Sony IER-Z1R Signature Series In-ear Headphones
The sony ier-z1r is a flagship triple driver hybrid earphone, and represents all of sonys audio expertise in a beautifully crafted package. On the exterior, the zirconium alloy earpieces possess a finish and lustre akin to jewellery. Despite the size and weight of this unique design, the ier-z1r remains comfortable and stable in the ear thanks to the thoughtfully designed pre-formed earguides and 13 different variations of included eartips. The ier-z1r includes a standard 3.5mm stereo cable as well as a 4.4mm balanced cable for maximum performance with premium audio players such as the sony nw-wm1z. the sony is a triple driver hybrid, with a magnesium dome 12mm dynamic driver for bass, a balanced armature driver for midrange, and a unique coaxially mounted 5mm dynamic super tweeter for high frequency response up to 100khz. The result is a tremendously cohesive sound with natural timbre throughout the frequency range. Overall in terms of signature the z1r places a mild emphasis on lower sub-bass frequencies and upper treble, but avoids sounding artificially harsh or bassy.
The sony ier-z1r is a flagship triple driver hybrid earphone, and represents all of sonys audio expertise in a beautifully crafted package. On the exterior, the zirconium alloy earpieces possess a finish and lustre akin to jewellery. Despite the size and weight of this unique design, the ier-z1r remains comfortable and stable in the ear thanks to the thoughtfully designed pre-formed earguides and 13 different variations of included eartips. The ier-z1r includes a standard 3.5mm stereo cable as well as a 4.4mm balanced cable for maximum performance with premium audio players such as the sony nw-wm1z. the sony is a triple driver hybrid, with a magnesium dome 12mm dynamic driver for bass, a balanced armature driver for midrange, and a unique coaxially mounted 5mm dynamic super tweeter for high frequency response up to 100khz. The result is a tremendously cohesive sound with natural timbre throughout the frequency range. Overall in terms of signature the z1r places a mild emphasis on lower sub-bass frequencies and upper treble, but avoids sounding artificially harsh or bassy.
The sony ier-z1r is a flagship triple driver hybrid earphone, and represents all of sonys audio expertise in a beautifully crafted package. On the exterior, the zirconium alloy earpieces possess a finish and lustre akin to jewellery. Despite the size and weight of this unique design, the ier-z1r remains comfortable and stable in the ear thanks to the thoughtfully designed pre-formed earguides and 13 different variations of included eartips. The ier-z1r includes a standard 3.5mm stereo cable as well as a 4.4mm balanced cable for maximum performance with premium audio players such as the sony nw-wm1z. the sony is a triple driver hybrid, with a magnesium dome 12mm dynamic driver for bass, a balanced armature driver for midrange, and a unique coaxially mounted 5mm dynamic super tweeter for high frequency response up to 100khz. The result is a tremendously cohesive sound with natural timbre throughout the frequency range. Overall in terms of signature the z1r places a mild emphasis on lower sub-bass frequencies and upper treble, but avoids sounding artificially harsh or bassy.
The sony ier-z1r is a flagship triple driver hybrid earphone, and represents all of sonys audio expertise in a beautifully crafted package. On the exterior, the zirconium alloy earpieces possess a finish and lustre akin to jewellery. Despite the size and weight of this unique design, the ier-z1r remains comfortable and stable in the ear thanks to the thoughtfully designed pre-formed earguides and 13 different variations of included eartips. The ier-z1r includes a standard 3.5mm stereo cable as well as a 4.4mm balanced cable for maximum performance with premium audio players such as the sony nw-wm1z. the sony is a triple driver hybrid, with a magnesium dome 12mm dynamic driver for bass, a balanced armature driver for midrange, and a unique coaxially mounted 5mm dynamic super tweeter for high frequency response up to 100khz. The result is a tremendously cohesive sound with natural timbre throughout the frequency range. Overall in terms of signature the z1r places a mild emphasis on lower sub-bass frequencies and upper treble, but avoids sounding artificially harsh or bassy.
in 15 offers
The lowest price for Sony IER-Z1R Signature Series In-ear Headphones right now is $1,725.00 at MyHeadFi, compared across 2 retailers.
