The KZ ZSN Pro is only my third foray into KZ IEM’s, the first being several years ago with the purchase of first generation KZ ED9’s in 2015. My second Chi-Fi experiment was with the acquisition of a pair of second generation CCA-CA4 in-ears in April 2019. Most recently, I took delivery of the subject of this review, the KZ ZSN Pro, in May 2019. My purpose, then, in writing this review is to compare the sound characteristics and qualities of these three "KZ cousins".
First, I will say that all three of these IEM’s represent excellent values in the earphone market, ranging in price from $14.00 to $22.00. Although price remains a factor in any headphone purchase, it is almost negligible in this case. Performance, then, is the critical factor in every choice for me.
Among the three, there is a full range of sound characteristics which makes for good comparison. As the price for each of these three models ascends (KZ ED9 for $13, CCA-CA4 for $14, and KZ ZSN for $22), so does their performance.
The ED9 is a single dynamic driver earphone with a tendency toward mid-bass combined with treble in a V shaped curve. Fun listening though colored to make it so.
The CCA-CA4, cousin to the KZ line of earphones, is a dual driver model with one balanced armature for mid and treble frequencies, and a dynamic driver for bass frequencies in each ear. The primary acoustic benefits over the ED9 are a wider soundstage and more articulate presentation for the additional dollar. On the downside, though, are the size and weight of the earphone shells necessary to accommodate the extra drivers. Thanks to those BA drivers, however, the CA4 offers a more balanced, full-range sound, with more emphasis on the treble range than the ED9. There can be some stridency and occasional sibilance depending on the sound source.
Finally, the KZ ZSN Pro, among the latest of the KZ offerings, combines the strengths of both the ED9 and the CA4, adding more emphasis on the middle frequencies without sacrificing the highs or lows. Interestingly, the driver configuration is the same as the CCA, both with a single dynamic driver and a single balanced driver in each ear, but the sound between the two models differs greatly, the KZ ZSN Pro being my preferred choice for more expansive, immersive, and full-range sound without any signs of sibilance or distortion.
In conclusion, I can honestly say that all three models far exceed expectations, both for their prices and regardless of price. Though the differences among them largely boil down to a matter of sound preference, musical genre, and subjective taste, the KZ ZSN Pro is well worth the additional few dollars over the ED9 and the CA4. I can only imagine how much better the newest KZ model, the KZ KZ10 Pro, can be, especially when compared to its global competition! For now, at least, the KZ ZSN Pro earns my highest rating!
First, I will say that all three of these IEM’s represent excellent values in the earphone market, ranging in price from $14.00 to $22.00. Although price remains a factor in any headphone purchase, it is almost negligible in this case. Performance, then, is the critical factor in every choice for me.
Among the three, there is a full range of sound characteristics which makes for good comparison. As the price for each of these three models ascends (KZ ED9 for $13, CCA-CA4 for $14, and KZ ZSN for $22), so does their performance.
The ED9 is a single dynamic driver earphone with a tendency toward mid-bass combined with treble in a V shaped curve. Fun listening though colored to make it so.
The CCA-CA4, cousin to the KZ line of earphones, is a dual driver model with one balanced armature for mid and treble frequencies, and a dynamic driver for bass frequencies in each ear. The primary acoustic benefits over the ED9 are a wider soundstage and more articulate presentation for the additional dollar. On the downside, though, are the size and weight of the earphone shells necessary to accommodate the extra drivers. Thanks to those BA drivers, however, the CA4 offers a more balanced, full-range sound, with more emphasis on the treble range than the ED9. There can be some stridency and occasional sibilance depending on the sound source.
Finally, the KZ ZSN Pro, among the latest of the KZ offerings, combines the strengths of both the ED9 and the CA4, adding more emphasis on the middle frequencies without sacrificing the highs or lows. Interestingly, the driver configuration is the same as the CCA, both with a single dynamic driver and a single balanced driver in each ear, but the sound between the two models differs greatly, the KZ ZSN Pro being my preferred choice for more expansive, immersive, and full-range sound without any signs of sibilance or distortion.
In conclusion, I can honestly say that all three models far exceed expectations, both for their prices and regardless of price. Though the differences among them largely boil down to a matter of sound preference, musical genre, and subjective taste, the KZ ZSN Pro is well worth the additional few dollars over the ED9 and the CA4. I can only imagine how much better the newest KZ model, the KZ KZ10 Pro, can be, especially when compared to its global competition! For now, at least, the KZ ZSN Pro earns my highest rating!
