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Sony MDRZ1R Signature, Hi-Res Headphone, Black

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 86 ratings

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Purchase options and add-ons

Brand Sony
Model Name MDRZ1R
Color Black
Form Factor Over Ear
Connectivity Technology Wired

About this item

  • Hear the difference with massive 70 mm HD drivers, enjoy full range sound up to 120Khz frequency response, hear music at its best with Hi-Res Audio compatibility. Connectivity Technology: Wired
  • Keep sound Stable with a resonance-free, all-metal Housing, smooth sound at all frequencies with a Fibonacci-patterned grill, ergonomic Ear pad design
  • Beta titanium headband, genuine leather headband, separated ground cable, silver-coated OFC, made in Japan
  • Connectivity technology: Wired
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Sony MDRZ1R Signature, Hi-Res Headphone, Black
Sony MDRZ1R Signature, Hi-Res Headphone, Black
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Price$1,798.00$1,499.00-24% $379.00
List:$499.00
$4,999.00$699.00-18% $328.00
List:$399.99
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Customer Ratings
Comfort
4.8
4.9
4.0
4.2
4.4
Sound quality
4.8
4.5
4.6
4.6
4.4
Noise cancellation
2.5
3.9
4.3
Sold By
Amazon.com
AudioExchange
GRAMOPHONE
WORLD WIDE STEREO
GRAMOPHONE
Amazon.com
connectivity tech
Wired
Wired
Wired
Cable
Wireless, Bluetooth 5.1 Multipoint, Wired, USB-C
Bluetooth
headphones form factor
Over Ear
Over Ear
Over Ear
Over Ear
Over Ear
Over Ear
connector type
3.5mm Jack
3.5mm Jack
3.5mm Jack
3.5mm Jack
usb-c,wireless
Stereo Mini Jack
noise control
sound isolation
active noise cancellation
active noise cancellation
headphones jack
3.5 mm Jack
1.2mm
3.5 mm Jack
3.5mm, 6.35mm
3.5 mm Jack
3.5 mm Jack
cable feature
Detachable
Retractable
Detachable
Retractable
Without Cable
Without Cable
control type
Media Control
Media Control
Media Control
Media Control
Voice Control
material
Leather
Leather, Aluminum
Plastic
Utopia
Microfiber
Leather, Metal, Plastic

From the manufacturer

Features

Hear the difference with massive 70mm HD drivers

Capture every note and nuance with the pure sound of a dynamic, closed-back circumaural design with 70mm HD Drivers. The 70mm HD drivers are improved with a newly developed Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragm and magnesium dome, that dramatically reduces spatial resonance. The result is unparalleled sound purity and precision.

Enjoy full range sound up to 120kHz frequency response

The extended frequency response— spanning 4 Hz to 120 kHz—is designed for today's broad variety of music styles. The 4 Hz low end of the frequency range offers more than enough latitude for even the deepest sub-bass notes. At the 120 kHz high-end, you’ll be able to enjoy vocal melodies, subtle audio harmonics and tonality, giving your music more life and realism.

Hear music at it best with High-Res Audio

Take your digital music collection to another level with High-Resolution Audio that gets you closer to the original studio master recording so you can enjoy your music just as the artist intended.

Keep the sound pure

Filter out unnecessary noise with the resonance-free housing. A special acoustic paper filter (developed using Canadian softwood fibers and formed using the Japanese paper technique of Washi) controls the air resistance and eliminates any reverberations produced by driver movement, so that only clean, crisp frequencies get through.

Smooth sound at all frequencies

Fibonacci-patterned grills reproduce the intended sound properties smoothly at all frequencies.

Listen in cushioned comfort

The ergonomically crafted headphones are designed to comfortably encase your head in sound; preventing any from leaking and effectively delivering powerful lows. The genuine sheepskin ear pads cushion your ears in luxurious softness.

Enjoy lightweight luxury

The titanium and leather headband is flexible and light, yet durable, for a more natural over ear fit. Beta titanium has high elasticity which will return to its original shape even when bent. Genuine leather adds sturdiness and comfort.

Ensure superior sound quality with a separated ground cable

The newly developed 4.4Φ balanced connection cable separates left and right sound signals, while minimizing signal transmission loss and resulting sound deterioration. The result is smoother high frequencies and superior sound quality.

