z1R's. You may have seen some of my comparisons and photo's online. Here's a summary opinion of each. 1. ) HD800 - Amazing soundstage width and size, but a tad too articulate and cold. A little thin sounding and not quite meaty enough. Great for classical. 2. ) HD800S - An improved version of the HD800, with slightly less harsh sharpness up top, but still on the colder side, and still lacking a touch in body and realism. Bass presence just isn't quite there. 3. ) LCD-3 - Really smooth, warm and emotive, with great bass presence and overall mood. However, the articulation, imaging and instrumental separation do suffer somewhat, as the highs and sparkle just aren't quite there, and the soundstage is a tad congested. 4.) T1.1 - Was my fave headphone for several years in a row, despite testing so many others. Essentially a slightly more neutral, more liquid and smooth version of the HD800S, with incredible imaging and wide soundstage (not quite as wide as the HD800, but more honest and realistic in scope), plus more realistic highs, instrumental representation etc. The ONLY real negative for me is the lack of sub bass presence. Mid bass is punchy and detailed, but sub bass is lacking just a touch. 5.) T1.2 - Like a downgraded version of the T1.1. Ever so slightly less dynamic, less wide, and less detailed. No real difference in bass. They basically just softened the edges on the T1.1, but in doing so limited some of the dynamics and imaging. Still a great headphone, but not as good as its predecessor. 6.) K501 - Detailed, wide and articulate, but like the HD800, perhaps even more thin or cold sounding. Just doesn't have the right tonal balance or body. 7. ) K545 - An excellent budget option. I actually feel it's improved in balance over the K501's, with better bass presence and impact, and a better overall balance of tonality. The problem is in order to make up for added lower end, the top end comes off a tad metallic or artificial sounding. The body and realism aren't quite there. 8.) MDR-Z1R - And finally the Sony's. New headphone syndrome has never really affected me. The T1.1's were my fave headphones for years, despite buying and testing the LCD-3's, HD800S's, LCD-X's, T1.2's etc all after the T1.1's. But finally, after 4+ long years, a headphone has topped the T1.1's as my faves, the MDR-Z1R's. The MDR-Z1R's are what I wanted the LCD-3's, LCD-X's, LCD-4's and T1.2's to be. A headphone that had that emotive bass impact and presence of cans more akin to the Audeze's, but without sacrificing in the way of imaging, soundstage, articulation and overall realism or tonal balance. The Z1r's easily strike the best balance of any headphone I've ever used. They maintain that lovely atmospheric and addictive bass impact, texture, body and presence, whilst maintaining a really high level of imaging and honesty. The soundstage is wide and quite spacious, really unexpected for a more bass emphasised can, let alone a closed one. And finally, the tonality is accurate. The highs aren't such that things sound metallic or lacking presence or body. The entire sound signature is just lush, detailed but unoffensive and not too overcooked in any particular area. These are the headphones I've been looking for, for years. These are end game keepers for me. Whilst all my headphones trade blows dependant on the track or genre's, to me the MDR-Z1R's strike the overall best balance, and are the most enjoyable to listen to with the majority of my music and gaming. They're not quite as articulate or unnecessarily cold as some of the German cans, and they're not quite as dark and murky sounding as the Audeze's. They hit that in-between middle balance just right. Only comparing all these headphones volume matched, back to back, especially in blind tests, do you really appreciate the quality of the sonic balance these headphones really offer.

[@GMT2019]

What do you think of chord Hugo 1 + Sony mdr z1r? Are they a great combination?

[@halimj7]

nib95 Bismillah I really want to like them but I just find them lacking in every area except build quality and comfort. Maybe they are trying to do every well enough and nothing well. I just find that tuning inadequate. Lows nothing special. Mids nothing special. Highs a little exaggerated and not with good quality. Sound stage is good though.

[@cyber.purgatory]

what dac/amp are you using with the MDR-Z1R's?

[@InternetUser-d7s]

Interesting survey. How does DT1990 Pro's fit in to this?

[@depauwgerlings]

You should try the AKG K712 Pro

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Noticing some weird glitches on the video? Do not adjust your computer. That's just what happens when you try to transfer GoPro files wirelessly with the GoPro app, stupidly select all the files and press the delete button, stupidly press the CONFIRM to delete button, discover your mistake with dawning horror, use Data Rescue 4 to find that it cannot recover the deleted files because GoPro video files are weird, buy a program called www.recovergopro.com/ to recover the files, find that the slightly corrupt files cause Final Cut Pro X to kernel panic during rendering a H264 version (BSOD for you Windows users), render using Handbrake, and then upload after 5 days. SO YEAH YOU'RE ALL GOOD.

