Sony IER-Z1R IEMs - Are Sony's top in-ear monitors a worthy flagship?

[@terrybritner4037]

I purchased recently and they are my favorite iem. Love love love them. I listen to pop, rock and easy music. Just love the detail and bass. Well worth the money for anyone who appreciates detail, wide stage great music. I also have the headphones as well and they are awesome. I use Sony nw-wm1z, Calyx M, and Cayin N3P, also use Mojo, just loving my music side of life.

[@kvell24]

imo he definitely succeeded, these are my favorite IEMs, huge impactful detailed bass with no bleed. Only downsides are it might not fit everyone's ears and thin lower mids. Treble is smoooth

[@kvell24]

@@Usernotknown21 Actually I have, and I own the A12t. BA cannot match the natural impact of a DD, and the 18t in particular has issues with tonality and the treble is harsh. I far prefer the 12t, as it has a more mainstream tuning that fixes the odd upper midrange tonality. Even the U/A12t while probably my second-favorite IEMs, don't match the Z1R for the fun, detailed, and natural sound I'm looking for.

[@kvell24]

@@Usernotknown21 honestly hard disagree man lol and this isn't even an uncommon opinion, go see crinacle's list the 18t ranks way worse in technical performance than the 12t. Also yea I've heard fourte it has great soundstage and that's the only positive thing I can say about it. It's not extremely detailed and the tonality and timbre are seriously fucked.

[@kvell24]

@@Usernotknown21 Uh it most definitely doesn't lack bass especially compared to 18t. I suggest you try it. Literally the only legitimate complaint about it I've seen is that it doesn't fit in people's ears, which is true for anyone who doesn't have large ear holes. Any Sony Center will have demo units, or if you're in the US you can go to audio46 NYC or TSAV LA.

[@dante19890]

@@Usernotknown21 BA bass is no match for a DD. You hear the bass but u dont feel it.

[@dante19890]

@@Usernotknown21 Ba bass can be tuned like anything...but a small ba driver cant move enough air to reproduce the lower frequencies like a larger dd can. There is a huge difference.

[@Unbox_and_ASMR]

I gave these old IEMs a retune replacing the stock foam it gave them a mids lift

[@briandorsey6437]

I sold the Solaris for being bright and overly intense and think the Sony MDR Z1R is awesome & far from a failure. To each their own.

[@protato911]

If you think that the Treble is a bit peaky then try some smaller tips that allow for deeper insertion, though not as much of a different as Crin stated, I do notice the different in treble depending on the insertion dept( the deeper the insertion more mellower the treble). on my personal experience using it for about 2 months as a daily driver I think they are an excellent IEM, though I personally think it is a bit expensive, with how absurd the current IEM market pricing are, they surely punch above it weight in that context. I also found that it's very forgiving in terms of pairing and music source, yes it will point out the flaws of the source but you can still enjoy it unlike some other IEM. One of the stranger thing to me is that for the first few weeks the IEM is very hard to drive (even my phone is maxed out the volumn is still pretty low to my usual listening volumn) but after the "burn in" period my phone can drive it at 90% no problem.

[@dante19890]

ye ive heard the deep insertion makes them smoother

[@ERASTONES-ou3rw]

I also think that smaller tips and deep insertion = better sound quality! JVC spiral dot are the best!

[@sonicthehedgehog989]

I did get the headphone mdr z1r. It sounds so smooth and effortless it's kinda like the he1000 or an edition x from hifiman. Smooth, effortless and super detailed but very relaxed.

[@isonic1378]

U forgot to mention that IER-Z1R housing is made of Zirconium alloy, corrosion resistant.

[@Currawong]

Thanks for mentioning it.

[@LuboAck]

Great review! I’d love to hear you review the Legend X someday

[@MannyScoot]

It's all about tips..... finding the right ones is the trick !!!! And let's not forget power.....the Z1R loves high quality power.....I listen to them using the iFi micro DSD Black Label and they sound like heaven .....

[@vislanshadow4629]

just got a pair of these with lotoo paw gold touch, fantastic sound stage, planning go get a DMP Z1 that sounds insane.

[@fernandesfernandes5997]

Quando a Sony irá lançar o seu novo , new IEM ? O 1zr sofreu muitas críticas devido ao recuo dos médios....

[@GiullianSN]

I had it and loved, I'm still to find an IEM with better sound signature for me. But I couldn't handle the fit, had to sell it.

[@allydea]

Octopi do have funny shaped ears. I'm still a bit sad you couldn't get them to work for you, but hopefully Sony's next release is an improvement on the Z1R is a friendlier package. That's something to look forward to. ;-)

[@AF-rd2vf]

Great review. Would like to see you review upper level IEMs with top shelf DAPs.

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

how does the tuning compare to the Z7's tuning? will you ever review the Z7M2?

