Z1Rs are $1795.00 (US version) now. So even a better deal. Great video! Was really looking forward to this. Would like to see the Z1Rs compared to other cans.
All the end of the day... Its all about balance. You cant have it all. Sony design the Z1R to sound more like a speaker. That's why I purchase one. Excellent cans for long listening sessions or to doze off into dreamland.
I personally like Joshs reviews more so than other youtuber reviews that do hifi stuff. You're great man! keep knocking it out of the park!! Hey Josh, would you ever do a Sony Z7m2 review with the Z1R as a comparison afterwards ?
Great video, thank you. I have spent a lot of time with both, and I personally prefer the Z1R as well. I do agree that the HD820s are more comfortable, but that's the only category where the HD820 bests the Z1R. And I'm a Sennheiser guy overall and the HD800S are my favorite, "go to" headphones. And by the way, I am using a Sennheiser HDV820 amp.
Agree with you.. The MDR-Z1R is just the best headphone for fun & vibrant sound.. The bass is deep & full.. There is a dip in the midrange but it still sounds rich & beautiful.. And the treble is just nice, revealing but never harsh.. To me, it's the best headphone I've listened to so far - especially when played on Sony TOTL DAP, the WM1Z...
@zacharyshort384 , no sure yet.. Sony DAPs are so overpriced... I bought chifi DAP which was so much cheaper yet more powerful 2+ years back.. Haven't tried it with Z1R headphones though..
@@roeslan1969 Yeah, I'm not too keen on spending a ton for a DAP or AMP/DAC as I already spent so much for the Z1R :) I'm just driving them with phone/Mac atm though so I need to grab something. Can't decide between a DAP or a desktop amp/dac setup :) Kinda leaning towards the Hiby R6 (2020) or that Ifi Gryphon.
I’m Nima that gave the 820 to Joshua and sadly he is right. Don’t mistake me, I love the look and for certain music I listen to it and game on it. I tried the Z1R and it was emotional and well rounded, but the comfort and detail and soundstage was not there. It’s well rounded but I have many headphones and that I use for their listening purposes. Would I recommend buying an 820, no to almost anyone. But someone with a collection to complete to pay too much for gaming even though the 800 S exists, maybe.
I do not know what Sennheiser was thinking when they made these headphones. Their HD650, HD800 S are amazing but the HD820 is garbage. The Sony Z1R is amazing! And is my goto for relaxed audiophile listing sessions
No you are wrong, the HD820 out of the box is trash, that is the truth. Buuuuuuuut if you EQ it right, it is one of the best headphones ever. I wanted to send them back immediatly, but after seeing the review of the headphone Show I used their EQ settings and it blow me away. The Sennheiser HD800s and the HD820 are the only headphones I ever owned, that react so well with EQing. They both benefit so much from it. The HD800s only needs some bass, with the HD820 it is more complex. But if you EQ the HD820, they are marvelous.
@@cielo_ciel_ I think it doesn't matter how, but if a headphone is EQed way better than anything closed back I tested, than its fine for me. As long as EQing is not complicated for me and easy to do, everything is fine for me. I want the best headphone for my liking and the range to 2000€ no headphone was cleaner or more open sounded😃 And I have to say that I wanted to give them back, but when I EQed them I fell in love and never looked back 😍 (same with the HD800s)
Your description of U shaped signature is not correct, U shaped means there are slight emphasis on the mid bass or below and the mid treble or above and everything else is "flat", some people also think of it as a less severe V shaped signature. And great comparison btw, I really like your approach of being objective and subjective at the same time, bravo
There is no "definition" of U shaped. U shaped is just a broad term to give an idea of a frequency response that reminds that of a parabola. Slight or not it depends... V shaped should be used IMO only in the negative sense, to indicate that the mids are just too recessed
@@djoetma I mostly use them on a Fiio M11. Works pretty well. They sound really good on my Audeze Deckard amp. Audeze discontinued it awhile back, but I was grab one for not even half price refurbished.
@@chunkylover5367 Ah, that's a good tip, to hunt for those deals. I got a Sony NW-A105 from work because of my 5 year anniversary, but I'm not sure how well that work work with a higher-end headphone. But I can get the Z1R for €1600 and need a proper amp, but I'd rather not spend more that €1000 on that.
@@Flavius7 it's a preference question, I have mint early HD580's and rarely use them, for Senn's I use the HD595's the most by far, but for electronic music which I listen to a lot nothing so far beats MDR-1A but I think the Z1R would beat them at their game. The 1A's have crystalline clarity for female vocals and very nice mid and lows and the clarity and tojnal purity and resolution to bring highs right through the layered and heavy base. But the Sonys most fit relatively few instruments, when you throw 8 people wth acoustic instruments at them they get muddled and it becomes a kaleidoscope carpet of noice almost. That's where the HD580's instead shine with detail and resolution, which is why I have multiple decent headphones that are different in strength.
Sony has had a long tradition of producing flavored rich headphones with hyped dynamics. The HD820 was built for technical analysis and mastering and design of audio. They are two different horses.
I didn't realise it at first, but selling my HD6xx and moving up to the HD800s was the worst decision in audio that I ever made. Yes, the technicalities were way better on the 800s, but the HD6xx just made music sound so real and euphoric. HD800s may be an impressive headphone in some areas, I just do not believe it is a good headphone for enjoyment of music. On a side note, Campfire Audio's Solaris was just as enjoyable as the HD6xx, but with much more detail!
You need an OTL tube amp for hd800 no matter how expensive ss amp you use they are bad for them. But with correct tube amp the hd800 is compete with the best headphones utopia abyss phi etc
My wallet loves reading this, because I'll be considering upgrading HD660S in a future.. (Likely to 800s) Hopefully there won't be anything worth upgrading to
Hmmm. I honestly don't think that the t5p can compete with these two. Due to its harsh treble. It kinda shouts the details at you as if it's not confident it can display them. Sometimes small parts of the music gets pushed in your ear, just to give you the impression of details. I do like beyerdynamic but I think that their best closed back headphone right now is the dt177x go from drop using the dekoni hybrid pads, just outstanding performance for their price, it's a steal in my opinion. As for those headphones above I auditioned the hd820 and several others but I bought the z1r in the end. It sounds mature realistic, it conveys a very high end speaker like sound and experience. You can hear all the details with them, as everything is presented around you naturally you just need to pick it up. Very very luxurious headphone both in sound and build.
@@sonicthehedgehog989 Yup. I have the ZMF Eikon now. Endgame. Still love the T5p, but it's an acquired taste. I like bright headphones. Z1r is way too boomy for me.
@@InternetUser-d7s yup true. Zach makes great enjoyment headphones without any doubt. You should also consider things like ear size and shape and how we perceive sound. There is no clear answer but at least we can tell a technically capable headphone from a one that is less capable. Zmf headphones are very capable, ironically for me they sound boomy but I know that it's my ears thing because the headphone have fantastic technical abilities like speed and dynamics. Note my ears are on the small side and the z1r driver matches my hearing very well. Honestly most angled driver headphones except maybe the t5p sound great to me. I love the t1 gen 2 and most focal stuff much more than sennheisers for example.
Highly, highly, highly recommend Periapt's HD800 cables. They're built like tanks, use high-quality materials, and don't try to up-sell you on any snake-oil BS. When the rubber started splitting on my stock HD800S cables (which is more or less inevitable it seems), I replaced it w/ one of these. If I remember correctly it was actually cheaper than an OEM item and I couldn't be happier.