The all-time low was $1,639.00 on 30 May 2026 — today's price is 5% above the lowest ever. This is at or near its all-time low — a good time to buy.
Prices last updated 29 June 2026.
Last updated at 29/06/2026 13:45:27
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone No Receipt
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone No Receipt
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone No Receipt
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone March 2019
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone November 2019
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone November 2020
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone March 2019
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone March 2019
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone 2022
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone November 2019
originally posted on audio46.com
I paired these balanced earbuds with my Sony NW-WM1A DAP and really heard a difference in audio quality. Been using it frequently to play hi-res music files - I heard bits of instruments that I have never heard before in previously played songs. Build quality is amazing and the presentation of the packing is topnotch. The housing themselves are solid metal and made in Japan - you can feel the quality. One thing to note - the buds themselves are fairly large and have heft to them. I can definitely see these being a bit large and uncomfortable for people with larger ears.
originally posted on sony.com.au
Incredible juicy textured bass response. Crystal clear treble that extends sky high. If you ever need a "holy cow" experience from IEMs, this is it. Yes it's a V-shaped frequency response so the mids are kinda meh. However that's more the case of the bass and treble that has set the bar so high that the mids sound mediocre in comparison.Another common critique is the fit. I find the answer both yes & no for this. Yes it's quite picky with comfort depending on your ear shape. Minus 1 star for being an issue enough for it to be mentioned by every single review out there and I agree comfort was not on the priority list when this was designed.However at the same time I disagree with the notion that you will have bad sound quality unless your ears are worthy of the ... MoreIncredible juicy textured bass response. Crystal clear treble that extends sky high. If you ever need a "holy cow" experience from IEMs, this is it. Yes it's a V-shaped frequency response so the mids are kinda meh. However that's more the case of the bass and treble that has set the bar so high that the mids sound mediocre in comparison.Another common critique is the fit. I find the answer both yes & no for this. Yes it's quite picky with comfort depending on your ear shape. Minus 1 star for being an issue enough for it to be mentioned by every single review out there and I agree comfort was not on the priority list when this was designed.However at the same time I disagree with the notion that you will have bad sound quality unless your ears are worthy of the almighty Z1R's presence. I find little to no difference to the sound depending on how deep I can fit it on my ear; trying different ear tips made a far greater difference. Find your fit - you will be richly rewarded.I look forward to the next iteration (Z2R?) where perhaps instead of having "DD bass -BA mids- DD treble" configuration they could instead use 2 well tuned DDs for a slightly more balanced sound while preserving the amazing top & low end.
originally posted on sony.com.au
Pros- Superb bass, in terms of detail, impact, texture- Good treble extension but can be too harsh (piercing or sibilant) for some people- Separation is great, listening to orchestral music on these are simply amazingCons- Very big, PLEASE try them before you buy, these can hurt if your ears are small. My ears are relatively on the larger side and they require some adjusting to fit- Mids are quite recessed so if you prefer the sound of vocals to be more forward then this isn't the best IEM for thatConclusion - if bass and treble is all you're looking for, this IEM is the final stop to that search. It is simply the best sounding IEM in terms of bass, and treble is great especially for detail, but it really depends on how sensitive you are to it. ... MorePros- Superb bass, in terms of detail, impact, texture- Good treble extension but can be too harsh (piercing or sibilant) for some people- Separation is great, listening to orchestral music on these are simply amazingCons- Very big, PLEASE try them before you buy, these can hurt if your ears are small. My ears are relatively on the larger side and they require some adjusting to fit- Mids are quite recessed so if you prefer the sound of vocals to be more forward then this isn't the best IEM for thatConclusion - if bass and treble is all you're looking for, this IEM is the final stop to that search. It is simply the best sounding IEM in terms of bass, and treble is great especially for detail, but it really depends on how sensitive you are to it. However, fit may be an issue for a lot of people so highly recommend to try these to ensure you're not spending all this money only to find out it hurts your ears. Happy Listening
| General | |
| Product Type | Earphones - wired |
| Series | Signature Series |
| Weight | 26 g |
| Recommended Use | Portable electronics |
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone No Receipt
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone No Receipt
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone No Receipt
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone March 2019
Pre-owned SONY IER Z1R In-ear Headphone November 2019
I paired these balanced earbuds with my Sony NW-WM1A DAP and really heard a difference in audio quality. Been using it frequently to play hi-res music files - I heard bits of instruments that I have never heard before in previously played songs. Build quality is amazing and the presentation of the packing is topnotch. The housing themselves are solid metal and made in Japan - you can feel the quality. One thing to note - the buds themselves are fairly large and have heft to them. I can definitely see these being a bit large and uncomfortable for people with larger ears.
