Sony MDR-Z7M2 In Depth Review - Better Than I Expected, Worse Than I Hoped

[@roundearthshill248]

I returned my Z7M2 after a month. I bought it as an upgrade to the 1AM2 but I just found it less engaging than the 1AM2 and less fun. I used the refund to fund a purchase of the Sony IER-M9 and it is my most favorite headphone/IEM ever. I absolutely love it to pieces.

[@aperezto]

So, do you prefer mdr z7m2 or mdr 1am2? I want to use it with my Sony wm1a

[@crftlz3367]

@@aperezto the z7/m2 definitely shows more dynamic range (range between max width and center image), albeit sounding extremely mid-anemic, in which those two factors might play into the less engaging sound that most people describe them to be, it is way relaxed sounding as a result and also very bass heavy (wouldn't call it v shaped either), either way its a love or hate it situation, i got the z1rs in the end because on my end, i would like a more transparent, more detailed/fast sounding z7s and these are the answers i needed

[@nereus.]

Missed your videos Lachlan. Still the best headphone reviewer on KZbin IMHO. So informative and detailed in your reviews. Just awesome.

[@raadic5260]

Sweet tan brah. On a more serious note, my favorite and most sensible headphone reviewer makes a return!

[@petersamuels9392]

I have always enjoyed your audio reviews,over the years.

[@kwicksandz]

oh shit lachlan is back! havent seen your videos in ages

[@Xsetsu]

I still have my MDR-Z7s and what you are describing sounds off from the sound they produce. The original have the bass, although much lighter than some suggest when compared to Fostex or some others, but the mids are extremely present in them as well with most treble is rolled off past the upper mid range. The mids were the reason I think so many enjoyed their sound. It almost makes the headphones sound heavier in the trunk or say feel like they have fat a$$. They are not the fastest either, the larger driver maybe, but man they can produce a really unique gooey sound that you don't hear much in other headphones. Extremely underrated headphones.

[@ElCapoNinja]

Completely agree, the Z7 paired with a good amp sound great!

[@NonsensicalSpudz]

I like sony naming choice for their products. its always a series of numbers and letters

[@riteshramtohul6746]

Watching this video on my z7m2 haha. I agree with all that you said about them. I can listen to music for a long time without feeling tired. Sound very different from my Fidelio x2. That smooth non-tiring treble and powerful bass. The Sony sound. Ordered the Kimber cable, waiting for those to see if they will have a good impact as they did on my Z5.

[@joedominic9848]

Hey, I'm about to buy both the Z7M2 & Z1R... are you still high on the Z7m2? Have you heard the Z1R by any chance... if so, which do like better??

[@DAlbanese10]

Was having a pretty bad day but this video made it much better. Thanks mate

[@lachlanlikesathing]

You’re welcome!

[@ableman8]

Back in the day we relied on him for earphones/headphones purchases. Now everyone reviews air pods. If only he comes back regularly..

[@Leontheagent]

Great to see you back with a new review!

[@godofhope]

Great to see you doing headphones reviews again! A real passion never goes way!

[@RewindTheGamer]

Lachlan I love your glasses. Almost as much as I love your videos

[@Binvua925]

You are the only reviewer that I like, I love the way you review gears so so much. Sad to only see videos so rarely

[@adrrda6091]

Hi, I wonder if you could tell me whether the Sony Mdr-zm2 would be a big step up for me from the Meze 99 Classics or whether the Sony is more pleasurable and exciting than the Sennheiser 600's I'm considering.

[@jessreggae]

Hey, nice to see you back!!!

[@creatorbydefault]

Yay! A great Lunar New year indeed with this review!!

[@jacobiannava]

I haven't seen you in ages. You look completely different. Anyhow ty good video, Kaworu best grill, get ready to rock, see you in 2020

[@grumpybraincells6612]

I picked this one up at A2A yesterday, for 488 AUD, I think it's a great deal!