Hi sir I saw your video.. and that was perfect...sir I have a question I want to know between headphone sennhiser hd820 and focal mg professional and sony mdr z1r which one is the best???please lead me..and thankyou
Had the Z7 during my headphone journey. A mate has them now, still going strong. Turned out I like a darker presentation, so OG Kennerton Valis were the end of the line for me.
Funny how everyone praises the HD820 while Crinacle put the HD820 in the shadow realm on his headphone ranking list. E tier. Quot. "The mystical acoustic properties of Gorilla Glass could not save this monstrosity"
I have owned both and prefer the HD820, BUT I do not think it is a good buy for most people because it takes a lot of money and effort to match DAC’s/Amps/Cables to make magic happen. The Z1R is more forgiving with equipment in my opinion. Here is a video that explains in more detail: Sennheiser HD820 vs Sony Z1R th-cam.com/video/XoQMjFvJziQ/w-d-xo.html
thats the problem with passive headphones. you need an super DAC and amp to drive them thats why i got the Momentum 3 headphones instead. with those you barely need an external DAC or amp they already have the power build in
Hey Josh, the HD820 out of the box is trash, that is the truth. Buuuuuuuut if you EQ it right, it is one of the best headphones ever. I wanted to send them back immediatly, but after seeing the review of the headphone Show I used their EQ settings and it blow me away. The Sennheiser HD800s and the HD820 are the only headphones I ever owned, that react so well to EQing. They both benefit so much from it. The HD800s only needs some bass, with the HD820 it is more complex. But if you EQ the HD820 in the right way, they are marvelous.
I think if your the type of person with tons of dacs & different headphone amps & love tinkering perhaps the 820s for you. But for me that just want a top quality musical headphone that is less fussy the z1r wins. As a bonus i prefer the look & they seem much tougher.
I'm a Sennheiser fan because I've been using my HD 598 since 2012 (same cable btw) and this makes me wish I could just try the 820 to hear how bad the mid is.
True WingChun You seem very knowledgeable about this & I think beyond 99% of the population because I consider myself techy & even around my dorm I’m the one trying to tell people why my 598s are so good but I can’t just take them away from my desk to prove it to them. The reason why Apple bought beats is because they recognized most people care about the look and the ease of use and could care less about perfect response as long as they can hear the lyrics to their favorite song. I also don’t believe I can tell the difference between very good audio & the best. When I first got my 598s I knew nothing about sound cause I was 12 & I just wanted headphones I thought looked cool, I used them on my phone at first but when I was 14 I built my PC with a “Hi-Fi” port in the mobo. That was when I was enlightened to the audiophile community. Within a year I got the EA PA2v2, & still use it & that’s because I could almost tell no difference between my mobo port & the amp. Just maybe what I would describe as slightly “fuller” when I turn the volume up. Overall I’m still really happy with the experience which is why I think I don’t need anything much better. Back to my point. I’m part of the small population who cares about audio but you are on an entire other level. Joshua is part of this community too but instead of calling him a s**t reviewer, maybe give suggestions on how he can improve or bring up the point about why sennhieser uses plastic (I didn’t know until I read your comment but it makes perfect sense) because people like you are one of the few people that can. I get that most of his crowd are audiophiles but I would say most of them are similar to me where my listening experience isn’t even $300 & probably aren’t even thinking about buying $1000+ headphones. We wouldn’t know whether his review is good or not but we can understand what he is talking about. Thank you for your points on the 820s, truly, but you don’t need to put Joshua down for what he said either, even if he didn’t have the best source, he reviewed his experience.
Hey Josh, love the videos, but i have a minor gripe/suggestion with the editing. Often times when you talk about a headphone, you hold on a shot of the other headphone. Like you talk about the z1r build quality and then say "this feel a bit more plasticy" while still holding on a shot of the Z1R. So it's hard sometimes to figure out which headphone you're talking about. Again at th-cam.com/video/VW0GdxiTx0M/w-d-xo.html you talk about the Z1R cable while holding on a panning shot of the HD820's. It's not a big deal, but it does add some friction to as a viewer. Keep up the good work!
Is the HD 820 feel more ''bad sound'' due to not valorisation of the sound ? (like if it is most adapted to studio/ mastering configuration & thus more than the Z1R ?)
Josh - do you have a video that explains your process for evaluating headphones? Would be interested to know how you come to your decisions. I assume pairing them with a bunch of different sources, amps, DACs, etc. but would love some more insight into that. Been obsessed with your videos lately and can't wait to try out some of these cans in person
Watching/listening to this comparison video on my Magnepan speakers. "It's like Joshua Valour is in the room with me" I really like the comfort of the Z1R. Really nice thick earpads. Very relaxing sound.
Greetings from Russia! Well-thought-out, informative and awesome reviews you come up with time and time again , Joshua.Thumbs up from me & keep up the good work!!
Thinking of getting either one of these for a closed pair but have limited access to auditioning the 820s.. If I enjoyed my HD800S so much, will I enjoy the 820 as well? I've tried the Z1R and I love em!
No, you would not enjoy the HD820 as much as the HD800S. You'll be let down for sure. If you loved the Z1R, I would recommend definitely getting them. You have the superior headphone between the two Sennheiser flagship headphones.
I have hd800S. I have hd820. I dont dissapointed. Maybe the price bit too much, but its one of the best technicality closed cans available. Also try verite closed if u could.
@@IsraelCruzJr "You'll be let down for sure"? Don't be so sure. If you already have the HD 800 S and you think you like the Z1R, then I would go for the Z1R. HD 820 might feel too similar to your existing HD 800 S.
@@AndreiMuntean0 A very true statement, one should never be so sure. I would say, if one is expecting an exact closed-back equivalent of the HD800S, a person can be let down because the HD820 does sound different. The sound signatures are close, but clearly not the same headphones. Good advice either way!
I know you only do premium headphones and speaker but i really want your opinion about the Edifier speakers. A lot of people say they have an amazing price to quality ratio ❤️
Hey Josh that’s great videos Thanks for excellent details reviews I have a quick question 🙋♀️ for I’m trying to decide between Sony IER-Z1R and Sony MDR-Z1R to stream tidal My preference of music is mostly blues country and female vocals I do enjoy more low and mid bass response sparkle and crisp highs airy around instruments Thanks
Both are incredible in my opinion. Personally I would advice you to get the ier z1r or the ier m9 cause both have a slight tasteful bumps in presence region. The m9 might edge the z1r in that regard a bit. But if you want a holographic presentation that sounds like nothing else. The MDR z1r is simply unbeatable, it's truly amazing. The ier z1r has that holographic nature as well but the MDR z1r is on another level.
I had the priviliged of auditioning the Aryas after owning the LCD X for half a year. My first impressions coming from the LCD X, the Aryas seem too bright but then going to the LCD X back to back made my LCD X feel too dark. Its weird..now it makes it hard to listen to them (LCD X) because it feels like something is missing. I still wish I could tame the treble on the Aryas just slightly. Anyhow, still hoping I can see Joshua compare his top 2, the Aryas and the LCD X.
@Tasunke Well it seems like you and your man Francis cared enough to comment. I simply was sharing my experience with his top 2 headphones and hoping for a comparison like he did on this video. Life is full of annoyances. Sometimes you just have to learn to keep it moving. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy your day my angry friend.
