[HiFiHawaii808]

SONY IER-Z1R - First Impressions
I read a ton about these before taking the plunge. Among the things that gave me pause were that 1) the fit was "atrocious" 2) they're heavy, 3) poor sound isolation, and 4) male vocals were subpar. Among the good qualities were impressive detail, technicals, tuning, great bass response and speed, and expansive soundstage.

The only decent IEMs I've used are the Beyerdynamic Xelento. Great IEMs, super comfortable, and I didn't think anything could beat the Lotoo PAW S1/Xelento combination sound. After about 15 seconds of listening to the Z1Rs through the PAW S1 I see that I've been living in a fools paradise. The Z1R has exceeded my high expectations in every respect. As far as the reported negatives are concerned, they fit me better than the Xelentos, and they stay in the optimum position whether I'm standing, reclining, or working out. Heavy? Maybe compared to other IEMs but I barely notice I'm wearing them. Excellent sound isolation with the included Sony silicon tips. As far as male vocals are concerned, I understand this criticism the least. I've spent several hours listening to Lou Reed, Tom Waits, The Beatles, Elton John, Jethro Tull, Rolling Stones, Jonathan Richman, Bowie, Talking Heads... they seem fine to me. Maybe I don't have golden ears(?)

I had a lot of reservations about laying down the $$$ for these, but I have zero regrets - they have exceeded my expectations in every way. A pair of Beyerdynamic Xelento remotes in excellent condition will be available soon in the classifieds.

Congratulations. The fun has just begun for you. The Z1Rs scale up very nicely with source. First upgrade is to a Luxury & Precision W2. It's only $300 and you will be surprised once again how much the sound improves.

 

[Bikeboy88]

Congratulations. The fun has just begun for you. The Z1Rs scale up very nicely with source. First upgrade is to a Luxury & Precision W2. It's only $300 and you will be surprised once again how much the sound improves.

The Sony WM1A is winging its way to me we speak. Waiting impatiently...

 

[HiFiHawaii808]

The Sony WM1A is winging its way to me we speak. Waiting impatiently...

Awesome. You will love it. Next step after that is a Cayin C9.

 

[Bikeboy88]

when you get a chance, try listening to the z1r with a more powerful amp than s1

Hoping the Sony WM1A will get me there!

 

[Bikeboy88]

Awesome. You will love it. Next step after that is a Cayin C9.

This forum's gonna bankrupt me!

 

[SQ13]

Hoping the Sony WM1A will get me there!

there is a thread on the different firmware that elevates the performance of wm1a/z, do check it out.
the cayin c9 will be a great add on for tube sound

 

[Bikeboy88]

there is a thread on the different firmware that elevates the performance of wm1a/z, do check it out.
the cayin c9 will be a great add on for tube sound

Thanks, I read something about custom firmware being available out there and getting some good reviews. Just got notice the WM1A will be delivered tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to digging in and experimenting!

 

[Redcarmoose]

Thanks, I read something about custom firmware being available out there and getting some good reviews. Just got notice the WM1A will be delivered tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to digging in and experimenting!

Perfect!

 

[10DeeQ]

Thanks, I read something about custom firmware being available out there and getting some good reviews. Just got notice the WM1A will be delivered tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to digging in and experimenting!

WM1A is not android based right ?
Is there any decent android based player that adequate enough to drive this beast ?

 

[torifile]

I just got my pair. What tips should I try with them? The M/L triple comfort seem to fit well but I want to try others before I settle.

 

[zenki]

Just get a dekstop amp

 

[daniel_hokkaido]

Anyone here tried the Z1R with Hugo TT2?

 

[michaelc]

Anyone here tried the Z1R with Hugo TT2?

@HiFiHawaii808 tried before if I remember correctly

 

[Bikeboy88]

WM1A is not android based right ?
Is there any decent android based player that adequate enough to drive this beast ?

Correct, WM1A uses Sony's own UI. Some in the forums have suggested that Sony's NW-ZX507 (Android-based) works well, and it has a 4.4mm balanced connection. Although I read some dissenting opinions questioning whether it has adequate power.

 

[SQ13]

WM1A is not android based right ?
Is there any decent android based player that adequate enough to drive this beast ?

check out the ibasso dx300. android 9 and mango OS, fast UI, nice screen but it’s huge