KZ AS10 Pro

Thanks to KZ for providing this review unit, and to Sonic Mantra for the opportunity to test it. This review reflects my honest opinions.



The Knowledge Zenith AS10 Pro offers an impressive 5 balanced armatures per side, all wrapped up in a $60 package. That’s a remarkable setup at this price point, raising expectations for the kind of sound it can deliver. So, how does it stack up? Let’s dive into the details and see if it lives up to its potential.



Package Contents:

>> The IEMs
>> Cable
>> KZ Starline and foam tips
>> Paperwork

While the IEMs themselves feel premium, the rest of the packaging and accessories are quite basic, reminiscent of KZ's entry-level offerings. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it does clash a bit with the IEMs' higher-end feel.





The KZ AS10 Pro is a chunky, bold design with a metal faceplate and a transparent inner shell, allowing a peek at the internals. A golden metal nozzle adds a bit of flair, and the faceplate’s glossy, mirror finish lends a sophisticated touch, reflecting light dynamically from different angles. The aesthetic is undeniably classy, and the overall build feels solid, with a moderate weight that balances durability with comfort. But that mirror finish means it can get scratched up easily and is a fingerprint magnet.
However, the included cable feels flimsy and basic. It’s a bit disappointing for a set that otherwise feels and looks like it’s punching above its price point.





Despite its larger shell, the AS10 Pro sits snugly and comfortably in the ear. I have average-sized ears, and I found the fit secure, with excellent passive isolation that minimizes outside noise effectively. One slight downside: it can create noticeable air pressure in the ear canal, which might cause some discomfort during extended use. But overall, it's comfortable enough for long listening sessions.





KZ’s signature V-shaped tuning makes an appearance here, though the sound leans unique due to the all-BA setup. Here’s how each range stacks up:

• Bass:
  The AS10 Pro’s bass performance is decent for a BA set. the sub-bass lacks depth and rumble, the mid-bass compensates with a satisfying, tactile slam that’s enjoyable across genres. The bass decays slowly, giving it a softer quality and less body than dynamic drivers. The bass feels soft at times, lacks extension and body. But it integrates well with the overall sound profile and rarely feels inadequate.
  
• Mid-range:
  The mid-range is distinctly colored, offering a playful, if somewhat artificial, vocal presentation. Male vocals are smooth yet lack a bit of weight, while female vocals sound lively and clean, although a bit hollow at times. The mids sit pleasantly recessed, balancing well within the V-shape tuning, making it a great fit for casual listening but perhaps less appealing to purists.
• Treble:
  Treble is undoubtedly a highlight of the AS10 Pro. The lower treble remains controlled, revealing details without veering into harshness, while the upper treble is airy and full of energy. This splashy, vibrant upper end complements the lower treble, making cymbals and other high-pitched instruments sparkle. Occasionally, there’s a touch of sibilance with certain tracks, but it’s rarely overwhelming, especially with a warm source.
• Technical Performance:
  The AS10 Pro performs admirably for its price. Its soundstage is broad, with a good sense of spaciousness, though it could benefit from more depth. Instrument separation is solid, handling busy tracks with ease, and imaging provides a decent sense of placement, even if it’s not laser-precise. The instrument presentation adds a sense of liveliness that enhances the overall experience.

The KZ AS10 Pro brings some commendable elements to the table, like punchy mid-bass and engaging treble, but it falls short in key areas that may leave discerning listeners wanting more., However, for those seeking a more refined, all-around experience, there are other options at this price point that may offer a fuller, more satisfying sound. The AS10 Pro stands as an affordable entry point into multi-BA IEMs, but it doesn’t quite break past "decent" into "great.", it will be good enough for the mainstream market.

This review unit of the KZ AS10 Pro was sent to me by Sonic Mantra. I want to express my gratitude to them for providing me the opportunity to test it.

Personally, I wasn't a big fan of KZ's products. This IEM surprised me a bit and exceeded my expectations. I'm not a professional audiophile, so I hope you can overlook any small mistakes I made. Thanks!




Driver type: 5 balanced armature drivers hybrid configuration.
Each side weight: 9g.
Frequency: 20-40000Hz.
Impedance: 26Ω.
Sensitivity: 109dB.
Pin type: 0.75mm QDC.
Plug type: 3.5mm.
Cable type: Silver-plated cable.
Cable length: 120±5cm.