Big name headphone youtubers won't ever make a habit of featuring Stax, because it renders all the other stuff they make a living debating the merits of redundant :)
This was a good review. Accurate, in my opinion, as someone who owns the Z1R. Yet I still can't forgive you for bashing Grado headphones, it offends me to no end. I love both signatures, the Sony is darker, but it has a wonderful, deep bass, which is very enjoyable. Grados have a better midrange. @Ricky - True, you can't have it all but variety is also nice.
owned both, Z1R is nothing like it. LCD3 is not sibilant, but it is not fatiguing. I found the Z1R meh and sold it, and kept the LCD3, which is sold a year later.
I respectfully disagree, the hd820 sound great! I guess it depends what you pair them with, I use them with my astell & kern SP2000 and they sound awesome also with my ifi audio Diablo
Autell & kern sp3000 have artificial details which is annoying for longer listening, not only sp3000 also other astell and kern dacs too. I found cayin n8 mark2 or Sony wm1z mark 2 best overall dac player. It’s not too aggressive details retrieval that makes them sound natural and pleasing and not artificial instruments sound. So first hear these dac then you notice.
Could you do a comparison of the Hifiman Arya vs Audeze LCD-X vs HD 800s? Ive seen the individual reviews for them but am still unsure between the Arya and LCD-X. I mainly listen to metal / rock.
I Have the HD800S & LCD-X. If you ask me, the LCD-X are way superior (FOR ME), because of the more solid bass, very foward mids for instrumental music, and the treble screams a bit. Like it is a neutral headphone (well, both are) but very vivid! Like HD800S can sometimes get a bit borring, but hell na on the LCD-X. The ONLY downside of the LCD-X is the Weight, other than that, the build quality is way superior than the HD800S. So, I still love my HD800S, but definitely the LCD-X are superior in almost everyway. This is my opinion and experience, obviously yours may differ
@@angelnegron594 Okay interesting. That seems to confirm what I already thought between the LCD-X and the 800s. Now to choose between the LCD-X and the Arya. I think the Arya is supposed to be more relaxed than the LCD-X? That and the X is a couple of hundred bucks cheaper in Australia right now so.
@@fullyverified7491 I don't have a clue, since I do not like the oval chape earcup, I never actually considered them. But I have no doubt they will sound very good
Again..why are you all being tone deaf??? Youre comparing a damn a closed and open back...you already know how this turns out SQ wise. This is a bad request.
@@LIL-MAN_theOG Sorry for not being an expert in extremely expensive headphones, lol instead of calling people tone deaf, giving an actual reply with your experience and knowledge in a nice manner would be much more helpful to people like me who aren't as educated.
@Tasunke So let's say hypothetically I know nothing about headphones at all. Then it's not about having a brain it's about looking towards people more educated than I on the subject to give me an answer so I can learn and expand my knowledge. People like you 2 are the reason audiophiles have a bad rap. It's pretty simple to educate someone without being an asshole js
First of all: I‘m really sorry for my bad English. But I’ve been feeling for few days that I’m listening to different headphones than you. I must have another hearing than you. Incredible speed, PRAT, micro and macro dynamics, space, and above all mids with vocals inducing waves of shivering and tears in my eyes and inner mind. Maybe it’s because of Chord Hugo 2 set to play with 2 flat filters and no crossfeed at all and probably most of all emotional magnifying glass in amplifier Rupert Neve RNHP. Vocals of, for example, David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Lorde, London Grammar, Nirvana and even the voice of one singer placed before a large orchestra in The Last Goodbye from the soundtrack The Hobbit are working perfectly for me. Music can have such power. The top closed Sony headphones may have a much better presence but top Sennheisers (except Orpheus) for price only a little bit higher above HD 800S and with a full warranty is my musical dream fulfilled. And I do not disturb neighbors when I listen to music at all which can be quite important in covid times.
One mode addition: HD 820 are extremely transparent and revealing - if the sound of your favorite recordings is not perfect for your ears (D. Bowie - Outside and so many more) then these headphones will show to you all the sound and mastering flaws like a predator or biblical sword with two edges... But if your favorite recording is good in this regard then absolute experience and musical happiness may come. I do recommend putting out those removable inner foam pads too. But HD 820 would be even more truthtelling after it. My advice is simple: cca 100 hours of burn-in and does experiment with the pressure of those 2 earrings. If it is too high sound will lose much of thrilling dynamics, speed, and frequency range. I do understand now why people around the world call HD 820 end of their way and some compare these to top loudspeakers from Sonus Faber driven by top McIntoshes. Even the largest orchestras with biiig choirs can sound incredible.
I have/had both of these as well. I vastly prefer the HD820. The Z1R was harsh and bright and grating and just... horrible. Nothing sounded good through it. Instant ear fatigue and pain. It definitely fits better than the HD820 though. Very comfortable. Good seal around the ear. Feels nicer. HD820 feels cheap and delicate and like I'm gonna break it just by holding it. It also doesn't fit me great. Very loose. No seal. I have to put a bit of pressure on the cups to get a good low-end. That said, the actual sound signature of the HD820 is great for the music I listen to. Lots of prog rock and metal. With a very small boost in a few frequencies via software EQ, it is so far the best sounding headphone I've tried. I also had the Empyrean for a while but it was just too soft and lush sounding. If Sennheiser improved the fit/seal of the 820 it would be much much better. With some slight pressure against the cups to seal against the head, the headphone's sound signature completely changes for the better. Mids come alive and the bass slams hard. Lots of rumble and kick.
The 820 is better, if you can afford another 2k for an AMP. I was expecting Sony to reveal a new flagship model on CED 2020, but thank you for a 2020 great review for the Z1r!
I always hear these critics talk about cable replacements. I have never in my 59 years on this earth had to replace a headphone cable. I don't like to pay for stuff a second time nor will I ever buy a 4 pin XLR for a very, very, slight tonal difference. There is a guy on the Headphone Show that is always talking about EQing every set of headphones he listens to for review. Why? If they don't sound right, don't buy them. Or "Z" in his early shows was always talking about "mods". If you have to mod a headphone....Don't buy it. Z is always doing his "sound demos". How stupid is that? Does he and his listeners realize they are really listening to the sound from the headphones on their equipment and speakers or headphones. It will always sound like your equipment, speakers, and headphones.
Old comment but you’re trying to bring common sense in a scene where it lacks almost entirely. Audiofools believe cables have a “sound” and are always either simping for a product or crazily bashing it. Eq this, mod that, etc. They forgot the purpose along their journey, it seems.
@E. O. all kinds of music. For modern genres the Z1R is better because of the bass boost. The Elegia has a too forward midrange for my taste. The punch and slam is better on the Elegia though as well as a more smooth and filled out treble response
@E. O. depends on your cup of tea. Do you like a more full bodied sound but slightly veiled, the Elegia is your pick. If you want a slightly more agressive sound with more brilliance up top, the Z1R
Could you review the Massdrop O2 Dac/Amp. I'm looking for a dac/amp combo under 200 and it seems pretty good. I would get the Mayflower O2 but it's slightly out of my price range
Ever since I had Susvara and even Stax, Sony Z1r just sounds so muffled with low definition but the 3D soundstage and bass are still there. Yet my Audio Technica Blue tooth headphone also has good bad and soundstage.
