OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sony MDR Z1r Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,630Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sony MDR Z1r Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony MDR Z1r
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical score

20%

7.5

User score

â–²Better than 59% of headphones
5.0

Value for money

Value for money
5.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

1.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 98%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Score components

52%

7.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.5

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 60%
7.5

User score

User score
7.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

70%

10

User ratings

30%

1.7

Number of reviews

â–¼Worse than 74%
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Where to buy
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Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony MDR Z1r

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Score components:

52%

7.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.5

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

6.1
User score
User score
7.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

70%

10

User ratings

30%

1.7

Number of reviews

7.5
Popularity
Popularity
1.7/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Popularity:
Sony MDR Z1r has a popularity score of 1.7 points, which is lower than that of 72.7% of products in this category.
1.7
Value for money
Value for money
5.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

1.9

Price

5.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
70 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 70 mm, larger driver size than 97.3% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
4 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones 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
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Sony
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
385 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 385 g, heavier than 94.3% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Sony MDR Z1r vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 30 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (70 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    70 mm vs 40 mm
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (120,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    120,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • LDAC support
    This pair of headphones supports LDAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.1% of headphones support LDAC.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 21 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (65 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    65 mm vs 44 mm
  • 21 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (65 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    65 mm vs 44 mm
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 30 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (70 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    70 mm vs 40 mm
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 14 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (120,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    120,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 25x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (2,500 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    2,500 mW vs 100 mW
  • LDAC support
    This pair of headphones supports LDAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.1% of headphones support LDAC.
  • 76.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (385 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    385 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 18.11x more expensive
    Sony MDR Z1r is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£1,630 vs £90).
    £1,630 vs £90
  • 44.4% worse value for money
    Sony MDR Z1r has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.03 vs 7.3).
    5.03 vs 7.27
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 6.5% lower user score
    User score
    7.5/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony MDR Z1r
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony MDR Z1r has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.51 vs 8).
    7.51 vs 8
  • 18.11x more expensive
    Sony MDR Z1r is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£1,630 vs £90).
    £1,630 vs £90
  • 44.4% worse value for money
    Sony MDR Z1r has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.03 vs 7.3).
    5.03 vs 7.27
  • 6.5% lower user score
    User score
    7.5/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony MDR Z1r
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony MDR Z1r has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.51 vs 8).
    7.51 vs 8
  • 3.43x less popular
    Sony MDR Z1r is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.71 vs 5.9).
    1.71 vs 5.87
  • 76.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (385 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    385 g vs 218 g
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Audio Lore
≈ estimated
26/11/2025
Hands-on review · build, sound and comparisons
Verdict
Sony MDR-Z1R is expensive and hard to justify, but recommended for buyers who can afford it and like the Sony tuning.
9.0
Richard Box Reviews
≈ estimated
01/01/2025
Hands-on review · amplification tests and comparisons
Verdict
Sony MDR-Z1R is one of the best closed-back headphones tested, but it needs a good source to shine.
9.5
Passion for Sound
≈ estimated
17/05/2024
Full review · measurements and comparison with a planar rival
Verdict
Sony MDR-Z1R is the best closed-back headphone tried, with a slight treble peak and boxy character.
9.5
Juan Bernal
≈ estimated
27/10/2021
Hands-on review · comfort, sound and cable setup
Verdict
Sony MDR-Z1R is the best headphone the creator has tried, with price as the only real drawback.
9.0
Joshua Valour
≈ estimated
01/05/2019
Hands-on review · sound, build and comfort
Verdict
Sony MDR-Z1R is the best closed-back headphone tried so far, though its V-shaped sound will not suit everyone.
9.5
Jay's iyagi
≈ estimated
11/01/2019
Hands-on review · comfort, sound and amp tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-Z1R offers wide staging and strong bass in a closed-back design, and earns a clear recommendation.
9.0
Bert Reviews
≈ estimated
01/06/2018
Hands-on review · listening and amplifier tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-Z1R is a relaxed, non-analytical flagship that is enjoyable for easygoing listening and easy to drive.
4.0
InnerFidelity
≈ estimated
05/06/2017
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and comparison tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-Z1R is comfortable and well built, but its tuning is tiring and does not justify its price.
9.0
King of Headphones
≈ estimated
11/05/2017
Full review · unboxing, build, sound and soundstage comparison
Verdict
Sony MDR-Z1R has the best closed-back sound heard so far, though it is bass-forward and not a neutral reference.
9.0
Currawong
≈ estimated
07/04/2017
Hands-on review · sound, amp pairing and long-term listening
Verdict
Sony MDR-Z1R is warm, detailed and fun, a strong pick but neither neutral nor easy to carry around.
9.5
phototristan
≈ estimated
08/01/2017
Hands-on review · sound, build and comfort tests
Verdict
Sony MDR-Z1R sounds accurate, refined and wide, and may be the reviewer's favourite headphone so far.
9.0
PMR Reviews
≈ estimated
15/11/2016
Hands-on review · comparisons with rival headphones and sound
Verdict
Sony MDR-Z1R is musical, fun and well balanced, though it trails some rivals in bass speed and lower mids.
More graded video reviews (4)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony MDR Z1r

  • Expansive soundstage and imaging, often compared to open-back headphones despite being closed-back.
  • Exceptional build quality featuring premium materials like beta-titanium, sheepskin leather, and handmade wood pulp housings.
  • High level of comfort for long sessions due to lightweight design (385g) and plush earpads.
  • Deep, powerful, and textured bass response that remains clean and impactful.
  • Excellent detail retrieval and micro-detail reproduction across the frequency spectrum.
  • Relatively easy to drive from various sources due to 64-ohm impedance and 100 dB/mW sensitivity.

What customers don't like about Sony MDR Z1r

  • High price point (typically around $1,799 - $1,999) makes them a major financial investment.
  • Polarizing V-shaped tuning with recessed/scooped mid-range that may sound distant or thin to some listeners.
  • Noticeable treble peaks (around 10kHz) that can lead to sibilance, metallic timbre, or fatigue for treble-sensitive users.
  • Can generate noticeable heat around the ears during extended use due to the closed-back design.
  • Large, bulky size and non-folding design make them less portable and primarily suited for stationary use.
  • Difficult to EQ effectively due to narrow-band resonances and high-Q peaks in the higher frequencies.

Verdict

The Sony MDR-Z1R is a flagship closed-back circumaural headphone featuring massive 70mm HD dome drivers with magnesium diaphragms and liquid crystal polymer edges, capable of an industry-leading frequency response from 4Hz up to 120kHz. Designed with premium materials including a beta-titanium headband and genuine sheepskin earpads, it offers a 64-ohm impedance and 100dB/mW sensitivity, making it relatively easy to drive despite its high-end pedigree. Its main characteristics include a resonance-free housing with a specialized acoustic filter and silver-coated oxygen-free copper cabling for superior signal purity. Pros include an expansive soundstage that rivals open-back designs, exceptional build quality from its Japanese craftsmanship, and extreme long-wear comfort. Available cons include a divisive sound signature with noted treble peaks around 10kHz, potential bass bleed into the midrange, and a high price point that may be prohibitive for casual listeners.

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