1Z M2 has a magical synergies with IER-Z1R. Let’s not talk about signatures for the moment. What is so amazing about this pairing is
1/ driving power ! The Z1R is driven beautifully !! The dynamic, linearity, liquidity and flow of the music are super fine
I have tried to pair Z1R with so many different gears, and with the more power is the better it perform. However, it is so very hard to bring about this linearity and liquidity out of it
2/ Soundstage : when properly driven, a proper soundstage is to be expected. But this pairing is far exceeding da my expectations.
Now, let’s talk about the overall performances. The Z1R has a grandiose soundstage like an opened back cans, full sizes, but it doesn’t stop there, the Depth is amazingly well retrieved. This is due to a fact that Z1R always has that slightly recessed mid, but it depends on some pairing, this can be better or worse when integrating itself into the overall performances. With the 1Z M2, it has became the strength of the IER Z1R. It creates a depth of field that even my properly driven HD800S have to tip it hat off *** I am talking about an output transformer coupled 300B system for 800s.
Yes, when picking and being critical about the performances, then a full blown desktop will have a much better potentials and performances. But we will not need to talk about it here. Why ? Because simply having a properly amped up 800S to tip it hat off from the depth of field ? That is a crazy thing to dream of for a pocketable and portable system that can simply be plugged in and play away !!!
The IER Z1R and 1Z M2 is so crazily potent!!!
Let’s take about the account of sound signatures overall. The pairing has an analog warmth to it overall signatures. It isn’t warmth in a way that it brings haziness or veiling up the textures , acoustic cues or sparkling details. It is warmth in an analog musical sense of signature. It is a bit bass emphasized!! The huge bass strings sound amazing !! Big, bold, vibrant! Warmer than it should be, together with the emphasized aspects, it melt people heart !! Especially people who loves bass !! It isn’t too out of proportion that big bass would sound like a grand kick drum. This is where micro and macro dynamic needs to be taken into account. This is why I mentioned that IER is driven to the most beautiful performances that I haven’t observed yet. The distinctions between a more dynamic and biting bass will be very layered and articulated in a sense that is not only lovely for bass lover but also satisfying for the picky people who like to spot the emphasizing Vs neutral and accuracy. At most, you would agree that it is warm, slightly emphasized, but you have to also agree that this is an amazing pair up that would put many system to embarrassment. I am totally serious
Listening to WM1ZM2 + IER-Z1R is like listening to a proper set up of desktop + tubes amp and a high end/ well regarded opened back full sizes.
From my point of views, people who loves the first Gen WM1A/Z, they will definitely be taken and shaken with this M2. Don’t worry, you wouldn’t know if it used the same S-Master HX, or AndroidOS. They don’t matter, the performances that would shake you would be what really matter. Especially with IER-Z1R. I can not think of anyone who don’t like properly done Bass!! Especially if it doesn’t compromise or losing other aspects and technical performances of the rest of the spectrum. One of the main reason why many of use is loving the big bad Tubes set up
Highly recommended of this pair up!
Side questions
1/ Do I want to modify the 1Z M2 ?
Of course I want to, but the performances of this caliber from this pairing do give me an impressions that Sony has specially tuning and using this pairing as a references system for the end product. It is completed. For this here alone, my answer is
“No, I don’t want to modify it. There will always be compromises for one aspect to gain another. This pairing is too wonderful and too beautiful to be messing around with”
2/ Not even internal cables upgrade ?
Exactly ! This pairing here is too beautifully moving. There is no need
3/ Can it drive Full size headphones ?
Definitely not, you can listen to it however you want, but you will be limited by it low output power.
4/ Is there any other IEMs that you would recommend ?
My limited experiences with ear buds don’t allow me to comment here. Some others will give better feed back. However, I can use my experiences from owning high end desktop full sizes. I don’t think you want to spend money and digging, chasing the bid bad rabbit down it holes. If you want to have a moving, quality, musical, reliable portable systems. This pairing is my definite recommendation. It will take a lot more money to get better than just this, the kind that breaks the bank.
