Diehard Sony Fan, always wanted to get both of the Z1Rs, finally pulled the trigger last week(along with the FIIO K7). The FIIO K3 will be paired with the IER-Z1R. The FIIO K7 will be paired with the MDR-Z1R. Wanted to get the TA-ZH1ES, but currently out of budget.
My 1AM2 and N3AP can finally retire.
What does the Z1R do well?
For the MDR-Z1R, overall a very enjoyable experience,it has slight emphasis on the vocals and bass, but not to the point where it gets fatiguing.
Vocals are clear and Bass is clean.
I think it's a well balanced, spacious sound with a lovely bass shelf. Still detailed. "Elevated U shape," if you like.
I owned one for 3 years. It has excellent bass and great detail. It's a warm sound signature but there is some amount of treble wonkiness. But if the song is right it essentially makes you feel like you're listening in a world class concert hall.
It's also one of the most well built luxury items I've ever used (no joke). After all that time of constant use its joints and headband were completely silent. It felt overbuilt for the task as expected of high end Sony audio.