My love affair with Sony started when I first got the MDR-1000X roughly 2.5 years ago, right after I attended one of Sony's meet-and-greet sessions with fellow audiophiles. What's funny was that I was initially queuing to audition the MDR-Z1R; since the line was too long (and the movement was too little), I decided to go to another table where the MDR-1000X was displayed (and no one was demoing it). Lo and behold, five minutes into my demo of the MDR-1000X I knew I had to get a pair, fast.
Since then, here's the list of Sony products that passed through me:
1. PCM-D100 (already sold to give way to the NW-WM1A)
2. MDR-CD900ST CE-02 (modded by Cartonode Engineering of Japan, removable cables and foldable earcups)
3. MDR-EX800ST
4. NW-WM1A
5. MDR-7520 (already sold)
6. MDR-1ADAC (already sold)
7. MDR-1AM2
8. MDR-Z7M2
9. WH-1000XM3
I still have a bit of seller's remorse with the PCM-D100; thankfully, the friend I sold my D100 to agreed to a reverse buyback if and when he determines he does not have any need for it. I would like to have a chance to purchase an MDR-Z1R (at the right price), as well as the vintage Sony HPs (1000Z, SA5000/SA3000, CD3000, and of course the R10) someday.
Too bad the shape of my ears prevent me from fully enjoying universal IEMs (there's some channel imbalance when i try medium-insertion IEMs, something custom IEMs can only solve). That said, I've tried the M7 and M9 and I was quite happy with what I've heard. Hopefully, the IER-Z1R won't disappoint.
Congratulations on the IER-M9!