Are you interested in a set of in-ear monitors for a superior audio quality of your production? Or, perhaps, you need to listen to what your other bandmates are doing during a live gig?
Either way, stick around! We’ll be assessing three Sony in-ear monitors you may find to your liking; the IER-M7, IER-M9, and the IER-Z1R. Each monitor set has its own list of features, along with pros and cons to consider before sealing the deal.
But first, let’s break down the similarities between them.
What Makes These Sony In-Ear Monitors Similar?
Noise isolation
With these Sony in-ear monitors, you won’t need to raise the volume to an extreme level in order to appreciate all the nuanced sounds of a piece of audio. They won’t get mixed with all the noise pollution produced in the “outside world”. These three Sony models will have roughly the same noise isolation capability across the board.
This special feature can definitely help you, not only in music production or stage performances, but also when you’re at the gym and need to concentrate on your workout routine, to give just one example. In the interim, you’ll be also protecting your eardrums!
Narrow nozzles
All Sony in-ear monitors have nozzles that are fitted with tips of various sizes, shapes, and materials, These models also come with a set of tips included in the packaging.
The nozzles are relatively narrow (approximately 4.5 to 5mm) when compared to other brands and models such as the B2 Dusk (with an enormous 6.5mm nozzle diameter).
Closed-back design
Another thing that all Sony IEMs have in common is that they’re all closed-back. Closed-back monitors distinguish themselves from open-back or semi-open back ones in that they don’t allow air to pass through and get to the ears.
Since the whole purpose of in-ear monitors is to isolate ambient sounds, many people would get confused by the idea of open-back monitors, for sound waves travel by air. So, If we allow air from the outside into our ear canal, noise isolation is mute (ba-doom hiss).
Well, sort of. You would still enjoy a more focused experience with open-back monitors, just not as focused as with the closed-back models. Sony stuck to the closed-back design in order to capitalize on its noise reduction perks.
Gold-Plated Connectors
Gold is an amazing metal for electrical devices because of its conductivity and corrosion-resistant properties, meaning that it ought to provide enough endurance against the elements.
The three Sony in-ear monitors we speak of come with a gold-plated connector. That way, you won’t have a problem with oxidation compromising the conductive capacity of your output devices.
What Are The Differences, Then?
Sound
As they say, no two monitors or earbuds sound the same. Many internal and external components are involved in the sonic profile of any output device, including the material used for the diaphragm and the wiring, as well as the internal audio drivers.
When comparing driver types, there are no distinctions between the M7 and the M9, as both come equipped with balanced armature drivers. The M7 has four drivers per earpiece, while the M9 has five drivers. This could explain the slightly better response on the M9.
The Z1R, conversely, has a triple-driver hybrid configuration creating a dynamic yet balanced armature setup. We will not get into all the technical details of these drivers, but we’ll summarize by saying that dynamic drivers work better on the low end of the frequency spectrum, while balanced armature drivers offer a more detailed tone, leaning towards the middle range.
The sound rendered by both the M7 and M9 is highly comparable, albeit the M9 has a slight edge over its budget counterpart in terms of richness. The M7 leans towards a more “airy” and spacious soundstage, while the M9 offers a more compact and rounded presentation. The treble and DD bass are well executed, but they excel mostly at the midrange.
On the flip side, the Z1R has a much greater low-end response, with emphasis on sub-bass over mid-bass. This results in some incoherence because of the inhibited mids. The trebles are still very nice and the soundstage of the Z1R is largely the best in the series.
Build Quality & Design
The IER-M7 and IER-M9 may not feel as premium, but they still hold their own in terms of finish. They are much more lightweight when compared to the IER-Z1R.
There are also slight differences between the cables of both the M7 and M9. The M9 cable uses a silk braid for insulation, perfect for absorbing vibration and preventing the annoying bump sounds you hear when touching the cord. The M7 lacks this braid, and the core wiring is seen right through the outer plastic insulator.
For those looking to pair these in-ear monitors with a quality microphone, check out my detailed comparison of Shure’s top models.
As far as materials go, the M7 and M9 don’t differ that much from one another. They both seem to feature a plastic shell with a magnesium coating for enhanced durability. The IER-Z1R, however, has a nice aluminum-coated finish that feels very nice to the touch. This model is in a league of its own.
There is not that much difference in terms of ergonomics. The Z1R, however, will require that you tilt the tip forward to fit into the ear canal more accurately, while the M9 will allow you to tilt in whichever direction. The stock tips in both are also different in their feel, with the M9 one being softer and more flexible than the silicone tip sported by the Z1R out of the box.
Regarding the faceplate, the carbon fiber raises the value for the IER-M9 in terms of look and feel, while the IER-M7’s matte black faceplate is a bit more austere and underwhelming. The IER-Z1R has a zirconium alloy housing with a fancy “Perlage” pattern, granting it a far more lavish and elegant appeal.
Studying the nozzles in more detail, surprisingly, the M7 has a more expensive-looking brass nozzle in comparison to the magnesium one found in the M9, yet they don’t differ in terms of dimensions.
Which Sony In-Ear Monitors Are The Best?
This is, admittedly, a difficult question to answer. On paper, it appears that the Z1R takes the upper hand, although this final analysis will sorely depend on what your main focus is. The M7 or the M9 are safer bets in terms of quality/price ratio, but the Z1R will always be the best of the three.
Perhaps you’re satisfied with a decent mid-range sound and don’t care so much about having a wider soundstage. Also, you’d probably prefer to have a more comfortable and lightweight monitor set over one with better sound quality. It’s likewise pertinent to consider whether it’s justifiable to pay almost 70-100% more for slight improvements.
Whichever one of these you choose, it is almost a certainty that you will be happy with the results.
Choose which is best for you!
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Here’s what PRWeb said about these sony in-ear monitors!
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