[TokenGesture]

Not sure how similar the V280's signature is compared to the V200, but the V200 is not an ideal pairing for the Z1R in my experience, since I believe it colours sound just a touch by expanding sub bass and upper mids, two areas the Z1R's already have emphasised.

In all honesty I prefer the O2 and HP-A4BL paired with my Z1R's compared to the V200. Neutral sounding amps or DAC's with minimal colouring of sound would probably be more ideal for these headphones, and they're so easy to drive, with such low impedance, you really don't need mammoth power or anything absurdly priced to actually get the most out of them. Any additional equipment adding warmth or musicality runs the risk of tipping them over to being just a hair too dark, at least for my liking.

Agree. And to think I was trying to sell the Aurix, LOL. 

 

[PeteSTRADAMUS]

If I were hifi insider everything would sound great hahahaha just kidding I like Mike. It's a very difficult question to answer because they don't use the same internals but I'd say it is a good amp and it has some of Cavalli's sound stage characteristics

So in English terms it sounds good ? Hmm, got me intrigued. I don't know which cable to buy now. I think i might just order the new 4.4 balanced Kimber/Sony. It's a little more money then the older version that came out for the Z7.

 

[cloud_c]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M4U4fl3-Kc
 
This has some deep bass at 00:30. The Z1R does a nice job of reproducing it. Comparatively with SZ2000 the Z1R feels like it vibrates under the ears more with a cleaner sounding bass, whereas the SZ2000 has more air pressure, but less skin vibration and less bass detail.
disclaimer: this is with my eq settings that balance the sound to as close as perceptively flat to my ears. Definitely not a stock comparison, but anyone who is seriously listening to the SZ2000 is using eq anyway.
Another point on the comparison having to do with eq settings, the eq that I use for the SZ2000 has a 26db range whereas the Z1R has a 18db range. (The T1 eq is 27db at the same 27Hz bass level setting)
In my opinion, there is too much mid bass on the Z1R (-14db at 440Hz), but half compared to the other two(-23db for both at 440Hz).
The 3.2KHz spike is at -18db so depending on how your ears are interpreting the stock Z1R sound probably there is either too much mid-bass or too little treble, but good highs.

 

[TSAVJason]

So in English terms it sounds good ? Hmm, got me intrigued. I don't know which cable to buy now. I think i might just order the new 4.4 balanced Kimber/Sony. It's a little more money then the older version that came out for the Z7.

You always crack me up. Yes it's a great amp for the money. And yes, I'm saying it sounds surprisingly good. Another Sony HIT!!

 

[echineko]

So in English terms it sounds good ? Hmm, got me intrigued. I don't know which cable to buy now. I think i might just order the new 4.4 balanced Kimber/Sony. It's a little more money then the older version that came out for the Z7.

Where possible, use the balanced 4.4mm outputs for those gear that supports it. Btw, I'm curious, where do you see yourself using the Z1R mostly? Am I right to assume it will be mostly stationary and indoors, like at your desk or living room?

 

[buzzlulu]

Heard it? I have a pre-production for testing already. It's really very good for the money. It should only be a couple weeks before Sony starts letting us sell them to our clients.

They are already out and in the marketplace.  Some people on this forum already have them.

 

[E3E]

Where possible, use the balanced 4.4mm outputs for those gear that supports it. Btw, I'm curious, where do you see yourself using the Z1R mostly? Am I right to assume it will be mostly stationary and indoors, like at your desk or living room?

I use it solely at my desk. The people who take these for travel/portable use seem insane to my mind.

They sure are pretty sitting majestically on their headphone stand atop the TA-ZH1ES, but of course, they're even nicer to wear and listen to. So comfortable and pleasant!

 

[LaCuffia]

I agree re travel/portable use - too nice to be traveling around with and though the design is cool they would be a bit embarrassing to wear in public with those huge Princess Leia cups.

 

[rgs9200m]

If I was travelling I'd probably get a Grado RS1e or 2e and call it a day.

 

[LaCuffia]

But the Grados are open right? I wouldn't call them ideal for traveling either.

 

[TSAVJason]

They are already out and in the marketplace.  Some people on this forum already have them.

Yes they are in other markets. We do not have the PHA-2A released here in the States yet.

 

[emptymt]

   
mmm , Sony build is better than regular high end ,, the quality and details in the making is very nice ,, it remind me of apple products
i just checked my pads ,, and i see your point ,, they are not 100% symmetrical,, not perfect ,, and it is weekst part in the build quality ,, but still OK
 
I think they should have replaced you pads without any delay ,, yours is much deffected than the normal ,
beside this its a lunch period ,, they need all the positive feedback.
 
anyway here is pic of my pads.
 

 

I just saw this, do you think it affects the sound in any way?
A bit concern with the possible effects on the sound and different longevity rate between the pads..

 

[tajpapa]

I agree re travel/portable use - too nice to be traveling around with and though the design is cool they would be a bit embarrassing to wear in public with those huge Princess Leia cups.

Hi guys, I'm now lurking around this thread ever since I got my Z1R but never post anything.
 
Now I'm curious for a portable/travel setup that has similar sound signature or at least close to Z1R? since I really love the sound sig. I'm not sure whether this has been asked before, sorry if it has.

 

[PeteSTRADAMUS]

You always crack me up. Yes it's a great amp for the money. And yes, I'm saying it sounds surprisingly good. Another Sony HIT!!

My pleasure. I have tons of El oh El's available. Daily haha

 

[PeteSTRADAMUS]

Where possible, use the balanced 4.4mm outputs for those gear that supports it. Btw, I'm curious, where do you see yourself using the Z1R mostly? Am I right to assume it will be mostly stationary and indoors, like at your desk or living room?

I will be walking the evil streets of my town with these. Showing off to my friends. Lalala you will never get this like Borat lol