Z.buds impressions

[notphilip]

After posting a thread asking for helping choosing between ue sf3s and nuforce ne7s, someone suggested the Z.buds. Coincidently, I am on vacation in Salt Lake City, so I was able to pick up a pair from their hq for the $40 price tax-free and shipping-free.

Long story short, I am VERY impressed for $40 flat.

To start, the packaging was nice and they included two sets of foam tips and three different sized olives. It came with one triple flanged tip, but didn't include a second to complete the pair, so that disappointed me. I could go back and get a second one, but I think I will just order some complys anyways. I found the medium sized olives to fit best, but they are somewhat uncomfortable and don't form as nice of a seal as I hoped.

The nylon cord is pretty nice and even the red color doesn't look bad. I was kind of weary of having a set of buds with a red cord, but it actually looks good. The microphonics are pretty nice as well. I only can hear cable noise if there is no music playing, but once there is sound coming out there is absolutely none. The cord management with the hangin' tight feature is pretty nice. I was also weary about how the metal beads would look in real life, but they look good and grip the cord very well. Hangin' Tight also serves it purpose well by moving the weight of the buds to my neck.

The music controls unfortunately do not work with my 1G ipod touch, which is disappointing. I am not sure if this is a defect or just that the 1G tough isn't compatible with the feature. However, the microphone works very well. When using the hangin' tight config, the mic sits right over my right shoulder and picks up my voice perfectly. I used it for a few phone calls on my LG Dare and people noticed that I sounded noticeably clearer.

Now for the important part, the sound quality.
Given that I do not have the experience with the high-end buds that a bunch of you all have here, I cannot compare it to them, but I have owned UE SF3s and E2Cs in the past. For half the price, easily surpassed the quality of the E2Cs and are of the caliber (or possibly greater than) the UE SF3s (it is difficult to compare since I owned the SF3s three years ago).

The bass on these buds is incredible. It is incredibly punchy, deep, and accurate. When listening to the Roots, the bass boomed, and when listening to rock, it was beautifully present while not overpowering. I love it!

The mids are warm and sound great. Acoustic guitar parts almost have a vinyl-like quality. I would attempt to describe it more, but given my lack of experience in this kind of stuff, I would probably just sound like an idiot

The highs also stick out and are definitely not overpowered by the bass and mids. They are clear and distinct. However, given that these are rather bass heavy, they would probably not perform well for classical music and solo vocals. The highs sound good in rock, rap, and metal (most of the music I listen to), so I find them adequate.

Overall, I am very satisfied with these especially since they were $40.
I know a lot of you guys aren't sure to make the dive for these since there aren't too many reviews by members, but for $40, you will likely not be disappointed.

[average_joe]

Hi notphilip, thanks for the info, that seems weird that they came with only 1 triple flange tip. Did you burn in the Z.Buds at all?

Also, if I remember correctly you have the NE-7 on order...if so I can't wait for your opinion on how they compare. I think my NE-7s sound awesome, but only now that they are broken in.

[notphilip]

Originally Posted by average_joe

Hi notphilip, thanks for the info, that seems weird that they came with only 1 triple flange tip. Did you burn in the Z.Buds at all?

Also, if I remember correctly you have the NE-7 on order...if so I can't wait for your opinion on how they compare. I think my NE-7s sound awesome, but only now that they are broken in.

Nah, I have hardly burned them in. I've only gotten like 2 hours of listening on them so far. I'm sure by the end of the week, I will have more than 20.

Sorry to disappoint you, but I canceled the order for the NE-7s. As a somewhat broke college kid, I can't afford to buy two IEMs at the same time.

[Taikero]

I'm thrilled to have another Head-Fier other than myself talk about the Z.Buds! I've been telling people to give them a shot for weeks now, but I felt like my posts were falling on deaf ears with the FOTM "NUFORCE NE-7M ZOMG BBQ" talk still running.

You're right about the mids. The Z.Buds definitely bring instruments out in a way that is simply amazing for their price. I feel they are a touch bass-heavy compared to the rest of the sound, but it's really only a minor gripe. As I stated in my review of the Z.Buds, they're very comfortable, fun to listen to, warm, and very Shure + Future Sonics-like. I feel they're a stellar buy at $65, and $40 is even better. I would definitely put them up against any headphone normally priced in the sub-$150 range, and I wager they wouldn't fair horribly against some $150-ish phones either.

I'm still working on my Z.Buds vs. NE-7M vs. ADDIEM (Apple IEM) comparison, but that should be ready in a couple of days I'm hoping.

[average_joe]

Originally Posted by Taikero

I'm thrilled to have another Head-Fier other than myself talk about the Z.Buds! I've been telling people to give them a shot for weeks now, but I felt like my posts were falling on deaf ears with the FOTM "NUFORCE NE-7M ZOMG BBQ" talk still running.

