Sony announced the IER-Z1R in-ear headphones and DMP-Z1 digital music player, a new line of exquisite audio products that expands its Signature Series. The products harness decades of audio expertise, proudly showcasing Sony’s relentless lifetime pursuit of sound excellence. The Signature Series advances sound to an entirely new realm of audio engagement — taking the experience from listening to feeling it.
One Signature Sound
Committed to audio innovation, Sony has created a range of products in the Signature Series that surpasses everything that came before it. Pursuing sound reproduction to ultimate perfection means being able to distinguish every nuance in the music with live atmosphere — even the natural decay of fading notes to silence. The new line in the Signature Series enables an astonishingly faithful sound reproduction that’s definitively clear and expressive, where even the subtleties and delicate nuances of micro-sounds and bigger scales at higher dynamics are effectively reproduced.
- IER-Z1R In-ear Headphones
- Delivering exceptional sound quality with High-Resolution Audio
- HD hybrid driver system consisting of 5mm dynamic driver, 12mm Magnesium alloy diaphragm dynamic driver and Magnesium alloy diaphragm Balanced Armature (BA) driver
- Refined-phase structure delivers clear separation
- Housing shape designed for comfort and includes pre-formed ear hanger and large variety of ear buds for optimal fit
- Zirconium alloy outer housing with Perlage pattern face plate
- Meticulously crafted and designed in Japan using superior materials to create an audio masterpiece
- DMP-Z1 Digital Music Player
- Delivering exceptional sound quality with High-Resolution Audio. Compatible for DSD Native up to 11.2 MHz for both balance and single end
- Digital Music Player with battery and high quality headphone amp integrated
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- Stationary class sound quality and Headphone power output, gold plated rotary volume control customised for Sony with dual DAC and analogue amp
- Independent battery power system powered by five battery cells
- H-shaped aluminum chassis and optimised audio circuit design
- 256GB built-in storage with dual micro SD slots
IER-Z1R Signature Series In-ear Headphones
Refined Sound and Dignified Fit with the IER-Z1R Headphones
Delivering an immersive music experience, the IER-Z1R headphones feature a HD hybrid driver system consisting of three newly developed Sony-designed drivers. As the driver unit’s sound, quality and consistency of sound character are critical to a headphone’s sound, an advantage of Sony-designed drivers is that it ensures a preservation of consistency in sound signature from driver design stage to the finished product.
Finest Materials Used in IER-Z1R Headphones’ Dynamic Drivers
The 5mm dynamic driver is constructed with a newly developed aluminum coated LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) diaphragm and external magnetic circuit allowing it to reproduce the ideal frequency response of up to 100 kHz. Strategically placing the 5mm dynamic driver coaxially against the sound path accurately delivers the sound from the super tweeter directly into a listener’s ear canal. A frequency response of up to 100 kHz provides the experience of a live concert hall atmosphere for users anytime, anywhere.
The 12mm dynamic driver’s diaphragm features a magnesium alloy dome which is light weight yet highly rigid. The dome’s edge is made from aluminum coated LCP which offers flexibility for optimal bass reproduction and high internal loss. These materials work in sync to give listeners fine details and crystal clear sound.
In addition, the diaphragm of the balanced armature unit for reproducing high range sound is made from magnesium alloy. Working together with a newly developed silver coated copper voice coil and gold-plated terminals, they increase the driving force of the balanced armature unit to faithfully reproduce sound without losing the tiniest of micro signals.
Perfectly controlled acoustics of the IER-Z1R is achieved by the Refined-phase structure which features a magnesium alloy inner housing that delivers to listeners a natural sound with precise sense of image projection never experienced before. All three drivers; the 5mm dynamic driver, 12mm dynamic driver and balanced armature driver unit are built into the inner housing which works as an optimal sound path. Sound coming from each driver is optimally blended in the sound path which ensures ideal phase response and clear separation. Magnesium alloy also eliminates unnecessary vibration due to its high rigidity and internal loss.
Advanced sound space control technology was applied to finely control air flow at the rear of the drivers. Ventilation is accurately controlled by connecting the acoustic tube to the extended acoustic cavity behind the driver unit. This unique-to-Sony sound control method reproduces a wide sound stage with rich and accurate mid notes, a harmonious sound signature from low to high frequencies and an overall smooth sound reproduction.
