I know this is 3 years old and you don't seem to be producing videos any more. Nonetheless, I just wanted to say "nice job." Very clear and concise and not loaded with a bunch of jargon.
This is the best closed back headphone hands down. It reaches that level of oh no that's just ridiculous, room reverbs, echo, timbre of instruments, everything is spot on. It needs a bit of time to get used to its sound. I agree that it might sound darker, especially after listening to utopia or my t1 gen 2. In my opinion they lack nothing in detail at all, they sound smooth, laidback and displays the music for you in a way that would encourage you to point at instruments and details in the air. Great review, I do agree with nearly everything you just said there.
I am very interested in this headphone but I am also interested in ZMF Auteur. I am confused on which one I should get if I could only have one of them. Have you had the chance to compare both headphone?
@@kato2395 for me I would take the z1r for their superior technicalities. Saying that the verite closed which is a bit more expensive is king when it comes to closed back headphones. I love the z1r for the smoothness and the VC for their technicalities, the auteur for me is a bit lacking in both of these aspects, it's not as smooth or technical as the z1r or the VC. Saying that it's a great option for those who value soundstage and a tamed down overall presentation, it doesn't excite like the other two I mentioned but I can see someone preferring that tamed presentation. By tamed I mean things just don't pop up in your face, the z1r is a bit tamed too but nowhere near the auteur levels.
@@sonicthehedgehog989 I see I am interested in Auteur for their timbre, the reason I turned my eyes to MDR-Z1R because I heard it is super relaxing and it envelopes you in the music. Perfect for nights when you want to relax. I already have a neutral, bright and detailed headphone so I think MDR-Z1R would fill the role of a relaxing bassy headphone. Problem is I haven't had the chance to try MDR-Z1R and there doesn't seem to be a demo unit in the small city I live in, that is why I am trying to gather as much information and opinion on the Z1R before pulling the trigger. Thanks for your take!
@@kato2395 no problem my friend I hope you find what you're looking for 🙂. Just to note the auteur has a great timbre much like the verites, but they lack in technicalities as I mentioned. The z1r isn't that far off when it comes to timbre but it makes up for it in technicalities, it's relaxing but not dull like the auteur, comparatively speaking.
@@sonicthehedgehog989 If it is true that MDR-Z1R is not that far off in timbre quality compared to the ZMF Auteur in addition to the detailed and exciting bass MDR-Z1R provides, I think MDR-Z1R might be the clear winner. Not to mention it is a closed back, with open back soundstage. I only used open backs since I get into this hobby because of the wide soundstage and natural resonance free sound that most open backs provide, but if a closed back could do a soundstage well which is not often the case, I would take a closed back over an open back anytime. The noise isolation would be a great addition considering my listening space doesn't have any noise treatment. I want to be immersed in the music!
The thing about the Z1R is that their so smoooooooth just urhhh is honestly one of the best laid back headphones pretty much but still lacking behind the almighty R10 but those are 5000$.
Thank you for sharing this thorough review, it was a very interesting watch. I'll have the chance to listen to these cans the coming weekend and your review made me anticipate it even more. They might be the closed headphone I've searched for. One note of feedback: I thought the frequent cutting of the sound was a little disturbing at times, just a thought.
About the angled drivers. They are never angled in the other direction in other headphones. The drivers are always angled in the same direction as they are in these sony mdr z1r.
I know open back headphones sound better than close back but I prefer close back simply for sound isolation. If you want an open back you need to be in an isolated room to enjoy the music. In close back you can be anywhere and I hate hearing other stuff when I'm listening to music.
Gold Piece I agree, and while these don't sound quite as open as a good open can, these definitely sound spacious. And they are VERY isolating. When I wear them at work people have resorted to throwing paper balls at me to get my attention haha!
Not all headphones are capable of getting the "hi res" certification, that statement is patently wrong. Its a certification done by the Japanese audio society based on Nyquist theorem, meaning the driver/product has to be able to reproduce up to at least 40kHz properly, which there are plenty that can't.
Maybe try an tighter amp will help you to get more focus and enthusiasm to the headphone and less base. I am using BHA-1 with this headphone now. It just sounds great!
