Z5 Balanced Armature In-ear Headphones

Redefining acoustic possibilities

High-Resolution Audio from hybrid driver ear-buds

Crafted in Japan, our XBA-Z5s use high-quality components to redefine the acoustic possibilities of in-ear headphones. An aluminium-coated LCP driver ensures consistent, precise sound, while light magnesium super tweeters deliver greater clarity. Connect to the optional PHA-3 amp for an unmatched High-Resolution Audio experience.

All-encompassing sound

A 3-way hybrid driver system, featuring a 16mm LCP diaphragm, gives you rich, detailed sound across the entire frequency range.

Go wider

Hear deep lows and euphoric highs with a full range of sound up to 40kHz.

Flexible compatibility

These headphones are compatible with a wider range of devices – from MP3 players to stereo systems – thanks to a high sensitivity of 107dB/mW.

Full-spectrum sound

Rich bass, accurate mid-range, and crystal-clear highs – experience pristine sound across the entire frequency range with a 3-way hybrid driver system. A wide 3Hz–40kHz frequency range lets you listen to High-Resolution Audio files. The result is rich studio-quality sound that you can feel as well as hear.

Crafted for consistency

The driver’s 16mm responsive aluminium Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragm is engineered to deliver consistent resonance, even up into the high frequencies.

Full-bodied sound

Hear soaring highs and rich mids with a full-range Balanced Armature driver. A linear-drive, T-shape design reduces sounds distortion for sharpness and clarity.

Precision highs

A Balanced Armature Super Tweeter delivers crystal-clear, detailed highs. Its magnesium diaphragm is quick to respond with reduced resonance.

Technology for every frequency

A smooth response across the whole frequency range

A full-range dynamic driver, Balanced Armature driver, and Balanced Armature Super Tweeter work together to create an accurate reproduction of the original recording.

Reaching High-Resolution Audio heights

Hear the top-end range for High-Resolution Audio (B).

What is High-Resolution Audio?

High-Resolution Audio is a collection of digital processes and formats. Music is encoded and played back using higher sampling rates than the standards used in CDs.

Learn more about High-Resolution Audio

Record at a higher frequency than CD

High-Resolution Audio typically records at 24bit/96kHz, or even 24bit/192kHz – much higher than CD.

Hear a full range of sound

A wide 3Hz–40kHz frequency range complements the top-end range of High-Resolution Audio.

Balanced audio capable

With a balanced cable comprising four silver-coated copper wires, and independent ground wires for both channels (in blue and yellow), you’ll hear clear, precise sound.²

2-metre dual layer cable

The XBA-Z5 headphones are also supplied with a 2 metre dual layer cable, featuring a copper wire for clear highs, sheathed in silver for rich bass.

Easy wireless options

Set your listening free with a built-in Bluetooth® accessory cord.³ Simply plug it into your headphones and you’re free to enjoy great, wire-free listening.

Made in Japan

Created and tested with uncompromising precision

Sony products made in Japan are synonymous with absolute quality and performance. Only the finest components and manufacturing techniques are used to create headphones that push the boundaries of sound purity.

Get the best fit

Customised for comfort. The XBA-Z5s are supplied with three sizes of silicone foam earbuds for a comfortable listening experience and reduced audio leakage.

Stay secure

Mouldable ear hangers keep your earbuds secure and in place. Crafted from shape-memory resin core, they mould perfectly to your ear for a comfortable fit.

Enjoy the best possible High-Resolution Audio

Take your music further with the PHA-3 DAC amp

The optional PHA-3 is one of the world’s first headphone amps to support 384kHz/32-bit PCM, DSD, and balanced audio output. A perfect partner for these headphones.

See the PHA-3

Sony Design
Negative Space

Showing what's behind premium audio. Discover inside stories on design inspiration.

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SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES

Crafted in Japan, our XBA-Z5s use high-quality components to redefine the acoustic possibilities of in-ear headphones. An aluminium-coated LCP driver ensures consistent, precise sound, while light, magnesium super tweeters deliver greater clarity. Connect to the optional PHA-3 amp for an unmatched High-Resolution Audio experience.

High-Resolution Audio compatible
Hybrid Driver system for deep bass and clear highs

Aluminium-coated responsive Liquid Crystal Polymer driver for clarity
Dual layer cord type, 1.2m length

Size & Weight

WEIGHT

11 g (without cable)
General Features

DRIVER UNIT

Hybrid 3-way – 16mm dynamic + 2 Balanced Armature

CLOSED TYPE

Closed, Hybrid

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

3-40,000Hz
SENSITIVITIES (DB/MW)

107dB/mW

PLUG

Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini

================================================================

MDR-Z7/B

The Way The Artists Truly Intended

Enjoy the subtlest nuances of studio-quality sound in higher-than-CD quality with High-Resolution Audio. Passion for music unites every component from signal to speaker, so it feels like the artist is performing right in front of you.