Minimize resistance and signal loss with silver-coated OFC cables

The MDR-Z1R uses silver-coated oxygen-free copper cables, designed to minimize resistance and signal-transmission loss. The result is less sound degradation, finer detail and smoother treble sounds.

Engineered and crafted in Japan

Sony products made in Japan are synonymous with absolute quality and performance, and the MDR-Z1R headphones are no exception. They are lovingly crafted with only the finest components and manufacturing techniques; resulting in exceptional sound quality.

Enfolding design structure

The enfolding design is tailored to wrap around the ear, sealing music in and keeping distractions out. Acoustics are reflected back towards your ears for the subtlest of sounds.

Hard case for storage

The headphones and accompanying cables come presented in a stylish storage case, with separated compartments and a luxury satin lining.

What's in the box

  • Information not available
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    Product information

    Warranty & Support

    Manufacturer’s warranty can be requested from customer service. Click here to make a request to customer service.

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    Sony

    Sony MDRZ1R Signature, Hi-Res Headphone, Black


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    Product Description

    Compromise nothing with Our signature Series Hi-Res audio headphones that deliver up to 120Khz frequency response, industry-leading sound design and the highest quality materials for an unmatched listening experience. Cord Length: Headphone cable (approx. 9.84 ft (3 m), silver-coated OFC strands, gold-plated stereo mini plug), balanced connection headphone cable (approx. 3.94 ft (1.2 m), silver-coated OFC strands, L-shaped gold-plated balanced standard plug); Frequency Response: 4 Hz–120,000 Hz; Cord Type: Detachable Y-type

    Customer reviews

    4.6 out of 5 stars
    4.6 out of 5
    86 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the comfort, color, clarity, sound quality and build quality of the headphones. For example, they mention that it's beautiful to look at, provides a deep, enveloping experience and that the build quality is supreme. Customers also appreciate the quality. That said, opinions are mixed on the value.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    22 customers mention17 positive5 negative

    Customers like the sound quality of the headphones. They mention that the sound is incredible, the bass is deeper and more controlled, and the soundstage is wonderfully large. They also say that the headphones produce fantastic music with a chill vibe. Customers also say the headphones are pleasing to listen to on all levels. They say the huge 70mm drivers and seismic bass make the instruments sound like wood and metal strings.

    "...soundstage I’ve ever heard from a closed design as well as presenting well recorded music with all the air and layering you would only expect from a..." Read more

    "Absolutely hands down the best sound I have ever heard for music...." Read more

    "...Great bass.Chill vibe to the sound so you can listen for hours or as long as you want.So comfortable they basically disappear...." Read more

    "...I will say this - there were improvements with each step. Bass was deeper and more controlled, less "boomy" while still making it feel like you were..." Read more

    9 customers mention9 positive0 negative

    Customers like the comfort of the headphones. They say the build and comfort are very good. Customers also say the sound is incredibly fun and relaxed, but isn't afraid to punch. They also appreciate the full sense of depth and tightness, never boomy or muddy.

    "...amazing amount of bass that’s always in control, with a full sense of depth and tightness, never boomy or muddy...." Read more

    "...So comfortable they basically disappear.Great case - awesome presentation.Can't go wrong with 70mm drivers." Read more

    "...They are the most comfortable headphones I have ever worn, despite a greater than normal size...." Read more

    "...The MDR-Z7 are very comfortable, but the earpads are pleather, and thus prone to wearing out, and are difficult to source replacements for...." Read more

    9 customers mention9 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the quality of the headphones. They mention that it's a solid performer, has good attributes, and is a high-quality headphone. Some say that the sound is smooth, rich, and deep.

    "...So comfortable they basically disappear.Great case - awesome presentation.Can't go wrong with 70mm drivers." Read more

    "...Well-mastered electronic dance music, such as Lady Gaga's "Chromatica," sounds pretty incredible, too, with very impactful beats and no sonic..." Read more

    "...The technology behind the ZR1 sounds impressive. The headphone comes with a pamphlet describing the technology, but doesn't sound revolutionary...." Read more

    "...MDRZ1R seems to me is smooth, sweet and dynamic music, which catch my ear --- feeling home immediately...." Read more

    7 customers mention7 positive0 negative

    Customers like the clarity of the headphones. They say that the richness, subtlety, and dimension will be obvious. They also say that it retains all of the detail and does not crowd out other parts. Customers also say the headphones provide a deep, enveloping experience with no fatigue. They appreciate the elegant complexity of the construction and the amazing sense of space and depth to the sound.

