Sony IER Z1R VS Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea

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Sony IER Z1R and Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea use 2DD+1BA and 1DD+4BA driver setups respectively. Sony IER Z1R costs $1,700 while Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea costs $1,300. Sony IER Z1R is $400 more expensive. Sony IER Z1R holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (8.2 vs 7.9). Sony IER Z1R has significantly better bass with a 1.4-point edge, Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea has better mids with a 0.7-point edge, Sony IER Z1R has slightly better treble with a 0.3-point edge, Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea has better dynamics with a 0.8-point edge, Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea has significantly better details with a 1.5-point edge and Sony IER Z1R has significantly better imaging with a 1.1-point edge.

Metric	Sony IER Z1R	Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea
Bass	9.5	8.1
Mids	6.8	7.5
Treble	7.8	7.5
Details	7.4	8.8
Soundstage	8	8
Imaging	8.6	7.5
Dynamics	7.3	8
Tonality	8.1	7.6
Technicalities	8.2	8.5

Sony IER Z1R Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Score:

8.2

Very Positive

Show all Sony IER Z1R reviews

Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Score:

7.9

Strongly Favorable

Show all Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea reviews

Driver Configuration: 2DD+1BA

Tuning Type: V-Shaped

Brand: Sony Top Sony IEMs

Price (Msrp): $1,700

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Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA

Tuning Type: Harman Neutral

Brand: Elysian Top Elysian IEMs

Price (Msrp): $1,300

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Sony IER Z1R User Review Score

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea User Review Score

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Sony IER Z1R Gaming Score

The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.6

Gaming Grade

B+

Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea Gaming Score

The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

7.2

Gaming Grade

A-

Sony IER Z1R Scorings

Average Tunign Grade

A+

Refined execution with coherent frequency integration. Natural timbre reproduction and engaging presentation. Strong versatility.

Average Technical Grade

A+

Very competent with articulate presentation. Well-defined layers and precise imaging. Soundstage is immersive and handles dynamics well.

Bass S

World-class bass performance. Perfectly balanced between visceral impact, texture, and depth with zero bleed into mids.

Mids B+

Good midrange presence with solid clarity. Vocals are clear and instruments have reasonable texture and body.

Treble A

Excellent treble: airy, extended and well-controlled. Great micro-detail retrieval without sibilance or harshness.

Dynamics A-

Excellent dynamics with great contrast and speed. Transients are crisp and micro-details are clearly articulated.

Soundstage A+

Exceptional soundstage with holographic imaging. Creates a truly three-dimensional space where instruments float naturally around you.

Details A-

Excellent detail retrieval: highly resolving without being clinical. Effortlessly reveals micro-details and textural subtleties.

Imaging S-

Exceptional imaging with holographic precision. Creates a palpable sense of physical placement with perfect positional stability.

Gaming B+

Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

Effect Audio x Elysian Gaea Scorings

Average Tunign Grade

Well-executed tonal character. No major flaws with good technical control. Smooth presentation works with multiple genres.

Average Technical Grade

S-

Very competent with articulate presentation. Well-defined layers and precise imaging. Soundstage is immersive and handles dynamics well.

Bass A+

Excellent bass response - powerful yet controlled. Deep extension with authoritative slam while maintaining clarity.

Mids A

Excellent midrange with natural timbre and great detail retrieval. Vocals are forward and emotive with lifelike instrument reproduction.

Treble A

Excellent treble: airy, extended and well-controlled. Great micro-detail retrieval without sibilance or harshness.

Dynamics A+

Superb dynamic range - powerful yet nuanced. Exceptional transient response with lifelike impact and subtle volume gradations.

Soundstage A+

Exceptional soundstage with holographic imaging. Creates a truly three-dimensional space where instruments float naturally around you.

Details S-

Exceptional resolution that uncovers the deepest layers. Retrieves even the most minute details while maintaining natural timbre.

Imaging A

Excellent imaging: precise and stable placement. Instruments occupy specific points in space with tangible positions.

Gaming A-

Good fundamental spatial awareness for most gaming scenarios. Handles basic positioning well but may lack nuance in complex situations. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

Sony IER Z1R Reviews

Reviewed by: Super* Review

9* * score normalized

check links for more info:

Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel

Reviewed by: Jays Audio

9 Reviewer Score

S Tuning

S Tech

Best of the best in most areas, but vocals and mids can be thin due to fit issues. Insane bass texture/detail and HUGE soundstage. One of the best trebles I've heard.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Reviewed by: Crin

8 Reviewer Score

A+ Tuning

S- Tech

Extended yet natural treble, realistic sub-bass focus and spacious imaging capabilities.

Crin original ranking

Crin Youtube Channel

Reviewed by: Nymz

8 Reviewer Score

A+ Tuning

A+ Tech

Recessed mids I can't approved but best bass tactility I've heard. One of the best stage I've heard. Top of the class treble. Fit is a massive problem for most - one of those that needs to be demoed before pressing checkout.

Nymz original ranking

Nymz Website

Bass: S+ Mids: B Treble: A+ Details: A- Imaging: S

Reviewed by: Smirk Audio

7.9 Reviewer Score

A+ Tuning

A Tech

Visceral, hard-hitting bass, sparkly treble, and a large, spherical soundstage with impressive height. Fit may pose a challenge for many. Cons: Poor fit.

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

Bass: S Mids: A Treble: A+ Dynamics: A Details: A- Imaging: S-

Reviewed by: Precogvision

7.9 Reviewer Score

A+ Tuning

A Tech

Top-tier bass, treble, and soundstage height and width. I don't approve of the midrange these days.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel

Bass: S+ Mids: B Treble: A+ Dynamics: A- Details: A- Imaging: S

Reviewed by: Shuwa-T

7.9 Reviewer Score

A Tuning

A+ Tech

Fun sounding without going overboard with the subbass, organic timbre The fit is atrocious, treble can get spicy on hi-hats

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: S- Mids: A Treble: A- Soundstage: A+ Details: S- Imaging: A+

Reviewed by: Tim Tuned

7.5 Reviewer Score

A Tuning

A+ Tech

Incredible extensions on both ends Lower midrange

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel

Bass: S+ Mids: A- Treble: A+