[@Gridster123]

Despite the glitches. I thought the video was great!

[@mohamadbitar1028]

lachlanlikesathing ... please 1 question can i use sony PHA-1a for sony MDR z7 ?

[@vianhoho19]

Good to see you back, Lachlan.

[@mikylenaidoo1779]

Z1r remains to be the best headphone I've listened to...no frequencies bleed into each other .. no fatiguing and lush , huge soundstage ... Perfect for my taste

[@ZXTech]

Yessssss you are back!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome back, looking forward to your future videos !

[@TheTinkushal]

Please do a top 5 earphones video. Thank you..

[@FrankyboyLegend]

I picked the E40 over the LS70 and LS50 as I considered them too dark veiled. The LS70 and LS50 were similar, but the LS70 had deeper sub bass while LS50 was mid-bass focused. My first impression of E40 was that it was boomy but it's not as bassy as IM70, LS70 or 1More Triple Driver. I thought it had more in common with the MSR7 than the M50, and one or two other people on Head-Fi had the same thoughts as me. And it seems AT hasn't released the regular A2DC or iS cable as aftermarket, only the OFC cable.

[@Assimilator702]

Frank Lin While I don't have an MSR7 but DO have an M50x and E40I don't believe the E40 sounds like the M50x.Once the MSR7 drops in price I might give it a try.

[@gohyingler7980]

Joe Rico So how different do they sound?

[@miatafunrun3078]

Your old format - Professional. New Go Pro format - Amateur is an understatement.

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Finally! I've been waiting so long for this! now I just need to be patient until class ends.... Update: Watched it just now, what do you say the LS50 upgrade form the IM50? I have one, don't plan on upgrading them in near future, but still curious. I understand you being not "wowed" with your demo of the Z1R, I was not too, in my short (around 2 hours) first impression of it was that it doesn't have as much bass as some people claim it to (was expecting something similar to Noble Kaiser :p ), then, while I brought my MA900 and K702 along with me, and I feel that the Z1R doesn't lose on being open even when compared to the two of them, then the bass, it feels very dynamic, like it can sounds big and authoritative when the song want to, but can just kinda hide and dissipate when it doesn't, I especially like listening to orchestra on the Z1R, it feels so "grand" for lack of better word.. some say that it gives a feeling like being inside a big, concert hall, and I agree to with that, while on the other hand, can still sounds realistic when it doesn't need to (does that make sense?). Mids, is more forward than the MA, can be a bit sibilant when listening to Jpop, this make me want to try it out on a tube, it does sound analogue-like, but not as much as the MA, IMO it have a bit of the MA's sweetness while still being energetic like the K702. Treble is alright, what it got as being closed is it helps isolate from outside sound a bit more so small micro-details aren't as camouflaged. I come out feeling its quite a good closed headphone that doesn't impress people on first listen, but will become great companion for everyday use, in fact, most people on Head-fi dislike in out of the box, but then it grows on them when they give their brain time to settle on how it sound, now a lot of people have the Z1R as accompaniment to their best Open headphone they have (be it HD800, Utopia, Ether, etc) In summary, IMHO it might be the single fullsize headphone package anyone'd ever need in their life. It is very comfortable, has a bit of character to it, and has no glaring deficiencies to be shirked of. Now does that worth $2300? for me, the build (and the heavy, faux leather case it came with) itself made it worth that slight increase for price compared to other $1500-$2000 headphone, but I'm a bit of a Sony fan in the first place, so this entire long impression might not even worth reading to you, so take it as you may. Thanks and Happy listening :)

[@X3via]

Good to see some new content Lachlan!

[@HiFiInsider]

You need to spend a week with Z1R for your ears to adjust to the new sound signature. The better quality the recording, the more it shines. Try The Phantom of the Opera movie soundtrack album.

[@jdam28k]

I've been meaning to try the new ZMF headphones (Bio Cellulose driver), but no retailers here seem to stock them. i would love to see minidisc get them in.

[@brandondsouza5677]

Can confirm my MDR 1000x stream using LDAC over Bluetooth in Android O. It shows the codec being used in Dev settings. everything sounds clearer aswell especially in the high end.

[@callmechinz]

Very happy to see new headphone videos again! Hope u will do more of it. This GoPro idea is a very good one.