[@JSym92]

I heard the Z7M2 recently, it's a clusterfuck. Just sounds completely lifeless, bright but hollow, very distant midrange. It's not even worth reviewing honestly.

[@RX-rd4sc]

@@JSym92have you also heard denon d7200?

[@nicholas802]

I ordered a pair....now will the sony pha-3 dac work well together? Thoughts?

[@Currawong]

I'd be surprised if it didn't work well.

[@klewja]

Amos are you going to review the Noble Khan? I actually sold my Solaris after I got the Khan. I prefer the khan over all the other iems that I have heard. I find them to be a good option for a mobile version of the Abyss AB-1266 PHI TC they are detail monsters.

[@Currawong]

I could do. The Noble line has been on my list of IEMs I'd like to review for a long while. I have a big list though!

[@Ratseeker]

@@Currawong though Crinacle really gave a big complaint on the Noble line this month in his posts.

[@Nephilim-81]

Well done, my friend. Well done. I hope I have the privilege to try them all running through an Astell & Kern KANN Cube. :) Have my heart set on the Atlas’s though. :)

[@Audfile]

I love these "balanced armature" designs. I have the kz zs10 Pro and the performance is crazy amazing.

[@eduardmikhailov4020]

I also have ks10 and there is no comparison

[@sebanambrus9265]

Can you compare it vs akg n5005? Or hd800

[@Currawong]

I don't have either here, sorry.

[@sebanambrus9265]

@@Currawong and can you compare to any totl headphone ? You think this iem is the best iem in soundstage and technicality?

[@vislanshadow4629]

the n5005s can't even be a competitor of the Z1R, Z1R is wayyyy better than n5005. HD 800 is another story though if you are talking about ie800 or ie800s those can't compare with Z1R too. Soundstage wise if paired with DMP Z1 it is the endgame soundstage no iem could reach, even those $3000-$4000 iems such as 64 audio.

[@sebanambrus9265]

@@vislanshadow4629 I have Hd800 with tubes. Z1r are better in speed and sountstage ? I am looking for a portable solution

[@elburrona]

I wish I could even demo them, but if I had that kind of money I will probably get the technics eah-tz700 just because I am fan of the brand. over 1000 usd iems are just a dream for me. 😪 thank you for sharing with us!

[@ChitohYung]

The M9 and Solaris sounded so different to me, especially regarding the treble.

[@Currawong]

Thanks. I didn't hear them immediately after each other.

[@dante19890]

Hey Amos. What is in your opinion the best transport for chord mojo for portable use.

[@Currawong]

The Poly? Other than that, it depends how much music you want to carry and what features you want.

[@dante19890]

@@Currawong heard poly isnt the best to use with an android phone. I just want a clean transport for mojo connected via toslink or coax thats better than usb via my phone.

[@tommymai3062]

Can i use this for mixing ?

[@pithyginger6371]

probably the 64 Audio U/A12t next? I think Vision Ears VE5 and VE Elysium is also a good iem.

[@Hexspa]

Hey, I saw your post on Gearslutz about the CEntrance R4. Are you still using it and, if so, how is it holding up? Are you using it in these videos? Thanks.

[@Currawong]

Yup. It's great with the better mics. I shot a quick review of it, but I haven't uploaded it yet.

[@Hexspa]

@@Currawong Looking forward to it. I have an MKE600 Sennheiser - about $300 shotgun.

[@FaroEC]

I own the shure se846 and I can only use the black filter and when I try the white or blue filter I get a headache, how is the Sony compare to the shure846?

[@vislanshadow4629]

talking about sound they are wayyy better than old fashioned 846s, not at the same level of presentation if drived with full power such as DMP-Z1.

[@kaankucuk1612]

@@vislanshadow4629 Hello, can I ask which one is better “Melody Mesk MKII” or “Sony IER-Z1R”?

[@epergne]

"Good old Peter Hurford..." You put a smile on the faces of organist-audiophiles all over the world.

[@userjarabecko]

No he doesnt. Actually his constant swallowing and tongue swirling is quite infuriating

[@patrickrortvedt5912]

I noticed you talked about the bass mellowing out on headfi. Does this change your opinion of IER-Z1R?

[@Currawong]

Part of me wishes that the bass would stay crazy-strong, even though it was too much at times.