[@abrahanneyra1657]

Hello, how is it going? Would you say they can be used for outside? I have wm1a and only worry for sq and if they would look nice and isolate

[@grumpybraincells6612]

abrahan neyra I wouldn’t recommend it ,it’s quite heavy and it’s pretty big.plus whenever you’re using this headphone you’ll probably need a solid amplifier or a decent player (which is heavy ),and when you’re outside the ambient sound really takes away sound details from what you’ll be hearing,so if you plan using it outdoors I really should say AirPods is a better option

[@abrahanneyra1657]

@@grumpybraincells6612 i see, i am worry for size, and looking for a great over ear headphone for outside i wished they could have been not so big,, thanks for your answer

[@grumpybraincells6612]

abrahan neyra why don't you check out the w1000xm3 that's a good one tho, it's portable it's got Bluetooth ,noise cancelling and the battery can easily last for 24hrs. Give it a go, plus if you catch a discount they're under $320, great value for a very versatile headphone.

[@abrahanneyra1657]

@@grumpybraincells6612 mmm, sounds interesting, never used Nc, and almost never Bluetooth, but Little by little I'm becoming sony fanboy😌

[@N3ukenInD3K3uken]

*"Better Than I Expected, Worse Than I Hoped"* It's 2:52 am Lach, do you honestly expect me to gather the brain power to distinguish 'expected' from 'hoped' ?

[@johnyang799]

From mda-z1r, expected performance of z7mk2 is going to be bad. It turned out to be a better version (less faulty) of z1r And as a hope since sony have xba-z5 he really liked, the z7mk2 doesn't sound as good as he wishes/hopes. It's enjoyable but can be better.

[@lachlanlikesathing]

You totally got it @john!

[@bobcochrane8098]

So I'm dying to know--did you rise to the challenge? hehe

[@bunozen1]

I just had a good listening at my local store, and I liked it a lot. It sounds more clearer than the version 1.

[@MaZEEZaM]

Great to see a fellow Aussie on KZbin, +1 sub just for that but great review too. Given it’s price, it’s pretty surprising it didn’t come with some form of case, preferably hard shell case.

[@666PANDEMONIUM]

A new video? Thought you were only working with that store now. Either way, glad to see you back! ! ! !

[@roeslan1969]

I totally agree with you.. To me, Sony's overall sound signature is OK, very much to my liking.. But the Z7M2 is terrible.. The mids are so muffled, hardly discernable.. Z1R is so much better, even the much cheaper 1AM2 sounds better.. :-)

[@aperezto]

What about the old Z7 vs 1am2?

[@roeslan1969]

@@aperezto, I don't think I can recall how old Z7 sounds.. It has not been available in market for many years already..

[@howequalspeace]

I've always respected the way you describe the sound of headphones. You're def one of the best at it.

[@overkillonslash]

z1r is too dark and thick but at the same time too piercing around 10khz. the z7m2 to me sounds bright , but for some reason the treble annoys me less than the z1r. I also feel the same way regarding the sounstage , your descriptions was on point . What are your opinions on aeon flow open and lcd 2 c open, and the focal elear?

[@TheBGamer124]

Glad to see a new headphone review from you, Lach! I can understand your interpretation of the lackluster midrange of the Sony house sound. However, to me, I absolutely love Sony's sound. My ears are quite sensitive to the vocal midranges, but I love bass and pronounced (but not fatiguing) highs. That's why I love my pair of 1A's. It just sounds so great to me and I haven't found anything else quite like it. Anyways, awesome review!

[@caliginousmoira8565]

could you listen to old(horn tweeter) klipsch speakers?

[@rossorosso]

dude what brand are your glasses please? They are super cool

[@lipstickk227]

Happy chinese new year Lachlan! Thanks for the informative review as always and I will give TH610 a go.

[@letssuperfuntime]

Please start making regular audio reviews/analyses again.

[@findthedifference5083]

Glad 2 c a new vid by u!

