Sony IER Z1R VS Goldplanar GL-AMT16
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Sony IER Z1R and Goldplanar GL-AMT16 use 2DD+1BA and 1AMT driver setups respectively. Sony IER Z1R costs $1,700 while Goldplanar GL-AMT16 costs $1,499. Sony IER Z1R is $201 more expensive. Sony IER Z1R holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (8.1 vs 7.9). Sony IER Z1R has significantly better bass with a 2.3-point edge, Goldplanar GL-AMT16 has significantly better mids with a 1.4-point edge, Goldplanar GL-AMT16 has better treble with a 0.9-point edge, Goldplanar GL-AMT16 has slightly better dynamics with a 0.4-point edge, Goldplanar GL-AMT16 has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge, Goldplanar GL-AMT16 has significantly better details with a 1-point edge and Sony IER Z1R has slightly better imaging with a 0.4-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Sony IER Z1R | Goldplanar GL-AMT16 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9.5 | 7.3 |
| Mids | 6.8 | 8.2 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 8.7 |
| Details | 7.4 | 8.4 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8.5 |
| Imaging | 8.6 | 8.3 |
| Dynamics | 7.3 | 7.7 |
| Tonality | 8.1 | 7.9 |
| Technicalities | 8.1 | 8.3 |
Sony IER Z1R Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Goldplanar GL-AMT16 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
7.9Strongly Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Sony IER Z1R (more reviews)
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Super* Review
9*
* score rescaled + normalized
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Jays Audio
9
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Yifang
8
Reviewer Score
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Crin
8
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Sony’s IER-Z1R goes full luxury flex: an over-the-top unboxing with nested boxes, a ring-case display, two stock cables (3.5 mm SE and 4.4 mm balanced), and a mountain of tips. The shells are solid metal and surprisingly heavy, feeling like they could survive a drop—or crack a desk. Driver count is “only” three, but the focus is on large dynamic drivers rather than BA stuffing; build and presentation scream premium from the first lift of the lid.
Sonically, the headline is the bass: deep, rumbly, clean, and fast, delivering both sub-bass rumble and well-separated hits—described as the best bass heard from a universal IEM. The midrange has a thicker, weighty character that plays nicer with brighter voices and pop than with male vocals or cello, which can feel a touch heavy. The treble is fit-dependent: a deep seal nets a smooth, extended top end; a shallow fit can tilt peaky and splashy—so ear anatomy and tip choice matter more than usual.
On source pairing, the IER-Z1R scales on a beefy amp but runs just fine off an Apple dongle, undermining fears that it’s a diva. As for value, the verdict is blunt: performance is stellar, but not cost-efficient; similar results can be had for half or even a quarter of the price. This set targets listeners chasing the last 10–20% of performance (or those who simply want the full Sony flagship experience), with the caveat that fit decides whether the treble sings or stings.
Crin Youtube Channel
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Nymz
8
Reviewer Score
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Precogvision
7.9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Sony’s IER-Z1R puts on a proper flagship show from the jump: an exquisite unboxing, hefty zirconium shells, and faceplates with a watch-grade finish that scream luxury. Sonically, the focus is the sub-bass—massive extension, physical rumble, and satisfying decay that together form a true basshead endgame. Compared to the 64 Audio U12t, the Z1R’s low end is clearly superior in slam and texture, while avoiding plasticky BA timbre; resolution is strong overall, even if the U12t keeps a slight edge in microdetail.
The tuning skews moderately V-shaped: male vocals can sound a touch hollow from a dip around the lower mids, whereas female vocals pop with presence and clarity—ideal for J-/K-pop and anime OSTs. Treble carries good extension but emphasizes stick impact that can draw attention over the air up top, a preference call more than a flaw. Staging is notable: among IEMs, the Z1R projects a “speaker-like” scale with one of the widest head-stages heard—still IEM-bound, but grander than most peers, and paired with a warm, engaging timbre.