By the way, I was switched to this from Beyer T-90, Sony SA5000 and AD1000prm (I am still keeping them in fact) but I have never feel overloaded base on Z1r with BHA-1 :D
seems like a headphone that does well with almost any music. Alot of bright headphones sound great with good recordings but horrible with poorly mastered ones.
nice review ,, i agree with all of what you said ,, just i think they are a bit fragile and need extra care , i would never pay the full price ,, thankfully i got them new for 1500$ which i thinks is reasonable ,, i am waiting Flow C , to see if it will replace it ,, for the meantime i am enjoying the bass on these a lot :)
Hey brother when you are wearing these and you press down on the top middle of the headband do you feel something bouncing inside the headband between the cushsion on the middle top part?
TheFijianGuy yeah man! I never noticed it before...but I think it's just the outer padding pressing down onto the titanium headband inside. At least that's my guess. I wouldn't worry too much about it
I'd say the HD 800s. I used to have them a d have gamed with them and I was blown away on how great they are for gaming. Playing Fallout 4, Monster Hunter and Star Wars Battlefront is an amazing experience due to its large soundstage. You can really hear way out there and they image great. Easily be able to pick up enemy footsteps and such.
Why don't they make a headphone that can switch between a open backed and closed backed headphone by pressing a button or flipping a switch on the headphone.
TheFijianGuy off the top of my head check out Change of the Guard by Kamasi Washington, Starboy by The Weekend, Cold Little Heart by Michael Kiwanuka and a lot from The Dark Knight soundtrack by Hanz Zimmer
Beyerdynamic T5P2 is the closed back, portable Beyer flagship and sibling of the T1 and the Z1R destroys it in every area. No contest. I'd imagine it's the same with the T1.
Actually to be Hi Res Audio certified the Headphones need at least to be capable to go up to 40'000Hz and also they have to go through an listening evaluation done by the JAS So it is not a marketing scam, its a minimum requirement combined with an quality control, nothing more, nothing less If you buy an Hi Res Audio certified product, you can be sure that, in terms of quality, it surpasses your hearing capabilities. It doesn't mean the product does have an specific sound and actually most headphones are not Hi-Res Audio certified. If you're not totally into technical details, just buy products with that certification and you can completely concentrated on if they are to your liking in terms of taste, you don't have to worry about quality aspects
@@GMT2019 I had the PM2 with upgraded PM1 pads, exact same sound and driver as the overpriced (expensive box) PM1. The Z1R is the best headphone I've heard if it's relaxed sound signature is your thing. If so it's exquisite.
I know this is 3 years old and you don't seem to be producing videos any more. Nonetheless, I just wanted to say "nice job." Very clear and concise and not loaded with a bunch of jargon.
This is the best closed back headphone hands down.
It reaches that level of oh no that's just ridiculous, room reverbs, echo, timbre of instruments, everything is spot on.
It needs a bit of time to get used to its sound.
I agree that it might sound darker, especially after listening to utopia or my t1 gen 2.
In my opinion they lack nothing in detail at all, they sound smooth, laidback and displays the music for you in a way that would encourage you to point at instruments and details in the air.
Great review, I do agree with nearly everything you just said there.
I am very interested in this headphone but I am also interested in ZMF Auteur. I am confused on which one I should get if I could only have one of them. Have you had the chance to compare both headphone?
@@kato2395 for me I would take the z1r for their superior technicalities.
Saying that the verite closed which is a bit more expensive is king when it comes to closed back headphones.
I love the z1r for the smoothness and the VC for their technicalities, the auteur for me is a bit lacking in both of these aspects, it's not as smooth or technical as the z1r or the VC.
Saying that it's a great option for those who value soundstage and a tamed down overall presentation, it doesn't excite like the other two I mentioned but I can see someone preferring that tamed presentation.
By tamed I mean things just don't pop up in your face, the z1r is a bit tamed too but nowhere near the auteur levels.
@@sonicthehedgehog989 I see I am interested in Auteur for their timbre, the reason I turned my eyes to MDR-Z1R because I heard it is super relaxing and it envelopes you in the music. Perfect for nights when you want to relax. I already have a neutral, bright and detailed headphone so I think MDR-Z1R would fill the role of a relaxing bassy headphone.
