WhereAreMyEars
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So does the regular AS16 Pro that I have, although they don't specifically mention resin - at the very least it's 3D printed.and apparently uses 3d DLP printed bracket like CCA Trio
So does the regular AS16 Pro that I have, although they don't specifically mention resin - at the very least it's 3D printed.and apparently uses 3d DLP printed bracket like CCA Trio
Yes, it is. I have a comparison in my Trio review:If I have and LOVE Castor, is Trio really worth it?
The more I hear the Symphony the more I like it. There is so much colour and life in the music with vibrant dynamics and wonderful clarity especially in the treble. I agree everything sounds musical and the different timbre of the two drivers I heard to begin with seems to have evened itself out (brain burn in, perhaps?). I do think they need a long burn in though ( if you believe in that!).I'm pretty new to this forum, so I am not sure the best place to post this... I recently did a sound comparison with all my earbuds and ranked them in a rudimentary way, and want to share my results here. They're mostly KZ, with 2 other ones thrown in because, well I was reviewing ALL my earbuds lol.
I was really into KZ back in the 20-teens but have not bought anything new since my much-loved light blue SKS wireless pair, that I recently gave to a friend. I recently got back into the KZ purchasing realm by getting the AZ20 Bluetooth adaptor, the EDX PRO X, and the Symphony. I also got the AZ09 in B-pin so it's compatible with my old buds.
I tested these earbuds in my iPhone 13 Pro using Amazon Music on the highest quality settings, and alternated using a wired connection and using the two AZ adaptors I have. Earbuds will be ranked from worst to best. I am only ranking the sound quality, not the comfort or other factors. Photos are taken from promotional images. Unless notes, all photos depict the color I have.
Overall rankings are X/10, and my three categories of sound quality are Clarity (which includes detail and soundstage,) Bass Response, and Vocal Performance. Those are ranked thusly: Underwhelming, Average, Great, Excellent, with a "+" added if they land somewhere between. I will then state if I am culling or keeping the sets.
Skullcandy Full Metal Jacket Earbuds. Purchased in 2013.
Rating: 2/10.
This is my first set of earbuds I got to enjoy better sound, under the influence of my audio-obsessed friend. I thought they were great back then, and the build quality is still amazing to this day.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Underwhelming. Bass: Excellent. Vocals: Underwhelming.
Summary: These sound like you have the subwoofer in your room, but the treble speakers in another room with the door closed! The treble is still smooth, but very recessed and not very detailed. CULL!
KZ RX. Purchased probably in 2016.
Rating: 3/10.
My First KZ. Compared to any other earbud I had heard, INCLUDING the [old] Bose Soundsport and any Klipsch [S4 I think?], these blew them out of the water and were way, way cheaper. I SOLD my Bose and Klipsch earbuds because I could not believe premium sound was to be had for like 20$.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Underwhelming+. Bass: Great. Vocals: Underwhelming+.
Summary: These were an improvement back in the day, but in 2024, they can't compete. Still love the beefy metal design of these though! CULL!
KZ ZS4. Purchased in 2019.
Rating: 5/10.
I bought these based on some recommendations, and for a long time I used them on my lunch breaks at work. I thought they sounded pretty good at the time based on my Amazon review!
Tone: Light, almost hollow, with BASS.
Clarity: Average. Bass: Great+. Vocals: Underwhelming+
Summary: Very comfy earbuds that I realize now just don't sound great overall. The vocals don't sound quite right compared to my other buds, despite the armature helping with the high end. It's just not tuned very well I guess? I also did not like the ES4, which has a similar driver configuration where the armature driver is in front of the dynamic. CULL!
KZ ZS10. Purchased in 2018.
Rating: 5/10.
This was my second 5-driver IEM and I was never too impressed with the comfort, or the sound quality, although at first I somewhat liked their more reference tuning.
Tone: Clear.
Clarity: Average+. Bass: Underwhelming. Vocals: Average+.
