Sony IER Z1R VS Dunu Glacier
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Sony IER Z1R and Dunu Glacier use 2DD+1BA and 1DD+4BA+4EST driver setups respectively. Sony IER Z1R costs $1,700 while Dunu Glacier costs $1,350. Sony IER Z1R is $350 more expensive. Dunu Glacier holds a clear 0.5-point edge in reviewer scores (8.2 vs 8.7). Dunu Glacier carries a user score of 9. Sony IER Z1R has significantly better bass with a 1-point edge, Dunu Glacier has better mids with a 0.8-point edge, Dunu Glacier has better treble with a 0.5-point edge, Dunu Glacier has significantly better dynamics with a 2.1-point edge, Dunu Glacier has significantly better soundstage with a 2-point edge, Dunu Glacier has better details with a 0.9-point edge and Sony IER Z1R has slightly better imaging with a 0.4-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Sony IER Z1R | Dunu Glacier |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9.5 | 8.5 |
| Mids | 6.8 | 7.6 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 8.3 |
| Details | 7.4 | 8.3 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 10 |
| Imaging | 8.6 | 8.3 |
| Dynamics | 7.3 | 9.3 |
| Gaming capabilities | 6.6 | 7.6 |
Sony IER Z1R Aggregated Review Score
Sony IER Z1R Average Reviewer Scores
Dunu Glacier Aggregated Review Score
Dunu Glacier Average Reviewer Scores
Sony IER Z1R Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+1BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $1,700
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Dunu Glacier Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+4EST
Tuning Type: Harman with bass boost
Price (Msrp): $1,349.99
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Sony IER Z1R User Review Score
Sony IER Z1R 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!
Dunu Glacier User Review Score
Dunu Glacier Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
9Outstanding
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+Dunu Glacier Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.6Gaming Grade
ASony 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.
Dunu Glacier 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
S-- Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
Sony IER Z1R Reviews
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by: Smirk Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Visceral, hard-hitting bass, sparkly treble, and a large, spherical soundstage with impressive height. Fit may pose a challenge for many. Cons: Poor fit.
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by: Super* Review
9*
* score normalized
check links for more info:Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by: Jays Audio
9
Reviewer Score
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 Youtube Channel
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by: Tim Tuned
7.5
Reviewer Score
Incredible extensions on both ends Lower midrange Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by: Precogvision
7.9
Reviewer Score
Top-tier bass, treble, and soundstage height and width. I don't approve of the midrange these days. Precogvision Youtube Channel
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by: Crin
8
Reviewer Score
Extended yet natural treble, realistic sub-bass focus and spacious imaging capabilities. Crin Youtube Channel
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by: Shuwa-T
7.9
Reviewer Score
Fun sounding without going overboard with the subbass, organic timbre The fit is atrocious, treble can get spicy on hi-hats
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by: Nymz
8
Reviewer Score
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.
Dunu Glacier Reviews
Dunu Glacier reviewed by: Z-Reviews
10
* score normalized
The Dunu Glacier delivers an extraordinary premium experience right from the unboxing, featuring a lavish presentation, a massive high-quality fabric cable with interchangeable terminations, and hand-polished stainless steel earpieces that feel substantial and expensive. Despite the controversial MMCX connectors, the cable and fit are praised, complemented by a ton of accessories including multiple ear tip types, a leather case, and even a brush. This is Dunu’s flagship effort at $1300, and the physical presentation screams luxury.
Sonically, the Glacier is a revelation with a massive, immersive soundstage that places instruments at a distance, creating a surround-like experience rather than an in-your-head assault. The tuning is remarkably relaxed and natural, prioritizing smoothness and spatial depth over aggression. Tracks with atmospheric elements or live recordings become breathtaking, revealing layers of echo and venue acoustics that feel expansive and holographic. This isn’t hyper-detailed or clinical; it’s chill, luxurious, and emotionally resonant, making even familiar music feel newly captivating.
Compared to competitors like the Thieaudio Prestige Limited or Monarch MkIII, the Glacier carves its own niche with its unparalleled sense of space and effortless presentation. It doesn’t compete on technical aggression but instead offers a transportive, almost spiritual listening experience. If you crave an endgame IEM that emphasizes grandeur, natural tonality, and pure musical immersion over analytical prowess, the Glacier is a jaw-dropping contender. Just be prepared for its unique, room-filling signature—it’s less an in-ear monitor and more a portal.
Dunu Glacier reviewed by: Super* Review
9*
* score normalized
Convinces me that the harman target can sound excellent.Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
The Dunu Glacier stands as the brand's latest flagship tribrid IEM, priced around $1,350. Its standout feature is its adherence to the Harman target curve, a rarity at this level, executed with notable success. The Glacier boasts exceptional build quality, featuring polished 904L stainless steel shells that feel substantial and genuinely premium, justifying its price tag aesthetically. It comes loaded with accessories, including a plethora of ear tips (like the Candy and new clear Dunu Lunnies) and a large carry case, though the case design is noted as slightly awkward. The included cable is thick, well-made, and features Dunu's signature swappable terminations (3.5mm and 4.4mm included), though its ear hooks are somewhat loose and the chin cinch doesn't hold perfectly.