Incredible juicy textured bass response. Crystal clear treble that extends sky high. If you ever need a "holy cow" experience from IEMs, this is it. Yes it's a V-shaped frequency response so the mids are kinda meh. However that's more the case of the bass and treble that has set the bar so high that the mids sound mediocre in comparison.Another common critique is the fit. I find the answer both yes & no for this. Yes it's quite picky with comfort depending on your ear shape. Minus 1 star for being an issue enough for it to be mentioned by every single review out there and I agree comfort was not on the priority list when this was designed.However at the same time I disagree with the notion that you will have bad sound quality unless your ears are worthy of the ... MoreIncredible juicy textured bass response. Crystal clear treble that extends sky high. If you ever need a "holy cow" experience from IEMs, this is it. Yes it's a V-shaped frequency response so the mids are kinda meh. However that's more the case of the bass and treble that has set the bar so high that the mids sound mediocre in comparison.Another common critique is the fit. I find the answer both yes & no for this. Yes it's quite picky with comfort depending on your ear shape. Minus 1 star for being an issue enough for it to be mentioned by every single review out there and I agree comfort was not on the priority list when this was designed.However at the same time I disagree with the notion that you will have bad sound quality unless your ears are worthy of the almighty Z1R's presence. I find little to no difference to the sound depending on how deep I can fit it on my ear; trying different ear tips made a far greater difference. Find your fit - you will be richly rewarded.I look forward to the next iteration (Z2R?) where perhaps instead of having "DD bass -BA mids- DD treble" configuration they could instead use 2 well tuned DDs for a slightly more balanced sound while preserving the amazing top & low end.
Pros- Superb bass, in terms of detail, impact, texture- Good treble extension but can be too harsh (piercing or sibilant) for some people- Separation is great, listening to orchestral music on these are simply amazingCons- Very big, PLEASE try them before you buy, these can hurt if your ears are small. My ears are relatively on the larger side and they require some adjusting to fit- Mids are quite recessed so if you prefer the sound of vocals to be more forward then this isn't the best IEM for thatConclusion - if bass and treble is all you're looking for, this IEM is the final stop to that search. It is simply the best sounding IEM in terms of bass, and treble is great especially for detail, but it really depends on how sensitive you are to it. ... MorePros- Superb bass, in terms of detail, impact, texture- Good treble extension but can be too harsh (piercing or sibilant) for some people- Separation is great, listening to orchestral music on these are simply amazingCons- Very big, PLEASE try them before you buy, these can hurt if your ears are small. My ears are relatively on the larger side and they require some adjusting to fit- Mids are quite recessed so if you prefer the sound of vocals to be more forward then this isn't the best IEM for thatConclusion - if bass and treble is all you're looking for, this IEM is the final stop to that search. It is simply the best sounding IEM in terms of bass, and treble is great especially for detail, but it really depends on how sensitive you are to it. However, fit may be an issue for a lot of people so highly recommend to try these to ensure you're not spending all this money only to find out it hurts your ears. Happy Listening
The sound signature of the IER-Z1R is a mild V shaped IEM with an organic presentation particularly in the sub-bass region. The trebles are smooth, energetic, and has a uncompromising detailed presentation. Soundstage is also large but seems to be a tad less spacious compared to my JH Roxanne and Noble Kaiser Encore CIEM. The quality of the bass of the IER-Z1R is unquestionably in a league of its own, even compared to the JH Roxanne. The IER-Z1R bass is well controlled, natural, and deep although not skull crushing compared to the JH Roxanne. For the bassheads out there, if you prefer quality and a natural bass response go with the IER-Z1R otherwise go with JH Roxanne for the sheer quantity of bass.The weakness of this IEM in terms of sound is the midrange as it is ... MoreThe sound signature of the IER-Z1R is a mild V shaped IEM with an organic presentation particularly in the sub-bass region. The trebles are smooth, energetic, and has a uncompromising detailed presentation. Soundstage is also large but seems to be a tad