Learn more about High-Resolution Audio

Authentic, engaging sound

The best in sound and comfort for audiophiles

Our flagship headphones reproduce subtle high frequency sounds up to 100kHz – a first for headphone technology. With 70mm HD drivers featuring Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragms, and a full metal design, you get the clarity you need to enjoy High-Resolution Audio – for music that takes you closer to a live performance.

Feel more

Enjoy supreme precision and the subtlest dynamics from a massive 70mm driver.

Go wider

Hear deep lows and euphoric highs with a full range of sound up to 100kHz.

Listen clearly

Play music loud and clear from any home system or portable device with high sensitivity of 102dB/mW.

Absolute sound purity

Compromise nothing in pursuit of perfection

Discover true sound with all the emotion and energy of the original recording. A huge 70mm HD driver powers through your music, keeping every note precise, even at higher volume levels.

Authentic sound with aluminium-coated LCP

Combining a Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragm with aluminium coating gives a more precise sound across the entire frequency range than a conventional LCP driver.

Spherical wave sound

Smaller 40mm drivers emit sound as spherical waves, which can lead to reflection delays within the earcups.

Plane wave sound

The much larger 70mm driver creates a flatter plane wave effect that prevents reflection delays and sound loss.

What is High-Resolution Audio?

High Resolution Audio refers to a collection of digital processes allowing the encoding and playback of music using higher sampling rates than those used in CDs.

Learn more about High-Resolution Audio

Record at a higher frequency than CD

High-Resolution Audio typically records at 96kHz/24-bit or even 192kHz/24-bit – much higher than CD.

Hear more realistic, emotive sound

While CDs and MP3s top out around 20kHz, High-Resolution Audio supports frequencies above 80kHz (as high as 100kHz on this model)and a wider dynamic range.

Get the real music experience

Enjoy total audio immersion when you experience the purity of High-Resolution Audio from source to speaker. You can try out High-Resolution Audio samplers free at HDtracks, now.

Visit HDtracks.com

Keep sound in

The enfolding design wraps around the ear, sealing music in and keeping distractions out. Acoustics are reflected back towards your ears for the subtlest of sounds.

Balanced audio

With a balanced cable comprising four silver-coated copper wires, and independent ground wires for both channels (in blue and yellow), you’ll hear clear, precise sound.²

3 metre dual layer cable

As well as a balanced cable, these headphones include a 3 metre dual layer cable, featuring a copper wire for clear highs, sheathed in silver for rich bass.

Made in Japan

Created and tested with uncompromising precision

Sony products made in Japan are synonymous with absolute quality and performance. Only the finest components and manufacturing techniques are used to create headphones that push the boundaries of sound purity.

All metal design

The metal housing resonates less than housings made from traditional materials. Durability is exceptional, thanks to a metal hanger, headband and components.

Metal housing

With less resonance, you’ll enjoy clearer mids to highs and smoother low frequency sounds.

Metal hanger

Ready for everyday knocks and shocks with a metal hanger sleeve, shaft and components.

Metal headband

Stronger, lighter, and more flexible than conventional materials for a stable, comfortable fit.

Pure comfort

Designed for complete musical pleasure

Hear more of your music with a closed-back, wrap-around design that fits securely over your ears. Soft leather earpads shape around your ears for a comfortable fit.

Striking looks

Sleek and refined. Elegant but edgy. These iconic headphones look as good as they sound with a smooth all-metal finish and plush, black leather earpads. A timeless, professional look for anyone who cares about style.

Sony Design
Negative Space

Showing what's behind premium audio. Discover inside stories on design inspiration.

Learn more

SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES

Our flagship headphones reproduce subtle high frequency sounds up to 100kHz – a first for headphone technology. With 70mm HD drivers featuring liquid crystal polymer diaphragms, and a full metal design, they provide the clarity you need to enjoy High-Resolution Audio music. It’s an authentic experience that takes you closer to a live performance.

High-Resolution Audio compatible

Responsive Liquid Crystal Polymer driver for clarity

Beat Response Control

Dual layer cords, 2m and 3m length

Stable neck-band all-metal design

DRIVER UNIT

70 mm dynamic – Dome type

FREQUENCY RESPONSE (HZ)

4–100,000Hz

CORD LENGTH

2 m (balanced-connection cable), 3 m (connecting cable)

Size & Weight

WEIGHT

335 g (without cable)

General Features

DRIVER UNIT

70 mm dynamic – Dome type

CLOSED TYPE

Yes

CIRCUM AURAL TYPE

Yes

MAGNET

Neodymium

DYNAMIC TYPE

Yes

IMPEDANCE (OHM)

70Ω(1kHz)

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

4–100,000Hz

SENSITIVITIES (DB/MW)

102 dB/mW

CORD TYPE

Detachable Y-type

CORD LENGTH

2 m (balanced-connection cable);3 m (connecting cable)

PLUG

Gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini

WEARING STYLE

Headband, Over-Ear

What's In The Box

Warranty card

Operating instructions

Unimatch plug adaptor

Headphone cord (3 m)

Balanced-connection headphone cord ( 2 m)