This feels like a very tame tuning compared to some sets higher on this list, and for that, I can't recommend them. Despite having 5 drivers, the treble here is not as detailed as some other KZ sets. CULL!
KZ EDX PRO X. Purchased in 2024.
Rating: 6/10.
I bought these for like $11 along with my AZ20 adaptors, hoping to get a fresh look at some cheap KZ IEMs. It seems I lost the gamble here based on what I hear about other cheap KZ sets!
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Average. Bass: Average+. Vocals: Average+.
Spoilers, I had already loved a previous version of this line, so I assumed this new model would be somehow better. I was wrong. They are fairly reference-tuned and in 2024, probably a very average-sounding earbud. Love the cyan color though! CULL.
KZ EDX. Purchased in 2020.
Rating: 6.5/10.
Can't remember why I bought these, but boy was I very impressed at the time! I got the GRAY color which I can't seem to find photos of. They are cheap and have amazing sound.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Average+. Bass: Great. Vocals: Average+.
Summary: Newer doesn't always mean better, and the PRO X model is simply not an improvement. So far, the EDX is one of the best-sounding single DD earbuds I have ever heard. KEEP!
Aiwa Prodigy Air 2. Purchased in 2020.
Rating: 7/10.
These were my go-to wireless buds for quite a while. Note that the rating is ONLY for sound quality. I've had issues with these: Had a replacement send because the mics on my first pair didn't work (they sent a free replacement!), and the battery life on these degrades quickly. At this point, they have trouble holding a charge for more than a week or two.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Average. Bass: Great+. Vocals: Great.
Summary: These are the best single DD earbuds I have heard so far. The vocals are simply present and life-like. There's enough bass and treble to back that up, and overall I was pleased with the sound. I wonder about some of the newer sets Aiwa is putting out, but have not felt the need to purchase any. KEEP (until the battery won't hold a charge!)
KZ ZS5. Purchased in 2017.
Rating: 8/10.
This is my third ever KZ purchase, and a vast improvement over the ZS1 that I loved. ( I don't remember giving those away but I can't find them now haha. They would rank between the RX and the ZS4.)
Tone: Warm and clear.
Clarity: Great. Bass: Average+. Vocals: Great.
Summary: I know these have cheap plastic body and that the sound has been highly criticized, but I listened to them quite a bit in my tests, and I simply enjoy the sound more than even I had remembered! KEEP!
KZ ZS6. Purchased sometime in 2017-2018. (Before the ZS10.)
Rating: 8.5/10.
I LOVE the green metal body of these buds, and when I got them they quickly replaced the ZS5. I know people droned on about how the high-end is too sibilant, but they are now my second-favorite earbud I've EVER tried.
Tone: Clear and light.
Clarity: Excellent. Bass: Great. Vocals: Excellent.
Summary: This is now my full-time "second set" that I listen to on the AZ09 adaptor. These are stellar earbuds that sound like a breath of fresh air, and still pack even punchier bass than the ZS5. KEEP!
KZ Symphony: Purchased in 2024.
Rating: 9.5/10.
This is my first experience hearing a planar driver, and after they broke in a little, I was simply blown away. Undeniably the best earbud or headphone (the Aiwa Arc-1 came close according to my memory) I have ever heard. Not a perfect score because I think the bass is just a BIT overdone on some songs, even though I LOVE bass lol.
Tone: Warm and Clear (the perfect combo!)
Clarity: Excellent+ (While the ZS6 has a more airy sound, the Symphony has better quality treble.) BASS: Excellent+ (cup running over bass!) Vocals: Excellent+.
Summary: While there are many other highly rated newer KZ sets that I've not heard, (I'm very interested in the AS24,) I'm not sure I want or need anything more than the Symphony, running on the AZ20. I think I'm falling in love with planar drivers haha. They make everything sound more musical, even hard rock, a genre I generally don't enjoy. People scoff at the 6mm dynamic subwoofer, saying it's too small, but guys, have you HEARD the bass on this thing?! I wouldn't want any more! There's plenty of other name-brand earbuds, even high-end ones that are 6MM SINGLE DD, so size doesn't always matter. Would I recommend these? Absolutely unless you don't want so much bass. KEEPER!
