Sony Brings the MDR-Z7M2 to IFA 2018

At IFA 2014, Sony introduced the MDR-Z7, and today Sony has brought its recently announced
successor, the MDR-Z7M2 back to IFA.  I will update this post with anything additional from the press release later on but all the specifications and information can be found in the original post from early August. 

The Sony MDR-Z7M2 premium headphones will be priced at approximately €800/£750 be available in selected European countries from October 2018.

• Improved sound quality with technology inherited from the Signature Series MDR-Z1R’s
• Newly developed 70mm driver unit, aluminium-coated Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragms, bigger magnets and a Fibonacci-patterned grillSuperb sound quality with a three-dimensional, spatial sound experience that delivers wide spacious sound from 4 Hz to 100kHz
• Ear pads made of very thick low repulsion urethane foam reducing pressure and providing long-wear comfort

Sony today announce the MDR-Z7M2, the successor to the highly acclaimed MDR-Z7 headphones. This model inherits the MDR-Z1R’s technology from the Signature Series such as the Fibonacci-patterned grill and a Φ4.4mm balanced connection cable in the box.

In yet another testament to Sony’s commitment to audio excellence, the Z7M2 features a wide frequency response and dynamic range along with a linear plane front 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 is optimised, the Z7M2 headphones provide refined music reproduction for listeners.

Expert sounds for the sophisticated ear

The Z7M2 features newly developed driver units adapted from the MDR-Z1R including newly improved 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, which enables clear sound at mid-low range, and brilliant sound at mid-high range. The driver unit contains a larger magnet (double that the volume as compared to MDR-Z7), resulting in stronger driving power and hence, sharpened music clarity.

A Fibonacci-patterned grill made of stiff resin offers thinness with strength. This minimises sound damping from the grill in the ultra-high frequencies for 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 optimises 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 Z7M2 include the use of special lead-free solder and corson alloy contacts in the headphone connecting jacks. Sony-developed dedicated audio grade solder was also used to minimise loss in the signal path and ensure purity of contact. Corson alloy (a type of copper alloy) is an ideal material for electric contacts connection in jacks due to its low resistance value and high durability.

Cables and connections

The Z7M2 comes with two different headphone cables; a standard unbalanced cable and a balanced connection cable. A screw lock-ring mechanism is used for 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[2]), featuring 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 8-wire braided structure, the cables achieve excellent sound quality with higher clarity, lower external noise, minimised crosstalk and optimal electrical parameters. Gold plating provides superior conductivity for signal purity. The use of aluminium 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.

Comfort is key

To improve the wearing comfort of the Z7M2, ergonomically shaped ear pads with 3D sewing are incorporated. This delivers a higher level of comfort with balanced pressure. Even during long periods of use, the pads ensure an ergonomic shape, designed to fit the characteristics of the wearer’s head. This enfolding structure reduces sound leakage by increasing the air seal, delivering powerful deep bass to the listener. Soft urethane foam cushion with moisture absorbing and releasing characteristics were chosen for the surface of the ear pads. This helps to reduce any feeling of stuffiness and provide a comfortable extended listening experience.

A synthetic leather headband with aluminium alloy hanger and slider ensures the Z7M2 is light weight yet durable for years to come. A special anodising treatment process results in increased hardness of the hanger while minimising scratches caused by daily use. Special attention was paid to designing an inward axis structure for the Z7M2 where the point of side pressure is closer to the head. This ensures better wearing stability for the user at all times. The Z7M2 also features silent joint mechanism that minimises mechanical noise caused by the movement of joints ensuring a quiet listening experience for the most discerning listener.