Sonically, the Glacier delivers a contrasty, V-shaped signature true to Harman but avoids the thinness sometimes associated with that target, thanks to extra bass emphasis. The bass is a major highlight – big, impactful, deep, well-textured, and satisfyingly clean with zero bleed into the mids. The treble is forward yet remarkably smooth, avoiding sharpness or sibilance. While technically proficient with good imaging and a strong sense of depth (especially from the bass), it leans slightly more towards contrast than nuanced micro-detail, particularly in the mid-range. Compared to rivals like the 64 Audio U4s (more mid-focused, warmer, laid-back) and the Dunu Mirai (brighter, most mid-focused, wider stage but less satisfying bass and slightly digital/scratchier treble), the Glacier excels in bass impact and separation, smoothness, and depth perception, while the others might appeal more for pure mid-range focus.
Overall, the Dunu Glacier is a highly refined IEM with no glaring weaknesses. Its excellent build, satisfying Harman-tuned sound (especially the standout bass and smooth treble), and competitive technicalities make it a compelling option in the flagship tier. While its weight and aggressive shell molding might cause minor comfort issues when lying down, and the ear hooks could be tighter, it earns a very solid four-star rating for delivering a premium experience that largely justifies its cost and successfully champions the Harman target.
Dunu Glacier reviewed by: Jays Audio
9
Reviewer Score
Clean, balanced sound, clear vocals, great midrange and tech, would rec if not for the unit variance in the tuning, the unit I got sounds different than the earlier ones which was bass-boosted diffuse field Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Dunu Glacier reviewed by: Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Less thin harman with amazing tech Not very natural timbre Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Dunu Glacier reviewed by: Precogvision
7.2
Reviewer Score
Quite exciting and dynamic, possibly a bit bright in the treble. Precogvision Youtube Channel
Dunu Glacier reviewed by: Gizaudio Axel
9
Reviewer Score
Reveals every detail in your music, both the good and the bad. Exceptional bass, ethereal treble, remarkable clarity, and outstanding detail. The upper mid-range might be a bit too much for some people.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
Dunu Glacier reviewed by: Jaytiss
9.3
Reviewer Score
Upper mids kill it for me, but it's a fun set. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Priced around $1,350, the Dunu Glacier is a premium nine-driver tribrid IEM featuring one dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and four electrostatic drivers. The build quality is exceptional with a beautiful mirrored polished steel shell, though it's noted as a bit large, heavy, and a fingerprint magnet. Comfort is generally good, and it includes a high-quality, pliable cable with interchangeable connectors and a secure chin slider. Packaging is also highlighted as exceedingly well done, typical of Dunu's recent standards.
Sonically, the Glacier delivers a very bassy, extremely fun, and highly engaging V-shaped signature. The strong bass is balanced by prominent upper mids, offering good detail resolution and micro-details. However, a noticeable energy peak around 3kHz can make some tracks feel overly energetic, intimate, or even slightly shouty, limiting its versatility for mellower listening sessions. Comparisons place it near sets like the LETSHUOER Tera (less bass, cleaner) and ThieAudio Monarch MK I (less bass, more even upper mids), while noting it surpasses the Dunu Brain Dance (DK-31) in detail and bombast, though the Brain Dance offers significant value at half the price.
Ultimately, the Dunu Glacier stands out as a fantastic and unique IEM with satisfying bass weight, good imaging, and excellent micro-details. Its fun, bombastic character and high-quality build make it a compelling choice, but the specific upper-mid energy requires careful consideration. It earns a recommendation for those seeking an ultra-engaging Harman-style listen with top-tier driver tech, though demoing is advised due to its distinct tonal quirks.
Dunu Glacier reviewed by: IEMRanking AI
2025-07-02
9
Reviewer Score
The Dunu Glacier delivers a technically impressive listening experience with its nine-driver tribrid setup (1DD+4BA+4EST). The stainless steel shells feel substantial yet remain comfortable for extended sessions despite their weight. Sonically, it presents a Harman-inspired tuning enhanced by significant sub-bass rumble and a notably wide soundstage, creating an expansive presentation.
Bass response is a standout, offering deep, textured rumble and strong physical impact thanks to the biocellulose dynamic driver, while the four EST drivers provide highly detailed treble without harshness. However, the upper mids can occasionally feel intense or forward on certain tracks, and the midrange sometimes exhibits a slight hollowness, making it less forgiving of poor recordings. While the soundstage width is exceptional under $2000, depth and layering don’t quite reach the absolute top tier.
At $1349, the Glacier justifies its price with a premium unboxing experience, including a versatile modular cable, multiple high-quality eartip options (Dunu S&S, Candy, SpinFit), and a distinctive design. It’s a strong choice for those seeking a dynamic, detailed signature with thunderous bass and a vast stage, though its revealing nature and shell size may not suit all listeners or genres.
Sony IER Z1R User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewDunu Glacier User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own reviewLuxury looking IEM with great sound quality. Sounds best with Tangzu Sancai tips
Pros
Sounds fun and clean at the same time, very engaging. Insane soundstage and 3D-holographic effect.Cons
In some songs too energetic for long listening sessions.Buy Dunu Glacier on Aliexpress
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Price: $1,349
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