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Sony MDR Z1r Review | 93 Data compared

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 Z1r review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.5

Good

5.0

Good

7.3

Very good

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
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
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.6
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%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

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Best rankings

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.

Technical Specifications of Sony MDR Z1r

Overall score

5.5

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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.

Sound

6.6

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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

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

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

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

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Calls & Controls

2.8

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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

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

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

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

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

4.8

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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

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

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Features

2.7

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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

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

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Battery

1.0

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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

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Design

5.3

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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

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 Z1r vs the average headphone

Why is Sony MDR Z1r better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Sony MDR Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
14 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r 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
22 mm more spacious earcup width
Sony MDR Z1r offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (65 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Sony MDR Z1r offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (65 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.65 mm vs 43 mm
0.2 % lower distortion
Sony MDR Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r 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
22 mm more spacious earcup width
Sony MDR Z1r offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (65 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Sony MDR Z1r 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.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Sony MDR Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
14 Hz lower bass extension
Sony MDR Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r 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.

Why is Sony MDR Z1r worse than the average headphone?

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76.6% higher weight
Sony MDR Z1r 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 Z1r has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
1 fewer microphones
Sony MDR Z1r has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Sony MDR Z1r does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
76.6% higher weight
Sony MDR Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
18.11x more expensive
Sony MDR Z1r is more expensive than the average headphone (£1,630 vs £90).
Sony MDR Z1r is more expensive than the average headphone (£1,630 vs £90).£1,630 vs £90
52.7% worse value for money
Sony MDR Z1r has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.41 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 Z1r has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.41 vs 6.736).4.41 vs 6.74
1 fewer microphones
Sony MDR Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r 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 Z1r is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Sony MDR Z1r 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 Z1r 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
9.6% lower user score
Sony MDR Z1r has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.30 vs 8.000).
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.
Sony MDR Z1r has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.30 vs 8.000).7.3 vs 8

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Sony MDR Z1r and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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 dislike 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.

Expert reviews

whathifi.com

13/02/2017

Sony MDR-Z1R review | What Hi-Fi?

The Sony MDR-Z1R is a premium pair of closed-back headphones that delivers exceptional detail resolution, an even tonal balance, and a seismic yet agile bass performance. Built to celebrate Sony's 70th anniversary, these large headphones feature massive 70mm dynamic drivers with a unique Fibonacci-sequence grille design to minimize high-frequency disruption. The build quality is...Read more

hardwarezone.com.sg

24/10/2017

Sony MDR-Z1R review - Singapore - HardwareZone

The HardwareZone Singapore review positions the Sony MDR-Z1RGo to product viewer dialog for this item. as a beautifully crafted, flagship closed-back headphone that serves as a spiritual successor to the legendary MDR-R10. On the positive side, it features an exceptional build quality consisting of a lightweight beta-titanium headband, aluminum hangers, and highly plush, angled...Read more

headphonecheck.com

19/04/2026

Sony MDR-Z1R Review - headphonecheck.com

The Sony MDR-Z1R is a hand-crafted, high-end closed-back over-ear headphone designed as part of Sony's Signature Series to celebrate the company's 70th anniversary. Boasting an extravagant design and premium build materials, it features a lightweight, flexible beta-titanium headband, hand-stitched leather padding, and an expansive 70mm dynamic driver setup tucked behind an acoustic...Read more

headfonia.com

24/09/2017

Picture Sunday: Sony MDR-Z1R | Headfonia If you'd like, I can help you compare these reviews or look for specific technical measurements (like frequen...

The Sony MDR-Z1R flagship headphones are presented as a high-end, niche product featuring exceptional build quality and a unique acoustic design that eliminates internal reverb for a clear, intimate, and warm midrange sound. Designed for specific sonic preferences, they excel at rendering small musical ensembles with a welcoming, analog-like tone. Conversely, the review identifies...Read more

headfonia.com

26/09/2017

Review: Sony NW-WM1Z, MDR-Z1R, TA-ZH1ES - Los tres tomodachis | Headfonia

The Headfonia review of Sony’s Signature Series "Los Tres Tomodachis" system—comprising the NW-WM1Z DAP, MDR-Z1R headphones, and TA-ZH1ES DAC/amp—praises the trio's exceptional build quality, luxurious comfort, and warm, emotionally resonant sound signature, which is described as deeply atmospheric. The components are noted for their cohesive, stacked integration and detailed,...Read more

