Sony - IER-Z1R

Exactly, I owned z1r before. Ie900 has slightly more sub bass but z1r has overall slightly better bass quality.

Sony ier-z1r and before people whine about the fitting , custom ear tips made these God like and unmatched.

not at all wasnt even good at release. and outdated now

for me it’s how everything sounds like a low quality midi file and vocals are too sibilant

In a nutshell, Tia Trio's wow factor lies in its bass response while U12t's wow factor lies in its imaging. I found the upper treble peak on the U12t its biggest weakness and likely its most controversial aspect, but it's no worse than the IE600's upper treble exaggeration. Truth is, the 'reference-adjacent flagship' sound the U12t targeted has mostly been done better by newer IEMs such as Symphonium Helios or Subtonic Storm. Meanwhile, the Tia Trio's bass is only rivalled by (IMO) the IER-Z1R and the astronomically-priced Brise Audio Fugaku, but both have an even more coloured overall tuning. The common reviewer consensus is that 64audio's A line tends to have excessive bass that makes it sound unbalanced compared to the U line; this makes sense in a loud live session, less so in casual listening. Not exactly an issue if you plan to EQ though. If you've been EQing anyway, may I recommend the dark horse (and my own daily) that is the 7th Acoustics Supernova. Bang-on neutral bass and treble with a relaxed (some would say honky) midrange that could easily be EQed to whatever you want thanks to its smooth frequency response. Resin shell is on the medium-large side but it sits in my ear comfortably, good isolation because of the fit, but even aside from the midrange, its other weaknesses are possible 8k glariness (you need to experiment with tips) and the fact that neutral bass and treble isn't for everyone (Precog mentioned lacking resolution, I'd say it's because he's used to heaps of upper treble in most other flagships. My opinion is if that's the price to pay for balanced tonality, so be it; the resolution isn't that bad anyway). Also, while it's a sturdy resin build, it's also a very small company, so it may be difficult if something does go wrong with it.

Having been through almost everything, nothing beats the Fatfreq Maestro SE or the Sony IER-Z1R for a well rounded bass experience. If you're looking for something more all around but can deliver truly excellent bass when called upon, my favourite IEM of all time... Campfire Astrolith.

OK First up, the really easy one, and it's a really big one - sub bass. A headphone cannot deliver sub bass like an IEM can. I own three of the big (and very good, rather than novelty type) IEMs known for their bass belivery - Fatfreq Maestro SE, which I have the CIEM version of (and thus delivers even more sub bass of due to the deep fit/isolation), the Sony IER-Z1R & thr best IEM of last year IMO, the Campfire Astrolith. There are plenty of others as well. I love my sub bass - and there are certain genres that really need it. I've tried several of the more popular bottom heavy headphones, and they just don't come close - Sony MDR-Z1R, Fostex (forgot the model number - big shiny red domes) & a couple of others. Unfortunately once you're used to how really good, sub heavy IEMs, headphones just don't come close. I do love headphones, but all of those got sold - most very quickly. --- The other big one is how hybrid driver designs work - I don't know if you're a fan, but Alessandro Cortini of NIN (Nine Inch Nails) & an artist of a very different kind in his own right is a huge fan of how hybrid IEMs work vs traditional headphones - and released a collaboration hybrid IEM with Campfire Audio; the Clara. The amazing thing with the better hybrids (done well - they need to be implement intelligently & tested thoroughly/tweaked before launch) is really how different driver types work together to create something very special. Of course you can do this with headphones, but it doesn't work in the same way as you need them to be packed together & given a small exit point to really work their magic - my personal favourite example of a hybrid design is the Thieaudio Prestige Ltd; I use these daily & I had them CIEM'd after ten months as I know I'll never sell them & CIEMs both sound better & are more comfortable. It feels like you're wearing nothing. They usd a combination of electrostatic drivers (which are incredible for high frequencies & the imaging/detail of those frequencies) balanced armatures which handle the mids & dynamic drivers which hand the bass. These are a beautifully balanced set which I have used for 8-12h very regularly & they still sound magical to me. It's not an aggressive sounding set - zero fatigue from long sessions & you cannot possibly have a similar audio experience with overheads. I absolutely adore overheads, too & I never thought IEMs could catch up - but they have - but it's a very different thing & they both have their place.