    "...These headphones are beautiful to look at, and in the elegant complexity of their construction...." Read more

    "...bass tones (such as those from contrabasses and cellos) retain all of their detail and do not crowd out other parts of the mix in the middle tones...." Read more

    "...Highs (very clear)Mids (very clear)Bass (very clear no fatigue)..." Read more

    "...Despite the lack of treble and brightness, the headphone is detailed. The bass is deep and well extended...." Read more

    6 customers mention6 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the build quality of the headphones. They mention that it is supreme, there are no creaks or squeaks, and it comes in a sturdy box and leather case.

    "...in the world, with reference-levels of sound quality and amazing build quality to boot...." Read more

    "...The other thing you're paying for is build quality. It feels like a finely tuned luxury car with leather seats and perfect handling...." Read more

    "...Meze elite headphones are the best looking and best built quality headphones to me. You cannot get Meze elite on Amazon!STAR(*****)..." Read more

    "...These headphones are so well protected that I would have to take a sledgehammer to the box just to attempt to damage the cargo on the inside...." Read more

    4 customers mention4 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the color of the headphones. They mention that they are beautiful to look at, sound warm and colorful, and come in a beautiful wood and leather storage case.

    "...These headphones are beautiful to look at, and in the elegant complexity of their construction...." Read more

    "...The headphones come in a beautiful wood and leather storage case, though I think for the price Sony should have included a travel case, too..." Read more

    "...Meze elite headphones are the best looking and best built quality headphones to me. You cannot get Meze elite on Amazon!STAR(*****)..." Read more

    "...Its hard to explain but these just sound to warm and colorful and are just pleasing to listen to on all levels...." Read more

    8 customers mention4 positive4 negative

    Customers are mixed about the value of the headphones. Some mention that it's worth the spend if you want the best, while others say that they are not a good value.

    "...But worth the spend if you want the best." Read more

    "...They are hugely expensive, yes, but the best is rarely ever cheap." Read more

    "...I think it is worthwhile, and the sound quality is quite different from the other ones. The sound is clear and I can enjoy the music for long time...." Read more

    "...They are hugely expensive, yes, but the best is rarely ever cheap." Read more

