Sony MDR Z7 vs Sony MDR Z7M2: Which is the Better Audiophile Option?

Here we have two of Sony’s premium audiophile headsets. The Sony MDR-Z7M2 is the new and improved version of Sony’s existing Z7. Sony have made a name for themselves when it comes to making such powerful headphones.

Today we shall be examining these two headphones to determine which is the better product and if the amount that they charge for it is justified. Given that headphones are important to people in the music industry you should not waste your budget on something that does not provide value for money.   

Sony MDR Z7

It also provides for better conduction of signal from the device playing music. Ted ergonomic ear pads made from 3D sewing. This provides you with a very comfortable feel even when using them for long periods of time which is not often the case with headphones.

The OFC cable is coated in silver which means that you will not often deal with misplaced signals. You will also have improved bass and transient response.

The headphones come with a frame that feels like it hugs your head. This design has silent joints that worked to provide an isolated sound experience. Originally made in Japan they come with an inward access structure that only enhances the experience. 

Pros

• Quality four conductor cable improved signal separation
• ergonomic ear pads to ease ear tension.
• OFC silver coated cable for less signal loss

Cons

• Not sweat resistant

Sony MDR Z7M2 

Sony has worked hard to ensure that you can handle very powerful sounds through these headphones. It comes with a 4.4 balance standard plug meaning that you can fit it in on most devices making it universally accessible.

The earpads are ergonomically made and come with memory foam. Memory foam helps headphones to return to their natural state even after a long period of usage. This helps with the longevity of their headphone’s sound isolation properties.

It comes with a 225% bigger neodymium magnet. This means that you get almost double the clarity of sound that you have on the previous model. This product is more powerful than its predecessor but is it worth the extra charge? 

Pros

• 225% bigger neodymium magnet for improved clarity of sound
• Ergonomically made memory foam earpads
• 4.4 Balance standard plug

Cons

• Not splashproof

Favourite Features

1. Quality of sound
2. Earpad designs 
3. Frequency range

Quality Of Sound

In this scenario Sony’s latest product takes the win. It comes with a 225% bigger neodymium magnet which works to provide the same amount of sound improvement on its predecessor.

The science behind this is that when a sound is too high in pitch the signal resolution Cannot be easily processed by a smaller magnet. The magnet will try to suppress the sound to allow it to reach your earphones safely. Otherwise, there is a chance it could hurt your ears.

Therefore, a much bigger magnet allows for the signal to be handled easier and translated to your ears without you realizing how high the signal really is. 

Earpad Designs

In this category the new headphones have the better earpads. This is because these headphones come with memory foam Indian which means that they will normally return to the original state.

Not only does this make the headphones look better for a longer time. it makes them manage the sound isolation better. When sound isolation is better managed for a longer period then you will not feel like you need to press your earphones closer to your head to hear the sound better.

Both earphones are economically made meaning the design feels natural around the head. They are quite similar in this regard meaning the only difference would be the memory foam added to the new headphones.  

Frequency Range

the last feature we shall be discussing is the frequency range on both products. This is the same. Sony has made both headphones capable of handling frequencies between 4 and 100,000 Hz. in any regard, these are very capable headphones.

Not many headphones on the market today can handle such intense frequencies ranging from the low to the high. You will no doubt be satisfied with both products if this is what you are worried about.    

What could be better?

Sony MDR-Z7

They could have improved this product by making it sweat resistant or splashproof. seeing as people making music tend to perform and they get animated it is normal for people to sweat. You would expect that Sony would have taken this into consideration and made their headphones sweatproof. 

Sony – MDR-Z7M2

Seeing as this is the new and improved model, I would have expected Sony to introduce passive noise reduction to this model as well. This model does not have as good sound isolation or noise reduction as its predecessor. This could be since it is lighter or because the sound is too powerful. 

Similar Features

these products are quite similar in the levels of sound pressure that they can handle both are between 98 decibels to 102.

Key Differences

The main difference that we can see here between these two products apart from the price is that one has focused more on sound whereas the other has focused more on ergonomics.

By this I mean that the older model is more robust and takes the shape of the traditional headphones. The latest model is more focused on providing better sound and making use of the latest technology. 

Conclusion

for these two products I would recommend the first one being the oldest product to someone who wants something simple and durable that can deliver. It is cheaper by quite some margin and provides similar levels of performance.

If you are working in a studio, I would recommend this for you. I would recommend the second product to someone who is more dynamic with the music that they listen to or make.

In this I mean if you make music on the bus or undergo you could make use of these headphones better because they are lighter and more ergonomic. I think they are beautiful for people on the go.