Got a pair for MDR-Z7M2 for like 250 at some liquidation place, at first I wanted to flip it for profit but I think I might be keeping it.
previously using Hifiman Sundara, I thought the planar magnetic stuff would give it an advantage but I’ve never heard any. It’s certainly good but obviously now compared to a higher price regular driver headphone, there doesn’t seem to be any advantage what so ever. Rather, the Sony design guarantees a much more consistent position when worn, seems to have slightly better low range, and is closed back. I thought I wanted open but now I think the hifiman are just way too open with zero isolation.
Anyway, I feel weird using a Sony headphone because often with these enthusiast hobby activities you wanna be using some niche brand most people haven’t heard of.
That’s really a smokin’ price for the Z7M2.
I don’t think you should feel weird about using a Sony product. Their top-shelf products are legitimately top-shelf - a lot of model names we’re all familiar with, plus they’ve been an innovator in the audio sector for decades.
I think the Z7M2 is a kick-ass headphone with a unique personality and some legitimate strengths.
If you decide to keep them, these replacement pads are the closest I’ve found thus far to the original factory material and geometry.