Sony MDR-Z7M2 In Depth Review - Better Than I Expected, Worse Than I Hoped

The second generation of Sony's Z7 closed-back headphones are here, and they are okay.

Good Tracks / Bad Tracks:

The Z7M2 does exceptionally well with tracks where a sense of scale is called for. For instance, in this track from the Ghost In the Shell: Innocence soundtrack, the low end on the drums and the slightly recessed midrange combine to create a sweeping sense of scale:
   • Ghost in the Shell 2 - Innocence - So...  

When production is sparse, the Z7M2 also does okay, because there is still plenty of room around vocals, and there is quiet detail in both bass and high notes:
   • Little Person  

However, once production gets more busy, or vocals are more recessed in the mix, the Z7M2 starts to sound muddy and indistinct. Vocals get buried in the mix and the thump of the low end starts sounding messy.
   • 春ねむり「春と修羅」Music Video  

Again, when layering is a little more complex, I feel as though the Z7M2 doesn't have enough body in the vocals. I find myself increasing the volume, and then other elements in the track start to get too loud and abrasive.
   • Let's Eat Grandma - Hot Pink (Officia...  

The Z7M2 does pretty well on synths, again as long as production is sparse. The throb of bass and the soundstaging is well emphasized on this track from Into The Breach
   • Видео  

Lastly, piano rendering on the Z7M2 sounds wonderful to me. I don't know if it's the low end harmonics, but there's just something I love about it.
   • Riot In Lagos