less spacious compared to my JH Roxanne and Noble Kaiser Encore CIEM. The quality of the bass of the IER-Z1R is unquestionably in a league of its own, even compared to the JH Roxanne. The IER-Z1R bass is well controlled, natural, and deep although not skull crushing compared to the JH Roxanne. For the bassheads out there, if you prefer quality and a natural bass response go with the IER-Z1R otherwise go with JH Roxanne for the sheer quantity of bass.The weakness of this IEM in terms of sound is the midrange as it is a little recessed. This is not to say it is bad but rather there is nothing special about it. These IEMs shine most in music genres such as EDM, pop, rap, or any music with female vocals as the centre stage. In my opinion the IER-Z1R does not render metal music with heavily distorted guitars and blast beats to my liking. It presents it a little too clean due to how well it does separation whereas my preference is a more distorted, thicker, and heavier sound for this genre of music. Overall I find that the IER-Z1R removes a lot of the energy for metal music. For metalheads out there I would suggest demoing the IER-Z1R and the JH Roxanne with the latter being my choice without question.The ergonomics of these IEMs are probably one of the worst I've experienced and will be a deciding factor for many. My CIEMs are the same size or larger than the IER-Z1R and I found the IER-Z1R uncomfortable during my first week of usage although the seal was good. I tried various tips and felt that the Comply Foam and AZLA SednaEarfit XELASTEC tips to be the most comfortable. Changing my cables to the ALO Litz cable also improved my fit as it distributed the weight of the IEM around my ears more effectively than the stock cables.After spending close to 3 months with these IEMs, my final thought on the IER-Z1R is that it is one of the best sounding IEMs I've heard and is a top contender for endgame IEMs if you listen to music with female vocals, EDM, pop, or rap. If you listen to other genres where the mids are the focus then I would suggest to have another IEM to complement these. I will personally give these 5 stars as these IEMs fit me well and complements my collection of IEMs in terms of sound signature. However I would strongly advise to test these first because these will not fit everyone.
This IEM has truck load of awesomeness. You have to hear it to believe. After owning couple of kilobucks IEM I can easily say that it is the most enjoyable IEM I have. Bass is loud, thunderous, tactile, full of details but it doesn't bleed into lower mids. Mids are laidback but not veilied. Treble is just wow, reaching to an inch less than sibilant. So, in totality you get a very nicely mild V shaped signature. Resolution is top notch but of course you can't compare it with U12Ts of the world on resolution. Staging and Imaging are reference grade, you can't get anything better. Overall its very cohesive and enjoyable piece. Size is huge so you will have to carefully tip-roll. Patience pays. And the team at Moon Audio are as usual very helpful and fast. 5-Star.
I have owned three different pairs of Chinese, ranging in price from just over $100 up to $1,000. Although IER-Z1R are the best-sounding IEMs I have tried up to date, since their number is low and I am not an expert in sound, I wanted to concentrate on the build. When you are paying thousands of dollars for a pair of IEMs, you expect a certain level of build quality. As always, Sony's build quality is significantly better than Chinese brands. Unboxing of this product is a satisfying experience alone. Attention to detail is seen everywhere. Shortly, it is close to perfection. The product seems so durable, that it should last several generations. The IEMs themselves has been crafted in Japan, another indication of their quality. Last but not least, their style is like ... MoreI have owned three different pairs of Chinese, ranging in price from just over $100 up to $1,000. Although IER-Z1R are the best-sounding IEMs I have tried up to date, since their number is low and I am not an expert in sound, I wanted to concentrate on the build. When you are paying thousands of dollars for a pair of IEMs, you expect a certain level of build quality. As always, Sony's build quality is significantly better than Chinese brands. Unboxing of this product is a satisfying experience alone. Attention to detail is seen everywhere. Shortly, it is close to perfection. The product seems so durable, that it should last several generations. The IEMs themselves has been crafted in Japan, another indication of their quality. Last but not least, their style is like anything else on the market; they look like jewelry. Discover the rest on your own.