Tuning: V-shape with treble emphasis.

Bass: This IEM lacks the most in the bass section. Though this is a v-shape tuned IEM according to graph measurements, the bass doesn't feel much boosted. Sub-bass was there but doesn't have that much rumble and extension, which is pretty normal in only BA driver IEM. On positive notes, the bass is fast note definition is good. Bass has a certain punch and slam. The mid-bass feels recessed and texture-less. Overall, the bass is notably dry. These cons are quite normal because a BA driver won't provide as much physical impact of bass as a dynamic driver.
Midrange: Nothing special to say about the midrange. The midrange somewhat lacks body and note weight. The vocal sounds a bit harsh, unnatural, or artificial, and it feels thin and emotionless. It can be also defined as crisp. The positioning of male vocals is slightly backward, but it's not too excessive. Female vocals are slightly forward than male vocals and have extra energy. In certain tracks, I wasn't able to feel the actual emotion of the vocals.
Treble: The treble is the focal point of its audio capabilities. It has more than enough sparkle to enjoy music. The treble is not too sharp or sibilant in my opinion. The extension of the treble is excellent. Details, micro details retrieval was quite good. It effortlessly captures the subtle nuances of each note and displays good enough resolution. But the treble wasn't too much sibilant or sharp that will cause ringing effect in your ears.

The soundstage isn't anything exceptional. It's neither too wide nor too narrow, falling within the average range for IEMs in this price category. However, the imaging is quite good. You can easily locate the instruments without needing to close your eyes. Considering the price, I would say it's pretty decent.


This IEM is for those who want treble energy, good details and resolution, want clear sound, aren't concerned about the bass and who will remain satisfied with average mids. If you listen to music genres like classical, jazz, or any genre where high-frequency details are important, this IEM could be a moderate option for you.



!! The stock tips aren't that good in my testing. I've had better results using Final E Series black tips. Therefore, I recommend using the Final E Series black tips with this IEM.

Tested with:
- FiiO BTR5 DAC
- FiiO M3K DAP
- Final E Series Black Tips

As we are aware that Knowledge Zenith also known as KZ is an audio company that keeps churning out some models on an almost weekly basis that makes them formidable in the audio industry. And now, what I have here is their latest model (or not), The KZ AS10 PRO



KZ AS10 PRO is somewhat a direct successor of the KZ AS10 from 2018, and like its predecessor, it has an all balanced armature driver set-up for the whole frequency range. The balanced armature drivers that were implemented here are custom ones that somewhat correspond with the serial model scheme similar to Knowles series (I know that this is not a Knowles driver but rather from other sources, most likely E-Audio).



It uses a “22955” BA driver that handles the low frequency to have rich, deep and solid bass quality while on midrange part, it uses a “29689” midrange BA driver for clearer and cleaner sound for vocals and instruments, and then, it was supported by a “30019” tweeter BA for upper mids and high frequencies part for more vibrancy and high resolution quality. Aside from the BA drivers, KZ also implemented a tiny PCB that works as an electronic crossover as it filters some frequency bands for better separation while maintaining a cohesion of its overall sound.



The BA drivers were placed in a 3D-moulded acoustic bracket then encased in a rather large resin plastic shell structure with a metal alloy faceplate and brass nozzle. Like all KZ sets, it still uses a QDC-type 2-pin connector as its interlocking mechanism.



The shell offers at least a good fitting to my medium-size Asian ears as it seals well that it gives good passive noise isolation to my lugholes from unwanted noises from the outside. The stock cable of the KZ AS10 PRO still has an OFC silver-plated copper in a parallel set-up with an angled 3.5mm single ended termination plug.



Like most KZ sets, the product packaging of this one is pretty basic with just a modest amount of accessories.




Here are the following contents inside of its packaging box:

• A pair of KZ AS10 PRO IEM transducers.
• Stock cable
• Pair of Memory foam ear tips.
• Spare silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
• Paperwork like Q.C. stub and instruction manual.

