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Sony MDR Z1 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£1,630
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,900
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sony MDR Z1 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.8

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

6.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.3

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    1.1

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 1.5
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.1

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £1,630

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sony MDR-Z1R is a flagship closed-back headphone from the Signature Series, featuring massive 70mm dynamic drivers with a magnesium dome and liquid crystal polymer edge. Key specifications include an exceptionally wide frequency response of 4Hz to 120,000Hz, a 64-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 100dB/mW, making it relatively efficient to drive. Its build utilizes premium materials like a beta-titanium headband and genuine sheepskin ear pads, weighing approximately 385g. Main pros include a lush, warm sound signature with powerful bass, an expansive soundstage for a closed design, and excellent long-term comfort. Cons often cited include a non-neutral tuning that may require EQ for critical listening, a potential for heat build-up due to the closed structure, and a high premium price point.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR Z1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.8
Sony MDR Z1 has a technical score of 4.81 points, which is lower than that of 54.5% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Sony MDR Z1 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.8

Overall score

40.0%

1.9

Price

3.9
Sony MDR Z1 has a quality-to-price ratio of 3.9 points, which is lower than 98.2% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Sony MDR Z1 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

70 mm
Sony MDR Z1 uses a driver size of 70 mm, larger driver size than 97.2% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Sony MDR Z1 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

4 Hz
Sony MDR Z1 reaches a lowest frequency of 4 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 97.2% of headphones and equal to 2.1% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sony MDR Z1 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

0
Sony MDR Z1 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Sony MDR Z1 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Sony MDR Z1 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony MDR Z1 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Sony
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

385 g
Sony MDR Z1 weighs 385 g, heavier than 94.3% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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Sony MDR Z1 vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Sony MDR Z1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR Z1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 30 mm larger driver size
    Sony MDR Z1 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (70 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR Z1 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (70 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.70 mm vs 40 mm
  • Spatial audio support
    Sony MDR Z1 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR Z1 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR Z1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Sony MDR Z1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.4 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 100,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR Z1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (120,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Sony MDR Z1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (120,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.120000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Sony MDR Z1 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Sony MDR Z1 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    Sony MDR Z1 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
    When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR Z1 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
  • 5 mm more spacious earcup height
    Sony MDR Z1 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR Z1 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.65 mm vs 60 mm
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    Sony MDR Z1 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • 5 mm more spacious earcup height
    Sony MDR Z1 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Sony MDR Z1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 30 mm larger driver size
    Sony MDR Z1 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (70 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • Spatial audio support
    Sony MDR Z1 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    Sony MDR Z1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (4 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 100,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Sony MDR Z1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (120,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Sony MDR Z1 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 25x higher input power handling
    Sony MDR Z1 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (2,500 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.

Total
Design
Sound
  • 76.6% higher weight
    Sony MDR Z1 is heavier than the average headphone (385 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sony MDR Z1 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sony MDR Z1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony MDR Z1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR Z1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 76.6% higher weight
    Sony MDR Z1 is heavier than the average headphone (385 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Sony MDR Z1 is heavier than the average headphone (385 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.385 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Sony MDR Z1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony MDR Z1 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Not headset-ready
    Sony MDR Z1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony MDR Z1 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 18.11x more expensive
    Sony MDR Z1 is more expensive than the average headphone (£1,630 vs £90).
    Sony MDR Z1 is more expensive than the average headphone (£1,630 vs £90).£1,630 vs £90
  • 71.1% worse value for money
    Sony MDR Z1 has worse value for money than the average headphone (3.94 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Sony MDR Z1 has worse value for money than the average headphone (3.94 vs 6.736).3.94 vs 6.74
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony MDR Z1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Sony MDR Z1 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Sony MDR Z1 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Sony MDR Z1 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sony MDR Z1 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Sony MDR Z1 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR Z1 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony MDR Z1?

  • Excellent build quality with premium materials like titanium, magnesium, and genuine sheepskin leather.
  • Supremely comfortable for long listening sessions due to its lightweight design and plush padding.
  • Exceptional soundstage and imaging for a closed-back headphone, often compared to open-back models.
  • Powerful, deep, and well-textured bass that provides a 'fun' and engaging listening experience.
  • High level of detail retrieval and clarity across the frequency spectrum.
  • Easy to drive even with portable sources, though it scales well with high-quality amplification.
  • Minimal sound leakage and effective passive noise isolation.