I'm pretty new to this forum, so I am not sure the best place to post this... I recently did a sound comparison with all my earbuds and ranked them in a rudimentary way, and want to share my results here. They're mostly KZ, with 2 other ones thrown in because, well I was reviewing ALL my earbuds lol.
I was really into KZ back in the 20-teens but have not bought anything new since my much-loved light blue SKS wireless pair, that I recently gave to a friend. I recently got back into the KZ purchasing realm by getting the AZ20 Bluetooth adaptor, the EDX PRO X, and the Symphony. I also got the AZ09 in B-pin so it's compatible with my old buds.
I tested these earbuds in my iPhone 13 Pro using Amazon Music on the highest quality settings, and alternated using a wired connection and using the two AZ adaptors I have. Earbuds will be ranked from worst to best. I am only ranking the sound quality, not the comfort or other factors. Photos are taken from promotional images. Unless notes, all photos depict the color I have.
Overall rankings are X/10, and my three categories of sound quality are Clarity (which includes detail and soundstage,) Bass Response, and Vocal Performance. Those are ranked thusly: Underwhelming, Average, Great, Excellent, with a "+" added if they land somewhere between. I will then state if I am culling or keeping the sets.
Skullcandy Full Metal Jacket Earbuds. Purchased in 2013.
Rating: 2/10.
This is my first set of earbuds I got to enjoy better sound, under the influence of my audio-obsessed friend. I thought they were great back then, and the build quality is still amazing to this day.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Underwhelming. Bass: Excellent. Vocals: Underwhelming.
Summary: These sound like you have the subwoofer in your room, but the treble speakers in another room with the door closed! The treble is still smooth, but very recessed and not very detailed. CULL!
KZ RX. Purchased probably in 2016.
Rating: 3/10.
My First KZ. Compared to any other earbud I had heard, INCLUDING the [old] Bose Soundsport and any Klipsch [S4 I think?], these blew them out of the water and were way, way cheaper. I SOLD my Bose and Klipsch earbuds because I could not believe premium sound was to be had for like 20$.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Underwhelming+. Bass: Great. Vocals: Underwhelming+.
Summary: These were an improvement back in the day, but in 2024, they can't compete. Still love the beefy metal design of these though! CULL!
KZ ZS4. Purchased in 2019.
Rating: 5/10.
I bought these based on some recommendations, and for a long time I used them on my lunch breaks at work. I thought they sounded pretty good at the time based on my Amazon review!
Tone: Light, almost hollow, with BASS.
Clarity: Average. Bass: Great+. Vocals: Underwhelming+
Summary: Very comfy earbuds that I realize now just don't sound great overall. The vocals don't sound quite right compared to my other buds, despite the armature helping with the high end. It's just not tuned very well I guess? I also did not like the ES4, which has a similar driver configuration where the armature driver is in front of the dynamic. CULL!
KZ ZS10. Purchased in 2018.
Rating: 5/10.
This was my second 5-driver IEM and I was never too impressed with the comfort, or the sound quality, although at first I somewhat liked their more reference tuning.
Tone: Clear.
Clarity: Average+. Bass: Underwhelming. Vocals: Average+.
This feels like a very tame tuning compared to some sets higher on this list, and for that, I can't recommend them. Despite having 5 drivers, the treble here is not as detailed as some other KZ sets. CULL!
KZ EDX PRO X. Purchased in 2024.
Rating: 6/10.
I bought these for like $11 along with my AZ20 adaptors, hoping to get a fresh look at some cheap KZ IEMs. It seems I lost the gamble here based on what I hear about other cheap KZ sets!