The KZ AS10 PRO is moderately sensitive as it can be driven by a source device like smartphones and tablets with a 3.5mm headphone jack that can deliver a required power output. But this set apparently scales well with better power output and it is one of the few KZ sets that activates the high impedance mode of my LG phones as this set has some impedance swing over 50 ohms.


As to determine its tonality, the AS10 PRO's tonal profile is veering towards more of standard KZ tuning, a typical V-shaped sound signature in which low frequency and high frequencies are elevated on its overall frequency range.




LOWS/BASS:

For a woofer balanced armature driver, the bass response is quite punchy, impactful and has a firm slam. While it doesn't have that depth or rumble that a good quality dynamic driver could deliver, this one is fairly acceptable in my opinion that KZ is able to tune its bass quality.

As it has a rather faint sub bass presence as it barely reverberates from sub bass-focused instruments like synthesisers, drum machines and low tuned bass guitars, the mid bass apparently has a texture that gives more density on some instruments especially bass clef ones and also deep male vocals. Bass guitars have resonant sound, double bass have sombre yet mellow sounding and bass kick drums have those menacing and soft striking sounds at the same time. On deep male vocals like bass and bass-baritone, there's a noticeable rumbling sound on their voices but apparently I noticed that sense of hollowness and less darker tone on them.


MIDRANGE:

The midrange presentation of this one is definitely in a notch and depressed but it has a clear, energetic and transparency of its overall sound. The vocals and instruments are somewhat trying to sound more balanced but in my critical listening, the hollowness and wispiness is quite obvious on some vocal types, especially on baritones and contraltos but still retains some of its clarity and a decent warmth on it.

On male vocals, baritones have smooth vocals but it somehow lacks richness while tenors have a brassy and spiciness on their vocals, and then contraltos have a tenderness on their distinctive voices. As for female vocals, contraltos have that smoky characteristic but like my issue on baritones it has an inadequate lush and heft on it. Mezzo-sopranos have fiery and golden vocals, and then on sopranos, they sound shimmering with some metallic tone on their vocals.

Regarding on instruments, evidently that strings and woodwinds will sound more clearer, brighter and a tad open sounding as guitars have crisp and lingering sound, cellos have a incisive and open sound, violins have clear and brilliant sound, piccolos have clear and intense sound, concert flutes have clear and softness on their sound, and clarinets sounds reedy and some shrillness on it. On brass instruments, trumpets have brilliant and vivid sound, trombones have eruptive and metallic sound, and horns have clear yet distant sounding. The percussion instruments with likes of tom-toms, snares, field drums and kettledrums, they sound resonant, penetrating, sonorous and dry respectively, the pianos sound obviously towards a brighter tone with some brilliance and clearness on them.


HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble response of this one is on the brighter side of tuning as it has an energy and intensity of its shimmering nature due to its elevated upper-mids and presence of the high frequency. That elevation gives some highlight on clarity and definition on vocals and instruments to sound more detailed and crisper but there's some caveats as it might sound a bit shrill and piercing. Sibilance on this one is quite mild especially if I play it on sibilant-laden tracks.

It has a moderate airy extension on its brilliance section with some intensity on its sparkle that affects the tonal colour of some instruments with treble-centric notations. The cymbals have a glistening and a tad piercing sound, hi-hats have a short buzzing sound with added sizzling on it, glockenspiels have a shimmery and shrill sound, and celestas have a glistening and thin sound.


SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

The perceived sound field projection has an above-average on wideness, good height reach and depth as it gives me a moderately spacious head stage within my aural sphere. Stereo imaging on this one has a concave-like presentation in a rather middling layering with average separation of vocals and instruments. I am still able to locate the placements of vocals and instruments but definitely not the most accurate and I think that this one will somehow struggle on some complex multi-instrumental tracks as I hear some congestion and a tad disorganised of its sound.

Its multi-BA driver set-up seems to sound cohesive as they sound well with its competent transient speed response. This set also sounds quite resolving on its resolution capability as its micro-detail retrieval capability is able to capture some details and other subtleties from an audio track with a solid macro-dynamics on them.


