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

Product Information

A lot of people want the vocals to step outside of the mix, if the music wasn't mixed that way, it won't sound that way. For music that simply wasn't recorded well enough for the Utopias (which on my system allowed me to hear way too far into some recordings) the Sonys often fit the bill.

IER-Z1R Impressions and Measurements – In-Ear Fidelity Sony IER-Z1R Impressions and Measurements – In-Ear Fidelity

Rather than being a 3-blob imager, the Z1R does well in placing sounds and instruments at distinct places in space, with enough depth to separate them out.

Audiophile On is dedicated to bringing reviews of high-end portable audio products with an easy-to-understand format. Personally I love the sound but also realize that it is the result of whole systems and audiophile synergy which smooths out the imbalances and clarifies the strong points. Just ear MH1 will always be the top choice and in a league of its own as nothing will beat the experience of a fully tailored and personalised sound signature. Excellent pairing considering I'm comparing DAP with desktop set up, but for some reason it does not seem as powerfull as my other setup, the sound is not as impactfull and full in my mind. But one of the best part of listening to this IEM is that it taught me about almost everything IEM related, mainly the depictions.

Sony IER-Z1R Signature Series in-Ear Headphones (IERZ1R Sony IER-Z1R Signature Series in-Ear Headphones (IERZ1R

Probably this ends up most useful for someone already owning one of the three but curious about how the other two could fair in their collection. I would say that the tuning is to mimic a speaker setup in a well damped rrom instead of open and airy like a live performance. These three choices also reflect off each-other substantiating each special personality and quality. Overall headphone tone is a continuation of the trend started by the Z7s, darker, rather like a pair of stereo speakers and polar opposite something like the Focal Utopias, with their neutral-to-bright presentation.The next best that I would say is where the Z1R noticeably do better in balanced out vs single ended. winner: depends on your preference, I like the Z1R more, I listen to Metal so brightness is not my thing.

IER-Z1R Review - Sheer Bass-Head Delight • Music For The Sony IER-Z1R Review - Sheer Bass-Head Delight • Music For The

For my personal preference, the mids are too far back, the highs are harsh, and I prefer less bass quantity. While each transducer offers it’s own take on the Sony house sound, the history being what it is has shown a nice progression.

The mid-range is not neglected, forward enough that vocals are instruments are brought forward, enough that rocking out doesn't require overly loud volumes. The bass isn't as strong as, say, that of the Campfire Audio Vegas (which are purely thunderous and gloriously overkill). Though I have purposely left out the Z7MK2 and what could be maybe thought of as an earlier IEM flagship the XBA-Z5 for the sake of simplicity! Beyond a persons mood, it truly could end up being musical genre preference which has someone make a choice? While the IER-Z1R may beat it in technicality the Z1R remains it’s own unique experience by capturing nuances only a big headphone can do.

Sony IER-Z1R Review - Major HiFi Sony IER-Z1R Review - Major HiFi

The presence region is weak, which sucks the energy out of horns and cymbals, and renders their sound quite unrealistic. It's an experience, a journey into the soul of music, and a reminder of what’s possible when passion meets craftsmanship. The IER-Z1R uses silver-coated, oxygen-free copper wire, designed to minimize resistance and signal-transmission loss. Every pluck of a string, every whisper of a wind instrument is there, inviting you to explore the music's texture. Details I feel is about the same, The Z1R is weird in that it is dark, but somehow you can still hear all those details in the treble.

It sure did took me by surprise and together with the power sub-bass present with slamming bass, it almost was too much to take in.