    MDR-Z1R - an "audiophile" journey
    4 Stars
    MDR-Z1R - an "audiophile" journey
    This is a hard review to write. In part it's difficult because trying to describe the subjective experience of appreciating sound and music is hard, but also in part it is a difficult exercise in taming things like "confirmation bias" and trying to justify a huge purchase.I didn't think I would become a guy who would drop 26 Benjamins on a pair of headphones, a cable, and a digital audio player. Yet, here I am. How did this happen?MY HEADPHONE HISTORYI decided to do a deep dive into classical music about 3 years ago. I was down about the state of the country and the world, and I wanted an escape valve. I bought a big box set of Herbert von Karajan albums, and then I needed something to play them on. I started with Sony's MDR-7506 "Studio" headphones because they were praised for their "flatness" and were relatively inexpensive. I needed something that could hold the entire box set ripped as FLAC files, so I got a Sony NW-A45 Walkman. And this was fine... for a while.I felt like I could get more. More bass, smoother sound, more comfort. So I bought a pair of Sony MDR-1000X noise canceling headphones. This was a nice purchase because they paired with the Walkman easily and transmitted audio over LDAC, a higher resolution codec than standard Bluetooth and AptX. And things were fine... for a while.The MDR-1000X are plastic headphones with pleather ear pads. They are comfortable for about an hour at most. Great for a bus ride or for some listening at work, but not great for a 3 hour listen in the late evening.So I started to look into wired cans with more premium materials. I settled on Sony's MDR-Z7 headphones. These were Sony's flagship for 2014, praised for their huge 70mm drivers and seismic bass, but criticized for being a little over-emphasized in the bass region and a little recessed for vocals. But with wired headphones, you start to hear about better standards. "Balanced" cable provides more power and less "noise" than standard 3.5mm mini cable. OK, fine. I plumped for a balanced cable and Sony's NW-ZX300 Walkman, which has a balanced output. And it was fine... for a while.I will say this - there were improvements with each step. Bass was deeper and more controlled, less "boomy" while still making it feel like you were surrounded by cellos or double basses (or, for rock, by bass guitars and kickdrums). I was hearing more from my music. Was it a linear progression in audio improvement that matched the increase in price? No. "Diminishing Returns" is something you'll hear a lot about in this hobby - and it's the real deal.So why did I eventually go for the WM1A Walkman and the MDR-Z1R headphones? Well, in addition to chasing the dragon so to speak, I wanted durability and comfort. The MDR-Z7 are very comfortable, but the earpads are pleather, and thus prone to wearing out, and are difficult to source replacements for. The WM1A has a much larger screen, which is key for album art, something I enjoy.So I saved up my Amazon points for the Z1R. I found a WM1A on eBay for about 75% of MSRP. I purchased a used Sony Kimber balanced cable from a Head-Fi user. And I took the plunge on the headphones at the beginning of this month. I purchased a pair of Dekoni leather replacement pads as a backup for the stock pads.I am done. Done! I will not be buying any more gear. What have I learned? What wisdom can I pass on to you?EVALUATING THE Z1RThe MDR-Z1R sells for almost thrice what the next Sony step-down model, the MDR-Z7M2 does. Does it provide thrice the performance? No way. No how. It is better, don't get me wrong. You'll hear more detail in the bass region especially - but it's not night and day. I would wager that you get 90% of the performance for 40% of the price.So why buy these things?Well, the build quality is supreme. There are no creaks or squeaks. The frame is entirely metal, covered by real leather. The pads twist off easily, as opposed to the screw that holds in the Z7 pads. The comfort on the head is about even with the Z7. The headphones come in a beautiful wood and leather storage case, though I think for the price Sony should have included a travel case, too (there are plenty of options from companies like Geekria, though). The case makes a great storage area for my Walkman and cables, as well.I can tell you from A/B testing that there is not much difference between the stock cables (both 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced are included) and the Kimber upgrade cable. There may be a small difference, but I would have to do double blind testing to try and determine it (something I can't do with 1 Walkman and 1 pair of headphones).On first listen, the headphones seemed a bit too forward in the bass region and some vocals seemed a bit recessed. I lightly adjusted the EQ on the WM1A (pictured) to compensate, very successfully in my opinion.After settling in and tuning/listening for a good 40 hours, I find the sound quality to be excellent, and yes, a solid upgrade over the Z7. I listen primarily to classical, and in this genre the Z1R provides a deep, enveloping experience, very much like being in a concert hall, with perhaps slightly elevated bass (though it can be tuned down). Particularly notable is the way in which deep, resonant bass tones (such as those from contrabasses and cellos) retain all of their detail and do not crowd out other parts of the mix in the middle tones. Digitally recorded concert music especially gives this sense of "being there" detail and richness. The digital Karajan/BPO Brahms Symphony 1 is apocalyptically huge. For rock and pop, drums have a real slam to them, while vocals are crystal clear and can compete (Especially when tuned up slightly). Vocals in Haim's "Women In Music Pt. III" are close and intimate. The Strokes' "The New Abnormal" sounds amazing, from bass guitar to vocals to percussion. Well-recorded jazz makes you feel like you're in the studio, easily sensing where the instruments are in the room. John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" sounds like it is surrounding your head. Well-mastered electronic dance music, such as Lady Gaga's "Chromatica," sounds pretty incredible, too, with very impactful beats and no sonic muddiness. Basically, the Z1R handles all of these genres with aplomb, as long as you tune the sound to your preferences (as pictured, I lowered the bass levels slightly and boosted the range where vocals reside slightly).There is some controversy on the question of whether these headphones require a separate amplifier to sound their best. Reviewers seem split, as is the enthusiast community. Personally, I do not own or use an amplifier, and I can't say I feel like anything is "missing." I use the WM1A Walkman with balanced cables, and generally keep the volume at a setting of about 48/120 for orchestral music, 38-40/120 for pop and rock. Much louder gets uncomfortable. I also ran these over standard 3.5mm cable from my Surface Book 2 laptop. Again, I couldn't push them past about the 40% mark on Windows 10's volume control without getting really uncomfortable (25% was better). I have seen various jargon-laden explanations of how sound would theoretically improve with an amp, but I remain unconvinced. It sounds incredible directly from the Walkman over balanced cable, and very good from the laptop over 3.5mm.CONCLUSIONThe overall selling point for this headphone is "richness." This is not a thin, bright sound that tires your ears out after an hour. It's smooth, rich, deep. In headphone circles, this is termed a "dark" headphone while certain brands, like Sennheiser or Beyer Dynamic headphones, are "bright." While brightness is prized by some audiophiles for its detail in the treble region of the signal, it can really fatigue the listener after a while. The Z1R can be listened to very comfortably for hours on end. It sounds more balanced to my ears, at least. I certainly feel as though I can hear all the high instruments, even when the bass is pronounced.The other thing you're paying for is build quality. It feels like a finely tuned luxury car with leather seats and perfect handling. Like a BMW or a Porsche. The leather pads are extremely comfortable, and their shape conforms to the head very nicely. I would say these are the best pads I've experienced. It's very, very comfortable. Overall, the Z1R seems like it should last nearly forever if cared for well.They are not a good value, in the same way a BMW or Porsche are not a good value. The improvement over a pair that costs half as much simply isn't parallel and linear. There are definite diminishing returns. For most people, a good pair of noise-cancelers by Sony or Bose will more than meet their needs, and they will costs about a quarter as much. For almost everyone else who is looking at wired cans, the Sony MDR-Z7M2 will do nicely for a closed headphone, or say a Hifiman Sundara if you're looking for an open-back headphone (closed means that the earcups seal sound in, which gives you more privacy; open means that the earcups let sound out through an open grille, which might disturb others in the room/office but also might make the headphones sound more spacious and airy).The Z1R is a terrible value but a great headphone. It's for dragon-chasers. I am certainly enjoying my music quite a bit with them. I don't feel like I need to go any further. I admire them as a physical object every time I take them out and fire them up. I do wonder what I might have spent that extra G on instead, though. That value proposition is why I give it 4 stars instead of 5 (which it more than earns on performance and build quality).I hope my "journey" gives you, the reader, some ideas to chew on as you mull over your purchase plans.UPDATE: I have now logged a good 300 hours on these cans, driven by my WM1A Walkman. I cannot say to what degree the sound has changed because I was listening the whole time - but I can say that my appreciation for the sound has deepened. Recordings that I thought were a little subpar on my previous headphones reveal themselves to be deep and precise with the Z1R. Most notably, I have switched to the stock balanced cable, which turns out to be fabulous (the Sony Kimber cable's gold-plated connector wore out, and I recommend against purchasing it). There is no need to buy aftermarket cables here! After 300 hours there are no parts that seem in danger of wearing out. The stock pads may be just ever so slightly compressed, but this does not present any issues in the actual wear and listening of the cans. After 7 months my initial verdict stands - 5-star headphones at a 4-star price.
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    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2021
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Reference Standard (Closed-Back) Headphones
    Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2021
    Headphones...like all audio devices/equipment...have their own unique sound signature. Some will find the Sony MDR-Z1R to their linking, few won’t. What’s undeniable is that from the presentation, unboxing and feeling in your hands and on your head, it’s easy to see that this is truly a flagship product. You can tell Sony held nothing back in terms of giving its designers and engineers free reign to create their dream headphone...and in my eyes and hands, they’ve truly delivered.

