Why Did I Buy Them?
- ZSN Pro: My first IEM. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was one of the most popular models at the time.
- ZS10 Pro X: My second IEM. I still didn’t have specific expectations; I just wanted them to be better than my previous model.
- KZ Castor Bass: I was looking for a basshead signature and wanted to try the switches.
- KZ D-Fi: I was looking for a balanced or neutral sound signature and wanted to test the switches.
KZ’s packaging is very straightforward. It consists of a small box containing the IEMs, the cable, and ear tips in sizes S/M/L. For models with switches, they include an accessory to adjust them.
In terms of design, I find all of them very appealing, but my favorites are the KZ ZS10 Pro X and the KZ Castor Bass. I’ve always liked being able to see the drivers inside. When it comes to build quality, the KZ D-Fi easily outshines the other three, as it’s made of metal and feels heavy and premium. However, a downside is that it’s a fingerprint magnet. The KZ Castor Bass looks similar to the D-Fi in material but it feels like the worst in terms of quality. The plastic feels cheap and not very durable.
About the cables... KZ’s cables are not good. Over time, they tend to oxidize or stiffen.
They are comfortable overall. The only model that causes slight air pressure in my ear is the KZ Castor Bass, but it’s not as bothersome as in other models I’ve tried.
Sound
ZSN Pro:
This model features a very pronounced "V-shaped" sound signature. The
bass frequencies are its standout feature, delivering excellent impact.
However, the mids don’t shine; vocals are slightly warm but pushed far back in
the mix. The treble can feel muddy and dull, though my unit seems to differ
from the standard model, as most people report brighter treble. Despite its
shortcomings, considering its current price, these are excellent, and I still
use them occasionally since I don’t find them unpleasant.
ZS10 Pro
X:
This model offers a more "U-shaped" signature and lacks
warmth. Once again, the bass frequencies are the highlight, showing improved
cleanliness compared to the ZSN Pro while retaining a satisfying punch and deep
sub-bass. The soundstage is wide, and its detail retrieval is impressive,
allowing you to pick up on subtle nuances in songs. My main issue lies in the
timbre, it doesn’t sound natural but rather "grainy" or rough, with
artificial treble. While this treble detail can help identify nuances, as a
whole, the sound feels overly strange. Still, I can recommend them at a
discount.
A side note: the internal glue in my unit melted, damaging a driver.
This was also my fault for trying to clean the vents after experiencing driver flex.
Castor
Bass:
This is my least favorite of the four models. Its sound signature is
Harman-based with a mid-bass boost, but it lacks warmth. For my taste, there’s
too much mid-bass, and neither the mids nor the treble compensates for it. I
don’t like the vocal positioning or the overall "cleanliness" of the
sound; it simply doesn’t evoke any emotion. If you’re an extreme basshead, you
can connect a 75-ohm impedance adapter... this creates an intense bass experience!
Though I wouldn’t do it again since my eardrum kept vibrating even after taking
them off. Additionally, I find this model slightly uncomfortable to wear due to
air pressure issues, though not as severe as with other ventless IEMs.
D-Fi
(Switches):
This is my favorite of the four, but it didn’t start that way. It’s an IEM with
a lot of potential and room for improvement. Using the stock accessories, it
has a neutral sound signature with no warmth. The bass is fast and dry—not
necessarily a downside, but I prefer something warmer. Even with the bass
switches activated, I wanted more warmth. On the other hand, the mids and
vocals are well-positioned and are the standout feature. The treble is elevated
but not harsh or fatiguing, though sibilance can occasionally appear. The
soundstage, imaging, and instrument separation are average—good but lacking in
depth or height, leaning more towards a 2D stereo presentation.
So, why do
I say it has potential? This model requires more power than it seems to reach
its full performance. When I connected a simple $10 USD 4.4mm balanced cable, I
noticed significant improvements, especially in technical performance, which
went from average to above-average for its price range. Realizing its
potential, I spent time experimenting with the switches and doing tip-rolling
until I found a configuration that offered a neutral and natural sound with a
slight touch of warmth and better balance between treble and mids.
Measurements
1. Frequency Response
This graph helps visualize the sound curve and gives a basic idea of the IEM's sound signature. It also helps spot issues like channel imbalance or damaged drivers, which might affect certain frequency ranges.
Conclusions
I can recommend any of these four models. For their price, they’re a great way to get started in the world of IEMs or to satisfy your curiosity about what kind of quality IEMs can offer. KZ might be criticized by many, but it’s undeniable that they’ve introduced a lot of people to this hobby (including myself). Honestly, I haven’t bought any more KZ products recently; they release too many models, and the differences between them often don’t seem significant, as many are known to sound quite similar with minor tweaks. Luckily, the models I purchased came during a period when KZ was putting effort into innovating and releasing distinct sound signatures, something I can confirm since all four sound completely different. Personal favorite: KZ D-Fi Switches (with 4.4mm balanced cable).
If you’re curious about how they rank on my rating list, you can check it out HERE
I hope you found this review helpful. Thanks a lot for reading this far! If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to drop a comment below. Cheers!
Comments
Post a Comment