[@my_jet_is_wet9898]

I'm thinking about get a iem and I was wondering if I should get teh campfire audio comet or save up for the Orion

[@simonsaysrewind]

big up the classic audio technica athm50x crew. still rockin them and still sounds ace especially on a dac phone like my pals HTC ten phone and really special if using a separates amp . 👌

[@johnyang799]

Maybe sometimes we can meet up at addicted to audio? That will be awesome. They have final audio design iems for demo.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Yah, I'll definitely look at schleping around to other stores :3

[@johnyang799]

lachlanlikesathing Currently in uni struggling in study. 😅 but.Sounds cool.

[@anc6948]

Welcome back Lachlan, best headphone reviewer on KZbin!

[@Shiyaaun]

Hey Lachlan & everyone else who happens to read this. Could I get your quick opinion on 2 pairs of cans? I have the HD598SE and MDR 1R MK2, had both for awhile but i just can't decide on which to keep. I know they're both quite old models, and that one is open, the other closed. I use them in my room for general stuff and games. I just want some help deciding on which, because of right now, i'm torn. I love the Sony "feel" to headphones. Warm, smooth, full. Not to mention the excellent build quality. However, I live in a very warm country so closed cans often make me sweaty very fast. (Lack of air circulation, leather cups) The Sennheisers on the other hand, being open backed and with velour cups, they allow my ears to breathe alot more. Sound-wise, they're good. Airy, clear, while still being slightly warm. Still prefer the Sony signature though.

[@kvthunter]

Tried the LS70 in Japan and it was one of the best earphone I've tried. I found the mid was lacking a little. But it was enjoyable.

[@TakuyaKousaka]

They should update the WM1A, the latest firmware fixed all the lags. The scrolling looks so laggy

[@Obisp2]

Takuya Kousaka 💯

[@nurrahmannorman861]

Hey Lachlan, will you do a sound review for Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro and Amiron Home in near future? i would like to see your pros and cons for those two cans. Maybe you could do the review like this video, because i thought i saw a Beyerdynamic Amiron Home hanged on the wall of Headphone Safari.

[@disruptfam]

group meetup next month at minidisc Lachlan? from bris but coming down to check it all out.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

+disruptfam drop me a line at [e-mail] - there is a kind of a regular group on every Saturday actually

[@disruptfam]

will do man! looking forward to it.

[@juancarlitosjosemagno5328]

I've tried the Z1R before. They were too big for me and I wasn't able to use them properly :(

[@chesterjohn3335]

So happy you're back!

[@supreme_alan]

I really enjoy your store tours AAA+

[@Bori0815]

finally you are back. can you review the new xelento from Beyerdynamic?

[@mikylenaidoo1779]

You're sound preference is definitely more towards the cool end

[@djhmax09]

Have you auditioned the AudioQuest NightOwls yet? What are your thoughts?

[@RAMtrails]

what's your pick in the $1000+ headphone range? You don't seem to like any of the high end ones

[@lachlanlikesathing]

If you don't mind the weight and you want some nice bass, I find it hard to go past Audeze. I also like the Fostex TH900. Some of the higher end Beyers are nice. And of course the Sennheiser HD800 is a classic if you are into that kind of sound. There's lots of other gear I can't speak for!

[@Repo156]

Hey Lachlan! Have you tried out the Vivo XE800 IEMs? They have the same bio-cellulose drivers as the Vsonic Gr07 but for ~$20-30!

[@CT37BN]

Video showing a lot of glitches. Overall resolution and angle is alright though. Try the Meze 11 Neo in-ear and very good budget Philips Tx2. Tyll of InnerFidelity also wasn't blown away by the Z1R's on his review.

[@007TEchnoLOver]

Lachlan, you should try SoundMAGIC E50. I believe you must be impressed with the sound quality as for the price. And review that!

[@Lucaat]

You should have tried the B&W P7 wireless, dunno if that on Mings wall was a regular P7 or the wireless, they sound similar though. I love the crisp treble on those, makes their imaging really good. The bass is awesome on them too. Apart from that good to see new content. The shooting style is cool for these kind of trips, but for real reviews I prefer the traditional face to the cam structured format. Zeos is great and all but sometimes the videos are 20 minutes long and at the end I learned little to nothing about how the headphones sound, personally I always find myself skipping through the jibberish to filter out actual sound description. It's like some profs at uni get way to abstract and off-topic.

[@rohanes]

I had a 2-hour demo of the Z1R at the relocated Sony store in NYC. The Z1R, to me, is one of those headphones that in terms of technical performance isn't competitive with its peers but won me over with it's signature. To me, it sounds beautiful -- my favourite Sony sound signature so far. To keep it short, I thought I would be an amazing companion to the HD800S. Also, that's racist Lachlan-senpai! Just because they're on-ears, doesn't mean they have to be portables! #OnEarLivesMatter

[@awesomises]

I agree, that's why I bought a pair to compliment my HD800 few days ago, at this exact place.

