Sony recently announced the release of the MDR-Z7M2, the successor to the MDR-Z7 headphones. Evolving the Sony Sound, it inherits MDR-Z1R’s technology from the Signature Series such as the Fibonacci-patterned grill and a 4.4mm balanced connection cable in the box. It also features a wide frequency response and dynamic range and a linear plane wave, offering listeners realistic reproduction of “air” around musical instruments and voices; a three dimensional and spatial sound experience existing in a live music space.
With the usage of a 70 mm HD driver along with aluminium-coated Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragm, in which the dome is upsized and its profile optimized. The MDR-Z7M2 headphones provide refined music reproduction for listeners.
The MDR-Z7M2 features newly developed driver units adopted from the MDR-Z1R which includes aluminium-coated Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragms for natural sound with low coloration at mid-high range. The dome of the diaphragm has been upsized and its profile optimised. The driver unit contains a larger magnet (double the volume as compared to MDR-Z7), resulting in a stronger driving power.
The introduction of a Fibonacci-patterned grill made of stiff resin to achieve both thinness and strength while minimizing sound-damping from the grill in the ultra-high frequencies resulting in smooth sound reproduction across all frequencies.
In addition, Beat Response Control, a special acoustic port on the housing, controls air flow behind the driver and optimizes diaphragm movement when reproducing low frequencies. At the same time, it improves the transient characteristics in bass sounds and delivers the rhythm in music accurately.
Other features in the MDR-Z7M2 include the use of non-lead solder and corson alloy contacts in the jack. Sony-developed dedicated audio grade solder was also used to minimize loss in the signal path and ensure purity of contact.
The MDR-Z7M2 comes with two different headphone cables—a standard unbalanced cable and a balanced connection cable. A screw lock-ring mechanism is used to secure the connection and enhance durability. In addition, silver coating was used for the copper-balanced cable to allow for finer details, smoother treble, and less sound degradation.
Sony also recommends its cables engineered with Kimber Kable (sold separately). It features Sony’s excellence in headphone engineering and Kimber Kable’s expertise in wire design and construction, to create unique high-quality headphone cables that further improve the sound reproduction. With an eight-wire braided structure, the cables achieve excellent sound quality with higher clarity, lower external noise, minimized crosstalk and optimal electrical parameters. Gold plating provides superior conductivity for signal purity. The use of aluminum alloy on the grip portion allows for excellent acoustic performance by providing better attenuation of sound vibration. The headphone-side connectors have screw-type lock rings, which enable stable and secure connections.
To improve the wearing comfort of the MDR-Z7M2, it features three dimensional sewing, ergonomically shaped ear pads, and aluminum alloy hanger and slider for a lighter weight. Three-dimensional sewing on the ear pads ensures an ergonomic shape designed to fit the unevenness of the head and gives even pressure throughout the area. This reduces sound leakage by increasing air-tightness, and delivering powerful heavy bass to the listener. Soft urethane foam cushion absorbs and releases moisture characteristics were chosen for the surface of the ear pads, as well.
A synthetic leather headband with aluminum-alloy hanger and slider ensures the MDR-Z7M2 is light weight yet durable for years to come. An anodizing treatment process resulted in increased hardness of the hanger while minimizing scratches caused by daily use. There is an enfolding structure for the design of the MDR-Z7M2 where ear pads slant inwards due to side pressure during wear. This created a tighter air seal which enhanced deep bass production and minimized sound leakage, providing the listener with improved comfort and stability during wear. The MDR-Z7M2 also features silent joint mechanism that minimizes mechanical noise caused by the movement of joints.
The Sony MDR-Z7M2 will be available in selected Asia Pacific countries from September 2018.
