Wired IEMs
Kinera Thorking
81Outstanding
$2,500
Full review dataKinera Thorking vs Sony IER-Z1R: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Kinera Thorking comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Kinera Thorking - Outstanding overall at around $2499.
Wired IEMs
Sony IER-Z1R
69Good
$1,700
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.
- Kinera Thorking
- Sony IER-Z1R
HearWiki score
81
69
Sound
9.2
9.1
Value
6.0
7.3
Price (USD)
$2,500
$1,700
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Kinera Thorking is 7 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Thorking20257 yr newer
- IER-Z1R2018
Specifications
ThorkingIER-Z1R
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $2,500
- $1,700
- HearWiki score
- 81
- 69
- Released
- 2025
- 2018
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 6BA + 4EST tribrid
- hybrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 6BA + 4EST
- -
- Driver size
- -
- 12 mm
- Drivers per side
- 11
- -
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 50 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 10 Ω
- 40 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 103 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- -
- 26.1 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- -
- Balanced connection
- Yes
- -
What reviewers said
Kinera Thorking
The Kinera Thorking is a premium tribrid flagship IEM with a treble-forward, reference-style tuning that prioritizes air, detail, and transparency. Its 11-driver setup delivers strong technical performance with excellent separation and imaging, though the lean bass and lower midrange may not appeal to those seeking warmth or heavy impact. Best suited for treble enthusiasts and classical music fans, it pairs well with warmer sources to balance its bright character.
- Pro:Excellent treble extension and airiness
- Pro:Strong technicalities with precise imaging and layering
- Pro:Natural, coherent midrange
- Con:Lean bass and lower midrange may lack warmth
- Con:Not for bassheads or those seeking impactful low-end
- Con:Can sound dry at times
Sony IER-Z1R
The Sony IER-Z1R is a flagship hybrid in-ear monitor that prioritizes a powerful, immersive sound with deep, impactful bass and a wide soundstage. Its tuning is far from neutral, favoring excitement and engagement over reference accuracy, making it a top choice for bass lovers despite some ergonomic and midrange compromises. Build quality and technical performance are exemplary, though the fit can be challenging for some users.
- Pro:Deep, powerful bass with excellent impact
- Pro:Expansive soundstage and strong imaging
- Pro:High-quality build and elegant design
- Con:Mids can sound recessed or overshadowed
- Con:Fit may be uncomfortable for some ears
- Con:Requires significant burn-in for optimal performance
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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