SONY IER-Z1R
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psikey
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Not had the Z1R but from what I've read is more 'fun' with class leading bass, but mids are a bit laid back, muffled compared to say M9. Fit/size/shape/weight seems a big issue for many with Z1R.
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psikey
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Looking at the thread IEM specific post count, the Z1R certainly commands more desire/interest than M9.
Personally, fit issues put me off buying blind as I have smallish ears.
Personally, fit issues put me off buying blind as I have smallish ears.
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Ah, okay, makes sense. And saved yourself $700 too while you were at it. I've owned the Z1R before, and loved them. Truly, what I heard through them sounded as close to supernatural as I've ever experienced. I'm not a big fan of neutral and reference sound though, so I'm thinking the Z1Rs are my better bet over the M9.
Am using the softears tips with my Z1R and having a pretty perfect experience. Might make me change from foam. Will have to give it some serious time to see.
surfgeorge
Member of the Trade: 3D Printed Accessory Designer
Having the M9 and Z1R in my collection I need to correct that statement, the M9‘s mids sound muffled in comparison to the Z1R.
M9 mids are more forward and are really good, but the upper bass boost takes it‘s toll on clarity. It’s a warm, slightly muffled yet detailed and emotional, laid back quality topped off with a detailed and extended treble, decently textured bass and great imaging albeit on a small stage.
The Z1R’s mids are crystal clear yet smooth, but they are quieter than the bass and treble, projecting vocals further away in the soundstage but still rendering them very clearly. Bass and treble have great presence, body and tactility, sounds are more realistic than I have heard from other IEMs, but I have not had that much time with that many TOTLs. These impressions are based on listening with the Chord Hugo 2.
psikey
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Fair enough, I've not heard the Z1R so bow to your experience of both. Wish I could try them somewhere.
wolfstar76
Headphoneus Supremus
Anyone use effect Audio Signature Series: Eros S with Z1R?
e-dub
500+ Head-Fier
They arrived and sound great being driven by a Shanling M6 Ultra. Fit is great, thanks to my big ears, lol. That said, I needed to use some L Sedna EarFit tips (14mm across), because the LL in the box weren't cutting it
Just ordered the Z1R to see what all the hub-bub was about. Should be here Wednesday. Letshuoer S12 has been my biggest purchase at $100, so it should be an interested comparison. Love the S12 with 8db bass eq. I hope the Sony can at least match that bass or better.
Quick question. I've noticed price increases on the Sony IEMs lately. The Z1R is out of stock on Sonys own website. And the M9 has only 4 left in stocks.
Do you guys think there is about to be a new series of IEMs? Any rumors? I have a 30 day return period and it would be the worst case to just have spent this much only to have a new Sony flagship released right after.
Quick question. I've noticed price increases on the Sony IEMs lately. The Z1R is out of stock on Sonys own website. And the M9 has only 4 left in stocks.
Do you guys think there is about to be a new series of IEMs? Any rumors? I have a 30 day return period and it would be the worst case to just have spent this much only to have a new Sony flagship released right after.
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Heroquetarro10
New Head-Fier
To those who've tried the Monarch Mk.II and the IER-Z1R, if one fit you would the other aswell? I'm using the MK.II and they fit well enough on me, but I'm quite interested in these given their larger soundstage/bass than the MK.II
surfgeorge
Member of the Trade: 3D Printed Accessory Designer
Wow, that's a big jump! Hope you'll like what you hear. Make sure to listen to the Z1R on first rate sources if you want to know what it's capable of.
First rate sources would be Sony's NW-WM1A and WM1Z, Sony TA ZH 1ES or for me it's the Chord Hugo 2. There's quite a big difference in SQ compared to lower end sources.
Regarding availability - especially the Z1R has always been in quite short supply but even the M9 is not as widely and easily available as one might expect from Sony. It's a bit weird - they have great products but don't seem to market them very well outside of Japan. Does not look like Sony is preparing to invest into a new product line in the high end market...
But the Z1R is excellent as it is, very unique in sound, build quality, technical concept and a bargain in today's high end IEM market IMO.
marcus2704
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e-dub
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Would you folks say these IEMs benefit from burn in?
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