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 0.6-point edge in reviewer scores (8.1 vs 8.8). Sony IER Z1R has better bass with a 0.9-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better mids with a 1.9-point edge, Elysian Apostle has better treble with a 0.5-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better dynamics with a 1.2-point edge, Elysian Apostle has significantly better soundstage with a 1.1-point edge and Elysian Apostle has significantly better details with a 1.1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Sony IER Z1R | Elysian Apostle |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9.5 | 8.6 |
| Mids | 6.8 | 8.7 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 8.3 |
| Details | 7.4 | 8.5 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 9.1 |
| Imaging | 8.6 | 8.6 |
| Dynamics | 7.3 | 8.4 |
| Tonality | 8.1 | 8.7 |
| Technicalities | 8.1 | 8.6 |
Sony IER Z1R Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Elysian Apostle Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.8Excellent
Reviews Comparison
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Jays Audio
9
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Jays Audio
8.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Yifang
8
Reviewer Score
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Smirk Audio
7.7
Reviewer Score
Sony IER Z1R (more reviews)
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Super* Review
9*
* score rescaled + normalized
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 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
Elysian Apostle (more reviews)
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Paul Wasabii
9.6
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
End game material that does not rely on a single party trick; the whole presentation clicks. The custom LSR dynamic driver delivers tactile, fast, and tightly controlled bass that covers pop, rock, and hip-hop without bleeding, while the overall balance stays natural and unforced. There is a clear gap in polish and realism versus sub-$500 sets, making this a true no-skip listen across most genres.
The mids are the star: a Sonion + Knowles blend yields transparent, weighty, and lifelike vocals with equal poise on male and female timbres. Separation from the bass lets the mids breathe, projecting convincing room cues; staging and imaging approach a wow-level sense of space with depth, placement, and layering that feel convincingly in-the-room.
Treble from the ESTs is linear, airy, and laser-defined without grain or peaks, sitting just under the mids to keep detail constant to the edge of hearing. Driver integration is cohesive from DD through BA to EST, reading as a single transducer. Minor notes: the mid-centric balance prefers flat amplification, V-shape fans may want more treble bite, and very bass-light classical can feel slightly weighted. Overall, a benchmark execution of the tribid formula.
Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Jaytiss
9.4
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Elysian Apostle steps in as the spiritual successor to the beloved Diva, mirroring the Annihilator’s driver count at a lower price (~$1,800) while charting its own course. The build is full-metal, compact, gunmetal/black, and notably durable with a comfortable fit. Packaging feels premium—sturdy puck case, plentiful tips—and the two-tone red/black cable impresses with supple handling (minor microphonics, loose chin slider aside). Overall, the accessories and ergonomics are dialed in without unnecessary bling.
Sonically, Apostle is clean, clear, dark and detailed: a neutral with bass boost presentation, subtle 1 kHz energy, and a tasteful 4–6 kHz dip that keeps upper mids smooth. Compared with Annihilator 2023, there’s less upper-treble sparkle and bass quantity, trading flash for tonal correctness and long-term listenability; it simply doesn’t come across as bright. Tip depth shifts perceived treble peaks a touch, and an impedance adapter (e.g., 8 Ω) can add bass heft if desired. The net effect is a “beautiful darkness” with excellent separation, space, and crisp transients.
Against peers, Apostle reads as a next-gen Diva—retaining the charm while improving extension, detail, staging, and overall refinement. Versus Monarch (Mk II/Mk III), it takes a slightly smoother treble contour without dulling clarity. It outresolves sets like Grand Maestro SE (treble timbre quirks noted) and stands strong beside Europa (which offers more bass but fit can vary). Budget-minded listeners might find echoes of its tonality in options like AFUL P7, albeit with spikier upper treble. For those prioritizing mids, technical performance, and a refined, non-fatiguing tilt over sheer bass output, Apostle earns a full recommendation—a top-tier, deeply revealing listen that feels special from top to bottom.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Elysian Apostle is a tribrid 1DD + 2BA + 2EST with a four-way crossover priced around $1,800. The package is premium: leather puck case, protective pouches, cleaning tools, and multiple Divinus Velvet tip sets, plus detailed info cards. The stock 4.4 mm Pentaconn cable (mixed copper/gold-plated copper/silver) is medium-thick, supple, and quiet, while the all-metal shells with venting, a secure-lip nozzle (~6.3 mm), and excellent isolation deliver a comfortable, stable fit.
The tuning follows Elysian’s balanced, energetic house sound: bass-boosted yet controlled, vocal-focused mids, and reference-grade EST treble. Low end hits with textured slam and deep sub-bass rumble without bleed; mids are rich, natural, and forward, giving voices and instruments lifelike weight; highs are airy, crisp, and hyper-detailed with zero harshness or sibilance. Technicalities stand out—top-tier resolution, laser-precise imaging, layered separation, and a wide, deep stage that feels immersive without sounding exaggerated.
Against peers, Apostle trades the Annihilator 2023’s bigger slam and extra air for clearer vocals, finer bass texture, and larger stage, and it out-resolves the Diva 2023 while the Diva stays smoother/softer overall. Best for vocal lovers, detail seekers, EST-treble fans, and those wanting a lively but balanced presentation; less ideal for bassheads or listeners preferring darker, laid-back treble. Verdict: an exceptional all-rounder that earns a solid 5-star rating.
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelElysian Apostle reviewed by Head-Fi.org
9
* score rescaled + normalized
Elysian Apostle reviewed by Web Search
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 Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+1BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Sony Top Sony IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,700
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Elysian Apostle Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Elysian Top Elysian IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,799
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Sony IER Z1R User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Elysian Apostle User Review Score
Average User Scores
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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
7.1Gaming 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.
Elysian Apostle Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- Tonal balance reaches a highly refined state, sounding seamless from lows to highs. Everything locks together with satisfying coherence.
Average Technical Grade
S-- The presentation is crisp and expansive, handling complex passages with impressive ease. Low-level details remain audible in quiet passages.
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