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 (8.1 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 0.6-point edge, Dunu Glacier has significantly better dynamics with a 1.8-point edge, Dunu Glacier has significantly better soundstage with a 1.5-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 | 7.4 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 8 |
| Details | 7.4 | 8.3 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 9.5 |
| Imaging | 8.6 | 8.3 |
| Dynamics | 7.3 | 9 |
| Tonality | 8.1 | 8.1 |
| Technicalities | 8.1 | 8.6 |
Sony IER Z1R Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Dunu Glacier Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.7Excellent
Reviews Comparison
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Super* Review
9*
* score rescaled + normalized
Dunu Glacier reviewed by Super* Review
9*
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
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.
Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube ChannelBuy Dunu Glacier on Linsoul
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Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Jays Audio
9
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Dunu Glacier reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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
Dunu Glacier reviewed by Precogvision
7.2
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Tim Tuned
7.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Dunu Glacier reviewed by Tim Tuned
7
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Sony IER Z1R (more reviews)
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 Shuwa-T
7.9
Reviewer Score
Dunu Glacier (more reviews)
Dunu Glacier reviewed by Z-Reviews
10
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
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.
Z-Reviews Youtube Channel
Dunu Glacier reviewed by Jaytiss
9.3
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
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.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Dunu Glacier reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
9
Reviewer Score
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelDunu Glacier reviewed by Head-Fi.org
9
* score rescaled + normalized
Dunu Glacier reviewed by Web Search
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 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+1BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Sony Top Sony IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,700
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Dunu Glacier Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+4EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost, U-Shaped
Brand: DUNU Top DUNU IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,349.99
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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!
Dunu Glacier User Review Score
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
7.4Gaming 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.
Dunu Glacier Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- You hear a mature integration of lows, mids, and highs that keeps music lifelike. Small tuning tweaks showcase expert restraint.
Average Technical Grade
S-- Expect top-tier articulation, where staging, imaging, and transient control feel effortless. It keeps instruments locked in place effortlessly.
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 reviewDunu Glacier User Reviews
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You need to be signed in to write your own review
Luxury 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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