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

Product Information

Its not that I love to make my earholes feel like they're being f'ed, but you really need to shove it in deep to create a seal and to get all of that treble extension. Elysian Diva - fit was problematic, great for vocals but I couldn’t get them inserted into my ear canals very well. Now that I’ve gushed over and praised the IER-Z1R’s sound quality, there’s just one problem here: The fit is atrocious. The imaging displays its sound elements with a large definition, making each track appear full and lifelike.

I listen to a lot of K-Pop/J-Pop, and stuff by the likes of Taeyeon and Aimer simply shines on the IER-Z1R. I think they played it safe when tuning the mids to avoid having and honky-ness or boxiness, which they've achieved. 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. For those who need more excitement and fun-factor, the Sony IER-Z1R shall be on the top of your list.This is where insertion depth comes into play because with a less-than-adequate insertion the treble becomes splashy. The largest driver in this array is the 12mm bass/midrange driver that has a Magnesium dome with Aluminium-coated LCP surround. Especially pseudo custom shells usually touch unnecessary parts in my unusually shaped concha but Z1R doesn’t so I think I could live with them.

Now, it’s still not as clean and nuanced as some BA IEMs I’ve heard - much less a planar - but unless you’re really bass-shy, something tells me you’re not going to mind. By analysing your unique ear shape, you can optimise your listening experience and immerse yourself in the ultimate music journey. Honestly, I don't think there's anything else I can add to this other than continuously simping on this pair of IEM. With each of them there's been different issues, mostly something strange with their PayPal accounts. This generally fits with my preferences, although the mids are a little more recessed than I'd like.And to this effect, it barely edges out the U12t’s soundstage which is above average in its own right. The Sony IER-Z1R has a V-shaped sound signature, but that’s a reductionist statement to say the least.

You would definitely appreciate a Porche and a Ferrari now if you have had driven a 1995 Toyota Corolla previously. Finally, while the IER-Z1R certainly isn’t slow, it does seem to fall behind the U12t in terms of transient speed. While the A8000 has north-of-neutral sub-bass rise, it pales in comparison to the level of mid-bass thump that the Sony IER-Z1R provides.

Almost everything about its sound signature is incredibly pleasant, with minor hiccups in the mids noted. Wired Earphones with a Balanced sound signature presents a precise sound and an enriching listening experience, where sounds are naturally presented without extreme emphasis on any region.

This is very slight however, but as a result male vocals and lower female vocals can sound a little distant at times, as if they were placed further back in the stage/mix. That being said, the detail retrieval is still fantastic and guitars, especially acoustic, have a very nice texture to them.I also stand by my original sentiment about the IER-Z1R’s male vocal performance: Not bad, but by no means exceptional; this wouldn’t be my first choice with the likes of country music. It goes without saying that how now 5-years-old Z1R’s lower driver count can keep up with others is quite an accomplishment. If you’re someone who appreciates cutting-edge engineering, quality sound and portability, look no further. 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. To say that this unboxing experience doesn't heightens the experience of getting this pair would be an understatement.