PEER COMPARISONS:

KZ AS16 PRO

• It has a tad smaller shell size but it still has similar material composition.
• It has more balanced armature drivers that were implemented inside.
• It has similar product packaging and number of inclusions.
• The sound profile of this one is mild U-shaped that makes it more balanced sounding with some noticeable warmth on it.
• It has a more rounder and impactful bass response, less recessed and a tad warmer midrange and then, a smoother and a refined treble response.
• It has almost similar technical performance with the AS10 PRO but it has less height reach but more solid macro-dynamics.

CCA CA10

• Its shells have similar dimensions and also a number of BA drivers inside.
• Like all KZ and CCA sets, it still has a QDC-type 2-pin connector.
• It has similar product packaging and a quantified amount of inclusions inside.
• This one has a bright U/V-shaped sound signature which is quite comparable to AS10 PRO.
• It has a punchy yet hollow bass response, a leaner and less textured midrange presentation and an energetic and bright treble profile with more air but also tends to sound shrill and piercing in most cases.
• It has almost similar technical performance from sound/speaker staging up to resolution capabilities.

As I conclude on this product review, KZ again delivers a coloured, fun and engaging sound profile that most of us will probably enjoy casually. This set's tonal attributes shows some of its points that KZ is also capable of improving their tuning capabilities as we will also notice it on some of their recently released products given how competitive the portable audio market is right now. The KZ AS10 Pro is highly recommended if you enjoy certain music genres like rock, pop and reggae, and for an all BA driver configuration set, it has a punchy bass, clear midrange and bright treble that makes this set even more compelling to most casual type of listeners.


KZ AS10 PRO is now available at KZ OFFICIAL STORE, you can check the non-affiliated link below.

https://www.kztws.com/products/kz-as10-pro-with-innovative-10-balanced-armature-drivers-iem-earphone



For more KZ product reviews, just click the product links down.

■ KZ ESX

■ KZ ZES

■ KZ AS16 PRO

■ KZ PR1

■ KZ ZEX PRO

■ KZ EDCX

■ KZ EDC PRO

■ KZ EDC

■ KZ DQ6S

■ KZ LING LONG

■ KZ EDA

■ KZ EDX

■ KZ ZEX

■ KZ MERGA


SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: KZ AS10 PRO
IMPEDANCE: 26Ω
SENSITIVITY: 109dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 40KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m
PIN TYPE: QDC-TYPE 2-PIN CONNECTOR (0.75MM)
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (5) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVERS


Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **
Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *
Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to KZ nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to TYVAN LAM of KZ/CCA for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate his generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

I got this product as a review unit from Linsoul. Except from the review unit I did not receive money or any other necessities to influence the review in anyway.

This is my honest and unbiased opinion on KZ AS10 Pro. My likes and dislikes on this IEM are based solely on my own personal experience.

If you're interested in buying KZ AS10 Pro checkout Linsoul.

The faceplate of AS10 Pro is metal built. It's decently heavy and the drivers are quite large. After using it for 3 to 4 weeks, I didn't notice any major scratches or dents but if not used carefully it's high likely to get one. Looks wise I'd say it's pretty good looking. Specially with the huge vent on the top, it give the drivers an interesting look. The faceplate isn't flat, has the model name in the middle and left and right indicator on one edge.

The nozzle is gold plated, which adds to the overall looks of the IEM. The inner portion of the drivers are resin built. It's a bit on the dark side and it's transparent.

I never thought about reviewing a product of this price range without any carrying case. This packaging style is common on most if not all models of KZ.

Another bummer, AS10 Pro has the same cable as most of their under 20$ or even 10$ models. I just unboxed it, took few shoots and packed it again. Disappointing!

The standard KZ eartips are not worth it, but the foam ones seemed decent. They're comfy and creates a good seal.
As the shell of KZ AS10 Pro is metal built, it makes it a bit on the heavier side. On top of it the size of the shell is fairly large. I've tried wearing them on my friends. And most of them were facing issues while wearing. Some of them couldn't even fit it at all! But after wearing it, it doesn't fall off that easily. The seal it creates is good enough and have enough breathing room for long sessions. You may not wear it for too long just because of the weight. For less than 1 hour 30 minutes, it's fine.



• EPZ TP30

• Moondrop Dawn Pro

• DDHIFI TC44C

• Fosi Audio Ds1

• HIDIZS S8 Pro Robin

I would suggest to pair a neutral or slightly warm sounding source.