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Average. Bass: Average+. Vocals: Average+.
Spoilers, I had already loved a previous version of this line, so I assumed this new model would be somehow better. I was wrong. They are fairly reference-tuned and in 2024, probably a very average-sounding earbud. Love the cyan color though! CULL.
KZ EDX. Purchased in 2020.
Rating: 6.5/10.
Can't remember why I bought these, but boy was I very impressed at the time! I got the GRAY color which I can't seem to find photos of. They are cheap and have amazing sound.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Average+. Bass: Great. Vocals: Average+.
Summary: Newer doesn't always mean better, and the PRO X model is simply not an improvement. So far, the EDX is one of the best-sounding single DD earbuds I have ever heard. KEEP!
Aiwa Prodigy Air 2. Purchased in 2020.
Rating: 7/10.
These were my go-to wireless buds for quite a while. Note that the rating is ONLY for sound quality. I've had issues with these: Had a replacement send because the mics on my first pair didn't work (they sent a free replacement!), and the battery life on these degrades quickly. At this point, they have trouble holding a charge for more than a week or two.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Average. Bass: Great+. Vocals: Great.
Summary: These are the best single DD earbuds I have heard so far. The vocals are simply present and life-like. There's enough bass and treble to back that up, and overall I was pleased with the sound. I wonder about some of the newer sets Aiwa is putting out, but have not felt the need to purchase any. KEEP (until the battery won't hold a charge!)
KZ ZS5. Purchased in 2017.
Rating: 8/10.
This is my third ever KZ purchase, and a vast improvement over the ZS1 that I loved. ( I don't remember giving those away but I can't find them now haha. They would rank between the RX and the ZS4.)
Tone: Warm and clear.
Clarity: Great. Bass: Average+. Vocals: Great.
Summary: I know these have cheap plastic body and that the sound has been highly criticized, but I listened to them quite a bit in my tests, and I simply enjoy the sound more than even I had remembered! KEEP!
KZ ZS6. Purchased sometime in 2017-2018. (Before the ZS10.)
Rating: 8.5/10.
I LOVE the green metal body of these buds, and when I got them they quickly replaced the ZS5. I know people droned on about how the high-end is too sibilant, but they are now my second-favorite earbud I've EVER tried.
Tone: Clear and light.
Clarity: Excellent. Bass: Great. Vocals: Excellent.
Summary: This is now my full-time "second set" that I listen to on the AZ09 adaptor. These are stellar earbuds that sound like a breath of fresh air, and still pack even punchier bass than the ZS5. KEEP!
KZ Symphony: Purchased in 2024.
Rating: 9.5/10.
This is my first experience hearing a planar driver, and after they broke in a little, I was simply blown away. Undeniably the best earbud or headphone (the Aiwa Arc-1 came close according to my memory) I have ever heard. Not a perfect score because I think the bass is just a BIT overdone on some songs, even though I LOVE bass lol.
Tone: Warm and Clear (the perfect combo!)
Clarity: Excellent+ (While the ZS6 has a more airy sound, the Symphony has better quality treble.) BASS: Excellent+ (cup running over bass!) Vocals: Excellent+.
Summary: While there are many other highly rated newer KZ sets that I've not heard, (I'm very interested in the AS24,) I'm not sure I want or need anything more than the Symphony, running on the AZ20. I think I'm falling in love with planar drivers haha. They make everything sound more musical, even hard rock, a genre I generally don't enjoy. People scoff at the 6mm dynamic subwoofer, saying it's too small, but guys, have you HEARD the bass on this thing?! I wouldn't want any more! There's plenty of other name-brand earbuds, even high-end ones that are 6MM SINGLE DD, so size doesn't always matter. Would I recommend these? Absolutely unless you don't want so much bass. KEEPER!