    But what about sound? Here is where you will find the never ending debate come to a head (pardon the pun): Closed-back vs. Open-Back designs. If you prefer an open-back sound, there probably isn’t anything the Sony can do to sway you from the absolute best open-back cans. However, the Z1R’s have the widest, deepest soundstage I’ve ever heard from a closed design as well as presenting well recorded music with all the air and layering you would only expect from a really good open-back. And, due to the closed-back, you get an amazing amount of bass that’s always in control, with a full sense of depth and tightness, never boomy or muddy. They also have a great amount of isolation from the outside world. FWIW, I mostly use my Z1R’s with my Sony NW-ZX2 Hi-Res player and on my laptops & iPad Air with the incredible THX Onyx DAC/headphone amplifier. Material is Tidal (CD and MQA quality) streaming and stored high-res FLAC and DSD files.

    All in, these are undoubtedly the best closed-back headphones in the world, with reference-levels of sound quality and amazing build quality to boot. If you value the sonic signature and other qualities that a closed-back headphone brings...bass presence and authority, tempo, control and isolation are areas the Sony excels in...then you probably can’t go wrong with the Z1R’s. They are hugely expensive, yes, but the best is rarely ever cheap.
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    Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2021
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    4.0 out of 5 stars MDR-Z1R - an "audiophile" journey
    Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2021
    This is a hard review to write. In part it's difficult because trying to describe the subjective experience of appreciating sound and music is hard, but also in part it is a difficult exercise in taming things like "confirmation bias" and trying to justify a huge purchase.

