[chimney189]

I've been out of the headphone game for a long time, but I'll be receiving my Z1Rs tomorrow (first full-sized headphone in a long, long time). I'm coming from the AKG K701 (which was a TOTL model when I took a break from the hobby). Looking forward to the Sonys!

I'm curious, what made you get back into this hobby? Or did it really ever end?

 

[blockchainhero]

I was on the headphone treadmill for awhile, steadily cycling through the various tiers and models. I eventually ended up with the AKG K701 and Shure E500, both of which satisfied my musical needs.

In the years since I upgraded from the E500 to the SE846 as I was very happy with the Shure sound. To me it was more musical than analytical and had a thunderous bass presence. It seems like the Z1Rs have the same bass that I so enjoy in the SE846 with ultimate comfort to boot so here I am!

 

[purk]

Be prepared for a very different sound

Yup....this is a total 180 from the K701.

 

[EDN80]

Did you know that the Z7s and Z1Rs are "replacement only" headphones?

My discussions with SNA (Sony North America) Customer Relations and United Radio Inc @ www.unitedradio.com, one of SONY's official North American repair facilities were deflating. The Z1Rs CANNOT BE REPAIRED AT ALL, no matter how small or minor the issue. Replacement parts-- if any-- are next to impossible to find and official Sony repair channels won't touch it as there is no real service manual for it.

In other words, if you're out of warranty and a driver goes out, you're out of luck-- and money. And there's nothing you can do about it.

You have more luck with the TA-ZH1ES as that, depending on your region, has a longer warranty, 3 to 5 years and it is repairable.

To expect people to pay $1500-2000 for reference headphones that cannot be repaired at all is ridiculous. I loved those headphones, but needless to say, they are now gone.

They were displaced by my Audeze LCD-MX4 which are better in every single way IMO, but still...

 

[chimney189]

I agree that it sucks that replacement parts are so hard to find. If anyone knows the model number for the Z1R headphone pads then please be kind and post it. I can’t get anything unless I give them a model number.

 

[nc8000]

I agree that it sucks that replacement parts are so hard to find. If anyone knows the model number for the Z1R headphone pads then please be kind and post it. I can’t get anything unless I give them a model number.

you can always get them via TSAVJason

 

[purk]

you can always get them via TSAVJason

And he is the very best in the business! @TSAVJason

 

[EDN80]

I agree that it sucks that replacement parts are so hard to find. If anyone knows the model number for the Z1R headphone pads then please be kind and post it. I can’t get anything unless I give them a model number.

Oh, I've found and bought parts. Pads are the least of your problems-- however difficult they are to find. The real problem is if the drivers fail. There is no channel to repair them. ANYWHERE. They're done.

 

[purk]

What’s the list price for all of those accessories? Are u sure that there is no service manual for the Z1R? Typically, Sony will keep part in stock for 10 years. I was able to buy the replacement driver for the Z7 MK1 couple of years back for around $100.

 

[EDN80]

What’s the list price for all of those accessories? Are u sure that there is no service manual for the Z1R? Typically, Sony will keep part in stock for 10 years. I was able to buy the replacement driver for the Z7 MK1 couple of years back for around $100.

Positive. There is a simple user guide PDF, the same you get in print form in your Z1R box and that's about that. No technical repair manual available. These are made by hand in Japan. Conversation made it clear that they can't repair it in Syracuse, NY.

These are all direct links if you're looking for replacement parts-- Each part is about $159 list price:

https://sony.encompass.com/item/11013837/Sony/A-2166-862-A/?amp Ear Pad Left (1 Pad)
https://eu.eetgroup.com/i/A2166862A-Sony-Ear-Pad-L-Assembly Sony Ear Pad (L) Assembly

If you want cheaper, you can buy from Japan:

https://item.rakuten.co.jp/e-earphone/2003161221022/
https://item.rakuten.co.jp/e-earphone/2003161221015/

https://www.ued.net/ued/viewItemAction.do?itemCode=SNYA2143302A HEAD BAND ASSEMBLY
https://www.speedyspares.com/shop/h...headphone-head-band-for-mdrz1r-a2143302a.html
Sony Headphone Head Band for MDRZ1R

Doesn't change the fact that if the drivers go, the headphones are dead.

 

[purk]

That’s just sad....

Thanks!

 

[chimney189]

Jesus that's expensive!

 

[TSAVJason]

And he is the very best in the business! @TSAVJason

Hahahahaha my name should be Sony! I have a small but wise fan club. You crack me up dude hahahahaha

 

[nc8000]

Hahahahaha my name should be Sony! I have a small but wise fan club. You crack me up dude hahahahaha

have you any inside knowledge about this apparent inability to repair the Z1R ?

 

[TSAVJason]

have you any inside knowledge about this apparent inability to repair the Z1R ?

Well, I have no actual experience or direct involvement in the repair of any. None our sales have had any issues. @purk is correct, Sony does maintain parts for 7-10 years on its production products. This is definitely a production part so it makes no sense that anyone would experience anything truly negative. Its an odd anomaly and can’t really offer up any solid or informative input.