Short answer: the Audio-Technica ATH-CK2000Ti, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #1014 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.9/5, at $750. The Sony XBA-Z5 ranks #1097, rated 2.5/5, at $699.99, $50.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 1291 in-ear headphones, and the Truthear Nova, ranked #2 at $169.99, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The Audio-Technica ATH-CK2000Ti is the better-sounding choice. The dual phase push-pull design uses two dynamic drivers (9.8mm and 8.8mm) per side, and the manufacturer quotes a very wide 5 Hz to 45 kHz range. The catch: A preference score of 60 and a 2.97 dB deviation from the target mean the tonal balance is noticeably off for most listeners.
What the Sony XBA-Z5 does well: Bass is lifted about 3.7 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight. Watch for: Presence sits about 3.5 dB low with an 8 dB dip near 7.1 kHz, so vocals and instruments lose some bite.
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-CK2000Ti. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $50.01 saving on the Sony XBA-Z5 is not enough to make up the difference.
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The dual phase push-pull design uses two dynamic drivers (9.8mm and 8.8mm) per side, and the manufacturer quotes a very wide 5 Hz to 45 kHz range.
Amazon $750.00 eBay
Bass is lifted about 3.7 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight.
Acoustic Sounds $699.99 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio-Technica ATH-CK2000Ti | Sony XBA-Z5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $750.00 | $699.99 |
| Ranked | #1014 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1097 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 60 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 55 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.97 dB standard deviation | 3.35 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.77 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.85 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Hybrid |
| Drivers | 2 x dynamic (9.8mm + 8.8mm, dual phase push-pull) | 1 x 16mm dynamic + 2 x balanced armature |
| Impedance | 10 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 107 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 45kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 3Hz - 40kHz |
| Back | Closed | - |
| Weight | - | 0 lbs (11 g) (without cable) |
| Sub-bass Extension | - | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+0.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
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