The IER-Z1R also has quite the interesting presentation – I would describe it as “speaker-like” or “larger than life” for lack of a better phrase. The slam, the slightly extended decay (unlike the super-fast BA bass), the subterranean reach of the sub-bass — it’s the whole package. The bass on Z1R however, is probably the most well defined, textured and natural bass I’ve ever heard on an IEM so far. If you’ve spent any amount of time in some key audiophile communities, you’ll know of the praise and adoration that the Sony IER-Z1R invokes.

It’s a 5mm micro-dynamic driver with Al-coated LCP diaphragm and offers up to 100KHz response — a figure that’s inaudible by all humans but aces the numbers game. This generally fits with my preferences, although the mids are a little more recessed than I'd like. Crafted in Japan, and known for top-notch quality and performance, the IER-Z1R embodies excellence in sound reproduction through the use of premium components and manufacturing techniques. These offer the ultimate convenience, but we believe that if you care about an immersive listening experience and audio quality, these are not for you! Highs: I don’t think I have a 100% ideal seal with the IER-Z1R, but it’s certainly far from resulting in the dreaded peakiness at 6K that some users with a poor seal may experience.These three drivers work harmoniously as one, realising high definition sound that reproduces even the smallest fading note. But one of the best part of listening to this IEM is that it taught me about almost everything IEM related, mainly the depictions.

And whereas the IER-Z1R leads dense and unrelenting in its transient attack, the U12t strays in the opposite direction with a pleasant softness. Through extensive listening tests, a dedicated film capacitor is integrated into the network to refine and significantly reduce distortion.

The treble on the IER-Z1R just barely rides the line between 'clear and emphasized' and 'sibilant and piercing'. cable, as it not only provided a much more powerful image but also expanded the separation forming a more spherical expanse of potential immersion.

In conclusion, if you want a smoother, laid-back listen with great all-round performance, the 64Audio U12t will serve you really well.This review is for the people who already watched every Z1R Review on YouTube, read every Review here on Head-Fi and just wants an additional opinion from an long-time owner about if he should really pull the trigger or not. The U12t has some of the best BA bass out there, but the IER-Z1R eclipses it in the timbre, slam, and decay departments. And what i mean by that is the soundstage that these have with combination of the frequency range make these sound massive. Weebs and anime OST lovers will also rejoice in the IER-Z1R’s tuning, and I’ve heard no better IEM for female-centric genres. I always felt like you were getting a good treble presence that appeared easily digestible for most listeners, even when some of the details aren’t immediately noticeable.