Sony
Sony IER-Z1R
$1999.99
Released 2018
Best In Ear Monitors · head-to-head
Sony IER-Z1R vs Etymotic ER4XR
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Etymotic ER4XR is cheaper at $349. Every spec and price links to its source.
Etymotic
Etymotic ER4XR
$349Cheaper
Released 2016
Which is better: the Sony IER-Z1R or Etymotic ER4XR?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Etymotic ER4XR is the cheaper at $349.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Sony IER-Z1R | Etymotic ER4XR |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $1999.99 | $349 |
| Brand | Sony | Etymotic |
| Released | 2018 | 2016 |
| Driver type | hybrid | balanced-armature |
| Driver config | — | 1BA |
| Impedance ohms | 40 | 45 |
| Sensitivity db mw | 103 | 98 |
| Frequency response (Hz) | 3-100000 | 20-16000 |
| Connector type | mmcx | mmcx |
| Cable detachable | Yes | Yes |
| Plug termination | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Shell material | zirconium-alloy | aluminum |
| Weight grams | 26 | — |
Sources — Sony IER-Z1R: sony.co.in (verified 2026-07-11). Etymotic ER4XR: etymotic.com (verified 2026-07-11).
What's the difference between the Sony IER-Z1R and Etymotic ER4XR?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 10). Matching specs are omitted.
- Driver type: Sony IER-Z1R hybrid vs Etymotic ER4XR balanced-armature
- Impedance ohms: Sony IER-Z1R 40 vs Etymotic ER4XR 45
- Sensitivity db mw: Sony IER-Z1R 103 vs Etymotic ER4XR 98
- Frequency response (Hz): Sony IER-Z1R 3-100000 vs Etymotic ER4XR 20-16000
- Shell material: Sony IER-Z1R zirconium-alloy vs Etymotic ER4XR aluminum
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Sony IER-Z1R
No sourced tester review yet.
Etymotic ER4XR
Three whitelisted testers (What Hi-Fi, TechHive, TechRadar) reviewed the ER4XR; TechRadar's is a joint ER4SR/ER4XR piece that discusses the XR trim explicitly. All three praise reference-grade midrange clarity, and two single out a tasteful bass lift over the ER4SR, but none ran lab measurements. Fit divides them: two call the deep insertion invasive or strange, one finds the flanges very comfortable. (3 sourced reviews.)
Praised: Reference-grade, near-perfect tuning with excellent midrange detail and clarity; Tasteful bass lift over the ER4SR without bloat or losing accuracy; Class-leading passive noise isolation from the sealed, non-ported design.
Flagged: No in-line mic or remote; wired-only connection; Deep-insertion, triple-flange fit feels invasive or strange for some; Analytical, sibilant sound that punishes low-quality sources.