Thank you for this comparison, it was very fun to read and great that you evaluated it all to your ear.I'm pretty new to this forum, so I am not sure the best place to post this... I recently did a sound comparison with all my earbuds and ranked them in a rudimentary way, and want to share my results here. They're mostly KZ, with 2 other ones thrown in because, well I was reviewing ALL my earbuds lol.
I was really into KZ back in the 20-teens but have not bought anything new since my much-loved light blue SKS wireless pair, that I recently gave to a friend. I recently got back into the KZ purchasing realm by getting the AZ20 Bluetooth adaptor, the EDX PRO X, and the Symphony. I also got the AZ09 in B-pin so it's compatible with my old buds.
I tested these earbuds in my iPhone 13 Pro using Amazon Music on the highest quality settings, and alternated using a wired connection and using the two AZ adaptors I have. Earbuds will be ranked from worst to best. I am only ranking the sound quality, not the comfort or other factors. Photos are taken from promotional images. Unless notes, all photos depict the color I have.
Overall rankings are X/10, and my three categories of sound quality are Clarity (which includes detail and soundstage,) Bass Response, and Vocal Performance. Those are ranked thusly: Underwhelming, Average, Great, Excellent, with a "+" added if they land somewhere between. I will then state if I am culling or keeping the sets.
Skullcandy Full Metal Jacket Earbuds. Purchased in 2013.
Rating: 2/10.
This is my first set of earbuds I got to enjoy better sound, under the influence of my audio-obsessed friend. I thought they were great back then, and the build quality is still amazing to this day.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Underwhelming. Bass: Excellent. Vocals: Underwhelming.
Summary: These sound like you have the subwoofer in your room, but the treble speakers in another room with the door closed! The treble is still smooth, but very recessed and not very detailed. CULL!
KZ RX. Purchased probably in 2016.
Rating: 3/10.
My First KZ. Compared to any other earbud I had heard, INCLUDING the [old] Bose Soundsport and any Klipsch [S4 I think?], these blew them out of the water and were way, way cheaper. I SOLD my Bose and Klipsch earbuds because I could not believe premium sound was to be had for like 20$.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Underwhelming+. Bass: Great. Vocals: Underwhelming+.
Summary: These were an improvement back in the day, but in 2024, they can't compete. Still love the beefy metal design of these though! CULL!
KZ ZS4. Purchased in 2019.
Rating: 5/10.
I bought these based on some recommendations, and for a long time I used them on my lunch breaks at work. I thought they sounded pretty good at the time based on my Amazon review!
Tone: Light, almost hollow, with BASS.
Clarity: Average. Bass: Great+. Vocals: Underwhelming+
Summary: Very comfy earbuds that I realize now just don't sound great overall. The vocals don't sound quite right compared to my other buds, despite the armature helping with the high end. It's just not tuned very well I guess? I also did not like the ES4, which has a similar driver configuration where the armature driver is in front of the dynamic. CULL!
KZ ZS10. Purchased in 2018.
Rating: 5/10.
This was my second 5-driver IEM and I was never too impressed with the comfort, or the sound quality, although at first I somewhat liked their more reference tuning.
Tone: Clear.
Clarity: Average+. Bass: Underwhelming. Vocals: Average+.
This feels like a very tame tuning compared to some sets higher on this list, and for that, I can't recommend them. Despite having 5 drivers, the treble here is not as detailed as some other KZ sets. CULL!
KZ EDX PRO X. Purchased in 2024.
Rating: 6/10.
I bought these for like $11 along with my AZ20 adaptors, hoping to get a fresh look at some cheap KZ IEMs. It seems I lost the gamble here based on what I hear about other cheap KZ sets!
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Average. Bass: Average+. Vocals: Average+.
Spoilers, I had already loved a previous version of this line, so I assumed this new model would be somehow better. I was wrong. They are fairly reference-tuned and in 2024, probably a very average-sounding earbud. Love the cyan color though! CULL.
KZ EDX. Purchased in 2020.
Rating: 6.5/10.
