[Bobdonut123]

Can anyone who has tried both the international version and the US version comment on differences? I am thinking of selling my used ones to buy new ones, but not sure if the US version is worth the $200 premium.

 

[Umwelt]

Can anyone who has tried both the international version and the US version comment on differences? I am thinking of selling my used ones to buy new ones, but not sure if the US version is worth the $200 premium.

In performance there shouldn't be any differences...

Cosmetically, the Japanese version is unique in only having the serial number and slider step indicator numbers on the left side slider, whereas all other versions have the Sony address and CE, recycling, etc. markings there along with narrower slider step indicators.

Instruction manual language will of course also vary depending on the region.

That's about it, I think. There's also warranty coverage which can only provide servicing in the corresponding region (I don't think "grey market" imports violate warranty, but you'd have to ship them out to the corresponding area if in need of servicing).

 

[Bobdonut123]

In performance there shouldn't be any differences...

Cosmetically, the Japanese version is unique in only having the serial number and slider step indicator numbers on the left side slider, whereas all other versions have the Sony address and CE, recycling, etc. markings there along with narrower slider step indicators.

Instruction manual language will of course also vary depending on the region.

That's about it, I think. There's also warranty coverage which can only provide servicing in the corresponding region (I don't think "grey market" imports violate warranty, but you'd have to ship them out to the corresponding area if in need of servicing).

Thank you so much for clearing that up!

 

[340519]

I want to state again that these are beautiful and my favorite cans!

 

[Umwelt]

I want to state again that these are beautiful and my favorite cans!

Hear, hear!

While I'm still on the chase on the IEM and open-back fronts, when it comes to closed headphones I feel zero desire to try anything else after enjoying these, they're just that satisfying.

 

[Malevolent]

I want to state again that these are beautiful and my favorite cans!

Hmm, I recall that you used to have the LCD-XC; it doesn't appear in your signature now, though. Have you sold it? Not that I would disagree; I find the Z1R a better-performing headphone than the Audeze in almost every aspect.

 

[pataburd]

How do the Z1R compare with the Stellia?

 

[Bobdonut123]

How do the Z1R compare with the Stellia?

Z1r have a bigger Soundstage and more of a mid-bass presence which I really like. Overall in sound quality I think the stellias win, but they aren't worth the extra 1000 dollars to me. Also z1rs are the more "heavy duty" headphone, where the stellias I just want to baby because they are prone to scratches.

 

[Redcarmoose]

In performance there shouldn't be any differences...

Cosmetically, the Japanese version is unique in only having the serial number and slider step indicator numbers on the left side slider, whereas all other versions have the Sony address and CE, recycling, etc. markings there along with narrower slider step indicators.

Instruction manual language will of course also vary depending on the region.

That's about it, I think. There's also warranty coverage which can only provide servicing in the corresponding region (I don't think "grey market" imports violate warranty, but you'd have to ship them out to the corresponding area if in need of servicing).

Right, local warranty in Japan, and the regular international warranty from my understanding?

 

[340519]

Hmm, I recall that you used to have the LCD-XC; it doesn't appear in your signature now, though. Have you sold it? Not that I would disagree; I find the Z1R a better-performing headphone than the Audeze in almost every aspect.

Yes I sold the XC today actually. I can't listen to them anymore after the Z1Rs. I'm keeping the LCD 4s though.

 

[up late]

How do the Z1R compare with the Stellia?

it's been a while since i compared the z1r and the stellia, so i've referred back to my impressions that i posted here shortly after i did: "the stellia's bass isn't as elevated as the z1r's, its mids are more prominent and it has more treble energy, giving it a more lively presentation overall to my ears."

 

[Malevolent]

Yes I sold the XC today actually. I can't listen to them anymore after the Z1Rs. I'm keeping the LCD 4s though.

The LCD-4 is something else. Gobs of detail.. but that familiar Audeze house sound is still ever-present. It's certainly one for the Audeze fans, though.

 

[Malevolent]

How do the Z1R compare with the Stellia?

The Stellia is the slightly more resolving headphone. I find its treble section a little better controlled, too.

The Z1R, on the other hand, bests the Stellia in everything from the lower-mids to the sub-bass region. Bass texture on the Sony flagship is quite special, IMO. You have a robust low-end that is chock-full of texture, slam and rumble. Staging on the Z1R is also noticeably better than on the Stellia - the Focal sounds cramped in comparison. And whilst the following is a sentiment grounded in subjective preference, I think the Z1R handles vocals a lot better, too. There is energy and gravitas that most other headphones struggle to reproduce.

 

[340519]

it's been a while since i compared the z1r and the stellia, so i've referred back to my impressions that i posted here shortly after i did: "the stellia's bass isn't as elevated as the z1r's, its mids are more prominent and it has more treble energy, giving it a more lively presentation overall to my ears."

That's exactly why I would not want it.

 

[340519]

The Stellia is the slightly more resolving headphone. I find its treble section a little better controlled, too.

The Z1R, on the other hand, bests the Stellia in everything from the lower-mids to the sub-bass region. Bass texture on the Sony flagship is quite special, IMO. You have a robust low-end that is chock-full of texture, slam and rumble. Staging on the Z1R is also noticeably better than on the Stellia - the Focal sounds cramped in comparison. And whilst the following is a sentiment grounded in subjective preference, I think the Z1R handles vocals a lot better, too. There is energy and gravitas that most other headphones struggle to reproduce.

You described what I like about the Sony house sound.