The Sony MDR-Z1R is a supremely comfortable headset made from high-quality materials. I could enjoy myself for hours when listening with the “deactivated analysis mode” turned on. The spatial richness of detail is impressive, both in live recordings and while watching Hollywood blockbusters. In the analysis mode, I noticed unexpectedly significant interferences in the frequency response, which will certainly polarize—some users will find their luck with the MDR-Z1R, while others will not be fully impressed with this sound.

It’s a headphone made for vocals and for small ensembles and which elides absolute extension for a warm, intimate touch, and one into whose arms I’d jump if only I wasn’t such a trance head. My guess is that between Lieven and me, the Sony would closer match Lieven’s listening preferences.

for people who want good quality across the board with elevated bass and a solid v-shape frequency response. For my personal preference, the mids are too far back, the highs are harsh, and I prefer less bass quantity. But, the soundstage and instrument separation are bar none – literally the best I’ve ever head on closed-back headphones. Also, the quality, comfort, and stock cable are classic Sony goodness. So, if you like the positives and don’t mind the negatives for your style of listening, get these – I don’t think you can do much better for v-shaped basshead closed-back headphones (well, except maybe the GHJM.)

The midrange left me a bit disappointed but the bass and highs pretty much save the day in terms of resolution. It all culminates in a sound that reproduces an impactful and dynamic presence that’s a lot of fun, and it will keep you coming back to it for years to come.

The MDR-Z1R is a spectacularly beautiful, comfortable, well built headphone, but the bass-heavy, veiled, and zingy character is just far too uneven for a headphone at this price.

These Sonys are the finest closed-back headphones we’ve heard. Feed them with quality electronics and they’ll shine

To put it simply, the MDR-Z1R is a spectacular headphone. It matches or exceeds the performance standards of the upper-echelon planar magnetic headphones I’ve heard, and I’ve heard them all. Bravo!