If you're interested in the Z1R, I highly recommend hearing it before you buy. If you're the kind of person who uses a 10 band EQ and alternates between putting bands all the way up and all the way down, or applying a comb filter to your music, you may like it.
first i want to say that never use an 10 band eq, use software parametric eq before the dac. second i own the Sony MDR Z7 and indeed i use eq liberally on that one.... my eq matched the z1r frequency response so i guess it require similar eq to sound flat.
@@josha8715 Yeah, if only I'd had the legendary grand maximum gold graded unicorn cables and benevolenced volitiative zWfD3FDS2 amplifier and waved around my plumbus they'd have sounded better.
Keep HD800S, add Schiit Loki - life is beautiful PS, sold my Z1R. Just like Josh, I respected what HD800S could do more, just needed a bit low end... which is now fixed with Loki. Sony - good overall everywhere, even on a smartphone.
Bismillah I wish I heard what you hear on the Z1R. I so want to like it but I didn’t like anything except the build and comfort. Bass was absent, mids and highs very grainy. I never heard the 820.
stevenswall Bismillah Yeah I was so disappointed with the Z1R. I loved the look, build and comfort and auditioned it twice hoping to find something that appealed to me, but nothing. Tyll in my opinion nailed it in his review. I ended up getting the Denon 9200 which is AMAZING! Funny you mention Ultrasone; that is another headphone that I want to like based on the gorgeous looks of them. So far I have not been able to hear any of the Editions. I hope to hear them at CANJAM this year.
shahrin ram Bismillah Anything is possible; although I listened to 2 different pairs and Sony quality controls is excellent. When I say absent I mean relative to other cans like Audeze LCD-X, any Denon the Clear, and Stellia. The bass on these are all more prominent and of better quality imo. So if the best thing on the MDR-Z1R is supposed to be the bass and the bass pales in comparison to a lot of other cans what does it have going for it. The treble and mids were grainy. You have to give it to the 820; (based on every review I have seen or read) it succeeds at what it is supposed to do and is the best closed can for soundstage and imaging while the Z1R is not the best at anything.
halimj7 i agreed its mids was grainy on earlier listen. after several session(more 50hours), its gone. the mids to me on par with tg334. the bass on lcd-x hit harder but too dry with harsh treble. z1r has natural decay in bass,sweet mids and smooth treble without losing details.underatand some people will chose lcd-x,stellia but z1r has better balance with wide genre of music
HD820 ruined the sound by making it close-backed. Z1R was built as a closed back from the beginning. I listened to both at a shop; Z1R sounded much natural to me. HD800S is better if you don't need them to be close backed.
To me, Z1R sounds very muddy due to the so much unnecessary internal mechanical resonance and reflection. When compared with ,for example, sony ier-m9,It's not "rich" but "impure".
Passive headphones are yesterdays stuff. Get the Momentum 3 instead and dont worry about any lame DACs or AMPs ;) Wired or with Bluetooth doesnt matter you get an amazing sound with both. Buy beer for the rest of the money.
It's not a matter of better or worse here, it depends on your preferences. And I have to say his description of U shaped signature is wrong, U shaped means there are slight emphasis on the mid bass or below and the mid treble or above and everything else is "flat", some people also think of it as a less severe V shaped signature.
Z1Rs are $1795.00 (US version) now. So even a better deal. Great video! Was really looking forward to this. Would like to see the Z1Rs compared to other cans.
$1700 now...
So expensive
The sennheizers have surprisingly dropped to approximately 1800$ so it has a somewhat equal price which is nice
All the end of the day... Its all about balance. You cant have it all.
Sony design the Z1R to sound more like a speaker. That's why I purchase one. Excellent cans for long listening sessions or to doze off into dreamland.
And let's be honest they are gorgeous
@@TheMrgonzalo05 Indeed. Simple and elegant
@@TheMrgonzalo05 for some reason the pads on the 820 looks out of replace and cheap.
What amp and dac do you use with the Z1R?
@@TheMrgonzalo05 Sony TAZH1ES
The Z1R's are simply incredible.
I personally like Joshs reviews more so than other youtuber reviews that do hifi stuff. You're great man! keep knocking it out of the park!! Hey Josh, would you ever do a Sony Z7m2 review with the Z1R as a comparison afterwards ?
Great video, thank you. I have spent a lot of time with both, and I personally prefer the Z1R as well. I do agree that the HD820s are more comfortable, but that's the only category where the HD820 bests the Z1R. And I'm a Sennheiser guy overall and the HD800S are my favorite, "go to" headphones. And by the way, I am using a Sennheiser HDV820 amp.
Agree with you.. The MDR-Z1R is just the best headphone for fun & vibrant sound.. The bass is deep & full.. There is a dip in the midrange but it still sounds rich & beautiful.. And the treble is just nice, revealing but never harsh.. To me, it's the best headphone I've listened to so far - especially when played on Sony TOTL DAP, the WM1Z...
Will you be getting the new WM1Z/1A DAPs for the Z1R?
@zacharyshort384 , no sure yet.. Sony DAPs are so overpriced... I bought chifi DAP which was so much cheaper yet more powerful 2+ years back.. Haven't tried it with Z1R headphones though..
@@roeslan1969 Yeah, I'm not too keen on spending a ton for a DAP or AMP/DAC as I already spent so much for the Z1R :) I'm just driving them with phone/Mac atm though so I need to grab something. Can't decide between a DAP or a desktop amp/dac setup :) Kinda leaning towards the Hiby R6 (2020) or that Ifi Gryphon.
I’m Nima that gave the 820 to Joshua and sadly he is right. Don’t mistake me, I love the look and for certain music I listen to it and game on it. I tried the Z1R and it was emotional and well rounded, but the comfort and detail and soundstage was not there. It’s well rounded but I have many headphones and that I use for their listening purposes. Would I recommend buying an 820, no to almost anyone. But someone with a collection to complete to pay too much for gaming even though the 800 S exists, maybe.
I do not know what Sennheiser was thinking when they made these headphones. Their HD650, HD800 S are amazing but the HD820 is garbage. The Sony Z1R is amazing! And is my goto for relaxed audiophile listing sessions
Sennheiser can't do closed headphones they suck at make closed back headphones
No you are wrong, the HD820 out of the box is trash, that is the truth. Buuuuuuuut if you EQ it right, it is one of the best headphones ever. I wanted to send them back immediatly, but after seeing the review of the headphone Show I used their EQ settings and it blow me away. The Sennheiser HD800s and the HD820 are the only headphones I ever owned, that react so well with EQing. They both benefit so much from it. The HD800s only needs some bass, with the HD820 it is more complex. But if you EQ the HD820, they are marvelous.
@@robertburghardt8070 can a headphone be considered well-tuned if it solely depends on EQ? hmmm
@@cielo_ciel_ I think it doesn't matter how, but if a headphone is EQed way better than anything closed back I tested, than its fine for me. As long as EQing is not complicated for me and easy to do, everything is fine for me. I want the best headphone for my liking and the range to 2000€ no headphone was cleaner or more open sounded😃
And I have to say that I wanted to give them back, but when I EQed them I fell in love and never looked back 😍 (same with the HD800s)
Same for me, Sony's Z1R is my go-to for relaxed music listening. I also find them very comfortable despite the weight. Pads are greats!
It's time to review the Focal Stellia!
Your description of U shaped signature is not correct, U shaped means there are slight emphasis on the mid bass or below and the mid treble or above and everything else is "flat", some people also think of it as a less severe V shaped signature.