Problem is I haven't had the chance to try MDR-Z1R and there doesn't seem to be a demo unit in the small city I live in, that is why I am trying to gather as much information and opinion on the Z1R before pulling the trigger.
Thanks for your take!
@@kato2395 no problem my friend I hope you find what you're looking for 🙂.
Just to note the auteur has a great timbre much like the verites, but they lack in technicalities as I mentioned.
The z1r isn't that far off when it comes to timbre but it makes up for it in technicalities, it's relaxing but not dull like the auteur, comparatively speaking.
@@sonicthehedgehog989 If it is true that MDR-Z1R is not that far off in timbre quality compared to the ZMF Auteur in addition to the detailed and exciting bass MDR-Z1R provides, I think MDR-Z1R might be the clear winner. Not to mention it is a closed back, with open back soundstage.
I only used open backs since I get into this hobby because of the wide soundstage and natural resonance free sound that most open backs provide, but if a closed back could do a soundstage well which is not often the case, I would take a closed back over an open back anytime. The noise isolation would be a great addition considering my listening space doesn't have any noise treatment.
I want to be immersed in the music!
I was looking forward to this one =-D
Excellent, Detailed review!
Love that into!
Thanks again!
World smack Thanks a lot!
The thing about the Z1R is that their so smoooooooth just urhhh is honestly one of the best laid back headphones pretty much but still lacking behind the almighty R10 but those are 5000$.
Now R10 are 7000usd
Last I saw was 10k
Thank you for sharing this thorough review, it was a very interesting watch. I'll have the chance to listen to these cans the coming weekend and your review made me anticipate it even more. They might be the closed headphone I've searched for. One note of feedback: I thought the frequent cutting of the sound was a little disturbing at times, just a thought.
Informative and thorough review. Nice job!
Actually, the "Japanese paper" you mentioned was Canadian paper ^_^
You can find that on their website
The wood comes from Canada, it is turned into paper in Japan. Hairs have been split.
About the angled drivers. They are never angled in the other direction in other headphones. The drivers are always angled in the same direction as they are in these sony mdr z1r.
What are the cans made of? Some say it's plastic but looks like metal.
Stainless steel mesh on the outside. Plastic frame that holds the paper cup inside.
Would these be good for music production ??
Hi I see that you're no longer making videos but in case you read my comment, does the Z1R still holds its "amazing" status after 5 years?
I know open back headphones sound better than close back but I prefer close back simply for sound isolation. If you want an open back you need to be in an isolated room to enjoy the music. In close back you can be anywhere and I hate hearing other stuff when I'm listening to music.
Gold Piece I agree, and while these don't sound quite as open as a good open can, these definitely sound spacious. And they are VERY isolating. When I wear them at work people have resorted to throwing paper balls at me to get my attention haha!
Which Balanced Cable did you get?
How many hours to burn in?
Not all headphones are capable of getting the "hi res" certification, that statement is patently wrong. Its a certification done by the Japanese audio society based on Nyquist theorem, meaning the driver/product has to be able to reproduce up to at least 40kHz properly, which there are plenty that can't.
The song with the dog barking, was it A$AP Rocky Wild for the night?
kapil busawah Nope it was a track called Charezza by Miwon
Maybe you could do a review comparison vs the Eikon.
Marcus Sim interesting looking headphones! I haven't heard any ZMF in-house made headphones yet but I am a fan of their leather pads!
What songs have you listened to that you recommend with these?
Do you need to run an amplifier if you connect the Z1R to a Sony DAP WM1A or WM1Z
I don't use an amp with my WM1A. It gets plenty loud.
So your Z1Rs aren't underpowered?
Maybe try an tighter amp will help you to get more focus and enthusiasm to the headphone and less base. I am using BHA-1 with this headphone now. It just sounds great!
By the way, I was switched to this from Beyer T-90, Sony SA5000 and AD1000prm (I am still keeping them in fact) but I have never feel overloaded base on Z1r with BHA-1 :D
Do you get a rainbow effect on the stainless steel mesh when light hits the cups?
I have.
seems like a headphone that does well with almost any music. Alot of bright headphones sound great with good recordings but horrible with poorly mastered ones.
