I decided to hear all 3 versions of the $12 KZ ATE to evaluate them for basshead budget purposes.
From what I understand the silver KZ ATE is the 1st generation, the translucent black KZ ATE is the 2nd generation, and the ATE-S is the 3rd generation. The ATE-S has the most bass but it's unbalanced and too bloated sounding when amped so I have given it away. The silver ATE does not have as much bass as the translucent ATE.
The translucent ATE takes to EQ'ing very well. When I use it with my Arrow 5TX is is actually very similar in sound to the XB90EX. The main difference is less clarity, a warmer sound signature, and just a tiny bit off the bottom end of frequency response.
I have to admit when I was switching between my Xb90EX and the translucent ATE just now I forgot which one I was listening to a couple times. The 90ex has more alive highs, and is less flat seeming across the top than the ATE. They both have closed headphone style sound. The 7550 is considerably more open sounding than the 90ex but the ASG 2.5 is the most open sounding I know... well behind the KL-SANKA and KL-REF.
When listening to
2pac - So Many Tears with my Arrow 5TX on max high bass boost the 90EX is pushing serious heavy bass. The ATE actually comes very close but the 90EX definitely gets the edge. But one of these is $12 and one of these is $90. Additionally, if you think the highs are too present on the 90EX maybe you should think about getting an ATE.
Would I listen to them daily? Because I have the XB90EX, probably not. these will sit in my bag I bring back and forth to work and maybe I'll leave a second set on my desk just in case something terrible happens and I forget all my IEMs.
If you are on a super budget, maybe have access to a vintage stereo receiver but no other amp, or just want a new set of cheap IEMs go ahead and drop $12 on the translucent ATE's, this will bring you a lot of the way towards the XB90EX experience for a fraction of the price.
The ATE-S is just OK unamped, but it has too much bloat to be good when amped. I gave it to a friend to try out. If he doesn't like them they will be stomped on. The silver ATE is no good IMO. It is too bright and too light on bass even when amped and EQ'd. It lacks the rumble of the translucent one. I have owned two of the translucent ones and they both have great rumble that can come close to the 90EX.
BTW I only used my Comply T500 tips on the KZ ATE's I tested, I didn't even try the stock tips on the KZ's.
Real excited for the Kicker to get here. When it does I will see if I like it more than the 7550/800ST.
However.... one day I will own the KINGS.
(edit: lol, apparently i'm not the only one excited to get the kicker! 3 people PM'd me asking to compare it to different IEMs i've owned
)