Can't remember why I bought these, but boy was I very impressed at the time! I got the GRAY color which I can't seem to find photos of. They are cheap and have amazing sound.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Average+. Bass: Great. Vocals: Average+.
Summary: Newer doesn't always mean better, and the PRO X model is simply not an improvement. So far, the EDX is one of the best-sounding single DD earbuds I have ever heard. KEEP!
Aiwa Prodigy Air 2. Purchased in 2020.
Rating: 7/10.
These were my go-to wireless buds for quite a while. Note that the rating is ONLY for sound quality. I've had issues with these: Had a replacement send because the mics on my first pair didn't work (they sent a free replacement!), and the battery life on these degrades quickly. At this point, they have trouble holding a charge for more than a week or two.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Average. Bass: Great+. Vocals: Great.
Summary: These are the best single DD earbuds I have heard so far. The vocals are simply present and life-like. There's enough bass and treble to back that up, and overall I was pleased with the sound. I wonder about some of the newer sets Aiwa is putting out, but have not felt the need to purchase any. KEEP (until the battery won't hold a charge!)
KZ ZS5. Purchased in 2017.
Rating: 8/10.
This is my third ever KZ purchase, and a vast improvement over the ZS1 that I loved. ( I don't remember giving those away but I can't find them now haha. They would rank between the RX and the ZS4.)
Tone: Warm and clear.
Clarity: Great. Bass: Average+. Vocals: Great.
Summary: I know these have cheap plastic body and that the sound has been highly criticized, but I listened to them quite a bit in my tests, and I simply enjoy the sound more than even I had remembered! KEEP!
KZ ZS6. Purchased sometime in 2017-2018. (Before the ZS10.)
Rating: 8.5/10.
I LOVE the green metal body of these buds, and when I got them they quickly replaced the ZS5. I know people droned on about how the high-end is too sibilant, but they are now my second-favorite earbud I've EVER tried.
Tone: Clear and light.
Clarity: Excellent. Bass: Great. Vocals: Excellent.
Summary: This is now my full-time "second set" that I listen to on the AZ09 adaptor. These are stellar earbuds that sound like a breath of fresh air, and still pack even punchier bass than the ZS5. KEEP!
KZ Symphony: Purchased in 2024.
Rating: 9.5/10.
This is my first experience hearing a planar driver, and after they broke in a little, I was simply blown away. Undeniably the best earbud or headphone (the Aiwa Arc-1 came close according to my memory) I have ever heard. Not a perfect score because I think the bass is just a BIT overdone on some songs, even though I LOVE bass lol.
Tone: Warm and Clear (the perfect combo!)
Clarity: Excellent+ (While the ZS6 has a more airy sound, the Symphony has better quality treble.) BASS: Excellent+ (cup running over bass!) Vocals: Excellent+.
Summary: While there are many other highly rated newer KZ sets that I've not heard, (I'm very interested in the AS24,) I'm not sure I want or need anything more than the Symphony, running on the AZ20. I think I'm falling in love with planar drivers haha. They make everything sound more musical, even hard rock, a genre I generally don't enjoy. People scoff at the 6mm dynamic subwoofer, saying it's too small, but guys, have you HEARD the bass on this thing?! I wouldn't want any more! There's plenty of other name-brand earbuds, even high-end ones that are 6MM SINGLE DD, so size doesn't always matter. Would I recommend these? Absolutely unless you don't want so much bass. KEEPER!
Lmk if you're selling those!That was a fun read, very good post!
Had to pull out my old ZS6, but nope, unfortunately still too sibilant for me. Love that green colour, I got the boring black ones.
