Sony IER Z1R and Thieaudio Origin use 2DD+1BA and 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC driver setups respectively. Sony IER Z1R costs $1,700 while Thieaudio Origin costs $849. Sony IER Z1R is $851 more expensive. Sony IER Z1R holds a slight 0.3-point edge in reviewer scores (8.2 vs 7.8). Sony IER Z1R has better bass with a 0.5-point edge, Thieaudio Origin has significantly better mids with a 1.2-point edge, Sony IER Z1R has significantly better treble with a 1.3-point edge and Thieaudio Origin has significantly better dynamics with a 1.8-point edge.
Insights
Metric | Sony IER Z1R | Thieaudio Origin |
---|---|---|
Bass | 9.5 | 9 |
Mids | 6.8 | 8 |
Treble | 7.8 | 6.5 |
Details | 7.4 | 7.8 |
Soundstage | 8 | 8 |
Imaging | 8.6 | 7.8 |
Dynamics | 7.3 | 9 |
Tonality | 8.1 | 8.1 |
Technicalities | 8.2 | 7 |
Sony IER Z1R Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Thieaudio Origin 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
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Thieaudio Origin Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+2EST+1BC
Tuning Type: Bass-Heavy Balanced
Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs
Price (Msrp): $849
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Sony IER Z1R User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Thieaudio Origin User Review Score
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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+Thieaudio Origin Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7Gaming 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.
Thieaudio Origin 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-- Competent technical presentation. Handles separation and detail well in most tracks, with modest soundstage and acceptable imaging capabilities.
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
Thieaudio Origin Reviews
Best bassy set under $1K. Bassy/thicker meta tuning. You can actually feel the reverb and vibration from the bone conduction drivers, great control and low-end texture. Mids and treble are also well extended with no major issues, although it can get sharp at times with the snares/electronic stuff ie, past 3:30 on Time by Hikaru Utada. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Great set, has a lot of positives and is amazing on bass tracks. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mega bass additiveness Bass too much Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Interesting sound. It becomes it's own thing. Fit is not great.Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel

The Thieaudio Origin delivers a bass-forward signature with a substantial 12dB sub-bass boost that provides visceral rumble and slam, particularly effective for electronic or hip-hop genres. Despite this emphasis, the neutral midrange avoids bloat, preserving vocal clarity and instrument separation, while the electrostatic drivers contribute a smooth, airy treble free from harshness or sibilance. Its technical performance is strong, offering a wide, holographic stage and precise imaging, though micro-detail retrieval falls slightly short of some competitors in its price tier.
Comfort is divisive due to the large shells, which may cause fatigue or fit issues for those with smaller ears, necessitating careful tip selection for optimal seal. The package includes a high-quality modular cable with swappable terminations (3.5mm/4.4mm) and a distinctive round Alcantara case, though the included ear tips may not suit all users.
Sony IER Z1R User Reviews
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