What customers dislike about Sony MDR Z1?

  • Very high price point makes it a significant investment.
  • Polarizing 'V-shaped' or 'U-shaped' sound signature with recessed/scooped-out mid-range frequencies.
  • Noticeable treble peaks around 3-4kHz or 10kHz that can be fatiguing or sound metallic to some.
  • Large physical size may feel loose on users with smaller head shapes.
  • Ear cups can build up heat during extended use in warmer climates.
  • Included 4.4mm balanced cable is considered too short (1.2m) by some home users.
  • Large, heavy storage case is bulky and not practical for travel.

Expert reviews

W
whathifi.com
13/02/2017
Sony MDR-Z1R review - What Hi-Fi?

Here is a two-paragraph summary of the Sony MDR-Z1R review: Review Summary The Sony MDR-Z1R is a premium pair of large, closed-back wired headphones designed to showcase the company's high-end engineering expertise, commanding a four-figure price tag. The build highlights obsessive attention to detail, featuring an unusual 70mm dynamic driver made of a magnesium dome and an...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
11/02/2022
Sony MDR-Z1R Review - Major HiFi

The Sony MDR-Z1R is a highly sought-after, closed-back audiophile headphone that delivers a lightweight, comfortable fit despite its large size, featuring plush sheepskin earpads and unique outward-bulging earcups. Built with a massive 70mm dome dynamic driver and resonance-free housing, it achieves a remarkably wide, deep, and grand soundstage that excels at conveying scale and...Read more

H
headphonecheck.com
Undated (published post-2016)
Sony MDR-Z1R Review - headphonecheck.com

Sony MDR-Z1R Review Summary The Sony MDR-Z1R is a luxury, hand-crafted, over-ear dynamic headset that delivers exceptional build quality, comfort, and an immersive soundstage. Built to celebrate Sony's 70th anniversary, it features high-end materials including a flexible beta-titanium headband, hand-stitched leather, and massive 70 mm drivers utilizing a magnesium calotte membrane....Read more

S
stereophile.com
05/04/2021
Sony MDR-Z1R Sealed Over-Ear Headphones Page 2

In his Stereophile review, Herb Reichert details how the Sony MDR-Z1R’s sound is heavily influenced by pad selection, with stock protein-leather pads offering a romantic, full sound with slightly "puffed up" bass, while microsuede pads provide a tighter, brighter, and more detailed presentation. The headphones are lauded for exceptional comfort, high-tech aesthetics, and an...Read more

S
superbestaudiofriends.org
19/06/2017
Analysis of Head-FI HQ's Sony MDR-Z1R Measurements and Tech Talk

The SuperBestAudioFriends analysis of the Sony MDR-Z1R finds that while the headphones offer exceptional build quality, comfort, and a wide, holographic soundstage for a closed-back model. However, the critique highlights significant issues, including an uneven frequency response, a harsh 8–10kHz treble spike causing sibilance, and high third-order bass distortion that leads to a...Read more

A
audiosciencereview.com
10/09/2023
Sony MDR-Z1R Headphone Review Would you like to see technical measurements (like frequency response graphs) or comparisons with other high-end closed-...

The Audio Science Review forum publication features an entry from Cuckoo Studio evaluating the Sony MDR-Z1R flagship over-ear headphones, which maintain a consistent premium market price of around $1,500. The evaluation highlights several pros, including an understated, minimalist design with a distinct fine mesh grille, superb build quality, and left-to-right channel consistency...Read more

H
headfonia.com
26/09/2017
Sony NW-WM1Z, MDR-Z1R, TA-ZH1ES - Los tres tomodachis

The Headfonia review of Sony's "Los Tres Tomodachis" trio highlights the exceptional engineering, luxurious build, and impressive synergy of the NW-WM1Z DAP, MDR-Z1R headphones, and TA-ZH1ES amplifier. Pros include the NW-WM1Z's detailed, balanced output, the MDR-Z1R's extreme comfort and rich, warm sound signature, and the TA-ZH1ES's powerful, versatile performance as a desktop...Read more

H
hear.audio
07/04/2017
Sony MDR-Z1R Headphones Review

The Hear.Audio review characterizes the Sony MDR-Z1R as a premium closed-back headphone offering a refined, speaker-like sound signature with exceptionally deep, high-quality bass, particularly from its 70mm driver system. The design is highlighted for its superior comfort, featuring plush sheepskin pads and a lightweight titanium headband, while the sound profile delivers...Read more