Nice views. This takes me back to a time where I'm simply stunned by one of KZ's single DD IEMs. That IEM is the EDA Series (specifically the Balanced one), first time hearing the EDA Balanced I was speechless, I cannot take them of my ears due to how clear they sound and how female vocals pops, plus the bass has this "fast rumble" to it that is quite addicting in some of my fav bossa nova tracks. I kept listening to it for more than 3 hours, going back and forth to the all tracks in my library. If I remember it right the EDA Balanced sounds like a perfected CCA CRA but it has more midbass and the upper treble isn't that piercing. Unfortunately, I lost them when I'm travelling (yes they became my daily drivers for a year), one of the side just fell off while I'm commuting.I'm pretty new to this forum, so I am not sure the best place to post this... I recently did a sound comparison with all my earbuds and ranked them in a rudimentary way, and want to share my results here. They're mostly KZ, with 2 other ones thrown in because, well I was reviewing ALL my earbuds lol.
I was really into KZ back in the 20-teens but have not bought anything new since my much-loved light blue SKS wireless pair, that I recently gave to a friend. I recently got back into the KZ purchasing realm by getting the AZ20 Bluetooth adaptor, the EDX PRO X, and the Symphony. I also got the AZ09 in B-pin so it's compatible with my old buds.
I tested these earbuds in my iPhone 13 Pro using Amazon Music on the highest quality settings, and alternated using a wired connection and using the two AZ adaptors I have. Earbuds will be ranked from worst to best. I am only ranking the sound quality, not the comfort or other factors. Photos are taken from promotional images. Unless notes, all photos depict the color I have.
Overall rankings are X/10, and my three categories of sound quality are Clarity (which includes detail and soundstage,) Bass Response, and Vocal Performance. Those are ranked thusly: Underwhelming, Average, Great, Excellent, with a "+" added if they land somewhere between. I will then state if I am culling or keeping the sets.
Skullcandy Full Metal Jacket Earbuds. Purchased in 2013.
Rating: 2/10.
This is my first set of earbuds I got to enjoy better sound, under the influence of my audio-obsessed friend. I thought they were great back then, and the build quality is still amazing to this day.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Underwhelming. Bass: Excellent. Vocals: Underwhelming.
Summary: These sound like you have the subwoofer in your room, but the treble speakers in another room with the door closed! The treble is still smooth, but very recessed and not very detailed. CULL!
KZ RX. Purchased probably in 2016.
Rating: 3/10.
My First KZ. Compared to any other earbud I had heard, INCLUDING the [old] Bose Soundsport and any Klipsch [S4 I think?], these blew them out of the water and were way, way cheaper. I SOLD my Bose and Klipsch earbuds because I could not believe premium sound was to be had for like 20$.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Underwhelming+. Bass: Great. Vocals: Underwhelming+.
Summary: These were an improvement back in the day, but in 2024, they can't compete. Still love the beefy metal design of these though! CULL!
KZ ZS4. Purchased in 2019.
Rating: 5/10.
I bought these based on some recommendations, and for a long time I used them on my lunch breaks at work. I thought they sounded pretty good at the time based on my Amazon review!
Tone: Light, almost hollow, with BASS.
Clarity: Average. Bass: Great+. Vocals: Underwhelming+
Summary: Very comfy earbuds that I realize now just don't sound great overall. The vocals don't sound quite right compared to my other buds, despite the armature helping with the high end. It's just not tuned very well I guess? I also did not like the ES4, which has a similar driver configuration where the armature driver is in front of the dynamic. CULL!
KZ ZS10. Purchased in 2018.
Rating: 5/10.
This was my second 5-driver IEM and I was never too impressed with the comfort, or the sound quality, although at first I somewhat liked their more reference tuning.
Tone: Clear.
Clarity: Average+. Bass: Underwhelming. Vocals: Average+.
This feels like a very tame tuning compared to some sets higher on this list, and for that, I can't recommend them. Despite having 5 drivers, the treble here is not as detailed as some other KZ sets. CULL!
KZ EDX PRO X. Purchased in 2024.
Rating: 6/10.
I bought these for like $11 along with my AZ20 adaptors, hoping to get a fresh look at some cheap KZ IEMs. It seems I lost the gamble here based on what I hear about other cheap KZ sets!
