Sony IER-Z1R Signature Series In-Ear Headphones

The IER Z1R and A8000 have their own qualities that feel opposite from one another. While the A8000 has detailed mids and highs, the IER has the imaging and bass impact. That’s really what it comes down to besides getting past the IER’s bulgy housing design and unnatural fit.

Sony has taken considerable effort made to ensure your experience isn’t undercut with imperfect comfort. Constructed with their own unique 3-driver design, and made with a bundle of proprietary parts and technologies, you can’t even find imitators of the IER-Z1R.

While the IER ZIR has some great characteristics, it has a few flaws that are hard to look past for a $1,999 IEM. Almost everything about its sound signature is incredibly pleasant, with minor hiccups in the mids noted.

Upgraded from se846 and wow these are in a different leagueBass and detail especially

Now that I’ve gushed over and praised the IER-Z1R’s sound quality, there’s just one problem here: The fit is atrocious. Ergonomically, these are by far the worst IEMs I’ve had the (dis)pleasure of using.

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  One of the best textured and defined bass rendition, Lifelike timbre, Enveloping staging and sharp imaging, Technical performance, Bass quality and extension, Realistic Timbre, Soundstage (for an IEM), Treble extension, - Very authentic and realistic, impactfull bass, - Insanely fast and detailed...

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  Size of the shells, Nozzles don’t accommodate wider aftermarket tips, Overshadowed vocals and electric guitars, Fatiguing, Fit and size, Semi-proprietary MMCX, Slight mid recession, - Fit and comfort with silicone tips, - Tuning limits its accuracy, but its not advertised as an monitor, - Way to...