Sony MDR-Z1R High-Resolution Audio Premium Over-Ear Headphones - Black

Product Information

The bass extends too far into the mids, resulting in a somewhat bloated and boomy bass, and reduced overall clarity.

Soundstage is wider and taller on the IER-Z1R but stage depth is about par on the U12t. Imaging is tad more precise on the U12t, though these are marginal differences. Where I found more palpable was the difference in coherence. U12t, despite the 12 drivers, sounded more coherent than the IER-Z1R. Also a slight note about build/accessories: Sony IER-Z1R is quite a bit ahead on those aspects. Recessed. Especially Mid and high mids. However with EQ can be corrected. This is particularly noticeable in male predominent songs (i.e. Bon Jovi) Hear astonishingly faithful sound reproduction with the IER-Z1R In-ear headphones. A custom high-resolution HD hybrid driver system and Refined-phase structure, along with the sonic purity of a 0.17" balanced audio connection, elevates your listening experience to the one you can feel.SOURCE: Sony NW-WM1A Fw 3.01, 4.4 output w/ Lossless files ranging from 16 & 24 bit flac to DSD (some ripped with a Pioneer BDP-160) As for the treble, the Campfire Andromeda 2020 has really well-executed treble that’s smooth, non-fatiguing, and well-extended but pales in comparison to the treble on the IER-Z1R. Cymbal hits have a presence and crunch that’s just missing on the Andromeda 2020. I compare them to the IER-M9 as this is my reference for pretty much everything and the first thing you notice is the pushed treble. It is a very delicate and well done push that does not cause female vocals to hurt (thanks god non monitor earphone still exist that do not do that), but it causes one issue. If you listen at slightly louder volumes music starts to turn into noise. That is common for all non IEM and it even happens with an IEM at one point, if its too loud, its too loud, but it happens too early with the IER-Z1R imho.

At the same time I’m not sure about this particular U shape tone being an existing thing in headphone history. The 1989-1990s Sony house sound was more middle of the road. We may even have Dr. Dre to blame introducing the ridiculous bass-heavy “Beats” changing popular sound signature history, channeling the night-club spirit into everyday sound perception. If you choose to believe the new Sony sound is the old-school “Hi/Fi” sound or the sound of high school car stereos; it’s your call, not mine. Although the bass for the MDR-Z1R is certainly sound-determining, it is these very low frequencies that initially outsmarted me. In exceptional cases, the lower mids of the bass actually “run over”. In summary, the bass feels organic and cool, rich in detail and deep. I now get what the term ‘width’ means when used to refer to soundstage on headphones. The bass is just crystal clear now. I really can’t describe how different it is.Fortunately, this was a fight that i came out victorious. After a solid week of breaking my ears in and using Sony's own hybrid tips, i found a way to let them sit in my ear, without much discomfort, for hours on end. For once i actually used the cable clip included. I was testing to get some context so that I can prepare for the 11/11 sale. But at this rate, maybe I will end up not buying anything. Just my own experience that as I said I feel compelled to share because it has been very real for me.