hear.audio

07/04/2017

Sony MDR-Z1R Headphones Review | Hear.audio

The Sony MDR-Z1R headphones represent a premium, large-driver update to the Z7 model, featuring 70mm drivers with a metal center and exceptional comfort due to a lightweight design and plush earpads. A major pro highlighted is the outstanding acoustic performance, which delivers exceptionally textured and deeply extended bass, along with a user-friendly, screw-free, twist-off earpad...Read more

audiosciencereview.com

10/09/2023

Sony MDR-Z1R Headphone Review | Audio Science Review

The Sony MDR-Z1R is a high-end, closed-back headphone featuring an understated all-black design with a distinctive, raised fine mesh outer grille. On the positive side, it offers exceptional physical comfort for long listening sessions despite its 390g weight, thanks to a dual-axis rotating design, highly compliant headband cushioning, and large, soft ear cups that fully encapsulate...Read more

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 remarkably full, grand-scale soundstage and exceptional comfort despite its large size. Its design features massive 70mm dome dynamic drivers with CCAW voice coils inside a resonance-free housing built to eliminate moving driver noise. Reviewers highlight its lightweight feel, sheepskin ear...Read more

stereophile.com

05/06/2017

Sony MDR-Z1R Sealed Over-Ear Headphones | Stereophile

Tyll Hertsens' Stereophile review praises the Sony MDR-Z1R for its exceptional comfort, build quality, and stunning aesthetic, featuring a flexible titanium headband, sheepskin earpads, and innovative, resonant-free housing. The headphones offer a spacious soundstage driven by 70mm magnesium-dome drivers, mimicking the scale of studio monitors. However, the review delivers a "not...Read more

open-end-music.com

21/03/2017

Sony MDR-Z1R - professional open-back music headphones", "Sony MDR-Z1R - professional music headphones with an open sound

The review of the Sony MDR-Z1R on the open-end-music forum highlights a generally well-built headphone that provides an overall balanced sound signature, great clarity, and excellent wearing comfort for long sessions. The reviewer notes that the headphone delivers highly detailed, clear, and smooth high frequencies that remain pleasant without becoming piercing or fatiguing....Read more

connect.de

15/03/2017

Sony MDR-Z1R & TA-ZH1ES Review - connect

The connect.de review highly praises Sony’s Signature Series pairing, consisting of the MDR-Z1R headphones and the TA-ZH1ES desktop amplifier, awarding them elite scores of 96 and 124 points respectively. The core strength of the MDR-Z1R headphones lies in its ultra-balanced, warm, and highly precise soundstage, which performs exceptionally well with classical music, featuring...Read more

likehifi.de

12/05/2017

Review: Sony Signature Series - MDR-Z1R Headphones - likehifi.de", "Test: Sony Signature Series - MDR-Z1R Headphones - likehifi.de

The Sony Signature Series—comprising the MDR-Z1R headphones, TA-ZH1ES amplifier, and NW-WM1Z Walkman—delivers an exceptionally premium audio experience tailored for high-end HiFi enthusiasts. The MDR-Z1R closed-back headphones feature exceptional build quality, utilizing a lightweight beta-titanium headband and comfortable sheepskin ear cushions. When all three devices are paired...Read more

hifitest.de

17/07/2018

Sony MDR-Z1R, Sony TA-ZH1ES - Hi-Fi Headphones - hifitest.de

The review by Dr. Martin Mertens evaluates the premium audio combination of the Sony MDR-Z1R flagship headphones (priced around €2,200) and the Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/headphone amplifier (priced around €2,000). Tested together as a high-end reference stack, the reviewer notes that the duo fully satisfies elite acoustic standards. The primary pros highlighted for the system include its...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

03/04/2018

Sony MDR-Z1R review at kopfhoerer.de

Here is a two-paragraph summary of the Sony MDR-Z1R review from kopfhoerer.de: The Sony MDR-Z1R is a luxury, flagship "pseudo-closed" over-ear headphone that stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship, premium materials, and superb comfort. Built to celebrate Sony's 70th anniversary as part of their "Signature Series," it features an ultra-flexible beta-titanium headband and...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

