[thatonenoob]

  If it doesn't allow space for the Sony-Kimber cable, it's not that useful to me. (Great sounding cable IMHO.) Ha ha, guess I need a Samsonite or Tumi.

Have you looked into the vmota case.  Not the vmoda.  

 

[LaCuffia]

One thing the Z1R does that many closed headphones don't do is make you reconsider the usefulness of an open back headphone. I am amazed sometimes at the airy and spacious sound they can produce.

 

[TenderTendon]

I had a chance to spend a couple days comparing the Z1R's to my Z7's. The comparison was done using a Sony NW-WM1A driving both phones balanced with the same cable. The first thing that I obviously noticed was just how similar these phones sound. Bass clarity and impact were similar on both. Too similar to differentiate. High frequencies were also too close for me to chose one over the other. The only difference that I am absolutely sure of is the midrange of the Z1R is smoother and better balanced, most noticeable with female vocals. The more I listened, the more obvious this became. Even though the midrange is obviously better with the Z1R, I don't feel that it is $1500 better. For that reason, I am returning them. I will keep my Z7's for fun listening and mixing. My HD800S's will continue to be my reference phones for mastering and relaxing "me" time.

 

[Sonic Defender]

Well, I don't have my Z7 any longer so I can't say with any certainty, but by memory the Z1R is the better of the two easily. That said, diminishing returns for sure with any pricey gear so it is always a judgement call.

 

[Whitigir]

Well, I don't have my Z7 any longer so I can't say with any certainty, but by memory the Z1R is the better of the two easily. That said, diminishing returns for sure with any pricey gear so it is always a judgement call.

Depends on the level of satisfactory from each person. I for once, when I heard an improvement, there is no going back . Wish I could just do away with some EarPods or beats by dre...lol

 

[purk]

  Well, I don't have my Z7 any longer so I can't say with any certainty, but by memory the Z1R is the better of the two easily. That said, diminishing returns for sure with any pricey gear so it is always a judgement call.

Yup, bass is generous on both but on the Z1R has more control.  Soundstage and imaging are considerably better as well.

 

[TokenGesture]

For me the Z1R is in a different league to the Z7 (which I liked but sold). But good on you if you don't agree. I' sometimes wish I still had the Z7!

 

[TokenGesture]

Plugged a Norne Silvergarde cable into these babies, single ended into mojo. Sounded great, such depth and filfnessnof tone. Looking forward to trying them balanced into my Violectric V280 at the weekend!

 

[ThELiZ]

I'm curious to hear your feedback vs your modded HD650.  You did the 3 mods ? 

I've done the coin hole mod, removed the rear spider and foam and added dampening. Lovely pair of headphones!

Should have some impressions this evening.

 

[thatonenoob]

For me the Z1R is in a different league to the Z7 (which I liked but sold). But good on you if you don't agree. I' sometimes wish I still had the Z7!

I am of this opinion too.  It's much better (stock...at least).

 

[pietcux]

I am of this opinion too.  It's much better (stock...at least).

To me they are quite close in stock form. Again the Z1r makes me appreciate the Z7 even more.

 

[Level5]

I used to like my stock HD800 but after A/B with my Z1R it suddenly sounds like ****! Its really not its fault since it supposed to be a "reference" type of sounds but I can't deny I love the Z1R more and I know I'll hardly use it. Now I'm contemplating on what to replace it with...

 

[TokenGesture]

One thing the Z1R does that many closed headphones don't do is make you reconsider the usefulness of an open back headphone. I am amazed sometimes at the airy and spacious sound they can produce.

Totally agree. I do not miss having an open phone with these cans. And you get the added isolation. FTW

 

[E3E]

  If it doesn't allow space for the Sony-Kimber cable, it's not that useful to me. (Great sounding cable IMHO.) Ha ha, guess I need a Samsonite or Tumi.

I like the cables quite a bit too. I'm not sure if it's just the ooh aah factor that makes me find them more pleasant than the stock cables or if there's any significant measure of difference and quality between the stock and the S/K cable, but I do enjoy it more. It got me looking into the Axios line. I honestly just bought the S/K cable because I thought it looked neat, I liked the branding from both companies, and it gave more length to the too-short-for-me balanced cable included with the Z1R.

That length would be great for the Walkman models, but not so great for a stationary listening setup, me thinks.  
  
I'm probably going to be sitting on two pairs of Z1Rs until the prices on Amazon UK stop fluctuating, haha. The very thing that helps also bites too!

 

[Bern2]

  I used to like my stock HD800 but after A/B with my Z1R it suddenly sounds like ****! Its really not its fault since it supposed to be a "reference" type of sounds but I can't deny I love the Z1R more and I know I'll hardly use it. Now I'm contemplating on what to replace it with...

Have you ever tried Sonarworks with your 800?  Free 21 day trial...maybe you'll keep them after all.  
 
Bern