• KZ AS10 Pro drivers

• 4 Pairs of eartips (3 standard & 1 foam)

• SPC Cable

• User Manual



Product model
KZ AS10 PRO

Frequency
20-40000Hz

Impedance
26Ω

Sensitivity
109dB

Pin type
0.75mm

Plug type
3.5mm

Cable type
Silver-plated cable

Cable length
120±5cm

Wearing type
In-ear



Eartips

• Stock
• Final E (Black)
• Spinfit CP100+
• Tri Clarion
• Kbear 08
• Dunu Candy
• BGVP 07

Except wide bore like clarion and final e (black) most others will work fine.
I've mostly used BGVP 07 with this unit.


Cables

• Stock
• Kbear 4 core copper
• TRI Through SPC

Just use any cable that you have in your drawer or collection. The stock one doesn't justify the price.


As it is an IEM with V shape sound signature, you sort of expect a fun, mainstream sound. For a KZ IEM the sound is kinda surprising actually. Has more bass than it needed but is certainly not boomy or bass head territory. If you're just getting in to this hobby and don't have the patience to read all the way through, just read the last 3 points of the full review. And the detailed review is just below.

Sub Bass
Has a pleasant Sub Bass, with a deep rumble. It is not too deep, in fact sometimes gets overshadowed by the upper frequencies. In one sentence the sub bass is strong, rumbly and a bit less emphasized compared to the mid bass.

Mid Bass
The Mid Bass on As10 Pro is the star of the show. The Bass is really solid and is punchy. Has a really decent texture and holds enough details. Bass attacks are fast but decays slowly. The is tight and bleeds quite a bit into the mid-range. Not an ideal scenario for audiophiles but this is what mainstream audience prefer, and they love it. Everyone who tried this IEM from me were amazed merely by the Bass section. The speedy bass doesn't let the IEM to sound muddy even with the overwhelming bass.

Mid-range
Unfortunately the mid-range suffers a lot on this set, even considering that it's a V shape IEM. The lower mids is not as laid back as you might thought. So it should be a plus point right? Not really! The problem is the overall mid-range is congested. Bass bleeding doesn't seem to be the biggest issue as it was better than my expectations. Feels overall warm. The overall mid-range or specifically the lower mids seems to be narrowed down in the middle. That's how I'm imagining the scenario, don't know which BA is responsible for this issue. Instruments sound fine, slightly looses details due to bass bleeding. But this is hands down the best mid-range performance on a KZ IEM that I've experienced!

Male Vocals
The male vocals generally don't shine as much as the female vocals on this type of sound signature. Regardless the male vocals were fine, could feel the texture of grainy vocalists. The vocals are not thin but are definitely not on the thicker side. Ascending sounds really well on male vocals. Can keep up with the details on most of my tracks.

Female Vocals
Female vocals shines really well on them. They feel lively and make you seem like stage audience. On female vocals both ascending and descending sound good. One thing to mention, on many tracks I noticed harsh "ss/shh" sound which is bothering. Except from that the overall female vocals are lively and energetic.


Treble
Treble of most V shape IEMs are either nice or too bright. As10 Pro is on the nicer side. Has quite extended treble with great sparkle. For most audience it is not going to be sharp but if you have really sensitive ears, you have the option to drop it down from your buying list. The upper treble is extended and detailed as well. Feels really airy and creates a spacious environment.
The treble of As10 Pro is really resolving and great resolution.

Instruments
Instruments on AS10 Pro didn't let me down. Guitars, violin, piano and drums stand out from the rest. Whether it's acoustic or electric guitar, they sound really good on them. Seperation between each hit is distinct. The overwhelming Bass really helps the drums to sound full. One problem is with the tracks with fast drums. As the base decay slowly, it feels like there is a overlay on multiple drum hits that doesn't feel correct. Other than that I didn't have any complaints to make on this section.

Soundstage & Imaging
The soundstage is quite impressive, it gives you an out of the head experience which I really appreciate. The stage is above average. Nice on the height and width but could have been better on the depth.

Imaging is accurate but far from being pin point. Gives you a good sense of instrument's presentation. More on the gaming section.