You're right about the mids. The Z.Buds definitely bring instruments out in a way that is simply amazing for their price. I feel they are a touch bass-heavy compared to the rest of the sound, but it's really only a minor gripe. As I stated in my review of the Z.Buds, they're very comfortable, fun to listen to, warm, and very Shure + Future Sonics-like. I feel they're a stellar buy at $65, and $40 is even better. I would definitely put them up against any headphone normally priced in the sub-$150 range, and I wager they wouldn't fair horribly against some $150-ish phones either.

I'm still working on my Z.Buds vs. NE-7M vs. ADDIEM (Apple IEM) comparison, but that should be ready in a couple of days I'm hoping.

I am going to buy an IEM for my wife...how would you compare the Z.Buds with the SCL4s? I can guess the Z.Buds have more bass and the SCL4s have much better mids. How about bass extension, clarity, soundstage, and highs? $40 vs. $80

[Taikero]

Originally Posted by average_joe

I am going to buy an IEM for my wife...how would you compare the Z.Buds with the SCL4s? I can guess the Z.Buds have more bass and the SCL4s have much better mids. How about bass extension, clarity, soundstage, and highs? $40 vs. $80

These comparisons are strictly vs. the SCL4, which is kind of unfair. However, I'll still make the comparison for the sake of fleshing out their differences.

Bass impact goes to the Z.Buds by a landslide and a half, but bass detail, clarity, and speed of hit go to SCL4. This doesn't mean the Z.Buds are a slouch at bass detail or even clarity (speed of hit isn't superb, but isn't bad), just that the SCL4 does beat them (as it should given the company's sound signature and the reputation of the SCL4 before the $80 sale).

Clarity overall goes to SCL4 over any sub-$100 IEM no question.

I can't remember specific differences between their sound stages. Both are fine here and instrument placement and the like isn't bad. You won't find either congested or constricted (any more than other IEMs with decent sound stages, anyway).

Highs.....Hmm, tough call. I think the Z.Buds have a touch more sparkle maybe (although highs are still a bit recessed on them), but I think the better highs go to the SCL4, even though they're mildly recessed and rolled off. The highs on the SCL4 only sound that way due to the strength of the mids, not really to any fault of the highs themselves.



The Z.Buds are a great IEM, and I like both them and the SCL4, but the better phone for overall sound quality is the Shure. However, if your wife wants something comfortable (I don't think my ears have ever itched with these on) and/or more fun to listen to (less "warm neutral" and quite lively), or likes bass impact, or a mic/volume control, the Z.Buds might be the better choice still. The Z.Buds are also likely more durable and easier to get a good seal/fit with than the SCL4.

[notphilip]

Originally Posted by Taikero

I'm thrilled to have another Head-Fier other than myself talk about the Z.Buds! I've been telling people to give them a shot for weeks now, but I felt like my posts were falling on deaf ears with the FOTM "NUFORCE NE-7M ZOMG BBQ" talk still running.

You're right about the mids. The Z.Buds definitely bring instruments out in a way that is simply amazing for their price. I feel they are a touch bass-heavy compared to the rest of the sound, but it's really only a minor gripe. As I stated in my review of the Z.Buds, they're very comfortable, fun to listen to, warm, and very Shure + Future Sonics-like. I feel they're a stellar buy at $65, and $40 is even better. I would definitely put them up against any headphone normally priced in the sub-$150 range, and I wager they wouldn't fair horribly against some $150-ish phones either.

I'm still working on my Z.Buds vs. NE-7M vs. ADDIEM (Apple IEM) comparison, but that should be ready in a couple of days I'm hoping.

Can you compare the Z.buds to the SF5 EB? As I've said, I don't have experience with a bunch of IEMs, so I'm curious how the lauded bass of the z.buds compares to the bass of the Sf5 EB.

[Taikero]

Originally Posted by notphilip

Can you compare the Z.buds to the SF5 EB? As I've said, I don't have experience with a bunch of IEMs, so I'm curious how the lauded bass of the z.buds compares to the bass of the Sf5 EB.

For sheer bass impact, you're looking at something like this:

1) Super.fi 5 EB
2) Atrio M5
3) ZAGG Z.Buds
4) Image X10

For bass quality, you're looking at:

1) Image X10
2) Atrio M5
3) ZAGG Z.Buds
4) Super.fi 5 EB (Fair bit below the Z.Buds, IMO)

Now, let's give each of these a rating. Bass impact matters less than quality. Let's say each "level" of bass impact is worth 2 points, and each "level" of bass quality is worth 3 points. Lowest on the list is considered "level one", highest is "level four".

Atrio M5 - 6 + 9 = 15
Image X10 - 2 + 12 = 14
Super.fi 5 EB - 8 + 3 = 11
ZAGG Z.Buds - 4 + 6 = 10

As you can see, the Z.Buds rate lowest in this list (Mainly due to the rather insane amount of impact from the 5 EB), but for the $40 they're going for, they do very admirably. I'd honestly recommend the Z.Buds before the Super.fi 5 EB for the average person. Only those who really don't care at all about sound quality and only want sheer bass hit should look at the 5 EB.

