Sony MDR-Z1R Premium Closed-back Headphones: Still Worth It in 2024?
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- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
- Sony MDR-Z1R Premium Hi-Res Closed-back Headphones: Still Worth It in 2024?
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Check out the Sony MDR Z1R Signature Series Premium Closed-Back Headphones in this review video. Discover the features and quality of these top-of-the-line headphones!
Reference Headphones & Earphones:
Yamaha YH-5000se: thesourceav.co...
Meze Elite: thesourceav.co...
DCA E3: thesourceav.co...
HD650: thesourceav.co...
HD660s2: thesourceav.co...
IE200: thesourceav.co...
Reference Amps/Dacs:
McIntosh MHA200: thesourceav.co...
Woo Audio WA22 Tube Amp: thesourceav.co...
Chord TT2: thesourceav.co...
Chord Hugo2: thesourceav.co...
Chord 2go: thesourceav.co...
Chord Anni: thesourceav.co...
Pendant Headphone Tube Amp (not carried at the store)
iFi Pro iCan (not carried at the store)
Trade UP program for your old audio gear! thesourceav.co...
In no particular order, here are some other headphones and audio gear.
Woo Amplifiers:
Woo Audio WA2SE 2ndGen: thesourceav.co...
Woo Audio WA5 2ndGen: thesourceav.co...
Woo Audio WA7 Fireflies 3rdGen: thesourceav.co...
Woo Audio WA33: thesourceav.co...
Woo Audio Wa6 2nd Gen: thesourceav.co...
A few other headphones we enjoy:
Focal Stellia : thesourceav.co...
Focal Celestee: thesourceav.co...
DCA Stealth: thesourceav.co...
DCA Noire 2: thesourceav.co...
109 Pro Primal: thesourceav.co...
Focal Clear MG: thesourceav.co...
Focal Utopia 2022: thesourceav.co...
Meze 109 Pro: thesourceav.co...
Focal Clear MG: thesourceav.co...
Wireless Headphones:
B&WPx7 S2e: thesourceav.co...
Momentum 4: thesourceav.co...
Sony XM5: thesourceav.co...
B&W PX7s2: thesourceav.co...
B&W PX8: thesourceav.co...
Focal Bathys: thesourceav.co...
Momentum True Wireless 3:
thesourceav.co...
B&W Pi5: thesourceav.co...
Sony WF1000XM4: thesourceav.co...
B&W PX8 007 Edition: thesourceav.co...
Cables and Power conditioners for speakers, subs, and interconnects:
Clarus Cables and Power Conditioners Product Page
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We hope you enjoyed this video and consider subscribing today to our RUclips Channel for many more future videos and live streams. If you are in the greater Los Angeles region come down and see us at our 10,000 Sqft showroom in Torrance, California to demo many headphones, speakers, amplifiers, digital-analog converters, Home Theater Systems, Televisions, Projectors, and more!
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I first fell in love with the Z1R headphones in 2017 but later sold them to explore other options. However, I couldn't shake my fondness for them and repurchased them in 2021. This reaffirmed my belief that they are my all-time favorite headphones. I paired mine with the TA-ZH1ES amp/dac.
The Z1R doesn't give a f*ck about what audiophiles think of it. It's a love letter to "music lovers" and not audiophiles.
One of the most sexiest quote ever
Have had the Z1R for the last 3 years. It is the best sounding headphone I have ever tried. I came from an HD650 and the Z1R blows that out of water. I have also tried the HD820, H&K, Focal etc. I just liked the Z1R sound MUCH more. The only way I can explain the sound is "fun" and "smooth and clear" its just all around fantastic and fun sounding. I can fall asleep with them on listening to HD storm sounds. For me the Z1R is my end game headphone, it just sounds that perfect to me. Then again I tend to love the Sony sound signature as I feel like it emphasizes most movies, music etc. Everything is very separated and just so damn clear.
Absolutely still worth talking about. Even the original Z7 (EQ’d) is a monster of a headphone, especially with electronic music. Going on 10 years owning the Z7. I thought about getting the ZIR, but the Z7 did tie me over. 😉
I went from Z7 to Z1R. Initially, I though "oh crap, did I waste money?" They sound very similar. Only over time did I hear things in recordings on the latter that I couldn't on the former. The bass is cleaner on the Z1R, allowing the mids through more.
Which is not the say the Z7 isn't hella fun. It's an amazing set of cans for anything with a lot of bass, especially electronic and EDM.