[@GrumpiestKitten]

Needs more loli wallpapers.

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Ahaha, Lachlan already have some nendos in his shelfs, now he just need some bigger figurines, speakers shelves, and a big sliding projection screen that can be tucked above his TV!

[@metroid209]

Any intro amps you guys could recomend for a PC or laptop? Not sure if $60 is enough for a decent amp.

[@false_cypher]

Are you back?!

[@i0001w]

OMG, You Had HUGO TT on table and you did not tried it.

[@jacktran960]

OH SHIT HES BACK!!

[@DarkPa1adin]

It has been a long while... Where have you been? I thought you quit KZbin already

[@AliBekirKlckaya]

Nice video and nice people from Japan. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@TheRedfox75]

Beyerdynamic Xelento remote review please, Keep up the good work!!!

[@ElyoloDasLappenLP]

what are the best in ear headphones for edm in your opinion?

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Is there any change for you after you've tried it with more eartimes?

[@shaofonger3917]

A standalone LS50 review pls :D -From Singapore

[@myplaguesify]

do you recommend a sony a35 over a lg g6 phone in terms of sound quality? i know g6 is a phone but what would you recommend bet these two?thanks

[@fiftyfive5459]

burn in is very make effect on Z1R. First time when I listen to them is meh. But now they can proudly stand next to the R10. (but build quality R10 is still legendary)

[@ultimatetech8347]

Great to see you back at it.+

[@gctdonyre]

Are the graphic artifacts also an innovative idea or are they just encoding glitches?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

+Bob Fergisoon check the video description!

[@gctdonyre]

It looks like Terminator T-800's point-of-view after getting into a brawl with another, advance model, Terminator.

[@leoyu1070]

Finally new earphones video!

[@mohamadbitar1028]

Hello ... Question can i use PHA-1a with sony MDR z7 ?

[@Steampunk915]

The video glitches felt like I was looking through an android. That Sony flagship Z1R is a really beautiful looking headphone and makes you wonder of whether they will release a 2k flagship of the Sony Z5 with god knows what "rare" metals being plastered on it.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

+Wahyuddin Wahab kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmLCgapra5iipsU

[@Steampunk915]

fukin love that guy!

[@littleking4443]

holy man, look that gold walkman. I always wanna one. is it available in Sydney now? how much is that. how can I buy it.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

+Wang Jack with a lot of money lol

[@wardendios2612]

I wasn't a fan of the IM70's sound tbh... it just wasn't resolving enough, bass was very present but muddy and monotonal. Could really use more treble and less congestion.

[@FrankyboyLegend]

I didn't mind it but unfortunately the LS70/LS50 goes in the wrong direction in that regard. Deeper bass, lower mid focus and veiled highs. The E40 is brighter than IM70 and has less sub-bass than IM70, being more mid-bass focused. I thought it had more in common with the MSR7 than the M50s as Lachlan thought. Treble detail is great but the overall resolution isn't as good as 1More Triple Driver.

[@wardendios2612]

Yeah i've been looking at the im02 actually, apparently it's a great balanced sounding iem.

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

If staying on AT, you should try the e40 then

[@wardendios2612]

e40 has a 10k treble spike tho. i'm pretty sensitive to sharp treble.

[@FrankyboyLegend]

I didn't find it too harsh or sibilant, but then again I'm used to the MSR7's signature. At the same time there was something I found almost unbearable about the ATH-SR9, probably not enough warmth. I've only tried the LS200 briefly but it might be another good choice - similarly detailed to MSR7 and if I recall it wasn't very harsh either.

[@lkyfrank]

Are you planning to review the ls200?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

+L Frank Im eagerly anticipating its launch in Australia

[@gigihanmandarin]

So new! much innovations! Wait, I think I've seen this GoPro-on-your-head-with-headphone thing, it is called Z REVIEW!

[@blus379]

but doesn't the hat break the seal, although a very little bit, it can still change the sound. well I guess hair does that too.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

Yeah, I made sure to press the headphone against the head tighter to check the seal. Glasses, hair, hats, everything might be a factor.

[@GodrixXx]

make review of the "Focal Listen"

[@paulok2153]

love your geeky earphone crack, great job!

[@reconuhd4193]

Hey you are back uploading videos

[@zappy7393]

Can I get a name for this place?...finding a place to let you use the headphones to test is few and far between these days.

[@adamnelson8572]

Jonathan Meldrum Minidisc! In Chatswood in Sydney.