Mobile Gaming
Casually gaming on this isn't really ideal due to the weight. However the Bass gives an immersive experience on general games and on background music. On FPS games, in game voices can be heard if the background music is manually lowered. The big soundstage lets you track enemies from far away. Firing can be heard and tracked precisely. But it gets tricky with the footsteps. With all the firing and bombing going on all over the arena or map, tracking footsteps become really difficult. Both the bass and treble kinda creates this issue. But if I focus well, I kinda get the position of my opponents, even if it's not pin point, it's not inaccurate either.


Why should you consider it

• If you like treble
• If you liked design
• If you like overwhelming Bass
• If you love the sound of guitars
• If you're not an audiophile
• If you want good soundstage


Why should you look elsewhere

• If you want a really comfortable IEM
• If you like mid-range
• If you don't have any intention of changing the cable
• If you don't have a source
• If you're a competitive gamer


To sum up the whole review in one paragraph, I'd say the IEM was really fun listen to. I really liked the bass and treble. I've many friends who tried this and IEM and they even go far as to say it's the best IEM that they've tried from my arsenal. So plus points there. On the down side, for audiophiles, the mid-range sucks, which mainstream audience don't notice. It's heavy and uncomfortable. And low efforts on packaging and accessories.

Do I recommend them? I do, only if you have cable and source for this IEM. That was all, let me know your thoughts on this IEM.

Until then,
Keep on listening ·͜·♡

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was provided to me by Linsoul in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to Carina at Linsoul for coordinating this unit for review.

Non affiliate link for those interested: https://www.linsoul.com/products/kz-as10-pro

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Kiwi Ears Allegro
●Letshuoer DT03

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.


Introduction:
KZ is a well-known brand and needs little introduction. If you're reading this, it's likely that you have heard of them or even tried one of their iems in the past. The AS10 Pro utilizes a significantly revamped design compared to the original model, though the Pro version still sports five balanced armature drivers per side. The AS10 Pro's price tag is a bit higher than some of the standard KZ offerings and is currently available through Linsoul for $68.99, as well as many retailers worldwide. Let's break down the AS10 Pro and see if its sound and performance justify the higher cost.



Build, fit, ergonomics:
The unboxing is identical to most of KZ's other models, with very minimal packaging and inclusions, though the box art is a bit more understated here. The AS10 Pro features a completely new aesthetic from the original AS10 model, and I must say it's a welcome improvement. I have never owned or tried the original, but based on pictures alone, the Pro version is more my style. This newest model includes many design elements that have become mainstays of KZ's recent iems. These include a metal faceplate displaying the model name, a clear resin body, a metal nozzle, and a QDC-style 2-pin connector. The build quality of the shell is very sturdy, has a decent weight, and feels good in hand. The faceplate has a fairly large vent, but I don't think it's actually functional since I get a very prominent vacuum effect while using them. The shell is quite large, and the nozzle measures 5.7 mm at its widest point. The nozzle also features a small lip to help keep tips in place. The insertion depth is perhaps slightly deeper than average, but I had no issues with fit or comfort, other than the aforementioned vacuum effect. The included accessories are the standard KZ tips and cable, which are mediocre. I promptly put the cable aside in favor of an ivipQ cable, which is my favorite brand of cables at the moment. I did try the stock tips but ended up using the Penon Liqueurs for better fit and comfort. The overall inclusions are a little disappointing considering the increased price tag, but I don't really expect any KZ set to have fantastic accessories at this point.


Sound impressions:
The AS10 Pro has a V-shaped tuning profile with more focus on the mid-bass and rolled-off extension at both ends. The soundstage won't blow you away, but it has ample width and depth and is quite good considering the price. The dynamics are adequate, and it has an overall exciting presentation. It's not a super detailed iem, but it does compete well in its price bracket. The separation and imaging are both above average, and I found no issues with either. The note weight is slightly on the thinner side, but overall, it is acceptable. The timbre is just a touch off. It has a sort of artificial shimmer or sheen to vocals and instruments that some might call "BA timbre." It is somewhat subtle, though, and does not impact the overall sound much. Some Head-Fiers who frequently visit the Discovery thread may have noticed a discussion about the AS10 Pro and the use of an impedance adapter. I can confirm that the bass does benefit from adding more impedance, which can help bring out the sub-bass. This set can be driven easily with a simple dongle and smartphone, but adding more impedance may warrant using an amplifier to reach higher volume levels. Depending on the number of Ohms added, impedance can turn up the bass a few notches. I made my listening impressions without using an impedance adapter unless otherwise noted. I found that the AS10 Pro paired best with the Hiby FC4 and the ivipQ 539 cable, to my ears. This combination helped tame the upper mids and treble while adding a bit of warmth.


