IER-Z1R

Thanks! I ended up getting the Z1R. Love them! And coincidentally, I'm also currently talking to Antonio and trying to decide on a cable, between the Cleopatra and Aurelius! Did you find any audible changes in sound from the stock cable with the grafene?

I love focal sound not because of FR, but their driver technology. Focal's distinct punch and slam is due to the driver has better material (lightweight and stiff) and can move more air. These are something you can never simulate using DSP tricks. For burning, I personally experienced it on E3, but it can be brain burning. In the end of the day, no one can measure burn-in effect on the graph. However, I believe graph =\\= perceived sound. So, probably you can never prove or disapprove burn-in as we all hear differently and graph is not everything.

I owned IER Z1R before. I wouldn't say IE900 is better than Z1R. Z1R's bass has better texture although it doesn't go as deep as IE900. I believe he bass impact of Z1R is due to the magnesium dome used in its 10mm DD, it actually kind reminds me the Focal impact. Z1R's upper mids and treble are hotter. I sold it because of the fit is too painful for longer session.

For me, the IE 900 is firmly in endgame territory. I’ve tried a lot of IEMs, but my top three would have to be the IE 900, Z1R, and KSE1200—each has its strengths, but the IE 900 is my daily driver. It’s incredibly comfortable and, in my opinion, its sound quality rivals some of Sennheiser’s open-back headphones. My setup is similar to yours: IE 900 paired with the Chord Mojo 2 and Poly, using a Moon Audio Silver Dragon cable. I take this setup with me to work every day, and it never disappoints. https://preview.redd.it/mwjltc1nsl2f1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e1e59ac3a68727abbd6b7bbff7a53c7daa10206d

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

Personal favorite: Sony IER-Z1R

IEM: Mest Mk2, IER-Z1R, Moondrop Crinacle Dusk. Headphones: HE1000 Stealth, HD600 DAC/amp: Mojo 2

Ier Z1R is in another league. But Aful cannot give you best sound? I think 5+2 or 8 got many positive reviews