    I didn't think I would become a guy who would drop 26 Benjamins on a pair of headphones, a cable, and a digital audio player. Yet, here I am. How did this happen?

    MY HEADPHONE HISTORY

    I decided to do a deep dive into classical music about 3 years ago. I was down about the state of the country and the world, and I wanted an escape valve. I bought a big box set of Herbert von Karajan albums, and then I needed something to play them on. I started with Sony's MDR-7506 "Studio" headphones because they were praised for their "flatness" and were relatively inexpensive. I needed something that could hold the entire box set ripped as FLAC files, so I got a Sony NW-A45 Walkman. And this was fine... for a while.

    I felt like I could get more. More bass, smoother sound, more comfort. So I bought a pair of Sony MDR-1000X noise canceling headphones. This was a nice purchase because they paired with the Walkman easily and transmitted audio over LDAC, a higher resolution codec than standard Bluetooth and AptX. And things were fine... for a while.

    The MDR-1000X are plastic headphones with pleather ear pads. They are comfortable for about an hour at most. Great for a bus ride or for some listening at work, but not great for a 3 hour listen in the late evening.

    So I started to look into wired cans with more premium materials. I settled on Sony's MDR-Z7 headphones. These were Sony's flagship for 2014, praised for their huge 70mm drivers and seismic bass, but criticized for being a little over-emphasized in the bass region and a little recessed for vocals. But with wired headphones, you start to hear about better standards. "Balanced" cable provides more power and less "noise" than standard 3.5mm mini cable. OK, fine. I plumped for a balanced cable and Sony's NW-ZX300 Walkman, which has a balanced output. And it was fine... for a while.

    I will say this - there were improvements with each step. Bass was deeper and more controlled, less "boomy" while still making it feel like you were surrounded by cellos or double basses (or, for rock, by bass guitars and kickdrums). I was hearing more from my music. Was it a linear progression in audio improvement that matched the increase in price? No. "Diminishing Returns" is something you'll hear a lot about in this hobby - and it's the real deal.

    So why did I eventually go for the WM1A Walkman and the MDR-Z1R headphones? Well, in addition to chasing the dragon so to speak, I wanted durability and comfort. The MDR-Z7 are very comfortable, but the earpads are pleather, and thus prone to wearing out, and are difficult to source replacements for. The WM1A has a much larger screen, which is key for album art, something I enjoy.

    So I saved up my Amazon points for the Z1R. I found a WM1A on eBay for about 75% of MSRP. I purchased a used Sony Kimber balanced cable from a Head-Fi user. And I took the plunge on the headphones at the beginning of this month. I purchased a pair of Dekoni leather replacement pads as a backup for the stock pads.

    I am done. Done! I will not be buying any more gear. What have I learned? What wisdom can I pass on to you?

    EVALUATING THE Z1R

    The MDR-Z1R sells for almost thrice what the next Sony step-down model, the MDR-Z7M2 does. Does it provide thrice the performance? No way. No how. It is better, don't get me wrong. You'll hear more detail in the bass region especially - but it's not night and day. I would wager that you get 90% of the performance for 40% of the price.

    So why buy these things?

    Well, the build quality is supreme. There are no creaks or squeaks. The frame is entirely metal, covered by real leather. The pads twist off easily, as opposed to the screw that holds in the Z7 pads. The comfort on the head is about even with the Z7. The headphones come in a beautiful wood and leather storage case, though I think for the price Sony should have included a travel case, too (there are plenty of options from companies like Geekria, though). The case makes a great storage area for my Walkman and cables, as well.

    I can tell you from A/B testing that there is not much difference between the stock cables (both 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced are included) and the Kimber upgrade cable. There may be a small difference, but I would have to do double blind testing to try and determine it (something I can't do with 1 Walkman and 1 pair of headphones).

    On first listen, the headphones seemed a bit too forward in the bass region and some vocals seemed a bit recessed. I lightly adjusted the EQ on the WM1A (pictured) to compensate, very successfully in my opinion.

