(This photo was taken about a month ago.)
@bythebookiii
I've just done a comparison of the 2 Sony flagship headphones. It was an interesting
mano a mano, to be honest. Let's get it on, shall we?
Bass
Let's start with my favorite section, bass. The lows on the MDR-Z1R are, as usual, fantastic. It has a slightly-boosted bass response, but one that is relatively linear from start to end. No single section of the MDR-Z1R's bass response is accentuated over another. With that said, the lows on the flagship have very good layering and articulation. There is adequate slam and impact to satisfy many a basshead, I would reckon.
On the other hand, the MDR-Z7M2 has slightly greater rumble in the sub-bass; this is quite apparent on many of my dance tracks. The decay in the lows is also a little faster, thus affording a tighter and better-controlled bass presentation. In contrast, the lows on the MDR-Z1R are a little more diffuse, a little more expansive.
Ultimately, the bass on both headphones are cut from the same cloth; they do not sound too far out of sync with another. The MDR-Z7M2 takes the template provided by its bigger brother, and dials the bass to a slightly-higher level. It's not an easy task separating these 2, as they provide equally textured bass with good dynamics.
Winner: MDR-Z1R, but only by a hair. I could see people reaching for the MDR-Z7M2 instead.
Midrange
The MDR-Z1R has a lush and warm signature; this is most apparent in its midrange, where vocals take on a velvety sheen, with a timbre that is thick and well-rounded. Both male and female voices have a distinct tinge of authority to them; this is most apparent with males, where a normally throaty or nasal voice is smoothened out and reproduced with a measure of gravitas. Thankfully, the midrange isn't too scooped relative to its treble and bass sections; there is a slight dip in the mids, but it is not recessed.
As with its bass, the MDR-Z7M2 takes in the footsteps of its elder brother. It, too, has a lush and sweet midrange. Where it differs is its tender lack of ability to control the voices from sounding somewhat dispersed; the MDR-Z1R has a more defined vocal presentation.
This is the one section that I felt the hardest to separate the 2. Both headphones produce mesmerizing, strong vocals. If your main requirement in a purchase rests on a powerful and rounded midrange, these Sony brothers-in-arms are more than competent of doing the job.
Winner: It's a tie.
Treble
Now, this is where the MDR-Z1R shows its chops, or not. It has the brighter highs, with good clarity throughout. However, it is also crispy, slightly hot, and a little metallic. There are some peaks that you might not enjoy. By virtue of its accentuated treble, it has a slightly airy presence in comparison to the MDR-Z7M2. However, the highs on the MDR-Z1R has a tendency to sound a little uncontrolled at the worst of times. Nevertheless, extension is fantastic on the flagship.
On the other hand, the MDR-Z7M2 has a muted treble section; it lacks the brilliance and the openness of the MDR-Z1R. Consequently, highs on the MDR-Z7M2 are smoother, with less air, grain, and sparkle. Nevertheless, the highs are better-controlled, with less peaks. Thankfully, like the highs on the MDR-Z1R, the younger brother retains an engaging treble section.
If you're a fan of a darker tonality, but you still value a lush, smooth and rounded sound, the MDR-Z7M2 is the way to go. The MDR-Z1R has a treble presence that is, at its worst, peaky and slightly harsh. It has a little more air, and slightly better clarity, but it can also be too hot to handle.
Winner: I'd pick the MDR-Z7M2 for this. If you love strident highs, the MDR-Z1R might be the better option.
Technicalities
This is the section that sees the MDR-Z1R pull ahead of the MDR-Z7M2. It has very good resolving abilities; thus, in comparative terms, the MDR-Z1R reproduces detail a lot easier. Instrument separation is also tastefully done on the big brother, with good layering and placement throughout.
Unfortunately, the MDR-Z7M2 suffers a little in this department. Clarity takes a slight hit, as micro-detail retrieval isn't as effortlessly done as with the MDR-Z1R. Dynamics and articulation are also a rung below the MDR-Z1R.
The MDR-Z1R shows its class in this aspect, with better technical capabilities from end to end. This is not a surprise, however, considering the steep difference in price between the 2 ($900). In a vacuum, however, the MDR-Z7M2 is no slouch; it just shows its weaknesses in a pit fight with its older sibling.
Winner: MDR-Z1R, handily.
Soundstage & Imaging
As with the previous section, the MDR-Z1R shows its class in this category. It produces a wider and deeper stage; there is a very good sense of depth perception. For lack of a better term, the 3-dimensional space on the MDR-Z1R is reproduced very well. Imaging is also very well done, with accurate positional cues.
Again, the MDR-Z7M2 falters in this aspect, but it's not an uncontested victory for the MDR-Z1R. The younger of the 2 does a fairly good job with its staging and imaging capabilities. Nevertheless, depth and imaging cues are clearly better on the MDR-Z1R.
Winner: MDR-Z1R
Comfort
Both of these headphones are equally good at comfort. They are both light, with soft and thick pads. It's hard to separate the 2.
Winner: You could go with either headphone; it's a wash. With that said, for some inexplicable reason, the MDR-Z1R feels every so slightly better on my head. It could be the pads?
Final Thoughts
I greatly enjoyed listening to both headphones - I've never actually compared these 2 headphones in a similar fashion before. Clearly, Sony followed a similar template when these 2 headphones were conceptualized, designed, and subsequently produced. They are close to one another in sound, with the major tonality differentiator coming in the form of the treble presentation.
Still, the MDR-Z1R pulls ahead, thanks to its better technical performance, and a slightly better bass presentation.
I will report here.
