Sony MDR-Z1R High-Resolution Audio Premium Over-Ear Headphones - Black

Product Information

I don't actually listen to all kinds of music, lets say for example Classical, therefore it is important to understand that this review is based on my observation on the kinds of musics I like, and those are mainly:

Indonesian Song (it's basically the Indonesian version of pop, guitar used is mostly acoustic guitar, sounds natural and relaxing however, mastering of the song is usually poor, this is good to test how good a headphone/Iem handle poorly recorded material) One of the Z1R’s main staples is its huge 70mm dome dynamic driver with a CCAW voice coil. This promises an output with a wide dynamic range and a more sizable signal flow. It’s improved by the Z1R’s resonance-free housing which uses special filters to control air resistance and eliminates destructive noise caused by driver movement. Soundstage The grill of the driver unit applies the pattern of the curve referred to in the Fibonacci sequence that makes its opening equalize (emphasis mine). Also, using the high rigidity material to thin the crosspiece as much as possible, the propagation of air is not inhibited and smooth ultra-high-frequency characteristics are made. NOTE: the score then calculated is not comparable to the scores derived from the default Harman target curve if not otherwise noted. Between The Ether C and Z1R, I'm not sure on this one since it's been a while and this is the part where the difference is minor, I'd say it's about the same, but The Z1R sounds really wide for a closed headphone. but it's not a stark enough difference to say one is better than the other.

Designed for either Studio or Stage Monitoring --> Plays well with everything that exists, but can sound boring and might not be suited for pure music listening. These are often professional tools meant to fullfill a certain purpose, make sure they fullfill your purpose.

I boxed up the Z1R after three days and returned it. I didn't expect that listening to it for more days would help much, nor should it be necessary. The build quality is top notch, all metal and real leather earpads and headband material. The exterior part of the cups is made from a mesh of woven stainless steel covered in chromium. After this layer then comes a paper filter to absorb resonances made from Canadian wood pulp using japanese paper methods, then the housing of the driver made of plastic. Taking the Sony house sound to a more mature and maybe advanced level; because everything is clearer; it’s that detailed 3D no stopping clarity! A more physical and carved-out bass than with the full-size Z1R yet focused like the Z7. The IEM here actually becomes of more finesse yet touchable as well as comprehensible! Here we are met with a more in-your-head soundstage, being a more concentrated and mind-bending elixir. The main internal headband arch is beta titanium; an alloy often used in orthodontics (braces for teeth) and glasses frames due to its superior strength and elasticity. The headband is indeed very flexible with just the right amount of caliper pressure. Sony claims it can be significantly bent and will still return to its original shape.

I find that the treble plays down on your taste the most, I listen to metal music, so bright treble is often not good for me as my metal recordings are bright and added brightness could be fatiguing, so I like The Z1R. All these headphones come in nice boxes; though the IER-Z1R comes with a cardboard jewelry box, with drawers. Also for the record, the IER-Z1R comes included with the greatest of cables, both 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced. Of all the headphones talked about here, it’s the IEM which is dependent on fit. Meaning they may not fit your ears, and if they don’t fit your ears the party is over. This single concept makes full-size headphones much easier to use in the end. Though for this extra effort we are gifted with a inner head-stage. As the tip sits inside your cranium the sound is both inside and outside your head. This concept in and of itself gets us a different perspective in sound display. Also I can’t help but reinforce the medical insertion of detail into your brain. The IEMs go the extra mile to put the music closer to your soul and under your skin. Also the display is like reading a normal size book where full-size headphones can almost take more effort to take in? Let’s just say we have had an increase of perfection along the way. While each transducer offers it’s own take on the Sony house sound, the history being what it is has shown a nice progression. 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!