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

Product Information

This is a hybrid driver system that combines two 12mm dynamic drivers and a single balanced armature. The two dynamic units are in charge of supplying the bass and midrange frequencies, while the balanced armature delivers the highs. Signal flow is also supported by an acoustical chamber with a tube structure that aims to give the sound more density. Soundstage I could use this IEM for hours since there are no sharp edges in its design while its ability to provide a deep comfortable seal adds to a very satisfying fit. Preferences Dua Lipa’s Lost in your Light also has this fast-paced oscillation in its bass line as well as a punchy bass drum and both are presented nicely by the Z1R without going overboard in its slam and avoiding any apparent loss in detail. There is then a steady boost heading towards 2 kHz before resetting to a flat response right around 4 kHz. Despite the mildly recessed lower mids, there is a smooth transition in the frequencies thus avoiding any odd and unnatural harmonics. As for the sound, both suit my taste in terms of tonality yet I find the Z1R to have a better technical prowess as it has a better instrument separation, layering, and a wider soundstage. Bass and treble are more extended with the Z1R. Empire Ears Legend X Technical

I would prefer it over the Solaris for its superior technical prowess while I could also see it as an alternative choice to Empire Ears’ flagship hybrid if I want to add some treble bite to the otherwise smooth Legend X. And pretty much from day one the cable broke on the left side in such a way that part of the cable became embedded in the headphone (see if you can spot the problem in the picture above). To summarize: if you like V-shaped sound signature and aren’t too bothered about the subtleties of vocals — this is it, this is the IEM to end all V-shaped IEMs. The drop past 150 Hz is not drastic and uneven so, despite the apparent sub-bass bias, the low-end maintains a fairly balanced presentation with an organic timbre.In terms of soundstage/imaging, the former goes to the IER-Z1R whereas the Andro 2020 has slightly better center-imaging than the IER-Z1R but similar cardinal/ordinal imaging otherwise.

As for its build, the Solaris has a 24k gold-plated faceplate with Campfire’s logo engraved on the lower right side along with an alloy body as well as stainless steel nozzle. Just like the Z1R, the Solaris is on the heavier side yet its size is a bit larger compared to Sony’s. PerformanceThe IER-Z1R represents a serious effort to create a state of the art earphone. As Sony acoustic engineer Eiji Kuwahara puts it, “You expect just an in-ear headphone, but you’re in for a surprise… Music sounds live. It spreads out in front of you, it’s real.” The IER-Z1R is based on what Sony terms an ‘HD Hybrid Driver System’ consisting of a 12mm dynamic mid-bass driver with a magnesium diaphragm, an all-new Sony balanced armature tweeter, and a 5mm dynamic super‑tweeter. Both the Z1r and Solaris have solid build and durability but I’d give the upper hand on the Z1R in terms of fit. I find the bulge on the bottom side of Solaris to be a bit of cumbersome in the pinna. Both are universal fit so I was expecting the Solaris to have a versatile fit that could cater to various ear shapes and sizes. The treble region is where the Sony IER-Z1R pulls ahead with no sharp 6KHz peak (A8000’s biggest downside) and more extended upper-treble. This leads to an even wider soundstage (though A8000 has very good stage width). Imaging is about even on both with center-imaging being slightly less accurate on both IEMs. Overall resolution is about similar on both, with the more resolving A8000 midrange being counter-balanced by the smoother yet better extended treble on the IER-Z1R.

Rated at 10Ω and 115dB sensitivity, the Solaris is basically easier to drive than the Z1R. Off from the smartphone, the Solaris manages to maintain good dynamics and details.The IER-Z1R and Legend X are excellent in their own right with the former having a more sturdy build while the latter having a more comfortable fit due to a semi-custom design. However, the Legend X has a custom option so in that respect, it gets an edge over the IER-Z1R in terms of fit. Those who prefer a mid-centric tuning might shun away from the IER-Z1R due to the mildly recessed lower midrange. But for my personal preference, I wouldn’t consider it a deal-breaker since I still find its midrange presentation very engaging due to its spaciousness and transparency. You get some nice accuracy and detail in then IER’s treble, and the height it gives to the imaging is definitely one of the highlights of this area. Its resonance is softer but doesn’t dull itself or roll-off too significantly. I always felt like you were getting a good treble presence that appeared easily digestible for most listeners, even when some of the details aren’t immediately noticeable. Its resonance might be more linear, but it doesn’t take away any form of enjoyment from the treble’s overall timbre. Summary Soundstage is wider and taller on the IER-Z1R but stage depth is about par on the U12t. Imaging is tad more precise on the U12t, though these are marginal differences. Where I found more palpable was the difference in coherence. U12t, despite the 12 drivers, sounded more coherent than the IER-Z1R. Also a slight note about build/accessories: Sony IER-Z1R is quite a bit ahead on those aspects. Preferentially, I’d see myself constantly switching between these two for they each still provide good sound as well as an excellent fit. Synergy Efficiency and Noise