Network Designed with High Grade Parts
Sony’s dedicated audio grade film capacitor for crossover network circuits was used in the IER-Z1R delivering a refined sound with low distortion. The film capacitor was developed after numerous listening tests. In addition, a Sony-developed dedicated audio grade solder was also used to minimise loss in the signal path and ensure purity of contact.
High Sound Quality Balanced Connection using Supplied Cable
High sound quality balanced connection is achieved with the supplied 5 pole 4.4mm balanced standard cable or the use of optional cables. Silver coated OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) is used in the supplied cable. Sony has evolved the plating structure of the plug and mmcx terminal to a gold plating with an undercoat instead of the commonly used magnetic material such as nickel which disrupts signal flow.
The supplied cable also features natural silk thread that reduces touch noise work as an insulator and damper against vibration. Last but not least, the supplied cable features twisted pair wiring, thereby reducing signal transmission loss to preserve the signal purity and achieve intense high resolution sound. In addition, optional cables engineered with KIMBER KABLE® are available for additional ways to enjoy high resolution sound.
Comfort is Key to Delivering the Ultimate Listening Experience
With accumulated ear shape database collected over decades of research, the IER-Z1R is designed for comfortable yet stable wear via its optimised housing shape, 13 variations of ear buds (six variations of triple comfort ear buds and seven variations of hybrid ear buds) and pre-formed ear hangers. This exquisite pair of headphones also boast a zirconium alloy outer housing for increased hardness, corrosion resistance and durability. The face plate of the IER-Z1R features an elegant “Perlage” pattern distinguishing the headphones at a glance. The IER-Z1R is meticulously hand-crafted using only the finest top-grade materials by skillful artisans in Japan, allowing audiophiles to fully immerse themselves in their favorite songs as the artistes and sound engineers intended for them to be heard.
DMP-Z1 Signature Series Digital Music Player
High-resolution Sound with the DMP-Z1 Music Player
Combining super high quality sound, premium design and enhanced usability, the DMP-Z1 is a super-charged music player bringing top-end stationary class headphone amplifier sound and power to wherever you desire that fits your personal space. Reaching new sound quality heights, the DMP-Z1 achieves an optimal High Resolution Audio (up to Native DSD 11.2MHz/PCM 384 kHz/32bit) and approx. 1500mW (16Ω) headphone output power for a premium listening experience at your favourite hang-out.
As the audio signal directly passes through the volume controller, this affects sound quality and is one of the most important aspects of audio design. The DMP-Z1 uses a Sony customised high-end analog rotary volume controller which is copper plated followed by a gold plating and supports the volume for four separate signal paths (L+ / L- / R+ / R-). This ensures signal purity and ensures the DMP-Z1 reproduces transparent and clear vocals as it maximises the DAC chip performance by retaining all audio source information even at low volume levels.
The DMP-Z1 features a dual DAC and an analog amplifier to ensure high headphone output power and high quality sound. It uses the Asahi Kasei Microdevices AK4497EQ DAC Chip, a world-renowned DAC IC and the Texas Instruments TPA6120A2 amp chip, also a world leading top end headphone amp IC.
Independent Power System
The DMP-Z1 has an independent power system using a total of five battery cells providing independent and stable power to both the digital and analog block. The separate digital and analog power systems prevent noise propagation from the digital section to the analog block. The independent analog battery features a simple power circuit to supply clean power to the headphone amplifier. Thus the battery mode delivers noiseless, clean and powerful sound. Users can easily switch the music player’s power mode from AC to battery by simply tapping either the Battery button or AC button on the DMP-Z1’s touch panel user interface.
H-Shaped Aluminum Monocoque Chassis and Frame
The DMP-Z1’s H-shaped aluminum chassis presents a high rigidity frame structure that eliminates vibration and reduces resistance, thereby delivering clear and powerful low frequency performance. In addition, isolation of the amplifier board by physically separating the amp board and main board using the H-shaped chassis further reduces noise which will affect sound quality. This isolation blocks noise and provides areas for connecting to ground on each board connecting to the chassis. This ensures the listener experiences transparent sound free from distortion.
Your Music Your Way
A first for digital music players, listeners can personalise their preferred sound with the DSD Remastering Engine which lets users convert all PCM music sources into DSD 5.6MHz. The DSD Remastering Engine can be switched on or off easily in the user interface. The newly developed Vinyl Processor feature recreates via some clever processing, the acoustic phenomenon unique to vinyl playback such as the tone-arm resonance, tiny surface noise and the rich sound from the vibration by acoustic feedback from the speakers to the turntable.