[@goblinphreak2132]

I hate to hit you with some truth, but if you actually measure these headphones output, they would be close to neutral. The problem with "audiophile" headphones, is that they LACK bass. I can't stand it. Measuring say Sennheiser's, there is HUGE bass roll off starting around 120hz and down. By the time you reach say 60hz, you are at negative 6-12db depending on the price of the Sennheiser's. Which is horrible. They lack bass. When it comes to car audio, we tend to tune either for heavy bass or pure neutral. If I were to tune a car the way audiophile headphones are tuned, you might as well just REMOVE the car subwoofer because its never going to work the way you would expect a car sub to work. I HATE that "audiophiles" have no clue what neutral sounding shit should be. Now funny enough, my brother happened to buy the Sennheiser HD800s REFERENCE.... reference being the key word, which means they shoot for true neutral. And sure enough, they are the ONLY Sennheiser headphones that actually have bass response (at least from the pairs I have owned). Sadly, they also cost $1699.99.... The sub 300 dollar Sennheiser's lack bass response. Want to know if a headphones has proper bass response or not, simply add 3db to 60hz or there about (most computers eq is 62hz or 80hz for those points). And if they start to rattle, crack, and pop. They are shitty headphones. I had another reviewer of headphones, the popular Z reviews. He claimed that a pair of Fostex were "heavy low bass" and "would rattle your head". So I bought them based on that review. And fuck me if he isn't a god damn moron. Because its not "bass" its "mid bass". 250hz was boosted by Fostex to be around +8db. 250hz is not bass.... not even close. They sounded fucking HORRIBLE. And to think someone who spends all their time testing and reviewing headphones claims that 250hz boost meant "heavy bass". NOPE. I had to EQ that horrible 250hz and set -8db to neutralize the output. Sadly, the speakers at that point don't perform well in other aspects, focusing on that mid bass for whatever stupid reason results in the rest of the band to sound like shit. Now in comparison, the similar is said for sony "xtrabass" headphones. I had a pair of Extra bass (the 950's?) and yes, there was "extra bass" and I mean the 30-60hz area. It was a LOT. However, because of this, the treble was lacking hard. I had to EQ in about 3-6db worth of treble to fix the response curve because the bass was too high. Simply removing bass at 30 and 62hz did not fix the treble response. Because the whole unit is tuned for that sound. Now the Sony 1AM2 that I got afterwards, albeit more expensive (not by much though) have a true neutral response (or at least, as good as true neutral you can get for $150 dollar headphones). The bass was significantly less than the xtrabass headphones, but still more than 99.9% of audiophile labeled headphones. Now in my opinion, its totally FINE if as a listener, you prefer not having bass response in your headphones. But don't claim its V shaped when it isn't. Now don't get me wrong, I don't own the Z7M2 yet.... key word being yet, I had planned to buy them but Amazon sold out and removed the listing altogether (but 3rd party sales still exist but list availability in march.... 2021). However, the same V shape was claimed by many headphones reviewers for the Sony 1AM2, the pair I currently use and own. And I can say 100% for sure, they are not V shaped. Putting them on a headphone dyno shows as close to neutral response as possible. There is no boost in bass, and there is no peak in treble. Its all flat. So.... yeah.

[@omarmartinez4636]

Hey, do you get them? If You do, share your experience please.

[@goblinphreak2132]

@@omarmartinez4636 love my z7 Mark II

[@omarmartinez4636]

Is bass great? Did You have any issue with the headphone? I have been looking for a good headphone that has really Nice bass. As you mentioned audiphiles headphones use to roll off bass. Cheap headphones have bass but general sound could be better. Ando i can't afford very expensive gear. Thanks for your answers.

[@goblinphreak2132]

@@omarmartinez4636 not only does it have neutral bass, but i was able to eq more bass and the z7m2 handles it like a champ. Love these headphones

[@peterto4081]

You should post what headphones you are wearing in the video :( or link to a review if you've done one. Thanks a lot

[@MultiNine999]

Omg! Lach you're back! Pls do more vids.

[@bigstackbricks]

great review, and nice glasses! curious where'd you pick those up?

[@michellwinterdal7851]

Alright! Lachlan is back. I look forward to your coming reviews.