Set myself the task of having - within reason - the best line up of IEMs possible (and the best way to drive them). Fortunately I'm in a position where I can borrow loaners of pretty much anything and I tried a LOT. I only kept one IEM from last year & that was the Thieaudio Prestige Ltd - I reshelled those into a CIEM (varnished wood faceplate/clear shell) as I absolutely adore them (369 days of near daily use & counting) & nothing else does quite what they do. They're my all day listens & the comfort of them being a CIEM & that little bass boost due to a better seal 👌 One of my biggest priorities for the artillery refresh was durability. The Prestige Ltd cost me $1300 & as much as I loved the sound... Thieaudio's shells are absolute crap, when compared with the likes of Campfire or even Unique Melody who make really excellent resin (?) shells as per the Mest MKII. The other CIEM is the black & white ska pattern Maestro SE 'MK 1.5' (significantly revised internals apparently). They're kind of a bonus as FF really messed me around with a pair of Maestro SE uni's & I thought I was going to get a refund... they offered me a full custom & I'm glad I took it as they are firm favourites... but I certainly wouldn't pay $3000 for them. I produce & DJ drum n bass & these are my favourites for simple production stuff & digital 'crate digging' as well as familiarising myself with new tracks I'm going to play out... and just enjoying dnb or any bass heavy music. Those blue/green abalone shell with the gold trim are the QDC Emperor. Personally I adore them. I loved the detail & treble of the QDC Anole VX, but hated the all BA bass. Their new flagship, the Emperor (which retail at $3000, but I got ex demo for $2200) has 15 drivers per side including DD's for sub & EST's for the highs. I think these were greatly overlooked by western reviewers (because QDC don't seem to send review pairs out & do very well in China anyway) & at a quick listen they can come across as 'dark'. I can understand that, and it's typically not something I love - but I think these just sound rich & full bodied... I already loved the good parts of the Anole VX & these just seemed to take what was good with those & improve it enormously. The sound incredible with very full sounding music such as heavy electronic stuff (Justice) & heavier rock (Nirvana). They're so different from anything else & that suits me just fine - I do have to boost the bass quite significantly with the DSP on my Mojo 2 to get them to my liking - and they're certainly capable of it. You need to take your time with these to really appreciate them. Top right are the Final A8000. I'd naively decided I wasn't interested in single DD IEMs as I really didn't like Sennheisers IE600/900 or the Softears Twlight very much (def preferred the Softears over the Senns massively, but just not for me)... these single beryillium driver beauties proved me so very wrong. Unbelievable imaging. Unparalleled clarity. Some people feel the treble is too much - but that's just how drums etc really sound. These are usually $2000, but I got them for about half of that & I'd absolutely recommend them at this sort of price point. They look so sexy, too. My IEM of the year was a big surprise. Never been a fan of Campfire or planar IEM's & these are both. The bass is incredible, the second planar for the treble really works wonders, yet the mids still sound clear & forward - they sound like nothing else & have to be heard to be believed. Great all rounder, too. Lastly - the Sony IER-Z1R - I love bass & I tried so many high end pairs known for their bottom end... I'd read so many comments about how uncomfortable these are. Not for me or anyone I know who actually has or has owned a pair. They look like they should be uncomfortable, but they're not in the slightest & IMO they beat more modern IEMs known for their bass such as the Fir XE6 & the 64 Audio Volour (my biggest disappointment. Really didn't like anything about them beyond build quality & how pretty they are!). These can go to toe to tie with the Fatfreq Maestro SE as a superb very v shaped basshead set... these are the only two somewhat similar pairs I own & quite honestly I think the Sony's are a MUCH better deal given the build quality (these will last forever!). A classic for a reason. A couple of lessons I learned this year - I will never buy a DAP again (until they become very small, very fast & less than $1000 - and even then I'll just use it as a music transport)... I owned a few of the so called TOTL DAPS... A&K SP3000, Shanling M9/M9+, Sony Wm1zm2 etc & none of them were a patch on the Chord Mojo 2 in terms of sound quality, which I put way above everything else. The Mojo 2 is absolute witchcraft, and yes, I have a Poly, and yes - it is a horrible finickety device & I was lucky to get one for exactly $238 second hand & I wouldn't have paid more than $250. Lastly - if you're going to spend big bucks on IEMs, get some custom tips made. Tip rolling - forget it. Customs are the business.

Thanks. It took a lot of work - I'm far from rich! But it makes me very happy as I'm rarely without a set in my ears or a pair of headphones on my head & I worked in music for 25 years. I really got into personal audio a couple of years ago when I stopped drinking etc - I realised I missed the music on excellent soundsystems more than I did anything else... I think my booze etc money more than covered it. The SE is a nice bonus, but it's similar for my needs to the Sony IER-Z1R which is a much better deal IMO. Prestige Ltd have taken up 50% of my listening time over the last year plus now, and when I have had at any one time 12-15 pairs of excellent IEMs/headphones, I think that speaks for itself.