And great comparison btw, I really like your approach of being objective and subjective at the same time, bravo
There is no "definition" of U shaped. U shaped is just a broad term to give an idea of a frequency response that reminds that of a parabola. Slight or not it depends... V shaped should be used IMO only in the negative sense, to indicate that the mids are just too recessed
8:38 he can see the music! Teach me senpai
Just what I wanted after your recent HD 820 review. Thank you!
Watching this review with my Z1R right now!
CENTER311 me too👍🏼
what do you guys use to drive it?
@@djoetma I mostly use them on a Fiio M11. Works pretty well. They sound really good on my Audeze Deckard amp. Audeze discontinued it awhile back, but I was grab one for not even half price refurbished.
@@chunkylover5367 Ah, that's a good tip, to hunt for those deals. I got a Sony NW-A105 from work because of my 5 year anniversary, but I'm not sure how well that work work with a higher-end headphone. But I can get the Z1R for €1600 and need a proper amp, but I'd rather not spend more that €1000 on that.
@@djoetma They're pretty easy to drive headphones. They sound good on a phone.
Listened to that with my 820s haha. I still feel that if you get a proper seal (with wanted up PDS) there is so much life in the Senns
Don't listen to them, it's a good pair, definitely better then the muddy mess Sony is.
@@Flavius7 it's a preference question, I have mint early HD580's and rarely use them, for Senn's I use the HD595's the most by far, but for electronic music which I listen to a lot nothing so far beats MDR-1A but I think the Z1R would beat them at their game. The 1A's have crystalline clarity for female vocals and very nice mid and lows and the clarity and tojnal purity and resolution to bring highs right through the layered and heavy base. But the Sonys most fit relatively few instruments, when you throw 8 people wth acoustic instruments at them they get muddled and it becomes a kaleidoscope carpet of noice almost. That's where the HD580's instead shine with detail and resolution, which is why I have multiple decent headphones that are different in strength.
Sony has had a long tradition of producing flavored rich headphones with hyped dynamics. The HD820 was built for technical analysis and mastering and design of audio. They are two different horses.
I didn't realise it at first, but selling my HD6xx and moving up to the HD800s was the worst decision in audio that I ever made. Yes, the technicalities were way better on the 800s, but the HD6xx just made music sound so real and euphoric. HD800s may be an impressive headphone in some areas, I just do not believe it is a good headphone for enjoyment of music. On a side note, Campfire Audio's Solaris was just as enjoyable as the HD6xx, but with much more detail!
Chris Bair 820 very different from 800s. You seem confused by this review..
You need an OTL tube amp for hd800 no matter how expensive ss amp you use they are bad for them. But with correct tube amp the hd800 is compete with the best headphones utopia abyss phi etc
My wallet loves reading this, because I'll be considering upgrading HD660S in a future.. (Likely to 800s) Hopefully there won't be anything worth upgrading to
I could buy a car but nah, ... headphones it is.
a car could help you buy these headphones doe. just sayin'
Buy the headphones and Google car sounds
Good choice.
hell yeh
@@Terra101 this actually have me laughed way too hard LOL
The way to test a product is to compare it to it's competitor. I trust this review. I don't trust the reviews that are only 1 headphone hype reviews.
You need to add T5p 2nd gen to the mix.
Hmmm.
I honestly don't think that the t5p can compete with these two.
Due to its harsh treble.
It kinda shouts the details at you as if it's not confident it can display them.
Sometimes small parts of the music gets pushed in your ear, just to give you the impression of details.
I do like beyerdynamic but I think that their best closed back headphone right now is the dt177x go from drop using the dekoni hybrid pads, just outstanding performance for their price, it's a steal in my opinion.
As for those headphones above I auditioned the hd820 and several others but I bought the z1r in the end.
It sounds mature realistic, it conveys a very high end speaker like sound and experience.
You can hear all the details with them, as everything is presented around you naturally you just need to pick it up.
Very very luxurious headphone both in sound and build.
@@sonicthehedgehog989 Yup. I have the ZMF Eikon now. Endgame. Still love the T5p, but it's an acquired taste. I like bright headphones. Z1r is way too boomy for me.
@@InternetUser-d7s yup true.
Zach makes great enjoyment headphones without any doubt.
You should also consider things like ear size and shape and how we perceive sound.
There is no clear answer but at least we can tell a technically capable headphone from a one that is less capable.
Zmf headphones are very capable, ironically for me they sound boomy but I know that it's my ears thing because the headphone have fantastic technical abilities like speed and dynamics.
Note my ears are on the small side and the z1r driver matches my hearing very well.
Honestly most angled driver headphones except maybe the t5p sound great to me.
I love the t1 gen 2 and most focal stuff much more than sennheisers for example.
Do Nima and Israel just have all the headphones ever?
great Job Thank you! I really do appreciate this!
Highly, highly, highly recommend Periapt's HD800 cables. They're built like tanks, use high-quality materials, and don't try to up-sell you on any snake-oil BS. When the rubber started splitting on my stock HD800S cables (which is more or less inevitable it seems), I replaced it w/ one of these. If I remember correctly it was actually cheaper than an OEM item and I couldn't be happier.
I just got hart audio cables, seems ok for the price
Hi sir I saw your video.. and that was perfect...sir I have a question I want to know between headphone sennhiser hd820 and focal mg professional and sony mdr z1r which one is the best???please lead me..and thankyou
i hear the zmf verite closed is an excellent headphone. i hope i get to hear your take on it eventually.
Had the Z7 during my headphone journey. A mate has them now, still going strong. Turned out I like a darker presentation, so OG Kennerton Valis were the end of the line for me.
my brother you hit it right on the point.... the sony sound stage is amazing....
Josh where many trash the DT 1770, how does it compare to these two considering your glowing review on it?
Funny how everyone praises the HD820 while Crinacle put the HD820 in the shadow realm on his headphone ranking list. E tier. Quot. "The mystical acoustic properties of Gorilla Glass could not save this monstrosity"
I have owned both and prefer the HD820, BUT I do not think it is a good buy for most people because it takes a lot of money and effort to match DAC’s/Amps/Cables to make magic happen. The Z1R is more forgiving with equipment in my opinion. Here is a video that explains in more detail: Sennheiser HD820 vs Sony Z1R th-cam.com/video/XoQMjFvJziQ/w-d-xo.html
thats the problem with passive headphones.
you need an super DAC and amp to drive them
thats why i got the Momentum 3 headphones instead.
with those you barely need an external DAC or amp
they already have the power build in
Headphone awards 2019?
Hey Josh, the HD820 out of the box is trash, that is the truth. Buuuuuuuut if you EQ it right, it is one of the best headphones ever. I wanted to send them back immediatly, but after seeing the review of the headphone Show I used their EQ settings and it blow me away. The Sennheiser HD800s and the HD820 are the only headphones I ever owned, that react so well to EQing. They both benefit so much from it. The HD800s only needs some bass, with the HD820 it is more complex. But if you EQ the HD820 in the right way, they are marvelous.
I think if your the type of person with tons of dacs & different headphone amps & love tinkering perhaps the 820s for you.
But for me that just want a top quality musical headphone that is less fussy the z1r wins.
As a bonus i prefer the look & they seem much tougher.
Why do you keep saying the Z1R is 2000dollars. It is 1650 dollars.
Sony MSRP was $1999 when the Z1R first launched.