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Average. Bass: Average+. Vocals: Average+.
Spoilers, I had already loved a previous version of this line, so I assumed this new model would be somehow better. I was wrong. They are fairly reference-tuned and in 2024, probably a very average-sounding earbud. Love the cyan color though! CULL.
KZ EDX. Purchased in 2020.
Rating: 6.5/10.
Can't remember why I bought these, but boy was I very impressed at the time! I got the GRAY color which I can't seem to find photos of. They are cheap and have amazing sound.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Average+. Bass: Great. Vocals: Average+.
Summary: Newer doesn't always mean better, and the PRO X model is simply not an improvement. So far, the EDX is one of the best-sounding single DD earbuds I have ever heard. KEEP!
Aiwa Prodigy Air 2. Purchased in 2020.
Rating: 7/10.
These were my go-to wireless buds for quite a while. Note that the rating is ONLY for sound quality. I've had issues with these: Had a replacement send because the mics on my first pair didn't work (they sent a free replacement!), and the battery life on these degrades quickly. At this point, they have trouble holding a charge for more than a week or two.
Tone: Warm.
Clarity: Average. Bass: Great+. Vocals: Great.
Summary: These are the best single DD earbuds I have heard so far. The vocals are simply present and life-like. There's enough bass and treble to back that up, and overall I was pleased with the sound. I wonder about some of the newer sets Aiwa is putting out, but have not felt the need to purchase any. KEEP (until the battery won't hold a charge!)
KZ ZS5. Purchased in 2017.
Rating: 8/10.
This is my third ever KZ purchase, and a vast improvement over the ZS1 that I loved. ( I don't remember giving those away but I can't find them now haha. They would rank between the RX and the ZS4.)
Tone: Warm and clear.
Clarity: Great. Bass: Average+. Vocals: Great.
Summary: I know these have cheap plastic body and that the sound has been highly criticized, but I listened to them quite a bit in my tests, and I simply enjoy the sound more than even I had remembered! KEEP!
KZ ZS6. Purchased sometime in 2017-2018. (Before the ZS10.)
Rating: 8.5/10.
I LOVE the green metal body of these buds, and when I got them they quickly replaced the ZS5. I know people droned on about how the high-end is too sibilant, but they are now my second-favorite earbud I've EVER tried.
Tone: Clear and light.
Clarity: Excellent. Bass: Great. Vocals: Excellent.
Summary: This is now my full-time "second set" that I listen to on the AZ09 adaptor. These are stellar earbuds that sound like a breath of fresh air, and still pack even punchier bass than the ZS5. KEEP!
KZ Symphony: Purchased in 2024.
Rating: 9.5/10.
This is my first experience hearing a planar driver, and after they broke in a little, I was simply blown away. Undeniably the best earbud or headphone (the Aiwa Arc-1 came close according to my memory) I have ever heard. Not a perfect score because I think the bass is just a BIT overdone on some songs, even though I LOVE bass lol.
Tone: Warm and Clear (the perfect combo!)
Clarity: Excellent+ (While the ZS6 has a more airy sound, the Symphony has better quality treble.) BASS: Excellent+ (cup running over bass!) Vocals: Excellent+.
Summary: While there are many other highly rated newer KZ sets that I've not heard, (I'm very interested in the AS24,) I'm not sure I want or need anything more than the Symphony, running on the AZ20. I think I'm falling in love with planar drivers haha. They make everything sound more musical, even hard rock, a genre I generally don't enjoy. People scoff at the 6mm dynamic subwoofer, saying it's too small, but guys, have you HEARD the bass on this thing?! I wouldn't want any more! There's plenty of other name-brand earbuds, even high-end ones that are 6MM SINGLE DD, so size doesn't always matter. Would I recommend these? Absolutely unless you don't want so much bass. KEEPER!
I'm keeping them til when I get older and no longer hear the treble lol.Lmk if you're selling those!