Sony IER-Z1R Signature Series in-Ear Headphones (IERZ1R),Black/Silver

Where do I start?The Sony ier-z1r’s are fantastic in ear monitors.I’d been promising myself these for ages but the price had put me off. This Sony product is not available in all countries and so can be very difficult to get hold of. I have no idea why that should be.In practical terms these are quite heavy and so can cause some users fit issues.I have no problem in this area as I have fitted large size Shure memory foam tips which need to be squashed up and allowed to expand while gently being held in the ear. It means that fitting them can’t be rushed but the result is good sound isolation and extended bass notes. I’ve also used an aftermarket balanced cable which is quite chunky but it has an interchangeable tip with 3 options of 2.5, 3.5 and 4.4 connectors. It means less faffing about if you want to use these with an unbalanced source. I also fitted silicon covers to prevent any scratching of the metal case. My main music source for out and about is a shangling m0 pro with a balanced output and its size is absolutely tiny. The result is a very, very small lightweight music source making this setup so incredibly portable you can literally wear it anywhere and nobody’s any the wiser. It certainly doesn’t look like a couple of grands worth if kit but nobody else can guess the party that’s happening inside your head. I listened to these whilst doing the weekly shop at Tesco last week and the experience was slightly surreal. Expect to hear nuances and stereo imagery you never knew existed. I hear something new every time I pop these on. If you’re reading this don’t hesitate- life’s too short and if you get fed up the resale for these is really good. If I decide I don’t like them (which isn’t likely) I can sell them and with the money I might be able to buy back the kidney I had to sell to get them in the first place! (Only joking) Worth every penny-but ridiculously expensive!

I love these for the extremely tight bass and clear highs. Heavy, but comfortable.

Much more than I imagined it would be.I am owning Shure SE846 for last 8 years, and am very happy with those but I was eyeing IER-Z1R for last few years.Finally decided to try it out.These are different category all together.Every old track I knew by heart, when relistening on these - they are different, you start appreciating all the hard work DJs are putting into their sets to preserve exceptional quality (and you start seeing tracks which are not mastered to this level).I tried them using wires to my MacBook Pro, and its insane, absolutely insane.I use them throughout the day with Shure TWS Gen 2, and they are amazing still.So if you need mobility Shure TWS Gen 2 is a good option - but I am sure there are other alternatives (watching market all the time myself).If you need just insane experience - use wired connection.One more thing!I first tried to use largest tips - thinking the fit will be similar to other IEMs, but then sound was not as impactful as it was later - after I tried smaller tips, I like foam ones - M size the best

I purchased these headphones in November 2023, and now in August 2024, the right side is completely non-functional. I initially thought it might be the wires, so I replaced them with high-quality cords, but the issue persists. It's incredibly disappointing to have spent $2000 on these only for them to fail within a year. Buyer beware.

Superb audio quality on par with high-end open-back headphones. Impressive soundstage (although slightly smaller than that of open-back headphones), textured bass, and detailed treble. Coming from mostly neutral tuning, the V-shaped tuning is easily noticeable and makes some genres (such as pop, EDM, and metal) more enjoyable.These zirconium alloy IEMs feel heavier and more robust than their acrylic counterparts. Outstanding craftsmanship and build quality. The design is much more subtle and tasteful than any other IEM I have seen. The look and feel of these are truly premium.The cables feel well-made. Annoyingly, the termination that connects to the source is at 90 degrees, causing it to snag in pockets much more readily than straight terminations.Overall, a fantastic audio experience at a premium price point.