[@jeeztinoy08]

I dunno why I’m even watching this i won’t be able to afford one of these even in my lifetime 😂

[@ianwalters11]

Agreed, I can’t afford and I’ve just been fined £150 for throwing a cigarette end so defo no chance!! I can however recommend a great pair of Sony Headphones in the £50-£70 range. MDR-EX650AP. Been out a few years but fantastic, my cat rest in peace chewed my old pair and I bought another set. Brass which looks cool and unusual. Great controlled bass, not as much as compatible Sennhesiser but deep and doesn’t overly colour or muddy the mids and highs. 4 hybrid silicone buds included and a carry pouch. Cable nice and strong and blocks out all external noise pretty much as long as you have the right size buds in. I listen to everything..house, garage, drum n bass, grunge, nu metal, pop, heavy metal, dubstep, electronic music just as good as heavy distorted guitar, made and female vocals great too. For the money these are amazing. Obviously won’t hold a light to those 2 grand buds but unbeatable for the money. A good competitor/alternative is the Soundmagic E10s, E11’s. Similar price and I believe they are a little louder (112db sensitivity, my Sony’s are 105db). The only negative aspect of the Sony’s is although the brass looks striking it does get dull and can stain over time, not sure if that’s due to rain, ear wax, air or a combination of the three. If you have used the freebie Apple headphones these Sony’s are a world apart.

[@Stormfury1403]

Thank you for the note about the M11 Pro compared to the Mojo!

[@AmitAnand3376]

Trevor's cable spotted :)

[@TheFijianGuy]

This might be unfair but these or the empyrean?

[@Currawong]

If you're only listening at home, then the Empyrean. If you need to take them with you, the IER-Z1R.

[@TheFijianGuy]

@@Currawong thanks for always answering questions and helping us with our audio choices. Hope Santa gives you something special this Christmas :)

[@halimj7]

Bismillah Great review thanks. Compared with Final A8000 from memory? Thanks

[@londonbsing]

Stick this in my ear thanks

[@audioramplify]

These are not meant to play in a Fiio, Astell & Kern.... but in Sony signature walkmans. All those iems u have in this video are nowhere great sounding in Sony signature series. My 1 cents.

[@kylerclarke2689]

I want these very badly :(

[@hansc8400]

If they aren't mmcx, I would get a pair.

[@spartanV48]

Aren't majority of high end IEMs with mmcx anyways?

[@tichyzishh3379]

What a lame excuse, not shame in if you can't afford.

[@protato911]

@@spartanV48 most high end are 2 pin actually. Although Sony MMCX is actually quite proprietary cause they are a bit recess.

[@Currawong]

I probably should have talked about it a bit, but the set-up with the Sonys seems to be better than most endlessly-rotating MMCX set-ups.

[@protato911]

@@Currawong the best actually, but it's a pain to find 3rd partty cable for it.

[@hardtarget9969]

Luxury product.

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

Glowing review bud, you sure you ain't going to try to scrounge up some money for a pair yourself ? XD

[@Currawong]

If I start traveling more, possibly. But I wouldn't use them if I got them now.

[@pietersoetaert6625]

Hifiman seem far more comfortable though.. The Sony look huge 😅

[@titienne1937]

They are huge.

[@BubbafromSapperton]

At the 12 minute mark I have no idea what you've said, it's all just blather so I'm tuning-out. 😝

[@spetnaz777]

These were the most fatiguing things I've ever put in my ears :/

[@Currawong]

In what way?

[@allydea]

From that I must conclude that they were the only things you have ever put in your ears.

[@ezvkm77]

the Campfire are pronounced sol AIRus, thanks

[@husnainanwaar1992]

20 minutes is too much you're repeating yourself constantly

[@Currawong]

The funny thing is, if I don't repeat myself, people ask me about things I've already said in the video.

[@k-doggy1762]

I don't care how good they sound, they simply don't look like a £2k pair of IEMs. The metal brushing looks like a commercial kitchen worktop 🙊

[@buster7618]

You aren't wrong. Now I can't unsee it lol

[@allydea]

Given the current market any piece of aluminium or plastic could be a 2k IEM, so you're right, these don't look like a 2k pair of IEMs, they look like 4k IEMs. I've handled a U12t and its construction is utter garbage in comparison. Btw, the pattern on the "lid" is akin to that used on a mechanical watch's mainplate and/or bridges (called perlage finish). It's not terribly complex but also far from pedestrian. I wouldn't have picked it myself but there are much more interesting things going on with this IEM than the case finish.

[@isonic1378]

Well, they're made of corrosion resistant Zirconium alloy, which is often used in nuclear reactors. You R welCOME.

[@isonic1378]

​@Malcolm R Monaghan A lot of high end iems made of resin, cheap weak material, cost 2~3k$. Which wont last over 2 yrs, for everyday users like me. Now this, this IER-Z1R that Im using right now is made of high tensile strength corrosive resisting metal, so it'll last maybe forever. Also u R putting IEMs in ur ears, so u might want safe corrosion resistance metal for ur skin's well-being, unlike steel. Resin does good job but not as durable to last over 2 yrs for everyday users.

[@isonic1378]

@Malcolm R Monaghan It can't be made of steel, because steel will corrode. Which is why zirconium ally is used. Both durable and corrosion resistant. If you are spending 2k$ worth of IEMs, you might wanna hope that it last for a long time. So it is necessary.

[@huckfin1100]

I could spend $100 and get the same sound if not better

[@Abhi-wn7sw]

Sure