Correction astell&kern dap doesn’t have 4.4mm so you can’t use it
Hi, do you know where I can find replacement earpads?
Dekoni sells pads on multiple styles (including sheep skin) for $70-90. OEM Sony pads go for $200+ on their service parts site.
@@matthewweflen nice I found them, thank you for that. I'm just concerned they will alter the sound signature too much for my liking
nice review mate, u planning to put one on headfi?
nice review ,,
i agree with all of what you said ,, just i think they are a bit fragile and need extra care ,
i would never pay the full price ,, thankfully i got them new for 1500$ which i thinks is reasonable ,, i am waiting Flow C , to see if it will replace it ,, for the meantime i am enjoying the bass on these a lot :)
Hassab Saeed with the box?
Hey brother when you are wearing these and you press down on the top middle of the headband do you feel something bouncing inside the headband between the cushsion on the middle top part?
TheFijianGuy yeah man! I never noticed it before...but I think it's just the outer padding pressing down onto the titanium headband inside. At least that's my guess. I wouldn't worry too much about it
Get the 7s if you want a cheap alternative
How are the Z1R with Rock/Metal?
Billy Castaneda
Fantastic!!!
I didn’t like them in the beginning but now I like them a lot. A great complement to the Sennheiser HD800S.
hi I play xbox one and watch movies what headphones should I get focal elear or sony mdr zl1 or hd800s I I'm using the fostex X00 ebony by mass drop
The sonys..has best bass and decent mids, and good sound stage for gaming...treble a bit rolled off but not a deal breaker imo
I'd say the HD 800s. I used to have them a d have gamed with them and I was blown away on how great they are for gaming. Playing Fallout 4, Monster Hunter and Star Wars Battlefront is an amazing experience due to its large soundstage. You can really hear way out there and they image great. Easily be able to pick up enemy footsteps and such.
Why don't they make a headphone that can switch between a open backed and closed backed headphone by pressing a button or flipping a switch on the headphone.
Can use it with Sony wm1a?
I use it with WM1A with balanced cable. I have never felt the need for additional amplification.
Why would you need additional amplification ?
Would you happen to have any test tracks that show how high and how tall the sound is.
TheFijianGuy off the top of my head check out Change of the Guard by Kamasi Washington, Starboy by The Weekend, Cold Little Heart by Michael Kiwanuka and a lot from The Dark Knight soundtrack by Hanz Zimmer
Vs th900 vs t1?
Beyerdynamic T5P2 is the closed back, portable Beyer flagship and sibling of the T1 and the Z1R destroys it in every area. No contest.
I'd imagine it's the same with the T1.
Actually to be Hi Res Audio certified the Headphones need at least to be capable to go up to 40'000Hz and also they have to go through an listening evaluation done by the JAS
So it is not a marketing scam, its a minimum requirement combined with an quality control, nothing more, nothing less
If you buy an Hi Res Audio certified product, you can be sure that, in terms of quality, it surpasses your hearing capabilities.
It doesn't mean the product does have an specific sound and actually most headphones are not Hi-Res Audio certified.
If you're not totally into technical details, just buy products with that certification and you can completely concentrated on if they are to your liking in terms of taste, you don't have to worry about quality aspects
Do you know when I subbed? I can see your channel booming and for bragging rights, I want to tell other proudly I was subbed to you before them XD
kapil busawah haha thanks my friend!
Is it worth over a $1000 more than the Z7?
MrStewbee couldn't say, I haven't heard the Z7
Hi, it does sound much better than the Z7. I have both now, selling the Z7.
Z7 sounds Muddy to my ears, I went with these.
MDR Z1R and the oppo pm1 , which one will you choose?
@@GMT2019 I had the PM2 with upgraded PM1 pads, exact same sound and driver as the overpriced (expensive box) PM1.
The Z1R is the best headphone I've heard if it's relaxed sound signature is your thing. If so it's exquisite.
That box looks like a casket for headphones. Lol
Far out man, why is there so many cuts in the video.
FIN FILM
That was a photo of a bra on the sony box, they must put parental warnings.
Euh? I hear a kid with a new toy. Where’s the review ?
get a mic !! cant hear you ...
Will do