I enjoyed this. First time watching any of your videos and I thought you were very thoughtful and articulate. 👍 I have the Monarch MKII at the moment and have always been curious about both the IER-Z1R and MDR-Z1R but I was always on the fence. It basically comes down to the fit with the IER-Z1R as I'm still trying to find the most comfortable ear tips in regards to the Monarch. I love the idea of a bass king with great soundstage to switch it up for me.
Ayy thanks for enjoying the video and the complement I was scared if I was too naggy 🤣 I've tested the Monarch MKII and for me that thing fits nicely like any resin type IEM, sound if i can recall is quite analytical and more balanced and more mid-forward than the Z1R Fit for the Z1R again, it really requires you to shove it in your ear to get a decent fit (for me that's the case) and the weight does start to get on you after an hour or two
I'm between this and the Mest Mk2, if you could enlighten me I would appreciate a lot. Have you ever tested the Mest? BTW, I also have blue snowball and the audio is surprisingly good :D
Stil use mine xba-a3 and love it. After looking on ebay for the ier-z1r ,I give up. For 1000,- to 1100,- u get a used set that looks like it has been dragged behind a car for miles. Even the 3.5 plugs are missing gold plating. wtf? Mine plastic a3 looks like new. And than comes the gov and they can demand 1/3 off the price in tax. Mabey I will buy the xbr-z5 as a upgrade.
XBA A3 I would say is the point where the value is still relative to the worth, more than that and it’s diminishing in return Nevertheless I’m very sure as of now there’s a plethora of better stuff there than the XBA in terms of technicalities with the same performance (tho I feel like soundstage and relative expansiveness is still the main star of the XBA-A3)
I dearly love them.... And if you want a similar experience try the Ikko OH 7.....a single DD that will drop your Jaw when you hear them .....and half the price !
After having the Annihilator for a bit, it is a detail monster, but I enjoy the Z1Rs sheer imaging performance with its soundstage height to add. I might need to own both.