Sony IER Z1R - Reviews & Ratings
9 Reviews (A Tier | 8.1/10)
Summary
Across published reviews, the Sony IER Z1R is celebrated for its quality by reviewers, who describe it as a confident, high-level performer.
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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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+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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Reviews
Reviewed by: Super* Review
9*
* score rescaled + normalized
Reviewed by: Jays Audio
9
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Yifang
8
Reviewer Score
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
Reviewed by: Nymz
8
Reviewer Score
Reviewed by: Smirk Audio
7.9
Reviewer Score
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
Reviewed by: Shuwa-T
7.9
Reviewer Score
Reviewed by: Tim Tuned
7.5
Reviewer Score
Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Tools
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Compare Sony IER Z1R to popular alternatives
VS
| IEM | alt. Score |
|---|---|
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Sony IER Z1R vs. Thieaudio Valhalla
Thieaudio Valhalla offers better mids, details and dynamics.
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8.9 |
|
Sony IER Z1R vs. Elysian Apostle
Elysian Apostle offers better mids, dynamics and soundstage.
|
8.8 |
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Sony IER Z1R vs. Fiio FX17
Fiio FX17 offers better details, dynamics and mids.
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8.8 |
|
Sony IER Z1R vs. AFUL Dawn-X
AFUL Dawn-X offers better mids, details and treble.
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8.7 |
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Sony IER Z1R vs. Dunu Glacier
Dunu Glacier offers better dynamics, soundstage and details.
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8.7 |
|
Sony IER Z1R vs. ThieAudio Monarch MK4
ThieAudio Monarch MK4 offers better mids, soundstage and dynamics.
|
8.5 |
|
Sony IER Z1R vs. Lime Ears Incognita
Lime Ears Incognita offers better dynamics and mids.
|
8.5 |
|
Sony IER Z1R vs. Symphonium Crimson
Symphonium Crimson offers better mids, details and soundstage.
|
8.4 |
|
Sony IER Z1R vs. Linsoul x HBB Jupiter
Linsoul x HBB Jupiter offers better dynamics, details and mids.
|
8.3 |
|
Sony IER Z1R vs. 64 Audio U12T
64 Audio U12T offers better details, mids and dynamics.
|
8.3 |
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.
User Reviews
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