    After settling in and tuning/listening for a good 40 hours, I find the sound quality to be excellent, and yes, a solid upgrade over the Z7. I listen primarily to classical, and in this genre the Z1R provides a deep, enveloping experience, very much like being in a concert hall, with perhaps slightly elevated bass (though it can be tuned down). Particularly notable is the way in which deep, resonant bass tones (such as those from contrabasses and cellos) retain all of their detail and do not crowd out other parts of the mix in the middle tones. Digitally recorded concert music especially gives this sense of "being there" detail and richness. The digital Karajan/BPO Brahms Symphony 1 is apocalyptically huge. For rock and pop, drums have a real slam to them, while vocals are crystal clear and can compete (Especially when tuned up slightly). Vocals in Haim's "Women In Music Pt. III" are close and intimate. The Strokes' "The New Abnormal" sounds amazing, from bass guitar to vocals to percussion. Well-recorded jazz makes you feel like you're in the studio, easily sensing where the instruments are in the room. John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" sounds like it is surrounding your head. Well-mastered electronic dance music, such as Lady Gaga's "Chromatica," sounds pretty incredible, too, with very impactful beats and no sonic muddiness. Basically, the Z1R handles all of these genres with aplomb, as long as you tune the sound to your preferences (as pictured, I lowered the bass levels slightly and boosted the range where vocals reside slightly).

    There is some controversy on the question of whether these headphones require a separate amplifier to sound their best. Reviewers seem split, as is the enthusiast community. Personally, I do not own or use an amplifier, and I can't say I feel like anything is "missing." I use the WM1A Walkman with balanced cables, and generally keep the volume at a setting of about 48/120 for orchestral music, 38-40/120 for pop and rock. Much louder gets uncomfortable. I also ran these over standard 3.5mm cable from my Surface Book 2 laptop. Again, I couldn't push them past about the 40% mark on Windows 10's volume control without getting really uncomfortable (25% was better). I have seen various jargon-laden explanations of how sound would theoretically improve with an amp, but I remain unconvinced. It sounds incredible directly from the Walkman over balanced cable, and very good from the laptop over 3.5mm.

    CONCLUSION

    The overall selling point for this headphone is "richness." This is not a thin, bright sound that tires your ears out after an hour. It's smooth, rich, deep. In headphone circles, this is termed a "dark" headphone while certain brands, like Sennheiser or Beyer Dynamic headphones, are "bright." While brightness is prized by some audiophiles for its detail in the treble region of the signal, it can really fatigue the listener after a while. The Z1R can be listened to very comfortably for hours on end. It sounds more balanced to my ears, at least. I certainly feel as though I can hear all the high instruments, even when the bass is pronounced.

    The other thing you're paying for is build quality. It feels like a finely tuned luxury car with leather seats and perfect handling. Like a BMW or a Porsche. The leather pads are extremely comfortable, and their shape conforms to the head very nicely. I would say these are the best pads I've experienced. It's very, very comfortable. Overall, the Z1R seems like it should last nearly forever if cared for well.

    They are not a good value, in the same way a BMW or Porsche are not a good value. The improvement over a pair that costs half as much simply isn't parallel and linear. There are definite diminishing returns. For most people, a good pair of noise-cancelers by Sony or Bose will more than meet their needs, and they will costs about a quarter as much. For almost everyone else who is looking at wired cans, the Sony MDR-Z7M2 will do nicely for a closed headphone, or say a Hifiman Sundara if you're looking for an open-back headphone (closed means that the earcups seal sound in, which gives you more privacy; open means that the earcups let sound out through an open grille, which might disturb others in the room/office but also might make the headphones sound more spacious and airy).

    The Z1R is a terrible value but a great headphone. It's for dragon-chasers. I am certainly enjoying my music quite a bit with them. I don't feel like I need to go any further. I admire them as a physical object every time I take them out and fire them up. I do wonder what I might have spent that extra G on instead, though. That value proposition is why I give it 4 stars instead of 5 (which it more than earns on performance and build quality).

    I hope my "journey" gives you, the reader, some ideas to chew on as you mull over your purchase plans.

    UPDATE: I have now logged a good 300 hours on these cans, driven by my WM1A Walkman. I cannot say to what degree the sound has changed because I was listening the whole time - but I can say that my appreciation for the sound has deepened. Recordings that I thought were a little subpar on my previous headphones reveal themselves to be deep and precise with the Z1R. Most notably, I have switched to the stock balanced cable, which turns out to be fabulous (the Sony Kimber cable's gold-plated connector wore out, and I recommend against purchasing it). There is no need to buy aftermarket cables here! After 300 hours there are no parts that seem in danger of wearing out. The stock pads may be just ever so slightly compressed, but this does not present any issues in the actual wear and listening of the cans. After 7 months my initial verdict stands - 5-star headphones at a 4-star price.
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