@@matthewweflenIs the BASS sound capable of being increased in the Z1R EQ, or is it not increased and just becomes a muffled sound? I hope you will answer me, thank you.
I'm waiting for Sony to release a Mk2 version of this.
Mike I thought you sold your pair?
HiFi insider. I would have thought they released it with the new walkman. 🤷🏾♂️
@@TheMrgonzalo05 i did sell mine. hoping MK2 will meet my expectations.
May I ask what for? They are pretty perfect at what they do & any changes would likely be sideways. I really don't see much room for improvement given what the intention is.
They sound like a very good nightclub system - really fun.
Is it a known fact they’re releasing a MK2?
Just got these in today and I've gone through most TOTL and currently use the Susvara, X9000, Meze Elite as my primaries. Was looking for a good closed back and so far, I'm a fan of it. Soundstage is pretty small but outside of that, loving the sound.
Okay for the price? I had two candidates the Audeze Lcd xc and the Sony mdr z1r,,,,but I'm getting carried away by the reviews and comments of RUclips,,,I decide for the Sony,,what expectations did you have before buying them and now what is your experience
Marcello is an outstanding reviewer! It is so true that the signal change can influence a headphone. Specially the synergy of the MDR-Z1R and either the NW-M1AM2 or the TA-ZH1ES is magical, really make that headphone shine and understand better the engineers that worked behind that headphone tuning. The Walkman even has a very transparent EQ that works wonders with the Z1R if one is looking for a more Harman-like tuning.
Thank you!! 😎🙌
I use my Z1R with the WM1A (mark 1) Walkman. I notice no uncomfortable peaks with this DAP, and iit renders my music (80% classical, 20% rock and jazz) utterly convincingly. I've listened to recordings right after getting home from a live concert and was really impressed by the verisimilitude of the timbre and imaging. I EQ the bass region down very slightly with the WM1A, since the Z1R has bass to spare.
I have the DCA Aeon Closed X as my backup and "in the office" cans. I consistently prefer the Z1R for all genres, though the Aeon is very good as will.
I've had the Z1R for 3+ years now and do not feel any "itch" to upgrade at all. I think they're superb all-rounders.
also have the sony nw wm1am2, I just bought the sony mdr z1 and it will arrive in two days, with which amplifier do you amplify it?
No amp. The DAP has more than enough power to drive the cans way past confidante listening levels (I listen around 48/120 on the volume dial).
I love that you showcase closed back headphones and compare them to other closed back headphones. I didn't like the Sony's when I first heard them but it was also a 1 hour session. I want to see if they sound different when I use them exclusively for a few days. With different gear.
I like the idea of testing with different gear too. I wonder how the hd820 would fare in this approach 🤔
Thank you!! 😎🙌 I couldn't get the HD820 for my preferences to allow me to listen to them for anything more than very short listening sessions. They were not my cup of tea.
Decent review! I use a Mojo 2 (which I prefer... for everything) & an A&K SP3000 on the move. They actually sound very decent on an overpriced DAP I would not recommend to anyone at all (and am trying to sell!)
Easy answer. Absolutely! There is not a more fun sounding headphone that I am aware of. This sounds like a fantastic nightclub soundsystem.
People say they're waiting for a MK2... what for?
I noticed the drum n bass in the background - I used to make & release/DJ this sort of music & they are absolutely fantastic for it. Never heard better in that regard.
Thanks for the review. Kindly Review the Audio Technica closed back headphone as well, which has been released recently.
Hello peeps. Great video. Amateur Audiophile here. I'm running these right from my Audio interface the Rodecaster Pro 2 on its low sensivity option. And so far I'm enjoying it over my 660S2. I know it is not the best way to run them but I don't want to clutter my desk with another DAC/AMP setup...unless you tell me I'd get "significant" improvement otherwise. Cheers
I wonder how these would compare to the AKG K812. I know the sonic signature would most likely be a bit different but price wise is pretty close and they are both kinda the flagship of each company.
This is the exact question I’m grappling with. Research led me to the DCA E3, but I wouldn’t be able to buy them without trying these as well. I’m planning a trip to LA so I can come by The Source and finally figure it out!
Have you had a chance to try them both yet. If so, which one did you like most? I'm currently deciding between these two as well.
Yes, which did you prefer?
