hifiblueprint

MDR-Z1R

Driver
Dynamic
Enclosure
Closed-back
Weight
385 g
List
$2,299.99
Loading the model

Sony's closed flagship, with a 70 mm magnesium dome driver and a front acoustic resistor moulded from Canadian conifer pulp. Hand-assembled in the Japanese factory that builds Sony's professional audio products. Sony has ended sales in Japan.

Discontinued by the maker. Retailers may still hold stock. Current alternatives are listed below.

Where to buy

List $2,299.99

None of the boutiques we track list this model right now. Manufacturer page: sony.jp.

Retailer prices checked 2026-10-21. We may earn a commission on purchases. How this works

Title block

Maker
Sony
Model
MDR-Z1R
Made in
Japan
Released
2016
Transducer
Dynamic
Enclosure
Closed-back
Driver
70 mm
Weight
385 g
Impedance
64 ohms
Sensitivity
100 dB/mW
Frequency response
4 Hz – 120 kHz
List price
$2,299.99 USD

Drive requirements

Match an amplifier in the synergy calculator
LevelPowerVoltageCurrent
100 dB1.00 mW0.25 V3.95 mA
110 dB10.0 mW0.80 V12.5 mA
120 dB100 mW2.53 V39.5 mA

Most headroom at 110 dB

Rated 100 dB/mW into 64 ohms. Estimated from published amplifier output.

Assembly drawing

1234567

Parts

  1. 1HeadbandBeta-titanium band; genuine leather cover over thick cushioning
  2. 2YokeAluminum alloy hanger and slider, alumite treated
  3. 3GrilleFibonacci-pattern driver grille; knitted-wire housing protector, ion-plated chromium coating
  4. 4Ear cupHousing frame (material not published) with molded conifer-pulp acoustic resistor at front
  5. 5MagnetNeodymium, maximum energy product 400 kJ/m3
  6. 6DiaphragmMagnesium dome with aluminium-coated LCP edge
  7. 7EarpadsSheep leather, three-dimensional stitching, polyurethane foam

Schematic dynamic assembly, annotated with the Sony MDR-Z1R’s published materials. Not to scale.

Engineering notes

  • 70 mm dome driver with magnesium dome and aluminium-coated LCP edge, rated to 120 kHz
  • Resonance-free housing: acoustic resistor of molded Canadian-conifer pulp across the housing front, under an ion-plated wire protector
  • Fibonacci-pattern driver grille with thin cross-pieces to keep airflow unobstructed
  • Assembled individually by hand in Japan at the factory that builds Sony professional audio products (C-38B, MDR-CD900ST)

Design language

Dark and sculptural: a beta-titanium band, sheep leather with three-dimensional stitching and an ion-plated wire mesh over each cup.

Build the listening station

Desktop sanctuary

Current alternatives

Sources