03/11/2016

Sony Z1R Review: A Hi-Fi Headphone Aiming for Excellence

The Les Numériques review awards the Sony MDR-Z1RGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, highlighting it as a highly successful flagship model that acts as a true showcase of the brand's technical prowess. It praises the headphones for their ultra-solid, impeccable premium construction featuring a titanium headband, aluminum alloy hinges, and genuine...Read more

son-video.com

05/02/2026

Sony MDR-Z1R Hi-Fi Headphones - Overview and Specifications

The Sony MDR-Z1R is a premium closed-back headphone designed for high-end, immersive home listening. According to the Son-Vidéo product page, its biggest pros include massive 70 mm drivers that deliver a deeply precise, balanced, and distortion-free Hi-Res sound across a massive frequency range. The build quality is top-tier, utilizing luxury materials like genuine sheepskin leather...Read more

homecinema-fr.com

30/11/2018

Sony MDR-Z1R (HCFR Review, Post 1)", "Sony MDR-Z1R (HCFR Test, Post 1)

Based on the provided French forum discussion, the Sony MDR-Z1R is a highly polarized flagship closed-back headphone that commands a premium price tag. Supporters highlight its exceptional, luxury-grade build quality, stellar comfort owing to massive 70mm dynamic drivers, and its ability to act as a highly polyvalent and fatigue-free listening companion across multiple musical...Read more

on-mag.fr

18/02/2017

Sony MDR-Z1R Review: A Hi-Fi Hi-Res Headphone with XXL Sound and Price Tag

The Sony MDR-Z1R is a high-end, Japanese-made circum-aural headphone featuring massive 70 mm dynamic drivers with magnesium domes and liquid crystal polymer diaphragms. Architecturally, it blends characteristics of open and closed designs by layering a fine metal mesh over a cellulose pulp inner shell to achieve structural permeability and decent acoustic isolation. It excels...Read more

supersonido.es

19/02/2017

Sony MDR-Z1R, the benchmark in headphones

The Sony MDR-Z1R flagship headphonesGo to product viewer dialog for this item. represent Sony’s luxury return to top-tier consumer audio, crafted entirely by hand in Japan with an advanced engineering profile. According to Steve Guttenberg’s review, these closed-back headphones feature massive 2.76-inch (70mm) dynamic drivers utilizing a magnesium dome and aluminum-coated polymer...Read more

afdigitale.it

20/02/2017

Sony MDR-Z1R: Style, Quality, and Design at the Highest Level

The AF Digitale review highlights the Sony MDR-Z1R as a masterpiece within Sony's premium Signature series, carrying an authoritative price tag of approximately 2000 euros. Handcrafted with a "Made in Japan" quality certification, these closed-back headphones feature massive 70mm dynamic drivers engineered with a magnesium dome and a liquid crystal polymer edge. This advanced...Read more

ilgazeboaudiofilo.com

07/04/2026

Sony MDR Z1R - THE AUDIOPHILE GAZEBO", "Sony MDR Z1R - THE AUDIOPHILE PAVILION

The Sony MDR-Z1R review on Il Gazebo Audiofilo presents the user "pluto's" deeply impressed, first-hand testing impressions of this high-end, closed-back headphone model. The user notes that while the headphones initially look slightly understated compared to luxury rivals like Audeze, they are actually incredibly well-engineered, utilizing advanced material research and an...Read more

alpha-audio.net

20/02/2017

Sony NW-WM1Z and MDR-Z1R Review

Review Summary The Sony NW-WM1Z digital audio player and MDR-Z1R headphones form an ultra-premium personal audio set priced at €5,500 that delivers a highly balanced, pure, and immersive listening experience. The reviewer notes that the system immediately captivates the listener by providing an exceptionally clean sound entirely free of unwanted coloration or fatigue, allowing for...Read more

hifi.nl

23/04/2017

Sony MDR-Z1R, TA-ZH1ES and NW-WM1Z Review

The evaluated HiFi.nl review showcases Sony's high-end Signature Series trio, consisting of the MDR-Z1R headphones, the TA-ZH1ES DAC/amplifier, and the NW-WM1Z gold-plated Walkman. Centered primarily around the €2,200 MDR-Z1R closed-back headphones, the reviewer highlights that this flagship lineup was built to flex Sony's luxury audio engineering prowess. On the positive side...Read more

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