●Lows - There is a fair amount of bass here, but it focuses more on the mid-bass than the sub-bass. There's enough quantity for bass enthusiasts, but the quality is somewhat lacking, especially in the low-end extension, which can sometimes be typical of BA drivers. It has good speed and a fairly quick decay, and it does well with double bass kicks, where individual notes can be clearly discerned. Unfortunately, it lacks a bit of impact and slam and sounds a bit pillowy or muffled on some tracks. The bass may not be as pronounced or robust as you might expect from a V-shaped profile, perhaps due to the driver's implementation. Without that distinct sub-bass rumble, what’s here is somewhat underwhelming. This is where an impedance adapter can provide some assistance. Utilizing an 80-ohm adapter does bring out a little more sub-bass rumble, but it can’t really help that same bass extend lower, so it still comes off sounding somewhat incomplete.

●Mids - The lower midrange is quite scooped due to the V-shape, and some instruments get a little lost in the mix. In contrast, the upper mids are quite boosted, and the elevated pinna gain helps vocals stay at the forefront and mostly well separated. The lower mids do not suffer from any encroaching bass bleed, but they can also sound a bit hollow. Certain baritone instruments that fall within this frequency range lack presence compared to those in the lower and higher ranges. Because of this, the mids lack a bit of warmth and soul. Vocals are well represented, with both male and female artists being clear while not too forward or boosted. There is a sort of fine balance that the mids achieve with the rest of the frequencies, but a little more attention to the lower midrange might help to add that special something that is missing. I tried using EQ to fill some of that void, with some success. So I would say the AS10 Pro does respond well to EQ.

●Highs - As expected, there is some added energy in the treble. It's most noticeable in snares, hi-hats, and claps, where they sometimes sound harsh and thin. Also, cymbals can come across as overly splashy, and even "s" and "sh" sounds have a bit too much energy. To the AS10 Pro's credit, I think it falls just short of being truly sibilant, but it can be fatiguing even over short listening sessions. It's definitely not the brightest or most troublesome treble I've heard, even among KZ iems this year, but it does bother me on some tracks, and it could be further extended to add more air. For those who prefer lower listening volumes, the issue only arises when the volume reaches higher levels. Unfortunately, I do not really enjoy listening at lower volumes, so the problem was more apparent to me.



In conclusion:
KZ has been its usual self lately, churning out frequent releases throughout 2024. Some of those that I've reviewed have been surprisingly good, like the CCA Trio. Others, like the KZ ZS10 Pro 2, were just too bright, sibilant, and not my style. The AS10 Pro features great, solid build quality, a fun dynamic tuning, and its technicalities compete well among its peers in the price range. One drawback, though, is that the shell and nozzle are on the larger side and did cause a vacuum effect when sealed. I do like the AS10 Pro's tuning and I think its overall performance warrants the increased asking price over some other KZ models, although better accessories would go a long way toward making the whole package feel more premium. I found that the genres that it worked best with in my library were pop, soft pop/rock, and classical. It does have some stiff competition though as there are many sets at $70 and below that trade blows. The CCA Trio is one that I highly recommend for its very low price, analog-style sound, and versatility, featuring four tuning switches. Another set I would personally go for is the Truthear Zero: Red, but to be fair, its laid-back tuning also more closely matches my preferences. If you are looking for an all-BA set that has punchy bass, well-extended, sparkly treble, and decent soundstage, separation, and imaging, then the AS10 Pro is definitely one to consider. It can get even better with the use of an impedance adapter, and I highly recommend experimenting with one. I think it's another strong release so far this year for KZ, and it does indeed seem like their products are only getting better over time. Never change, KZ.

