Sony IER-Z1R Signature Series in-Ear Headphones (IERZ1R),Black/Silver

Product Information

Yeah right, i was saying everything about good and bad things objectively since both are my set and aren't review units but apparently some fans feel their beloved IEM is the best. I’ve heard IEMs with even more emphasized bass or faster bass, but the delightfully textured bass on the Z1R is second to none when it comes to providing the sense of rhythm.

The IER-Z1R also has quite the interesting presentation – I would describe it as “speaker-like” or “larger than life” for lack of a better phrase. Yeah sony and their 12mm+ drivers, they used to out these big drivers sideways inside of full side on with the EX1000 and xba Z5 series, but now with the Z1R and the acoustic tube around it, it simply needs the full diameter the Perlage back has.These IEMs pack a solid punch and paired with a capable DAC + Amplifier like Chord Mojo 2, they have simply changed my perception forever. The Z1R itself is has a very big shell and it is entirely made of zirconium alloy, so it overall has a heft to it.

Soundstage / imaging - honestly I didn’t hear anything that sounded much better than the Z1R here but I wasn’t really looking for it.My thoughts on the IER-Z1R’s bass probably aren’t too surprising; nonetheless, allow me to hammer home the notion: The IER-Z1R is my zenith of bass in portable fidelity. I personally found the silicone to be the more comfortable of the two, and to work best with the fit, even compared to some 3rd party tips I've tried. This rounded nature of upper-frequency notes help in avoiding listening fatigue but can take away the rawness of crash cymbals. It would be hard to impossible to tell, what more appreciate, how much a technology has evolved without having experienced something to compare with.

But none, except the Mest and the Z1R, has the perfection, imaging and staging of a TOTL open headphone. In conclusion, if you want a smoother, laid-back listen with great all-round performance, the 64Audio U12t will serve you really well.This generally fits with my preferences, although the mids are a little more recessed than I'd like.