[@MZ-km3km]

It's a nice headphone, luckily I bought at Addicted to Audio as well but with AU$438.00 on September 2019.

[@NewNeoFatal1ty]

There are some cases for the sennheiser hd6xx series on amazon/aliexpress that work fine with my Z7 mk1, might want to look into them, i got mine for 20 bucks.

[@shirakawamaseru]

Even though this review is pretty old, as its still relevant (there is no successor to the MDR-Z7M2), it is worth mentioning, that Sonys Bassy House Sound startet with the MDR-1R in 2012 and continued over the the MDR-1A, MDR-1AM2, MDR-Z7, and so on. So even at the time this video was published, they already used this sound signature since 7 years and its been now 11 years

[@RX-rd4sc]

Bro can you tell which one is best for sound: z7m2 or denon d7200?

[@Shahzad-Khan]

Welcome back! If you haven’t heard the Hifiman Arya/edition X yet, I would totally say try them!

[@dianma123]

welcome back bro

[@rich1051414]

A v shaped sound is the description of a 'pleasant' signature, but too much of a good thing is always a bad thing.

[@ConnorHammond]

It's funny that you say Sony's sound signature is bass and treble bias because my MDR-1R's have unbelievable mid presence. The bass lacks quite noticeably so I use an EQ to boost it, but with an amp and a good EQ curve, I haven't heard much that sounds better. I've just ordered a set of MDR-Z7M2 and can't wait to experience this bass you speak of (as long as it's not like their Extra Bass products lol)

[@HiFiInsider]

Happy New Year bud. the Z7 is a lot of bang for the buck. I have Sony pouch made for MDR-v600.

[@kalkydra]

Hi, great review and insight! Thanks!. Do you know if a new version of this ones are coming out, the Sony MDR-Z7M2 are nowhere to be found, they are still announced in Sony websites of different countries, but no actual retailer have them in stock!. Are they just sold out? One retailer mentioned that Sony is not making them anymore, so does that mean maybe the quit on this product? Or are they soon to release maybe the m3? Cheers!!

[@waltermidi]

your new haircut is so much better ! i wont miss the emo hair

[@pohtent9994]

So I bought these and after messing with eq apo I got a sound I like. Issue is to get that thumpy bass I love I have to crank the headphones up way to loud. any idea why this is? I have them running in a hersey. If I have it on low Frequency the bass is muddy and distorted. So I have to put them on high frequency. Then to get that thumpy vibrating bass I have to crank the volume to the point where the highs hurt my ears.

[@skengasaurus]

9:34 Z1R mids and highs tuning? Count me out.

[@kofmaxima]

I have a question.. I have the wma1a... And what hearphones is recomended for wm1a... The sony Mdr1am2??? Or z7m2... For best sound or power... Thanks

[@aperezto]

What was your choice? I read m2 sound awful with the Sony wm1a, most people prefer am2

[@MegaRamadas]

Back again. congrats. Lachlan. Tell me which iem will be best under 10000 indian rupees. I prefer neutral sounding ones with good instrument seperation. Will u still prefer v sonic gr 07.

[@zpolt]

Nice to see u back reviewing!

[@mr.mystery-X]

So i have too ask you something. Do u mean or what do u thing. So i have at home the xb950ap the 100aap and the 1R what do u thing. Which one is the best? So i dont see a big difference unless bass example 950ap with hes bass, bass vibrations ect.. u can listen better with the 1r and 100aap. U can freak up with the 950 but with the others not. Any one has another property.. but i will know to much very much soooo much any much? Are the z7 better then mines? Please answer me

[@antoinep9733]

Awe man, I’ve missed your reviews, glad to have you back! I’ve tried watching your Minidisc stuff, but as honest a person as you are, reviews from a retailer that is actually selling the product just don’t sit well with me.

[@Guerilla_law3516]

You had some strong criticisms of the focal elegia. Will we see a full review? If not can you share your experience with them at least? Tried in a shop? Show? Longer term?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

We sell it at the store I work at, so I’ve demoed them multiple times. Really not my cup of tea but some people seem to like them!