H
hifitest.de
17/07/2018
Sony MDR-Z1R, Sony TA-ZH1ES - Hi-Fi Headphones - hifitest.de

Review Summary The Sony MDR-Z1R over-ear headphones and TA-ZH1ES DAC/amplifier form an uncompromising, reference-grade desktop audio system that delivers exceptional sonic performance. On the positive side, the combination produces an incredibly deep, powerful, and precisely controlled bass, alongside class-defining detail, dynamics, and rich tonal colors in the mid-range. The...Read more

(Translated)Show original
K
kopfhoerer.de
03/04/2018
Sony MDR-Z1R review on kopfhoerer.de

The Sony MDR-Z1R review on kopfhoerer.de highlights the flagship headphones as a supremely comfortable and luxurious design object crafted to celebrate the company's 70th anniversary. A major standout feature is its unparalleled comfort, thanks to premium sheepskin ear pads, a memory foam interior, and a flexible beta-titanium headband that offers the perfect clamping force. The...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
03/11/2016
Sony Z1R Review: A Hi-Fi Headphone Aiming for Excellence

The Sony MDR-Z1R review by Les Numériques awards this premium closed-back headphone a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, celebrating it as a true showcase of the brand's technical expertise. Designed to commemorate Sony’s 70th anniversary, the headphones boast an impeccable build combining a titanium headband, aluminum alloy hinges, and genuine sheepskin leather ear pads. The reviewer...Read more

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on-mag.fr
18/02/2017
Sony MDR-Z1R Review: A Hi-Fi Hi-Res Headphone with XXL Sound and Price

The Sony MDR-Z1R is a high-end, closed-back (semi-open) headphone that delivers an energetic, rapid, and massively scaled audio performance driven by its exceptionally large 70mm dynamic drivers. Manufactured in Japan, it features premium structural elements including a lightweight titanium headband and memory foam earpads wrapped in genuine sheepskin leather, which together provide...Read more

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homecinema-fr.com
30/11/2018
Sony MDR-Z1R (HCFR Test, Post 1)", "Sony MDR-Z1R (HCFR Review, Post 1)

The provided forum thread features a community review and discussion regarding the high-end Sony MDR-Z1R closed-back headphones. Users highlight several pros, emphasizing its exceptional build quality, elegant packaging, and outstanding physical comfort, describing the large 70mm earcups as feeling like "slippers" on the ears. From a positive performance standpoint, some listeners...Read more

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supersonido.es
19/01/2017
Sony MDR-Z1R: The Reference Standard for Headphones

The Sony MDR-Z1R is a luxury, high-end headphone handcrafted in Japan that features a unique two-part 70mm driver composed of a magnesium dome and an aluminum-coated polymer diaphragm. Designed with high-resolution audio in mind, it boasts an exceptionally wide frequency response up to 120 kHz. While it appears to be an open-back model due to its rounded stainless steel mesh...Read more

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afdigitale.it
20/02/2017
Sony MDR-Z1R: Style, Quality, and Design at the Highest Level

Review Summary The Sony MDR-Z1R is a premium, closed-back headphone from Sony’s Signature Series that delivers exceptional high-resolution audio performance. Handcrafted in Japan, these headphones feature massive 70mm dynamic drivers with a magnesium dome and liquid crystal polymer edge, enabling an ultra-wide frequency response of 4 Hz to 120 kHz. Designed for maximum comfort...Read more

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alpha-audio.net
20/02/2017
Sony NW-WM1Z and MDR-Z1R Review

Review Summary The Alpha Audio review highlights the Sony NW-WM1Z mobile player and MDR-Z1R headphones as a highly premium, luxury audio set priced at €5,500. The reviewer emphasizes its absolute, pure, and balanced sound reproduction that is free from unwanted additions, eliminating listening fatigue and providing an addictive listening experience. Structurally, the set boasts...Read more

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hifi.nl
23/04/2017
Sony MDR-Z1R, TA-ZH1ES, and NW-WM1Z Review

Jamie Biesemans’ review on HiFi.nl evaluates Sony’s high-end Signature Series trio—the MDR-Z1R closed-back headphones, the TA-ZH1ES DAC/amplifier, and the gold-plated NW-WM1Z Walkman—which collectively cost around 7.500 euros. The reviewer notes that while the components can be purchased separately, they showcase Sony’s return to its premium high-end audio heritage. The main focus...Read more

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