Sony IER Z1R and Empire Ears Raven use 2DD+1BA and 2DD+5BA+4EST+1BC driver setups respectively. Sony IER Z1R costs $1,700 while Empire Ears Raven costs $3,600. Empire Ears Raven is $1,900 more expensive. Empire Ears Raven holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (8.2 vs 8.5). Sony IER Z1R has significantly better bass with a 1.5-point edge, Empire Ears Raven has significantly better mids with a 1.2-point edge, Sony IER Z1R has significantly better treble with a 1.8-point edge, Empire Ears Raven has better dynamics with a 0.8-point edge, Empire Ears Raven has significantly better details with a 1.6-point edge and Empire Ears Raven has slightly better imaging with a 0.4-point edge.
Insights
Metric | Sony IER Z1R | Empire Ears Raven |
---|---|---|
Bass | 9.5 | 8 |
Mids | 6.8 | 8 |
Treble | 7.8 | 6 |
Details | 7.4 | 9 |
Soundstage | 8 | 8.5 |
Imaging | 8.6 | 9 |
Dynamics | 7.3 | 8 |
Tonality | 8.1 | 8.2 |
Technicalities | 8.2 | 8.9 |
Sony IER Z1R Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Empire Ears Raven Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
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:
Empire Ears Raven Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+5BA+4EST+1BC
Tuning Type: n/a
Brand: Empire Ears Top Empire Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $3,600
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!
Empire Ears Raven 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+Empire Ears Raven 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+- 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.
Empire Ears Raven 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
check links for more info:Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
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
Extended yet natural treble, realistic sub-bass focus and spacious imaging capabilities. Crin Youtube Channel
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.
Visceral, hard-hitting bass, sparkly treble, and a large, spherical soundstage with impressive height. Fit may pose a challenge for many. Cons: Poor fit.
Top-tier bass, treble, and soundstage height and width. I don't approve of the midrange these days. Precogvision Youtube Channel
Fun sounding without going overboard with the subbass, organic timbre The fit is atrocious, treble can get spicy on hi-hats
Incredible extensions on both ends Lower midrange Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Empire Ears Raven Reviews
V/W Shaped. Energetic treble. Great tech. Fun bass and engaging signature. Overpriced? Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Sounds quite hi-fi and grand sounding, but coherency could use work - bass is distinct from the EST tweeters. Precogvision Youtube Channel
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 reviewEmpire Ears Raven 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 review