Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Final Audio A8000 is the better pick: it ranks #74 of 909 in-ear headphones by sound quality (rated 4.6/5), against #328 (rated 4.0/5) for the Sony IER-Z1R. If you want one new, the ThieAudio Monarch MKIII ranks #1 at $999.
The Final Audio A8000 is the better-sounding pick. Measured response gives it an excellent Harman preference score of 81 with a 1.57 dB spread. Watch for: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used.
The case for the Sony IER-Z1R: Sony’s flagship hybrid IEM scores 74 on the Harman scale with a 2.14 dB spread and a warm tilt, with bass about 2 dB above target and smooth, inoffensive treble. Watch for: Discontinued.
Buy the Final Audio A8000 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the ThieAudio Monarch MKIII instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Final Audio A8000 | Sony IER-Z1R | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Ranked | #74 of 909 in In-Ear Headphones | #328 of 909 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Hybrid |
| Drivers | 1 x dynamic (pure beryllium diaphragm) | 1 x 12mm dynamic + 1 x 5mm dynamic + 1 x balanced armature |
| Impedance | 16 ohms | 40 ohms |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (41 g) | 0.1 lbs (26 g) |
| Harman Preference Score | 81 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 74 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 1.57 dB standard deviation | 2.14 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.18 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.40 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.8 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Back | - | Closed |
| Sensitivity | - | 103 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | - | 3Hz - 100kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Final Audio A8000 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Measured response gives it an excellent Harman preference score of 81 with a 1.57 dB spread. Bass sits close to target and holds down to 20 Hz, so low end sounds full without bloat. It uses 1 x dynamic (pure beryllium diaphragm) with an easy 16 ohm load.
Cons: Discontinued, so it is mainly found used. A 6.4 dB peak near 8.1 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound sharp.
Full Final Audio A8000 review and specifications →
| Released | 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 1.57 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x dynamic (pure beryllium diaphragm) |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 81 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 16 ohms |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-0.8 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.18 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (41 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.7 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +1.0 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 829 Hz | +3.3 dB | 0.76 |
| Peak | 2,828 Hz | -4.4 dB | 0.51 |
| Peak | 3,485 Hz | +6.9 dB | 2.14 |
| Peak | 173 Hz | -1.4 dB | 1.31 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +4.8 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 5,252 Hz | -2.9 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 68 Hz | +0.3 dB | 1.66 |
| Peak | 4,275 Hz | +1.3 dB | 5.60 |
| Peak | 7,901 Hz | -1.7 dB | 5.97 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Sony IER-Z1R Discontinued eBay
Pros: Sony’s flagship hybrid IEM scores 74 on the Harman scale with a 2.14 dB spread and a warm tilt, with bass about 2 dB above target and smooth, inoffensive treble.
Cons: Discontinued. A 7.2 dB dip near 2.7 kHz softens vocal presence, and sub-bass is 1.9 dB short at 30 Hz. Its price is very high for a 74 Harman score.
Full Sony IER-Z1R review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.14 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Hybrid |
| Drivers | 1 x 12mm dynamic + 1 x 5mm dynamic + 1 x balanced armature |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 3Hz - 100kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 74 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 40 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-1.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.40 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (26 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.9 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +1.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 141 Hz | -3.0 dB | 0.53 |
| Peak | 2,630 Hz | +6.1 dB | 3.17 |
| Peak | 584 Hz | +1.2 dB | 0.71 |
| Peak | 1,447 Hz | -1.9 dB | 2.21 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -2.5 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 9,775 Hz | +1.7 dB | 1.16 |
| Peak | 3,704 Hz | -1.8 dB | 4.99 |
| Peak | 5,109 Hz | +2.7 dB | 5.93 |
| Peak | 5,999 Hz | -2.2 dB | 6.00 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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