The Mdr-Z1R is “easy” to drive. It sounds fine out an iPhone dongle. But with this kind of source the bass can really be a little boomy and slow (despite being super fun like this). Put it after the Mojo 2 or, even better, a Burson amp and will get ver fast, precise and punchy bass (although not as punchy as with the HE6se or a Focal Clear). The bass is much better than the Edition XS, which I’ve had and have great regard for.

I liked it better then the non-EQef LCDX 2021. It’s not an easy headphone, doesn’t wow you at first listen, but it’s the favorite in the many “endgame hp’s” I’ve tried.