Small correction: The MDR-Z1R uses a different pinout than typical 3.5mm headphones so aftermarket cables like for Focal won't work on it
Oh bummer! Thanks for clarifying that.
I love my Z1R. It’s a big musical hug rather than a neutral device. But I think we all should have a phone with warmth in our collection if money allows. My two criticisms are that after about 1,5 hours of listening the pressure at the top of my head becomes slightly annoying (something which has surprised me because I have always heard it was supremely comfortable). The other thing is the 3 kHz peak which can be annoying with some voices. The 9 kHz peak is a non issue for me I think it’s a diffraction issue in the ear cups because of the angled drivers because the peak is less prominent with the Z7 II which has less angled drivers. Diffraction peaks are less annoying than material resonances. Greetings from Denmark
Will the EQ raise the bass and make a difference or will it go crazy or sound muffled? Thank you.
@@MML66 Hi MML66.
I am not sure what you are referring to regarding equalizing the Z1R as I have never tried to equalize it.
Greetings from Denmark
As always Great review, Are sony z1r and denon d9200 that you have recently reviewed comparable? Which one is better in what things? As They are in similar price range now-days
I think they have some similarities; however, I couldn't compare them directly, so it's hard for me to comment on direct comparisons.
I recently purchased a pair, and while I generally find them to be of good quality, I've encountered a significant issue with their upper mids and treble. At times, the sound can be harsh and even unbearable. Although they sound exceptional without vocal tracks, the harshness of the upper mids and treble is sometimes difficult to tolerate. I've tested them with various equipment, including an OTL amp and Sony kimber cable, across three different source chains, and the issue persists. Surprisingly, my HD800 headphones sound much warmer, which is unexpected. Additionally, my HD650 headphones boast a smoother and more refined midrange. I'm considering reselling them, as much as I've tried to appreciate them. However, the lack of refinement in the treble and mids is odd for headphones positioned as TOTL .
They are TOTL. As far as I'm concerned they absolutely set out to do what they achieve & then some. They're just not to your preference/don't fit well with your library.
Like that shirt!
Thank you!! 😎🙌
Nice review
Focal radiance vs focal celestee vs sony z1r vs zmf verite closed
Which one is better overall in sound quality?
Focal Stellia 🏆
At the high-end, it’s less about “best sound quality,” because you’ve already hit diminishing returns. For example, the LCD-5 and Utopia are supposed to be “better” than my ZMF collection, but why did I keep my Verite Closed and sell my LCD-5 and MDR-Z1R?
It’s more about your specific ears and preferences at the high end.
@@asplmn i think a better comparison would be the following
Zmf atrium closed vs Stellia vs z1r
I'm thinking I should hear the Stellia before I hit up the atrium closed
@@asplmn I feel ya. I listened to the LCD 5, then the caldera. The caldera won me over. It's all about use cases and not about better. Also music genre preferences matter
@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup ofcourse lol
the z1r bass is too soft and not that deep
Denon d7200 vs z1r which got more bass and powerful bass?
Better than zmf bokeh?
I haven't compared them or had real listening time with the Bokeh.
@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup please Make next review of fostex th900 mk2 😊
I like to know your opinion on them
Are you using the tt2 as a preamp to the MHA200?
You can also use the Gain control on the MHA200, but it's better with a DAC/Pre feeding it, in my opinion, which is the way they designed it.
Can you comment on the E3 vs Stellia sound-wise?
The Stellia is my favorite closed-back currently! The E3 sounds more analytical and has a better soundstage size, but for my preferences, the Stellia is superior in every other way besides the soundstage.
I did review Stellia. Had also Aeon Noire. Noire was 10 times better than Stellia.
Maybe it didn't fit me well idk. try before you spend 3k.
@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup Do you find that the dynamic nature of Stellia is what makes it your closed back of choice, or is it a different characteristic that makes it superior to you?
I personally don't know a closed back that punches harder than Stellia. Even Atrium closed is a softer hit imo.
I just bought this Sony MDR Z1R, DAP nw wm1am2, what amplifier can I use?
Does the DAP not provide enough power for these headphones? Just bought the same DAP for my z1r iems but have yet to try it. I was expecting the DAP to provide enough power for higher impotence headphones. I also bought a fiio k7 for my desk. I'll compare once I get them. Also have Audeze lcd2 classics.
Dap provides plenty for the Z1R headphones.
@@rjarana Using with the DAP you only hear normal, but I think using with an amplifier I can squeeze everything