It's almost like some vendors sell it at a different price, and adjust for inflation.
Hi Josh, just a quick question. Will you ever be reviewing the Sendi Aiva? Awesome review thanx
I'm a Sennheiser fan because I've been using my HD 598 since 2012 (same cable btw) and this makes me wish I could just try the 820 to hear how bad the mid is.
Dont know whats joshua use as source. But definitely mid is fine. Also bass tight and controlled, not muddy at all.
True WingChun You seem very knowledgeable about this & I think beyond 99% of the population because I consider myself techy & even around my dorm I’m the one trying to tell people why my 598s are so good but I can’t just take them away from my desk to prove it to them. The reason why Apple bought beats is because they recognized most people care about the look and the ease of use and could care less about perfect response as long as they can hear the lyrics to their favorite song. I also don’t believe I can tell the difference between very good audio & the best. When I first got my 598s I knew nothing about sound cause I was 12 & I just wanted headphones I thought looked cool, I used them on my phone at first but when I was 14 I built my PC with a “Hi-Fi” port in the mobo. That was when I was enlightened to the audiophile community. Within a year I got the EA PA2v2, & still use it & that’s because I could almost tell no difference between my mobo port & the amp. Just maybe what I would describe as slightly “fuller” when I turn the volume up. Overall I’m still really happy with the experience which is why I think I don’t need anything much better. Back to my point. I’m part of the small population who cares about audio but you are on an entire other level. Joshua is part of this community too but instead of calling him a s**t reviewer, maybe give suggestions on how he can improve or bring up the point about why sennhieser uses plastic (I didn’t know until I read your comment but it makes perfect sense) because people like you are one of the few people that can. I get that most of his crowd are audiophiles but I would say most of them are similar to me where my listening experience isn’t even $300 & probably aren’t even thinking about buying $1000+ headphones. We wouldn’t know whether his review is good or not but we can understand what he is talking about. Thank you for your points on the 820s, truly, but you don’t need to put Joshua down for what he said either, even if he didn’t have the best source, he reviewed his experience.
you people are dumb. he means bad in headphones that cost over 2000€ obviously it is much better then the garbage cans you people are using.
@@rafael6693 josh absolutely said "hd820's mid suck at any price point" 5:47
@@fukzen did u try Sony z1r mids?
How about the sony mdr-z1r vs audeze lcd-xc comparison?
agreed
Hey Josh, love the videos, but i have a minor gripe/suggestion with the editing. Often times when you talk about a headphone, you hold on a shot of the other headphone. Like you talk about the z1r build quality and then say "this feel a bit more plasticy" while still holding on a shot of the Z1R. So it's hard sometimes to figure out which headphone you're talking about. Again at th-cam.com/video/VW0GdxiTx0M/w-d-xo.html you talk about the Z1R cable while holding on a panning shot of the HD820's. It's not a big deal, but it does add some friction to as a viewer.
Keep up the good work!
yeah editing was a little off on this one
nobody does better b-rolls tho lol
This should be Z1R vs hd820 vs stella vs ath AWKT. LoL hope you get to review all the cool stuffs.
Great review!
Is the HD 820 feel more ''bad sound'' due to not valorisation of the sound ? (like if it is most adapted to studio/ mastering configuration & thus more than the Z1R ?)
Josh - do you have a video that explains your process for evaluating headphones? Would be interested to know how you come to your decisions. I assume pairing them with a bunch of different sources, amps, DACs, etc. but would love some more insight into that. Been obsessed with your videos lately and can't wait to try out some of these cans in person
You have earned a subscriber. Very nice review. Well done
Watching/listening to this comparison video on my Magnepan speakers.
"It's like Joshua Valour is in the room with me"
I really like the comfort of the Z1R. Really nice thick earpads. Very relaxing sound.
Greetings from Russia! Well-thought-out, informative and awesome reviews you come up with time and time again , Joshua.Thumbs up from me & keep up the good work!!
Z1r or The Stelia off A&K SP2000 ? Just for SQ highs, mids, bass decay etc nothing else (ie price)
I have both! The stellia with a balanced cable and the sp2000 are awesome!
@@DuranInternational thanks bro
Thinking of getting either one of these for a closed pair but have limited access to auditioning the 820s.. If I enjoyed my HD800S so much, will I enjoy the 820 as well? I've tried the Z1R and I love em!
No, you would not enjoy the HD820 as much as the HD800S. You'll be let down for sure. If you loved the Z1R, I would recommend definitely getting them. You have the superior headphone between the two Sennheiser flagship headphones.
I have hd800S.
I have hd820.
I dont dissapointed.
Maybe the price bit too much, but its one of the best technicality closed cans available.
Also try verite closed if u could.
@@IsraelCruzJr "You'll be let down for sure"? Don't be so sure.
If you already have the HD 800 S and you think you like the Z1R, then I would go for the Z1R. HD 820 might feel too similar to your existing HD 800 S.
@@AndreiMuntean0 A very true statement, one should never be so sure. I would say, if one is expecting an exact closed-back equivalent of the HD800S, a person can be let down because the HD820 does sound different. The sound signatures are close, but clearly not the same headphones. Good advice either way!
I know you only do premium headphones and speaker but i really want your opinion about the Edifier speakers. A lot of people say they have an amazing price to quality ratio ❤️
What about the HD820 VS HD800
On better soundstage & imaging ?
HD 800 have a wider soundstage, but they're open back. I don't know about imaging though.
Hd800 beat hd820 in every aspect but they are open back
@@sebanambrus9265 including bass? Also what about sibilance? The HD800 are notoriously atrocious in this regard.
What do you use to drive the headphones while testing?
L.GH. Djoetma i think he was using the ifi xdsd
Hey Josh that’s great videos Thanks for excellent details reviews
I have a quick question 🙋♀️ for
I’m trying to decide between Sony IER-Z1R and Sony MDR-Z1R to stream tidal
My preference of music is mostly blues country and female vocals
I do enjoy more low and mid bass response sparkle and crisp highs airy around instruments
Thanks
Both are incredible in my opinion.
Personally I would advice you to get the ier z1r or the ier m9 cause both have a slight tasteful bumps in presence region.
The m9 might edge the z1r in that regard a bit.
But if you want a holographic presentation that sounds like nothing else.
The MDR z1r is simply unbeatable, it's truly amazing.
The ier z1r has that holographic nature as well but the MDR z1r is on another level.
Loved the review... Now i know what i'd buy if i had more than 200 for closed back headphones
And what about a hall of frame of Dacs ?
Can u recommend best sound stage, closed headphones for gaming around 500$ ? Thanks!
Best of gaming... but what about Audeze's and so on?
I had the priviliged of auditioning the Aryas after owning the LCD X for half a year. My first impressions coming from the LCD X, the Aryas seem too bright but then going to the LCD X back to back made my LCD X feel too dark. Its weird..now it makes it hard to listen to them (LCD X) because it feels like something is missing. I still wish I could tame the treble on the Aryas just slightly. Anyhow, still hoping I can see Joshua compare his top 2, the Aryas and the LCD X.
Why in the are you talking about damn open backs when this is a vid about closed backs?? Its like youre being tone deaf on purpose.
@@LIL-MAN_theOG Im so sorry my lord.
@Tasunke or..just a comment section.