The catch is fit and ergonomics. The shells are large and unforgiving, and for many ears comfort collapses within minutes; seal is extremely sensitive, with a poor fit turning the treble peaky around ~6 kHz. It’s the single biggest caveat: audition first rather than blind-buying. When the fit cooperates, this is a phenomenal-sounding flagship—arguably preferred over U12t for the right genres—yet its brilliance is undercut by comfort risks that will be a deal-breaker for some.
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Shuwa-T
7.9
Reviewer Score
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Tim Tuned
7.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Goldplanar GL-AMT16 (more reviews)
Goldplanar GL-AMT16 reviewed by Fox Told Me So
8
Reviewer Score
Tonally, the AMT16 leans toward clarity and openness rather than heaviness. The treble and upper-mid regions are the standout: strings, cymbals and woodwinds show excellent harmonic detail, fine edges, and an airy backdrop. You get extension high up into the ultra-treble, yet it never feels overly sharp or fatiguing.
Mids present with good density—not too thin, not overly thick. Vocals sit slightly forward and articulate well: you can hear subtle breaths and mouth movements. Instrument separation and note definition are strong, thanks to the driver’s speed and control.
Bass is the one area where the AMT16 chooses restraint over brute force. Impact is present, but sub-bass depth or slam does not match the heaviest hitters. Because the bass decays quickly and doesn’t bleed into mids, the overall tonality stays clean and transparent.
Soundstage and imaging are impressive: the presentation feels spacious, natural, and unconfined. Instruments occupy clear space; layering is well-executed and gives a sense of air around the performance.
That said, some trade-offs: the sub-bass extension may not satisfy bass-heads who crave heavy rumble; also, the driver tuning and interchangeable nozzles require care
Verdict: The AMT16 is a technical masterpiece for listeners who value clarity, speed, imaging and treble extension over bass weight. It delivers a crisp, airy, refined soundscape—less about “slam” and more about musical transparency and detail.
Fox Told Me So original ranking
Fox Told Me So Youtube Channel
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Goldplanar GL-AMT16 reviewed by Web Search
7.8
Reviewer Score
The Goldplanar GL-AMT16 is a single-driver in-ear using a 15.5 mm full-range AMT transducer (16 Ω, 102 dB) in a lightweight aluminum shell and ships with replaceable acoustic nozzles that meaningfully alter tonality. Its MSRP sits at $1,499, positioning it well into flagship territory. Specs and design details are documented by retailers and product pages.
On balance, the GL-AMT16 trends toward a neutral-bright, lean presentation with very fast transients and extended upper treble—traits consistent with AMT technology. Bass is controlled and clean but does not deliver dynamic-driver “slam,” so listeners wanting weighty low-end may find it restrained; pairing with a warmer source can help. Owner reports also note it is more chain-dependent than purely power-hungry, and that nozzle/filter choice substantially impacts perceived clarity and pinna-gain behavior.
Technically, the set excels in resolution, imaging, and separation, offering an open, airy stage and precise positional cues, while macrodynamics and bass physicality are more modest. The adjustable nozzles make it unusually configurable for a single-driver flagship, but it still reads as a specialist for acoustic, orchestral, and detail-centric listening rather than a do-everything all-rounder. Prospective buyers should weigh its unique AMT timbre and speed against the high price and genre selectivity.
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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Goldplanar GL-AMT16 Details
Driver Configuration: 1AMT
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright, Vocal-focused
Price (Msrp): $1,499
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Sony IER Z1R User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Goldplanar GL-AMT16 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
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+Goldplanar GL-AMT16 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.2Gaming Grade
A-Sony IER Z1R Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Expect a tasteful, well-judged response that feels both musical and true to the source. Great synergy with a wide range of genres.
Average Technical Grade
A+- You get an articulate, polished performance with immersive stage depth and great control. There's a sense of polish across the whole spectrum.
Goldplanar GL-AMT16 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- The response is even and composed, lending itself to effortless genre hopping. Voices sit comfortably in the mix.
Average Technical Grade
A+- The tuning feels expertly organized, marrying agile dynamics with well-defined spatial cues. Technical listeners will appreciate the poise.
Sony IER Z1R User Reviews
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