[@Guerilla_law3516]

lachlanlikesathing thanks for the reply. Im wondering two things other viewers might also be pondering. 1. Did you notice any sound difference in balanced if you’ve tried it? 2. Having now owned them for a while, any change to sound from break in? Do you even believe in that? Thanks in advance for your time.

[@joedominic9848]

What about the CLEAR? Seems like many find them better overall over the rest of the lineup, including the Utopia [??]

[@JG-gg9wk]

Have you heard Audeze's new LCD2C? How did they compare to one another.

[@sarahfuntanilla6542]

Hi Lachlan, Does the earpads is replaceable? Does the entire headphones are made of metal or the holders between the headband and the earpads are made of plastic? please let me know thanks.

[@blizzliftie]

Great video, cheers!

[@Bootrosgali]

Ok so these arent knocking the Audio Technica WP-900 off the top of my list. They are reviewing to have better details and still v shaped

[@rolandzhang6078]

Hi what player you used for z7m2? wm1a or zx300? does zx300 suit for the pair ?

[@markhogquist2000]

Sounds a bit like the Audioquest Nightowl. Anyone have or heard both? Comparison?

[@Haeveth]

You can get the Pioneer SE-Monitor5 from ebay au for less. The Pioneer imo sounds better overall than the Elegia, DT1770, LCD-2C closed, EL-8 and Z1R. Maybe I'm going to sell my Aeon Open (but planar bass!) too.. Yet no one bought the Pioneer, went completely under the radar. Maybe the Oppo PM-3 and CA Cascade is a better buy than the Sony if you want portable and warm closed back.

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

If the IER-Z1R is the best version of the Modern Sony house sound then?

[@ShamsulArifeen]

welcome back !

[@siawashabasinejad5907]

Hi, what kind of headphones do you wear in your mdr-z7m2 review?

[@doctorscoot]

Ps welcome back. 👌✌️

[@josesantiagoortiz5341]

Nice review bro.

[@blackjohnny0]

How would you compare them to K712?

[@t.7527]

Finally Lachlan is back !!

[@vladtepes2000]

One thing. These are not portable headphones at all. SONY company promote them in a set with Walkman because of balanced connector advantage only. It's some kind of marketing trick with commercials letting sell both at one shot. In fact your Walkman is not able to show full performance on these powerful headphones. I use them only at home with normal large-size amplifier.

[@HungryCheff]

I really like the new background

[@igorvasilev5148]

Wheres the sound demo as on the channel Clavinetjunkie?

[@Toolgdskli]

Hi, what is the headphone that you always wear in your video?

[@krucacing]

can comment shortly on these vs wp900? or t5p?

[@مباركبنكعببنسعدالتميمي]

Its have better details for compatitve games like rainbow six seige to listen any foot steps around me exactly ?

[@der888]

Lachlan... This might be a stupid question. The majority of my music files are 44khz/16bit with a few higher quality files thrown into my library. I'm currently using a Sony mdr-1abt which i adore with a Samsung S10 where both devices supports LDAC. Am I going to notice a benefit if I was to switch to the Z7m2 paired with a Walkman WM1A?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

You will definitely notice a difference going from a 1ABT to a Z7M2. They are totally different headphones. Will you like the difference? Hard to say! I definitely wouldn’t get a WM1A just to get “the best” out of the Z7M2 though.

[@der888]

@@lachlanlikesathing Thank you so much for the info! Btw, when you say you wouldn't get a WM1A, are you suggesting a ZX300 could do the job or would you stay clear of Sony DAPs all together?

[@FreeD00M]

Well how about some Meze Empyrian for a grand return?

[@petrajt]

Oooh I didn't know you resided in Australia. Hello Fellow Australian! 😊

[@Tetsujin-28]

"I'm quitting the channel", "I've decided not to quit the channel"..........a year later.....Either way it's nice to view new content.

[@anuragsingh4517]

Please do review on skullcandy crusher and audio technica m50x

[@zisenliu2912]

Been a while！Review for Xelento maybe？

[@auxide9623]

Wat u wearing? The grey

[@Krankynator]

Is the imaging really that bad?

