Over-Ear
Sony Mdr-Z1r
78Great
$1399
Full review dataSony Mdr-Z1r vs ZMF Tessidera: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the ZMF Tessidera comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: ZMF Tessidera - Outstanding overall at around $2500.
Over-Ear
ZMF Tessidera
88Outstanding
$2500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Sony Mdr-Z1r
Sound8.0
Value5.0
ZMF Tessidera
Sound9.2
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Sony Mdr-Z1r | ZMF Tessidera |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1399 | $2500 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2017 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | Planar magnetic with 1-micron diaphragm |
| Driver size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 4Hz-120kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 64 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 92 dB/mW |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 385 g | 570 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
Sony Mdr-Z1r
The Sony MDR-Z1R is a premium closed-back flagship headphone with a large 70mm dynamic driver, delivering an expansive soundstage, powerful bass, and detailed treble alongside a luxurious build and plush comfort. While its technical performance and craftsmanship earn praise, its tuning leans toward a bass-forward, bright character that may not suit purists, and it requires high-end source equipment to truly shine. The included detachable balanced cable and rich accessory set add to its high-end appeal, but its midrange presence and overall tonal balance remain points of debate among listeners.
- Pro:Huge, immersive soundstage with precise imaging
- Pro:Deep, impactful bass response
- Pro:Outstanding build quality and premium materials
- Con:Midrange can feel recessed or less prominent
- Con:Treble may come across as piercing or overly bright at times
- Con:Needs high-quality source gear to perform at its best
ZMF Tessidera
The Tessidera is a premium open-back planar headphone that channels ZMF's signature warm, musical tuning into a planar driver format. It delivers a smooth, full-bodied sound with particularly rich vocals and natural timbre, all while being relatively easy to drive for a high-end model. The build is solid overall, though the stock grill finish shows minor cosmetic imperfections.
- Pro:Smooth, full-bodied tuning with rich vocals
- Pro:Excellent timbre and natural instrument reproduction
- Pro:Relatively easy to drive despite large 80mm drivers
- Con:Mid-forward balance can vary with amplifier pairing
- Con:Minor cosmetic roughness on the stock grill
- Con:Heavy at 570g, requiring a sturdy headphone stand
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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