Sony IER Z1R VS Elysian Apostle
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Sony IER Z1R and Elysian Apostle use 2DD+1BA and 1DD+2BA+2EST driver setups respectively. Sony IER Z1R costs $1,700 while Elysian Apostle costs $1,799. Elysian Apostle is $99 more expensive. Elysian Apostle holds a clear 0.7-point edge in reviewer scores (8.2 vs 8.9). Elysian Apostle has significantly better mids with a 3.2-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better treble with a 1.2-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better dynamics with a 1.8-point edge and Elysian Apostle has significantly better soundstage with a 1.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Sony IER Z1R | Elysian Apostle |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9.5 | 8.9 |
| Mids | 6.8 | 10 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 9 |
| Details | 7.4 | 8.9 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 9.5 |
| Imaging | 8.6 | 8.9 |
| Dynamics | 7.3 | 9 |
| Gaming capabilities | 6.6 | 7.5 |
Sony IER Z1R Aggregated Review Score
Sony IER Z1R Average Reviewer Scores
Elysian Apostle Aggregated Review Score
Elysian Apostle Average Reviewer Scores
Sony IER Z1R Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+1BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $1,700
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Elysian Apostle Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $1,799
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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
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Elysian Apostle User Review Score
Elysian Apostle Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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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+Elysian Apostle Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.5Gaming 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.
Elysian Apostle Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S- Highly polished technical execution. Excellent frequency synergy creates an immersive experience. Enhances musical content.
Average Technical Grade
S- Outstanding resolution and control. Effortlessly retrieves micro-details, with holographic staging and fast transients. Handles complexity with poise.
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.
Elysian Apostle Reviews
Elysian Apostle reviewed by: Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Clean, neutral, and clear vocals. Reminds me of a cleaner Volume S or slightly better OG Oracle, but very expensive, maybe if you can find one around $1000 since it's more of a sidegrade to RSV, Mystic 8, and Arcanis vocal wise. If you want clean vocals Monarch MK2 does the same thing but for $700 less. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Elysian Apostle reviewed by: Gizaudio Axel
9
Reviewer Score
Exceptional in every way. Incredibly textured bass, forward vocals, top-tier EST treble, and insane detail.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
Elysian Apostle reviewed by: Jaytiss
9.4
Reviewer Score
Instrument separation is good, and is a nice darkness, but can be silbilant. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Elysian Apostle reviewed by: IEMRanking AI
8.5
Reviewer Score
The Elysian Apostle delivers a V-shaped signature with a powerful, sub-bass-focused low end that offers substantial rumble and physicality, though some listeners might find it occasionally overwhelming or lacking in tight control. Its dual electrostatic drivers provide crisp, extended treble with good air and minimal harshness, while the midrange remains clear and natural despite slight recession, particularly excelling with vocal clarity and emotional delivery.
Comfort is mixed due to the large nozzle diameter, which demands extensive tip-rolling for a secure fit, though the lightweight aluminum shells are ergonomic for extended wear once settled. The Pentaconn ear connectors offer stability but limit third-party cable options, and the included accessories like the Divinus Velvet tips are functional but basic for the price tier.
Positioned as an "Annihilator Junior", the Apostle captures much of Elysian’s energetic house sound at a lower cost, offering strong technical performance like wide staging and solid resolution. However, its bass dominance and fit quirks make it less versatile across genres, appealing mainly to those seeking a fun, dynamic listen rather than strict neutrality.
Sony IER Z1R User Reviews
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