The DMP-Z1 also includes a newly developed DSEE HX™ with an improved algorithm to enhance the supplement ability for highs by an artificial intelligence technology where users need not select the type of enhancement needed but instead this is automatically selected for them based on real time information analysis.
Premium Design
With its mirror-finished aluminum top plate, spin finished aluminum physical playback control keys and gold-plated analog rotary volume controller, the DMP-Z1 sports a sleek premium design which exudes high-class luxury in every component. With dual micro SD card slots, 256 GB internal storage, USB type C connections and a Bluetooth receiver, the DMP-Z1 provides enhanced usability making it a breeze to use daily.
The IER-Z1R and DMP-Z1 will be available in Malaysia from mid-October 2018.
Specifications sheet
| Model Name | IER-Z1R |
| High-Resolution Audio | yes |
| Headphone Type | Closed, Hybrid |
| Driver Unit | 5mm dynamic driver, 12mm dynamic driver and Balanced Armature driver |
| Frequency Response | 3 Hz – 100,000 Hz |
| Cable | Approx. 1.2m, silver-coated OFC strands, twisted pair wiring, ear hanger, L-shaped non-magnetic gold-plated 3.5mm stereo mini plug |
| Approx. 1.2m, silver-coated OFC strands, twisted pair wiring, ear hanger, L-shaped non-magnetic gold-plated 4.4mm balanced standard plug | |
| Accessories | Triple Comfort ear buds (6 sizes): SS,S,MS,M,ML,L Hybrid Silicone ear buds (7 sizes): SS,S,MS,M,ML,L,LL Carrying case, Cable holder, Cleaning cloth, Cable clip |
| Model Name | DMP-Z1 Digital Music Player | |
| High-Resolution Audio | yes | |
| Operating System | Operating System | Sony original OS |
| Display | Size | 3.1-inch (7.8 cm) |
| Resolution | WVGA (800 x 480 Pixels) | |
| Panel type | TFT colour display | |
| Touch panel | Supported | |
| Interface | USB | USB Type-C port, Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compliant) |
| Headphone | Stereo mini-jack, Balanced standard-jack | |
| External memory | microSD card x 2 slots
microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC |
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| BLUETOOTH® | Version | Bluetooth Specification Version 4.2 |
| Supported BLUETOOTH® profiles | A2DP, AVRCP | |
| Supported Codecs (Transmission) | SBC, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD | |
| Supported Codecs (Reception) | SBC, LDAC, AAC | |
| NFC™ | NFC™ | Supported |
| Analog AMP | Analog AMP | TPA6120 |
| D/A Converter | D/A Converter | AK4497 |
| Frequency Response | Headphone output for Stereo mini-jack and Balanced standard-jack | 20-40,000 Hz |
| USB DAC Mode | USB DAC Mode | Supported |
| Sound Settings | Sound Settings | Direct Source (Direct), 10 Band equalizer, Tone control, DSEE HX, Dynamic Normalizer, Vinyl Processor |
| Power Source | Built-in battery | Built-in Rechargeable lithium-ion Battery |
| Charging and Power supply | AC adapter (supplied) | |
| Capacity | Capacity | 256GB
Note: Available capacity may vary. A portion of the memory is used for data management functions. |
| Supported Formats | MP3 (.mp3) | MP3 (.mp3), WMA (.wma), FLAC (.flac), WAV (.wav), AAC (.mp4, .m4a, .3gp), HE-AAC (.mp4, .m4a, .3gp), Apple Lossless (.mp4, .m4a), AIFF (.aif, .aiff, .afc, .aifc), DSD (.dsf, .dff), APE (.ape), MQA (.mqa.flac) |
| Notes | · Copyright protected files cannot be played back.
· Sampling frequency may not correspond to all encoders. · Non-standard bit rates or non-guaranteed bit rates are included depending on the Sampling frequency. · Files that are 4 GB (APE is 2GB) or larger cannot be played back. · This product recognizes audio sources exceeding CD quality (44.1 kHz/16 bit quantisation) and DAT quality (48 kHz/16 bit quantisation) as High-resolution Audio. The “HR” symbol is displayed for high-resolution audio sources. |
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| Accessories | What’s in the box | USB Type-C™ cable (USB-A to USB-C), AC adaptor, AC power cord, Carrying case, Cleaning cloth, Startup guide, Instruction manual |