Sony IER Z1R VS BGVP Solomon
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Sony IER Z1R and BGVP Solomon use 2DD+1BA and 2DD+3BA+2EST+2BC driver setups respectively. Sony IER Z1R costs $1,700 while BGVP Solomon costs $1,299. Sony IER Z1R is $401 more expensive. BGVP Solomon holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (8.1 vs 8.5). Sony IER Z1R has better bass with a 0.9-point edge, BGVP Solomon has significantly better mids with a 1.1-point edge, BGVP Solomon has slightly better treble with a 0.4-point edge, BGVP Solomon has significantly better dynamics with a 1.3-point edge, BGVP Solomon has better soundstage with a 0.7-point edge and BGVP Solomon has significantly better details with a 1.1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Sony IER Z1R | BGVP Solomon |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9.5 | 8.7 |
| Mids | 6.8 | 7.9 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 8.2 |
| Details | 7.4 | 8.5 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8.7 |
| Imaging | 8.6 | 8.4 |
| Dynamics | 7.3 | 8.5 |
| Tonality | 8.1 | 8.4 |
| Technicalities | 8.1 | 8.5 |
Sony IER Z1R Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
BGVP Solomon Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.5Very Positive
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
BGVP Solomon (more reviews)
BGVP Solomon reviewed by Fox Told Me So
2025-10-11
8.4
Reviewer Score
Mids are natural and slightly forward, giving vocals clarity and presence without harshness. Treble is lively and detailed, with a 5 kHz rise adding sparkle and air. The EST drivers keep everything smooth, extending beautifully into the upper highs for that “halo” sense of openness.
Soundstage is grand and spacious, with solid layering and natural instrument spread.
Verdict: Solomon delivers a vivid, airy, and technically refined sound—lean in warmth but rich in detail. A crisp, holographic performer that clearly punches above its price.
Fox Told Me So original ranking
Fox Told Me So Youtube Channel
Buy BGVP Solomon on HiFiGO
Ad
Price: $1,299
Buy BGVP Solomon on HiFiGO
BGVP Solomon reviewed by Web Search
2025-10-11
8.5
Reviewer Score
The BGVP Solomon is a quad-brid IEM with a complex 2DD+3BA+2EST+2BCD driver array, low 7.3 Ω impedance, and 110.8 dB sensitivity, indicating easy drivability but potential source-noise audibility. Build and accessories are upscale, including BGVP’s Temple cable in many packages and an extensive tip set, positioning the product squarely in the upper-tier segment at an MSRP of $1,299 . The spec sheet and pricing from multiple retailers corroborate the above configuration and target market, making it competitive with other premium hybrids rather than mid-priced options .
Sonically, the Solomon presents a refined, mildly W-shaped balance: a clean, controlled bass shelf, transparent mids, and energetic, well-extended treble. Independent evaluations describe a neutral-leaning low end and forward upper-mids, with treble clarity that can approach brightness depending on tips and chain—consistent with a detail-first presentation rather than a warm, lush one . This tuning delivers strong resolution and incisive note edges, but listeners sensitive to upper-treble energy may prefer narrower-bore or vocal tips to moderate brightness .
Technical performance is a clear strength: stage size is expansive with notable depth, and imaging is precise, aided by the bone-conduction implementation that adds tactility without smearing transients. Separation and layering remain intact on dense passages, aligning with reports that the Solomon handles complex material with ease; however, at this price its value hinges on the listener prioritizing treble openness and microdetail over mid-bass warmth or romantic mids .
Sony IER Z1R Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+1BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Sony Top Sony IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,700
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
BGVP Solomon Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+3BA+2EST+2BC
Tuning Type: Neutral, Bright, W-Shaped
Brand: BGVP Top BGVP IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,299
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Sony IER Z1R 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!
BGVP Solomon 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+BGVP Solomon Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.4Gaming 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.
BGVP Solomon Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Tuning feels refined, blending frequencies with convincing realism and engagement. Transitions between registers feel effortless.
Average Technical Grade
S-- The tuning feels expertly organized, marrying agile dynamics with well-defined spatial cues. Technical listeners will appreciate the poise.
Sony IER Z1R User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewBGVP Solomon User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewFind your next IEM:
IEM Finder Quiz
newIEM Comparison Tool
newVS