I couldn't give a shit what anyone else likes. I went through dozens (60+)of pairs to get through to six I love last year. IEMS - QDC Emperor/CA Astrolith/Fatfreq Maestro SE CIEM/Thieaudio Prestige Ltd CIEM/Final A8000/Sony IER-Z1R I have Xenns Tea Pro OTW as my out & about IEM as I live in Thailand & it's very humid. Anything I wear outside will absolutely get damaged & those are all 1600-3000. I wish the 'diminishing returns begin at $300' line was real. It isn't. Not even close - but it's good that you can get genuinely excellent IEMs sub $500. I'd also say that if you are goin high tier, you're better off buying one pair & a Chord Mojo 2 before you buy another pair. A lot of people love to rubbish the difference dac/amps make, but this thing is better than any truly portable device (it makes a HUGE difference - the Prestige Ltd /Mojo 2 combo is incredible & I have put a lot of people onto this. Include $4000 DAPs, of which I've owned most of the big ones). It's also the best for home use than any desktop amp/dac, including the $9000 Sony DMP-Z1 dac/amp/player, which I bought for overheads & will do me for life. I absolutely adore all of these. I owned the Prestige Ltd for 10 months before I reshelled/CIEM'd it because I know I'll never sell it - plus one thing these all have in common is that BUILD QUALITY is fantastic. Many great sounding IEMs are not & spending money like this on IEMs, I expect them to last me for many years. This is something a lot of reviewers overlook. My favourites are the Prestige Ltd & the Campfire Astrolith. I'm probably the only person I've ever heard who loves the Final A8000 as the highs are very abrasive for most ears. I used to play the drums - these IEMs are the most natural sounding & that's how drums sound. I've worked in music for 30 years & am myself through being a hobbyist producer a 'one hit wonder'. I've also tuned some of the best nightclub/music venue systems in the world. Music paid for these.

I've CIEM'd my PL's so I won't be selling them. I didn't like the Monarch 2 or 3 at all... that's what I went to the store thinking I'd buy... I'd never even heard of the PL's & was walking out when the manager came out of the back with the PL's that has arrived about an hour before I arrived & said 'try these' blew me away. Still my favourites after 14 months & my other six pairs are all things I bought after. The Astrolith are a very close #2/maybe even a joint #1. The Tea Pro are my going out pair & I haven't opened them yet. Only really interested in hearing the Glacier & the Fir RN6. How is the build on the Glacier? Does the metal scratch easily? I have to treat my A8000 very carefully as they apparently scratch very easily - they look like jewelry & I want them to stay that way. Fortunately the case they come with is the best/most practical IEM case I've ever seen/used. IEMS - QDC Emperor/CA Astrolith/Fatfreq Maestro SE CIEM/Thieaudio Prestige Ltd CIEM/Final A8000/Sony IER-Z1R/Xenns Tea Pro

> I need the best bass If bass is one of your main considerations, **all electrostatics** are out. As someone who's gone through several Stax models, that driver tech is just not built for slamming. Do not listen to anyone that tells you otherwise. And yes I've tried the SR-007A/SR-007Mk1/SR-007Mk2 with port mod + brown pads/vesper pads/etc. Even on a KGSSHV Carbon, BSHE, and DIY-T2 amps, the bass will lack texture and body compared to a good planar and will lack punch and slam to a good dynamic. The detail + resolution + presentation is why people buy electrostatics. Period. Going back to your question, cross out KSE1200 from your list. The Valhalla is a way better fit for your all-rounder prerequisites. It doesn't do bass as well as the Monarch Mk4s but it's a very decent all-rounder. The IER-Z1R also checks the boxes and does bass better (quality not quantity) than pretty much most IEMs to this day. However, it loses out on the midrange. It is known for its hard-hitting and visceral bass with a spherical soundstage and sparkly treble but do you know what else it's known for? A horrible fit. That was my biggest problem with the IER-Z1R but I still kept it because it's still one of my favorite IEMs. I highly suggest you try them out first because I'm willing to bet you will run into comfort issues. Hopefully you live somewhere where you can demo them but they are top-notch IEMs and definitely the most enjoyable ones from your list. > not many iems exist that perform all rounder duties in a technically proficient manner and the ones that do are significantly more expensive. Like Hercule Audio, Forte Ears or Noble stuff. Correct. The best all-rounders (with bass as somewhat of a priority) will cost more than all of the IEMs you listed so decide on a final budget and I can give you a list of IEMs that I've tested that might fit the bill.