@Tasunke Well it seems like you and your man Francis cared enough to comment. I simply was sharing my experience with his top 2 headphones and hoping for a comparison like he did on this video. Life is full of annoyances. Sometimes you just have to learn to keep it moving. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy your day my angry friend.
You could probably use an EQ to tame or boost highs if it’s mostly a frequency response issue (most headphones have peaks / dips in the treble)
I am using the Z1R with Hugo2 do you have recomendation for any other AMP/DAC to spice things up :)
try woo audio wa11，the amp on hugo2 is not good
Bought a pha 2a from Japan wonderful paring with the upgraded Kimble cable
More Stax please!
Big name headphone youtubers won't ever make a habit of featuring Stax, because it renders all the other stuff they make a living debating the merits of redundant :)
Does the HD820 use the standard Sennheiser connection? If so, periaptcables makes a replacement for $60. Or too bad if you’re already spending $2400.
TheProgrn yup, not to bad, but still expensive for a cable. Quality of periapt is really good!
H95 vs Z1R pair with MV1?
This was a good review. Accurate, in my opinion, as someone who owns the Z1R. Yet I still can't forgive you for bashing Grado headphones, it offends me to no end. I love both signatures, the Sony is darker, but it has a wonderful, deep bass, which is very enjoyable. Grados have a better midrange.
@Ricky - True, you can't have it all but variety is also nice.
I use my Ether CX for gaming, imaging is insane, but I would like more soundstage. Which means I can see how the 820 can be unreal for gaming.
I too use the CX for gaming....agree with the sound stage. I tired open back (HD800s, Sendy Aiva) but find I prefer closed back for gaming.
To me, Z1R sounds like LCD3, dark and sibilant
owned both, Z1R is nothing like it. LCD3 is not sibilant, but it is not fatiguing. I found the Z1R meh and sold it, and kept the LCD3, which is sold a year later.
I respectfully disagree, the hd820 sound great! I guess it depends what you pair them with, I use them with my astell & kern SP2000 and they sound awesome also with my ifi audio Diablo
Autell & kern sp3000 have artificial details which is annoying for longer listening, not only sp3000 also other astell and kern dacs too. I found cayin n8 mark2 or Sony wm1z mark 2 best overall dac player. It’s not too aggressive details retrieval that makes them sound natural and pleasing and not artificial instruments sound. So first hear these dac then you notice.
The midrange feels dead? Really?i own a pair 820th and my perception is entirely different.
Could you do a comparison of the Hifiman Arya vs Audeze LCD-X vs HD 800s? Ive seen the individual reviews for them but am still unsure between the Arya and LCD-X. I mainly listen to metal / rock.
I Have the HD800S & LCD-X. If you ask me, the LCD-X are way superior (FOR ME), because of the more solid bass, very foward mids for instrumental music, and the treble screams a bit. Like it is a neutral headphone (well, both are) but very vivid! Like HD800S can sometimes get a bit borring, but hell na on the LCD-X. The ONLY downside of the LCD-X is the Weight, other than that, the build quality is way superior than the HD800S. So, I still love my HD800S, but definitely the LCD-X are superior in almost everyway. This is my opinion and experience, obviously yours may differ
@@angelnegron594 Okay interesting. That seems to confirm what I already thought between the LCD-X and the 800s. Now to choose between the LCD-X and the Arya. I think the Arya is supposed to be more relaxed than the LCD-X? That and the X is a couple of hundred bucks cheaper in Australia right now so.
@@fullyverified7491 I don't have a clue, since I do not like the oval chape earcup, I never actually considered them. But I have no doubt they will sound very good
Z1R vs. Arya? Similar price range. Would love to see comparison
Again..why are you all being tone deaf??? Youre comparing a damn a closed and open back...you already know how this turns out SQ wise. This is a bad request.
@@LIL-MAN_theOG Sorry for not being an expert in extremely expensive headphones, lol instead of calling people tone deaf, giving an actual reply with your experience and knowledge in a nice manner would be much more helpful to people like me who aren't as educated.
@Tasunke So let's say hypothetically I know nothing about headphones at all. Then it's not about having a brain it's about looking towards people more educated than I on the subject to give me an answer so I can learn and expand my knowledge. People like you 2 are the reason audiophiles have a bad rap. It's pretty simple to educate someone without being an asshole js
You should really go with Arya unless you live in a loud place or share a room with someone else.
First of all: I‘m really sorry for my bad English.
But I’ve been feeling for few days that I’m listening to different headphones than you. I must have another hearing than you. Incredible speed, PRAT, micro and macro dynamics, space, and above all mids with vocals inducing waves of shivering and tears in my eyes and inner mind. Maybe it’s because of Chord Hugo 2 set to play with 2 flat filters and no crossfeed at all and probably most of all emotional magnifying glass in amplifier Rupert Neve RNHP. Vocals of, for example, David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Lorde, London Grammar, Nirvana and even the voice of one singer placed before a large orchestra in The Last Goodbye from the soundtrack The Hobbit are working perfectly for me. Music can have such power. The top closed Sony headphones may have a much better presence but top Sennheisers (except Orpheus) for price only a little bit higher above HD 800S and with a full warranty is my musical dream fulfilled. And I do not disturb neighbors when I listen to music at all which can be quite important in covid times.
One mode addition: HD 820 are extremely transparent and revealing - if the sound of your favorite recordings is not perfect for your ears (D. Bowie - Outside and so many more) then these headphones will show to you all the sound and mastering flaws like a predator or biblical sword with two edges... But if your favorite recording is good in this regard then absolute experience and musical happiness may come. I do recommend putting out those removable inner foam pads too. But HD 820 would be even more truthtelling after it. My advice is simple: cca 100 hours of burn-in and does experiment with the pressure of those 2 earrings. If it is too high sound will lose much of thrilling dynamics, speed, and frequency range.
I do understand now why people around the world call HD 820 end of their way and some compare these to top loudspeakers from Sonus Faber driven by top McIntoshes. Even the largest orchestras with biiig choirs can sound incredible.
great video
R u doing a video on the Momentum Wireless 3?
bass on z1r extends to sub-bass like planars???
For the size of the 820 cups, they better have big soundstage 😄. However, for the sound , they are weird to my ears.
for that money i'll get either ZMF Eikon or Verite closed
Good choice. The Z1R really lacks clarity and sounds veiled, and the HD820 is a joke.
@@madaxe when I tried Z1R the sound divided into 2 parts.... Bass and the rest... Disjointed
I have/had both of these as well. I vastly prefer the HD820. The Z1R was harsh and bright and grating and just... horrible. Nothing sounded good through it. Instant ear fatigue and pain. It definitely fits better than the HD820 though. Very comfortable. Good seal around the ear. Feels nicer. HD820 feels cheap and delicate and like I'm gonna break it just by holding it. It also doesn't fit me great. Very loose. No seal. I have to put a bit of pressure on the cups to get a good low-end. That said, the actual sound signature of the HD820 is great for the music I listen to. Lots of prog rock and metal. With a very small boost in a few frequencies via software EQ, it is so far the best sounding headphone I've tried. I also had the Empyrean for a while but it was just too soft and lush sounding. If Sennheiser improved the fit/seal of the 820 it would be much much better. With some slight pressure against the cups to seal against the head, the headphone's sound signature completely changes for the better. Mids come alive and the bass slams hard. Lots of rumble and kick.
Yea for me hd820 mid is not dead. Little flat maybe. Also the bass tight, controlled and kick hard. Tried out from hugo2 and bartok.
