SONY IER-Z1R

[grooveriders]

What source/Amp that you are using to drive z1r?

I have both the Topping A90 and Fiio M11 DAP.

 

[michaelc]

I have both the Topping A90 and Fiio M11 DAP.

Just my humble opinion, you can try to listen to both M9 and Z1r again with Hugo2 or DMP-Z1.
Top-notch device to unlock z1r potential. (I can't say full potential coz I have not tried every device on the market yet)

So far I have tried many flagship DAPs, Shanling M8, Hiby R8, 220Max, AKsp2k etc. I keep coming back to Hugo2. (DMP-Z1 too exp for me...lol)

I didn't try Topping A90 coz I focus on portable only.

 

[Kiats]

Quick Q chaps: Any recommendations on how to run the Z1R out of the FiiO M15? Does it make sense to run it on the over ear headphone mode (supposed to be for the difficult to drive headphones)? Happy to hear thoughts. Thanks in advance!

 

[sabloke]

Any recommendations on how to run the Z1R out of the FiiO M15?

You mean High Gain? Well, why not try both and see which one you like best? I don't have the M15 but on M11 Pro and RME ADI-2 I run my Z1Rs in High Mode and out of the headphone port respectively. These IEMs like a bit of power. Having said that, they sound acceptable out for the balanced port of the BTR5...

 

[Kiats]

Thanks! Indeed. I am running them out of high gain. Just tried them on the over ear headphone mode on the FiiO M15. Opens it up even more. Let’s see if i blow the drivers. Heheh! But seriously, it sounds really great!

 

[chrisgtl]

So tempted by the Hugo2 but I just can't force myself to buy something with Micro-USB ports.

Where is all the new USB-C hardware.........

 

[lucasratmundo]

Is this for custom version mest ?

No, I have the universal version.

 

[grooveriders]

Just my humble opinion, you can try to listen to both M9 and Z1r again with Hugo2 or DMP-Z1.
Top-notch device to unlock z1r potential. (I can't say full potential coz I have not tried every device on the market yet)

So far I have tried many flagship DAPs, Shanling M8, Hiby R8, 220Max, AKsp2k etc. I keep coming back to Hugo2. (DMP-Z1 too exp for me...lol)

I didn't try Topping A90 coz I focus on portable only.

Dont get me wrong.I love the z1r, the timbre is only a minor issue for me but the major issue is the fitting.

Can you please compare the M8 vs R8, I might get a new dap soon and been looking for those daps and the m15.
Thanks

 

[michaelc]

Dont get me wrong.I love the z1r, the timbre is only a minor issue for me but the major issue is the fitting.

Can you please compare the M8 vs R8, I might get a new dap soon and been looking for those daps and the m15.
Thanks

I have chosen LP6k when I compare it with M15....They are in the same price range.
I like Lotoo house sound since LPG era and I don't need streaming either.
I prefer a smaller DAP to carry around.
M15 has more power and more analytical sound compare to Lp6k.

M8 & R8 are quite similar in size and price range.
Depends on your taste, if you like a warmer sound signature, pick M8...else R8
I am testing the M8 loan unit now...personally, M8 is not my cup of tea with Z1r.
But everyone has different tastes, I will recommend everyone to take headfi comments and suggestion as a "knowledge center" but test the DAP with your own ear.

However, I'm looking into streaming DAP now too...(fall in love with tidal~)
still testing around, next DAP to test will be Ibasso DX300

 

[PortableAudioLover]

No, I have the universal version.

That’s probably why you’re ranking mest lower

 

[lucasratmundo]

That’s probably why you’re ranking mest lower

You’re probably right. In fact, I’m tempted to sell my universal MEST to get the custom version instead.

 

[PortableAudioLover]

You’re probably right. In fact, I’m tempted to sell my universal MEST to get the custom version instead.

Do it. I got mest in custom version and I’m so glad I did.

 

[grooveriders]

I have chosen LP6k when I compare it with M15....They are in the same price range.
I like Lotoo house sound since LPG era and I don't need streaming either.
I prefer a smaller DAP to carry around.
M15 has more power and more analytical sound compare to Lp6k.

M8 & R8 are quite similar in size and price range.
Depends on your taste, if you like a warmer sound signature, pick M8...else R8
I am testing the M8 loan unit now...personally, M8 is not my cup of tea with Z1r.
But everyone has different tastes, I will recommend everyone to take headfi comments and suggestion as a "knowledge center" but test the DAP with your own ear.

However, I'm looking into streaming DAP now too...(fall in love with tidal~)
still testing around, next DAP to test will be Ibasso DX300

Thanks Michael,
I also love portable daps, so DX300 is out of the question. I will find a chance to demo these dap at a local store before buying.

 

[wgallon]

Got my Z1R two days ago and I'm really impressed. I had high expectations as I also have the U12t and MEST. My main concern was comfort/fit given everything that I've seen online about it. I have a large-ish collection of tips so I tried a bunch of them straightaway in addition to the ones that come in the box. I'm happy to report that the Final Type E and Spiral Dots have given me a great balance between sound quality and comfort. The Comply TS400 tips also worked well with a more relaxed treble but not as much as the others in terms of comfort/convenience.

Sound wise, here's my take on how the Z1R compares with other IEMs:

• Bass: Z1R > MEST > U12t.
• Tuning: U12t > Z1R > MEST.
• Detail: Z1R > MEST > U12t
• Comfort: U12t > Z1R > MEST

The U12t are still my favourite all-rounders but the Z1R are definitely the most fun!

Were the TS400 and Final Type E not too big for your Z1R? I tried putting a pair of Comply TS400 tips onto mine and the nozzle was too big, so I had to use a pair of TS200. I've used both those and the Sedna Xelastec tips, which seemed to fit.

 

[lucasratmundo]

Were the TS400 and Final Type E not too big for your Z1R? I tried putting a pair of Comply TS400 tips onto mine and the nozzle was too big, so I had to use a pair of TS200. I've used both those and the Sedna Xelastec tips, which seemed to fit.

Now that you mentioned it, the TS400 tips were fine initially but became loose after I used them a few times in the Z1R. TS200 is probably a better choice indeed.