[@dynamic-audio]

Hi friend. I have t5p 2nd generation and sony mdr Z7 1st gen. For me the z7 has wider soundstage and is more confortable than t5p, but it has bad instrumental separation vs t5p. My two specific questions are: 1.- Sony z7 m2 has the same wide of soundstage of the Sony z1 1st? 2.- The sony z7 m2 has more instrumental separation than mdr z7 1rst? i hope you could response me please. Regards.

[@riyankurnia]

finally...lachlan please review ath dsr9bt

[@strangelyrepulsive77]

what mic do u use?

[@Mickice]

My launch SONY MDR-Z7 have really cracked leather, so sad. I need to buy new ear pads. Anyone have links?

[@garychen2181]

I found quite a few pads on aliexpress if you are interested, other full sized pads like dekoni or brainwavz pads should also fit

[@jhii4003]

What happened to the glorious hair?

[@joedominic9848]

Send it off to wig manufacturer for later in retirement, if needed!

[@matiasgallardoaraya3842]

It's been 84 years.

[@alexj7440]

I would love to see a set up video. I have always wondered what dac and amp you use, and which ones have you tried

[@007TEchnoLOver]

Review BGVP DM6 please.. Its so underrated Chinese iem.. Help me to make purchase decision

[@aaw8189]

Wow it has been awhile bro xD

[@vianhoho19]

Hi Lachlan. Funny seeing you here... In your own channel... It's been... A while.... 😭😭😭

[@Cryptoman_5000]

Lachlan, best Sony headphone under 1,000 USD?

[@lachlanlikesathing]

For sheer bang for buck, surely the XM3. But I like the sound of the Z7M2 most.

[@Cryptoman_5000]

@@lachlanlikesathing thanks. Which is the best overall with no price limitations and if you did a shoot out between the MDR v6 and the 7506 which is better between those two?

[@joedominic9848]

I have a V6 for for about 22yrs now... would have bought the 7506 a few yrs back, but decided to pass on them time after time. I've read somewhere recently that the 7510 are pretty good cans [?]

[@indi_64]

This is a pleasant surprise

[@TCESCorp]

I agree that the mids on z7m2 is too recessed.

[@Leo.SKDXL05]

Do you listen to these Sony's with a Dac and Amp? If so, what?

[@TCESCorp]

@@Leo.SKDXL05 with portable dap, on every dap i tried, mids is too recessed

[@Leo.SKDXL05]

@@TCESCorp according to No Theme Reviews these headphones require power to come alive...I literally just ordered the to add to my collection...

[@TCESCorp]

@@Leo.SKDXL05 maybe high power dac amp may raise mid abit, however this headphone is very easy to drive from any source, the sound is not vary from each source by much. It should be nefit from tube dac amp as it raised mid region with these tubes.

[@Leo.SKDXL05]

@@TCESCorp if you have some time to spare check out the No Theme Reviews on these...he has the separate reviews bass, mids, tribble...thank me later! cheers!

[@burinintachuen8805]

watching this in 2020 Video start: I hope you're having a brilliant start of the year Me: Yes a lot

[@PintaKong]

new haircut ! so handsome 🧧🤓🎧👍🏻

[@doctorscoot]

The Beyer Dynamic DT770 and DT880 pro are usually available in several impedance types. Straight cable means 32 or 80 Ohm versions and coiled cable is the 250 Ohm version. The DT880 is my reference set in my studio and my partner uses the DT770 on her laptop with no issues. For portable use I use the WH1000XM3 Bluetooth/noise cancelling and they are great - slightly bassy and very poppy sounding (as you describe their ‘house sound’) but they are great for music and KZbin. I would not call this ‘unnatural’ and I can listen to them for quite a long time (hours). It is much nicer to listen to than the Bose competitor. It’s battery is great. I charge once a week. I would never use a Sony headphone for a studio reference tho (although Bose is even worse junk).

[@i.q_music]

Thanks!!