The bass extends quite deep and has a lot of rumble at least in comparison to what else I've owned. Moondrop Blessing 2, HD800S, HD650, HD598, Clear MG Pro, TWM2.The highs are noticeably more extended than the Blessing 2's. There's a slight sharpness in the S region. The sound signature is definitely a mild V shape.Overall I think the detail is great, the fit is good, and I love the rumble of the bass. However I actually prefer the tuning of the much cheaper Blessing 2.
Undoubtedly, sound is the most important aspect of IEMs. Those are the best bass IEMs. The sound overall is clean and detailed. When one decides to spend such money, they are likely to expect a certain level of quality. Previously, I owned Chinese Thieaudio Monarch MKII. The sound was great, but quality and attention to detail would not satisfy me. IER-Z1R, however, have those attributes at a much higher level. Unboxing them was a unique experience. Last but not least, the design of those monitors make me want to just stare at them. They are worth every penny.
Sony engineers really know their audio engineering. For all the recent advances in Chi-fi (Chinese Hi-fi) and the sheer amount of supposed top tier flagship end game IEMs released since the IER-Z1R first came out, the 4 year old drivers in these IEMs still hold up very well against the competition. The absolute best bass in any IEM that can simultaneously be abundant/impactful but also not overpowering the rest of the sound and intangibles like soundstage and dynamics that rival any other flagship. Is the quality improvement worth over $1300 more than some of the similarly tuned newer IEMs in the $400 range like Blessing2:Dusk? Probably not, that's where diminishing returns start to hit hard. But is the IER-Z1R worth $1700 in 2022? Absolutely yes. That is, if your ... MoreSony engineers really know their audio engineering. For all the recent advances in Chi-fi (Chinese Hi-fi) and the sheer amount of supposed top tier flagship end game IEMs released since the IER-Z1R first came out, the 4 year old drivers in these IEMs still hold up very well against the competition. The absolute best bass in any IEM that can simultaneously be abundant/impactful but also not overpowering the rest of the sound and intangibles like soundstage and dynamics that rival any other flagship. Is the quality improvement worth over $1300 more than some of the similarly tuned newer IEMs in the $400 range like Blessing2:Dusk? Probably not, that's where diminishing returns start to hit hard. But is the IER-Z1R worth $1700 in 2022? Absolutely yes. That is, if your ears can fit these ergonomically atrocious monsters. Try to test drive these before buying if you can because there are plenty of fitment horror stories online.
The most natural treble I've ever heard thanks to the DD tweeter. I only went for the most detailed IEMs but I was dissatisfied because they were too detailed, sounded too fake. Bass is the best you can get out of an IEM, besting the EE Odin, Final A8000, Tia Trio. It's beautiful bass with organic texture and rumble. Mids are recessed but not in the way every review downgrades it. It still has detail and a natural tone, only a bit more distant than what you're probably used to.I am the lucky few who can tolerate wearing the IER-Z1R for more than an hour. Definitely audition them before buying as fit and seal is crucial to hearing the god like sound out of these because these are massive but oh so beautiful IEMs!I prefer these to the praised U12t; more natural ... MoreThe most natural treble I've ever heard thanks to the DD tweeter. I only went for the most detailed IEMs but I was dissatisfied because they were too detailed, sounded too fake. Bass is the best you can get out of an IEM, besting the EE Odin, Final A8000, Tia Trio. It's beautiful bass with organic texture and rumble. Mids are recessed but not in the way every review downgrades it. It still has detail and a natural tone, only a bit more distant than what you're probably used to.I am the lucky few who can tolerate wearing the IER-Z1R for more than an hour. Definitely audition them before buying as fit and seal is crucial to hearing the god like sound out of these because these are massive but oh so beautiful IEMs!I prefer these to the praised U12t; more natural sounding with bass quality that the 64Audios still can't compete despite being the best BA bass you can find. I love these Sonys so much!
| General | |
| Product Type | Earphones - wired |
| Series | Signature Series |
| Weight | 26 g |
| Recommended Use | Portable electronics |
