Sony IER Z1R and Empire Ears Hero use 2DD+1BA and 1DD+3BA driver setups respectively. Sony IER Z1R costs $1,700 while Empire Ears Hero costs $1,350. Sony IER Z1R is $350 more expensive. Sony IER Z1R holds a decisive 2.4-point edge in reviewer scores (8.2 vs 5.8). Sony IER Z1R has significantly better bass with a 2.5-point edge, Sony IER Z1R has significantly better mids with a 1.8-point edge, Sony IER Z1R has significantly better treble with a 3.8-point edge, Sony IER Z1R has slightly better dynamics with a 0.3-point edge, Sony IER Z1R has significantly better details with a 1.4-point edge and Sony IER Z1R has significantly better imaging with a 2.6-point edge.
Insights
Metric | Sony IER Z1R | Empire Ears Hero |
---|---|---|
Bass | 9.5 | 7 |
Mids | 6.8 | 5 |
Treble | 7.8 | 4 |
Details | 7.4 | 6 |
Soundstage | 8 | 5.8 |
Imaging | 8.6 | 6 |
Dynamics | 7.3 | 7 |
Tonality | 8.1 | 5.4 |
Technicalities | 8.2 | 6.7 |
Sony IER Z1R Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Empire Ears Hero Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Sony IER Z1R Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+1BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Sony Top Sony IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,700
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Empire Ears Hero Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+3BA
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Empire Ears Top Empire Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,350
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Sony IER Z1R User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Empire Ears Hero User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Sony IER Z1R Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming Grade
B+Empire Ears Hero Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
5.3Gaming Grade
C+Sony IER Z1R Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
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.
Empire Ears Hero Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
C+- Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.
Average Technical Grade
B+- Satisfactory technical performance. Handles basic detail retrieval adequately in most tracks. Maintains reasonable cohesion in simpler arrangements.
Sony IER Z1R Reviews
Reviewed by: Super* Review
Reviewed by: Jays Audio
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Crin
Crin Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Nymz
Reviewed by: Smirk Audio
Reviewed by: Precogvision
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Shuwa-T
Reviewed by: Tim Tuned
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Empire Ears Hero Reviews
Reviewed by: Crin
Crin Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Precogvision
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Sony IER Z1R User Reviews
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