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Minidisc www.minidisc.com.au/

[@slayyou]

please continue to badmouth the mdrz1r this way the price will drop even faster :D

[@HiFiInsider]

Why is the video a little choppy? You must be using an external mic because GoPro mic is terrible. Say Hi to Wing for me. :)

[@myplaguesify]

hows the sony z1r cmpared to audeze?

[@davidmthekidd]

myplaguesify I had to sell my AUDEZE LCD-2, too uncomfortable and heavy.

[@darrenli4997]

Like this is you believe Simon looks like the Model in the Shure poster in the back wall. #SimonIsAlreadyFamous #ModelSponsor?

[@Shahzad-Khan]

ur alive?

[@pikkyuukyuun4741]

Ive never clicked so fast

[@RojasTKD7]

OMG, a KZbin first. Your Genius!

[@fyrebolt]

you must have seen z reviews, GoPro style patent activate.. lol, jk good luck with the GoPro setup lachlan!

[@johnjameson4143]

Shure SE 215 pound for pound, for the price, my favorite in ear, even more than isine 10

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Definitely would be more versatile than the iSine, that one is more of an IEM to use "When you're planning to hear music"

[@Wonginism]

Fun video. It is somewhat unique as it is a POV overview, chat, adventure. I agree it does have similarity to Z Review's style. But there aren't too many reviewers that have built a good reputation for reviewing audio equipment. In your case mainly Head/Earphones. Your style is more balanced and accepting making your recommendations I think more valid. You also probably have the largest catalogue of headphone impressions and reviews on youtube. Also most of your reviews are like 12 minutes or less where others are 15 minutes plus. You also have tech reviewers who dabble but don't really have the credentials to trust their reviews Linus may be an exception. I guess for the other authorities on audio gear you can watch Z Review's if you can get over his hit pieces and fanboyism, InnerFidelity has a huge body of work but not highly suggested by youtube. Maybe a video on some other channels that you recommend for audio reviews

[@ShadowHearts]

Yoooo.....this review was SO. D.U.P.E.😄👊🏾👋🏽👍🏾✌🏾

[@thedylanshadrach]

Linkin Park... Simon, you are a genius. R.I.P. Chester :'(

[@N3ukenInD3K3uken]

0:05 straight up dissing Z ;)

[@gigihanmandarin]

Lach, do 1more quad driver please =)

[@fudgey91]

The video style reminds me of a certain hairy armed man.

[@johnjameson4143]

10:23 Wing!!!!!!!

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

hahaha must be a joke that''ve been going around between the two of them. :)

[@nihilionsaro]

i like a thing too and that thing is your videos.

[@KTZ_86]

Oh so innovative. Looking at Z Reviews....

[@rizwana1481]

jaybird x2 vs shure se 215

[@SwetPotato]

omg minidic, got my m50x there.

[@wolfsnubs]

Woohoo for new content!

[@gdoe00]

I am feeling a bit dizzy after watching your video, probably because of your head movement. And your video sometimes get pixelated.

[@arthurwatts1680]

For those who didnt pick up on the mildly satirical tone of this video, I think its fair to say that Lachlan has seen one or two of Zeos' videos. I dont know who was 'first' with the whole Go-Pro thing, but its hard to watch Casey Neistat skating through Manhattan traffic and not fear for the man's wellbeing. Compared to that sort of application, I dont think Lachlan and Zeos are in any particular danger.

[@DJScopeSOFM]

Hi Simon! =D

[@Ramy.9]

That's ZEOS' idea

[@charlesclements9672]

I really hope the beginning was sarcastic

[@buonassi]

clearly a jab. These guys have all heard of each other. LLAT and ZEOS probably have voodoo dolls of each other.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

+Vince Buonassi lol while I can't speak for Zeos, I don't have anything against him or (most) other headphone reviewers. It's not a zero sum game. Actually, I tend to think that different voices bringing more people into the hobby grows it for everyone :)

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Totally agree with that :)

[@johnyang799]

Lol love that place.

[@brandenongkp]

a pain to watch.

[@DiegoMann310]

totally not zeos style

[@luezio8914]

maybe ur go pro sucks, image did not come out well enough

[@jctrevi89]

LOVED this vlog. Please, lach, more!

[@phototristan]

The guy working the store is probably saying to himself- theses dudes are so annoying, are they gonna buy anything or what.

[@aldricha.v3475]

z rev v:

[@bestjira]

shh... dont tell him..... lol jk. both of them are awesome

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

I think he was joking when he says that (esp repeatedly hehe) Update: ah he did admit that he know Zeos (comment up top)

[@AnilChTechChannel]

Please don't use this stupid camera again.