Sony IER Z1R VS Softears Enigma
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Sony IER Z1R and Softears Enigma use 2DD+1BA and 2DD+6BA+4EST driver setups respectively. Sony IER Z1R costs $1,700 while Softears Enigma costs $3,699. Softears Enigma is $1,999 more expensive. Softears Enigma holds a clear 0.8-point edge in reviewer scores (8.1 vs 9). Softears Enigma carries a user score of 9.5. Sony IER Z1R has better bass with a 0.5-point edge, Softears Enigma has significantly better mids with a 1.8-point edge, Softears Enigma has better treble with a 0.9-point edge, Softears Enigma has significantly better dynamics with a 1.6-point edge, Softears Enigma has better soundstage with a 0.8-point edge, Softears Enigma has significantly better details with a 1.6-point edge and Softears Enigma has slightly better imaging with a 0.4-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Sony IER Z1R | Softears Enigma |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9.5 | 9 |
| Mids | 6.8 | 8.6 |
| Treble | 7.8 | 8.7 |
| Details | 7.4 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 8.8 |
| Imaging | 8.6 | 9 |
| Dynamics | 7.3 | 8.8 |
| Tonality | 8.1 | 8.8 |
| Technicalities | 8.1 | 9.5 |
Sony IER Z1R Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Softears Enigma Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
9Outstanding
Reviews Comparison
Sony IER Z1R (more reviews)
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Super* Review
9*
* score rescaled + normalized
Sony IER Z1R reviewed by Jays Audio
9
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
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 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
Softears Enigma (more reviews)
Softears Enigma reviewed by Gizaudio Axel
9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Softears Enigma comes dressed to impress: a lavish multi-layer unboxing with neatly organized compartments, UC/foam/silicone tips, a premium leather travel case, cleaning tools, an aluminum earpiece model, and even a build-it cube with screwdriver. The package includes a soft-touch cable marked “Enigma” and an Effect Audio ConX cable for swappable terminations. The shells look exquisite under a glass cover, and despite a larger 6.4 mm nozzle, the fit settles into a deep seal that’s comfortable for hours with average isolation. It’s a 12-driver tribrid (2DD+6BA+4EST) priced around $3,699, and it absolutely presents like it.
Tonally, Enigma lands balanced—call it neutral with a slight bass boost and a pronounced mid-range focus. Bass is a standout for its clean, tight, and textured delivery: fast attack, medium decay, and enough weight to add fullness without stealing the spotlight. The mid-range takes center stage with natural timbre, proper note weight, and excellent vocal rendering—male voices get a touch of warmth while female vocals feel airy and extended. Treble is detailed and precise with a hint of sparkle; turn it up and it can edge slightly forward, yet it stays non-fatiguing and keeps the whole tonality in check.
Technical chops are firmly top-tier: effortless resolution, exceptional separation and layering, and above-average yet natural soundstage with precise imaging—even dense tracks remain micro-detailed. Versus the Elysian Annihilator 2023, Enigma is the more balanced, mid-centric listen (clean, supportive bass; refined treble) while Annihilator swings v-shaped and “fun” with bigger bass/treble emphasis. Recommended for listeners who crave mid-range clarity, realistic timbre, and endgame detail across genres; not ideal for bassheads, v-shape seekers, or those wanting overly warm/lush vocals. Final verdict: 4.5/5—near-perfect coherence and detail with a mature, musical balance.
Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube ChannelBuy Softears Enigma on HiFiGO
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Softears Enigma reviewed by Head-Fi.org
9
* score rescaled + normalized
Softears Enigma reviewed by Web Search
8.9
Reviewer Score
The Softears Enigma is a flagship tribrid IEM using a 12-driver array (2DD+6BA+4EST) with a hybrid 5-way/4-way crossover and an aluminum shell; the package also includes a premium Effect Audio cable. Street pricing centers around $3,699 USD and multiple reviews note the surprisingly comfortable fit despite the larger shells.
Tonal reports describe a warm-leaning, neutral-with-bass-boost balance: essentially an RSV-like midrange with extra low-end weight and smooth lower treble, extending well up top. Show impressions from Precogvision characterize it as “RSV with a dynamic driver and some extra bass,” which aligns with long-form reviews calling the Enigma warm, full, and balanced rather than aggressive.
Technical performance is a strong suit: reviewers note clean separation, high detail retrieval, and stable imaging; the EST tweeters can benefit from capable sources, while isolation is average. Factoring in its high MSRP, the Enigma’s execution is impressive but its value proposition is challenged by lower-priced alternatives (including Softears’ own RSV) that deliver broadly similar tonality at a fraction of the cost.
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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Softears Enigma Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+6BA+4EST
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: Softears Top Softears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $3,699
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Sony IER Z1R User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Softears Enigma User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
9.5Exceptional
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+Softears Enigma Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.7Gaming Grade
ASony 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.
Softears Enigma 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 technical ceiling is high here, revealing fine gradations without breaking composure. Every instrument carves out its own pocket in the mix.
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 reviewSoftears Enigma User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewOn one side TOTL Details but on the other side very accurate and non-technical sounding. Softears best but very expensive.
Pros
Great overall tonality. A hidden gem, but expensive.Cons
does nothing wrong, but no special sauce.Find your next IEM:
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