The 820 is better, if you can afford another 2k for an AMP. I was expecting Sony to reveal a new flagship model on CED 2020, but thank you for a 2020 great review for the Z1r!
You should review Tin T4 mate!
I always hear these critics talk about cable replacements. I have never in my 59 years on this earth had to replace a headphone cable. I don't like to pay for stuff a second time nor will I ever buy a 4 pin XLR for a very, very, slight tonal difference. There is a guy on the Headphone Show that is always talking about EQing every set of headphones he listens to for review. Why? If they don't sound right, don't buy them. Or "Z" in his early shows was always talking about "mods". If you have to mod a headphone....Don't buy it. Z is always doing his "sound demos". How stupid is that? Does he and his listeners realize they are really listening to the sound from the headphones on their equipment and speakers or headphones. It will always sound like your equipment, speakers, and headphones.
Old comment but you’re trying to bring common sense in a scene where it lacks almost entirely. Audiofools believe cables have a “sound” and are always either simping for a product or crazily bashing it. Eq this, mod that, etc. They forgot the purpose along their journey, it seems.
Listening to this video with my HD 820 and I don't regret a single thing 😎
Yeah I love my HD820 especially in balanced
Z1r vs z7?
How does the z1r compare with focal elegia?
Z1r is much better. More v-shaped though. The Elegia lacks bass, soundstage and the Z1r is more comfortable. The Elegia is much cheaper though....
@E. O. all kinds of music. For modern genres the Z1R is better because of the bass boost. The Elegia has a too forward midrange for my taste. The punch and slam is better on the Elegia though as well as a more smooth and filled out treble response
@E. O. depends on your cup of tea. Do you like a more full bodied sound but slightly veiled, the Elegia is your pick. If you want a slightly more agressive sound with more brilliance up top, the Z1R
Could you review the Massdrop O2 Dac/Amp. I'm looking for a dac/amp combo under 200 and it seems pretty good. I would get the Mayflower O2 but it's slightly out of my price range
RME ADI-2 DAC FS...Please review!!
How good are the HD820 compared to the open HD650?
Do the Z1R's or the HD820's isolate against outside noise better?
who is world of number one headphone
Ever since I had Susvara and even Stax, Sony Z1r just sounds so muffled with low definition but the 3D soundstage and bass are still there. Yet my Audio Technica Blue tooth headphone also has good bad and soundstage.
They are not trying to accomplish the same thing as the susvara or stax ... So of course it's not gonna be equal to them in those aspects
820 are pretty bad imho
If you're interested in the Z1R, I highly recommend hearing it before you buy. If you're the kind of person who uses a 10 band EQ and alternates between putting bands all the way up and all the way down, or applying a comb filter to your music, you may like it.
first i want to say that never use an 10 band eq, use software parametric eq before the dac.
second i own the Sony MDR Z7 and indeed i use eq liberally on that one....
my eq matched the z1r frequency response so i guess it require similar eq to sound flat.
the z1r is good for every genre every volume
@@josha8715 It's a wretched price of busted, incompetent engineering and grotesque design purposefully.
@@stevenswall maybe without the Sony TAZH1ES component amplifier and the Kimber kable Axios. You probably had the volume wrong too
@@josha8715 Yeah, if only I'd had the legendary grand maximum gold graded unicorn cables and benevolenced volitiative zWfD3FDS2 amplifier and waved around my plumbus they'd have sounded better.
Keep HD800S, add Schiit Loki - life is beautiful
PS, sold my Z1R. Just like Josh, I respected what HD800S could do more, just needed a bit low end... which is now fixed with Loki.
Sony - good overall everywhere, even on a smartphone.
I just want as much bass and treble as a headphone company can give me...
@True WingChun Where can one find the bookshelf speakers you're describing? Brand? Price? You can't just leave us hanging like that.
Fostex TH900MK2
Anyone here has recommendations for DAC/AMP hybrids for the Z1R? Part from the obvious TA-ZH1ES...
high gain balanced output on nonEU zx507 (sony DAP) should drive them pretty well.
if not on 100% as with $2000 sony's AMP, but at 98% surely.
Didnt he rank Hd820 as an F tier headphone
Bismillah
I wish I heard what you hear on the Z1R. I so want to like it but I didn’t like anything except the build and comfort. Bass was absent, mids and highs very grainy. I never heard the 820.
The Z1R was one of the most bad sounding headphones I've ever heard. Approaching flagship Ultrasone levels.
stevenswall
Bismillah
Yeah I was so disappointed with the Z1R. I loved the look, build and comfort and auditioned it twice hoping to find something that appealed to me, but nothing. Tyll in my opinion nailed it in his review. I ended up getting the Denon 9200 which is AMAZING!
Funny you mention Ultrasone; that is another headphone that I want to like based on the gorgeous looks of them. So far I have not been able to hear any of the Editions. I hope to hear them at CANJAM this year.
bass is absent? i think you heard a lemon
shahrin ram
Bismillah
Anything is possible; although I listened to 2 different pairs and Sony quality controls is excellent. When I say absent I mean relative to other cans like Audeze LCD-X, any Denon the Clear, and Stellia. The bass on these are all more prominent and of better quality imo. So if the best thing on the MDR-Z1R is supposed to be the bass and the bass pales in comparison to a lot of other cans what does it have going for it. The treble and mids were grainy. You have to give it to the 820; (based on every review I have seen or read) it succeeds at what it is supposed to do and is the best closed can for soundstage and imaging while the Z1R is not the best at anything.
halimj7 i agreed its mids was grainy on earlier listen. after several session(more 50hours), its gone. the mids to me on par with tg334. the bass on lcd-x hit harder but too dry with harsh treble. z1r has natural decay in bass,sweet mids and smooth treble without losing details.underatand some people will chose lcd-x,stellia but z1r has better balance with wide genre of music
Josh, you are a few years late..
HD820 ruined the sound by making it close-backed. Z1R was built as a closed back from the beginning. I listened to both at a shop; Z1R sounded much natural to me.
HD800S is better if you don't need them to be close backed.
I can get a new HD820 for $1450 new or the Z1R for $1799. I’m starting to lean towards the 820.
Where?
Personally I’m putting a hold on all headphone shopping now that that new Bluetooth chip tech has been announced.
You aren't going to be able to replace the sound from a fully powered, wired headphone for a long time.
Also let's stop saying the Z is 2000 when you can easily pick them up for 1650 unlike the HD 820 which still steadily go for 2000
To me, Z1R sounds very muddy due to the so much unnecessary internal mechanical resonance and reflection.
When compared with ,for example, sony ier-m9,It's not "rich" but "impure".
wrong
Passive headphones are yesterdays stuff.
Get the Momentum 3 instead and dont worry about any lame DACs or AMPs ;)
Wired or with Bluetooth doesnt matter
you get an amazing sound with both.
Buy beer for the rest of the money.
Loooooooooooollllll ... Just no dude ..
Amateur audiophile question: Is U Shape better than V Shape? 🤔
It's not a matter of better or worse here, it depends on your preferences.
And I have to say his description of U shaped signature is wrong, U shaped means there are slight emphasis on the mid bass or below and the mid treble or above and everything else is "flat", some people also think of it as a less severe V shaped signature.
@@NiSHAN256 Okay. Thanks.
So, just how wealthy is this guy Israel? Did he inherit, or does he make his own, and doing what ???