[yoyoyo]

Originally Posted by notphilip

It came with one triple flanged tip, but didn't include a second to complete the pair, so that disappointed me. I could go back and get a second one, but I think I will just order some complys anyways.

Check the ZAGG bag that came with the Z.buds... it should have the other triple-flange tip.

[average_joe]

Originally Posted by Taikero

For sheer bass impact, you're looking at something like this:

1) Super.fi 5 EB
2) Atrio M5
3) ZAGG Z.Buds
4) Image X10

For bass quality, you're looking at:

1) Image X10
2) Atrio M5
3) ZAGG Z.Buds
4) Super.fi 5 EB (Fair bit below the Z.Buds, IMO)

Now, let's give each of these a rating. Bass impact matters less than quality. Let's say each "level" of bass impact is worth 2 points, and each "level" of bass quality is worth 3 points. Lowest on the list is considered "level one", highest is "level four".

Atrio M5 - 6 + 9 = 15
Image X10 - 2 + 12 = 14
Super.fi 5 EB - 8 + 3 = 11
ZAGG Z.Buds - 4 + 6 = 10

As you can see, the Z.Buds rate lowest in this list (Mainly due to the rather insane amount of impact from the 5 EB), but for the $40 they're going for, they do very admirably. I'd honestly recommend the Z.Buds before the Super.fi 5 EB for the average person. Only those who really don't care at all about sound quality and only want sheer bass hit should look at the 5 EB.

I know your NE-7 vs. the Z.Buds review is coming soon, but how does the NE-7 fit in with the rest, as that is my reference point.

[Taikero]

The NE-7M has a bit better quality than the Z.Buds (due to less impact), but I think the overall quality + quantity of the Z.Buds is better than the NE-7M. The amount of impact increase over the NE-7M is rather substantial at a very negligible loss in detail.

[average_joe]

Originally Posted by Taikero

The NE-7M has a bit better quality than the Z.Buds (due to less impact), but I think the overall quality + quantity of the Z.Buds is better than the NE-7M. The amount of impact increase over the NE-7M is rather substantial at a very negligible loss in detail.

Thanks much...I am thinking of just getting them all and sorting it out later
Z.Buds, SCL4s, Phonak Audeos, and I (hopefully) have the IE8 on the way.

People really are sincere when they say sorry about your wallet

[notphilip]

Originally Posted by yoyoyo

Check the ZAGG bag that came with the Z.buds... it should have the other triple-flange tip.

You are right. It was in there. I can't figure out how to install them though. The holes in the triple flanged tips are half the size of the tip of the earbud. Am I supposed to stretch it out with something or do they stick into the ends of the other tips?

[notphilip]

So today, I found one thing I really didn't like. The foam tips don't stay on secure, so after wearing these all day, I pulled them off and the tips stayed in my ears. It took me like 30 minutes to get them out. I did not like that.

[HeadphoneAddict]

I bought the Z.buds on Tuesday, to see if they were any good. I got the discount price of $40 with a promotion code for CES that I cannot remember right now (might have been from here or Engadget). I got them today and so far I have NOT been impressed with them yet, but I only have 10 hours of burn-in on them. First is the build quality, which is to me poor.

Right out of the box I discovered a part of the Z.buds switch housing was stuck inside the plastic packaging (see photo #1), and the other part of the switch housing fell loose and took me a couple of minutes to find it, and the internals of the were completely exposed (see photo #2). The flimsy thin wires inside could have been easily torn. It took another couple of minutes to put it back together again after putting it together backwards, and I'm going to have to decide if I am going to glue it together and with what (how permanent of glue). Also, one of the triple flange tips is deformed and flat on the largest flange, and 10 hours later it still hasn't achieved normality and only seals when use a particular way.







Then there is the sound. I am using a Macbook with lossless files and a Meier Corda 3MOVE DAC amp, and the small foam tips that came on it (which look like those from JVC marshmallows). So far at this early stage it is fairly unbalanced sounding to me, with bloated bass that bleeds over into the female vocals, tizzy upper mids lower treble, and cupped hands quality to the upper mids. It is also a bit dark sounding, and veiled without any sense of refinement. The black foam tip on the left got stuck in my ear upon removing them, and I switched to the clear tips which make the sound even more tizzy. Then I find the medium clear tip is too small on the left, but the large is too big, so I have to wear them with a shallow insertion to seal.

With 10 hours on them they sound like $40 earbuds, but I'm not going to give up on them yet. With more burn-in I need to see the bass quality improve and become more controlled with less bleed into the lower mids. I also need to see the mids and treble smooth out considerably and pick up some detail and refinement. But right now they sound no better than a Sennheiser CX300 to me, and my JVC Marshmallows and FX-66 Aircushion sound better. I wanted to like them as I am a basshead, so I am going to set them aside for another 24 hours till tomorrow night, while they burn in more with music (bassy electronic stuff like Bella Sonus or Infected Mushroom). We'll see how they sound at 33-34 hours next time around.