I think my sony ier z1r sounds dynamic it adds reverb to songs making the sense of space a bit big compared to my latest um mest it's 3dish sound but don't have the added reverb of the sony makes sense? 😅

I have 2 iems sony ier z1r and aful cantor I use the cantor for mixing and mastering audio because of it's balanced tuning while the sony ier z1r is purely for listening to music Next time i get Canpur Cp622b because of the cantor changed my opinion about BA bass

For me it's Grand Maestro I am getting rid of my Z1R to afford it

I use kz prx it has nice bass. The explosions sound big and the vr enhances the experience and I play games with dolby atmos enabled so the sound became somewhat 3d But since then i upgraded to a sony ier z1r and looking forward to get Fatfreq Grand Maestro after I have enough extra cash

Does it still sound dynamic in mono music? I test every IEM in mono music (mono mode on in dap) if it still sounds as dynamic even in mono. So far my sony ier z1r still sounds dynamic in mono but I'm looking for an upgrade one thaf retains the dynamic feel and my audio supplier recommended me the Novus and it looks so tempting to buy. After all these years I've only listened to one iem and a speaker system. They don't offer a loan and am too far away to demo it

I prefer headphones but I recently bought this old gem sony ier z1r and it sounds like a pretty decent headphone but in my ears as I listen to habs Zimmer dune and interstellar ost it gives a grand soundfield I'm sure iems like the Thieaudio Origin can also give

Idk. I had it for awhile and it’s pretty mid. Shell is large so make sure you were born with big ears. Sound was okay, bass was nice but it’s not resolving set - more of a chill set with good bass.

Happy it helped! I think pro gamers double up to block out crowd noise haha. I'm just thinking of CS pros, so my knowledge on that is limited. >Drivers, what are the pros and cons of single, dual, hybrid, etc.? I'll give the **pros** for each first. So the most common driver for IEMs out there is the balanced armature (BA) driver. It was the first major alternative to dynamic driver (DD), and allowed makers to put multiple drivers into a small form factor like the IEM. Each driver than concentrate on a specific frequency range instead, given the manufactured cared enough to put enough crossovers and tune them. Otherwise you have a bunch of drivers doing the exact same thing, defeating the purpose of having a multi-driver setup. These days it's hard to find an IEM without BA involved. Hybrids typically refer to a combination of BA and DD. One *seemingly* weakness of the BA design is its bass. Actual "weakness" is interesting and not an actual auditory weakness: [/u/oratory1990 made a great post about it](https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/comments/nk243a/comment/gzdlw80/). DD is far more forgiving, so you can have it handle the bass while the BAs handle the rest. Tribrids are usually DD, BA, and electrostatic (EST) drivers. EST on paper is very accurate which translates to great detail retrieval. DD for bass, BA for mids, and EST for highs. More recently we have quadbrids. Uncommon so multiple flavors. Usually begins with the tribrid, then adds bone conduction (BC), piezo (PZT), etc. All have their quirks in terms of sound, but I wonder if that's inherent to the drivers themselves or not. The outlier is planar magnetic drivers. On paper planars are extremely fast, can reproduce the entire spectrum very well. These days they're typically packaged in tribrid and quadbrid flavors. Of course there are other driver combos, but these are the most common. Now, the **cons** of each. In terms of sound? Nothing. There are fantastic IEMs for every driver configuration out there. 64Audio U12T is all-BA, Sony IER-Z1R is a hybrid, ThieAudio Monarch Mk. II is a tribrid, and ThieAudio Origin is a quadbrid. I think it has less to do with what kind of drivers and more to do with how the manufacture designed/tuned it. Also it depends on your preference of sound. In terms of fit? All BA tend to have few fit issues because the drivers are tiny. Hybrid/tribrid/quadbrids can have fitment issues due to the large DD--some of the most uncomfortable IEMs feature the DD (IER-Z1R, Monarch Series, etc.) Planars are large, too. Single DD IEMs tend not to have fitment issues, either. Price is an issue. EST and planar drivers are more expensive, and it reflects in the price. **Original post category examples:** Not a comprehensive list, just rattling off the top of my head. - neutral tuning: Etymotic ER4XR/ER4SR, Hidition NT6 - mild-V/U+V/U tuning: Sony IER-Z1R, ThieAudio Monarch Mk. III, Symphonium Crimson, UM MEST Mk. II - bassheads: Sony IER-Z1R, FatFreq Maestro SE, FatFreq Grand Maestro - trebleheads: Letshuoer S12 (I think people don't like "spicy" sounds...)

Newer isn’t better. The Hexa is a detailed neutral sound with a slight bass boost. The Nova has been around for a while, and is tuned to a Harman curve, which isn’t the most neutral or detailed sound out there. The EW300 is a nice IEM, and sounds quite different from the Hexa. You’ve already placed the order, so listen to them for a few days and decide if you like them or not. If not, you’ll have a better guide for that you might want to get in the future. The Hexa should sound better than those Zeros you mentioned. Age isn’t the issue. The Sony Z1R is over 7 years old and still regarded as a TOTL IEM. The Variations have been around for years, and are still respected iem’s. Concentrate on the sound, not the age.