On the follow-up FR vs Price post: My vote remains clearly with the Nageno/Tsunoda/Shiomi/Wilder team.
Of course, the Z1R is not perfect. And, FR measurement technology is not perfect. And, Headphone FR measurement technology is even less perfect. But, yes, a useful tool.
Also, the acoustic designer/engineer is not perfect, but a level of discipline and connection to reality are required, as the work will be judged by peer professionals, and consumers who vote with dollars. IMHO, the esteemed Sony team, with tuning assistance from Mark Wilder, hit their design target. And, I am very happy with their work.
Still loving all the time I spend with the Z1R. Would never part with it. Sure, other headphones will be added to the group, but the Z1R stays. For me, it's about the balance of high performance to unacceptable flaws. There are many headphones that are very exciting , but the __Fill in the Blank__ is annoying, and pulls you out of the story, ahh, I mean music. (Ever watch a film? Catch yourself saying "Ah, what the...") And the exceptional level of accurate bass and realistic soundstage are remarkable. Others have a very different assessment, there are many different criteria we use to evaluate sound performance.
Does this sound like hype?:
"Sound quality is superb; this is an extraordinarily dynamic and punchy headphone. Unlike most high-end headphones, the Focal Elear seem to have no Achilles heel. It's very easy to just get wrapped up in the music and be unaware of the headphones themselves.
Focal has done an absolutely beautiful job of producing a worthy high-end headphone. They've driven a spike in the diminishing returns curve that's going to have competitors scurrying to find ways to tighten their game up. This headphone is a game changer." InnerFidelity
Before I heard the Elear, I would have no reason to think so. After I heard the Elear, I wasn't sure. Could be an honest impression, based on personal perception/experience. But, I felt very fortunate to have had an opportunity to audition the headphone before making the purchase. Yes, a great headphone for some, but not for me. Point being, it did not live up to the extreme InnerFidelity enthusiasm and recommendation.
Just my opinion on two reviews that deviated substantially from my own experience. IMHO, the Elear is 'hyped' in the positive direction and the Z1R is 'hyped' in the negative direction. Just two more data points to judge the InnerFidelity judgements.