Knowledge Zenith AS10 Pro
Redcarmoose Labs August 21, 2024

My previous KZ reviews

KZ ATE July 18, 2016
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/kz-ate-in-ear-monitors.21174/reviews#review-16455

KZ AS16 PRO August 2nd, 2022
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/knowledge-zenith-kz-as16-pro.25953/reviews#review-28967

KZ ZS10 PRO X October 23, 2022
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/the-new-kz-zs10-pro-x-universal-iem.26128/reviews#review-29430

KZ AS24 July 10th, 2023
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/kz-as24.26544/reviews#review-31208

KZ ZS 10 PRO 2 June 12th, 2024
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/kz-zs10-pro-2.27181/reviews#review-34237

KZ AS10 PRO (This review)
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/kz-as10-pro.27343/reviews#review-35178


Knowledge Zenith
As we all ponder the Chinese landscape of audio bliss and boredom, it is up to each individual in this silly and money draining hobby to at least keep an open mind. There is adventure in the air and KZ has made a few people happy purchasers. Actually a lot of people, when you take in the KZ production along with their sister brands like CCA and Tripowin……even Joyodio is made by KZ. Sure it seems that KZ comes out with a new IEM at least once a month……..and while as audiophiles often we are programmed to believe that you get what you pay for. KZ has slowly ramped-up their price and ramped-up their sophistication by the year. My first KZ, the ATE sold for $27.00, though at times you could find it for $7.00, I was told. The original ATE really was simple as being driven just by a single Dynamic Driver……..but also the ATE was famous! Still however as the KZ price increases, they keep their packaging and accessories at a bare minimum. As………..

KZ slogan — “Don’t forget. The original intention is to use headphones to enjoy music!”

This may mean that after you read this slogan on the box and look inside, that the importance is in how the IEMs sound in the end. You already kinda know that you will receive a small box, with just a warranty card and a simple cable…….and this really has not changed the last few years, though what has changed is KZ has ramped-up the musical detail and actual sound of the IEMs themselves. How this happened I’m also not sure, because there has been this activity of slight progression, to the point now that KZ actually has an understood value and has worked-out a nitche here at Head-Fi. There can be an understood level of quality that you get as well as a sound quality character that is noted. And while most of the time this sound character is a personal value, often folks get into a brand’s house sound, and of course KZ’s bang for the buck.


Testing:
What I’m going to do is reference the new KZ AS10 Pro against a few of their prior products. I did hear the original AS10, though it was in a shop and a long time ago. Why I didn’t buy it I’m not sure, probably I didn’t like the looks of it. The original AS10 is truly different looking.

Original AS10


Top left to right: KZ AS16 PRO and KZ AS10 PRO
Bottom left to right: KZ AS24 and KZ ZS10 PRO X

Just to be complete here I’m not testing a few new additions to the KZ family, for example the KZ AS10 PRO 2, and the KZ AS24 PRO.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/kz-zs10-pro-2.27181/reviews#review-34237

https://www.linsoul.com/products/kz-as24-pro

Anyways…the start of this new wave of KZ started with the introduction of the AS16 PRO. Then the next review I did, the (KZ ZS10 PRO X ) in 2022 has over 40,000 single views, yep one single review. So in many ways I fully understand these two IEMs, just like old favorites (you have) in your collection, they start to take on an air of seniority, somehow?




The KZ AS16 PRO v KZ AS10 PRO:
To where the elephant in the room is the BA units here, of course the AS16 PRO is 8BAs a side and the AS10 PRO is 5 BAs a side.

Do the number of BAs really make a difference?

The AS16 PRO can still be purchased at $56.00 and comes in black or light blue. Between the two the very first thing you notice is just how efficient the 8BA KZ AS16 PRO is in comparison to the 5 driver KZ AS10 PRO? Who knows why this is, but another thing is the stage, that the KZ AS16 PRO is completely sealed and air-tight, where this KZ AS10 PRO has an air-vent encompassing a huge section of faceplate real estate?

Stage: AS16 PRO
And guess what, the 16 PRO…..still has the bigger soundstage? Also note the KZ AS16 is about 20% bigger, I mean how can it not be?

A give and take:
But truth to be told (once you equalize volume levels) the AS10 PRO goes with a style of less is more, less of that BA sheen that takes up a little of the AS16 PRO personality. Yet take note hidden inside that sheen is a smidge more micro-details, extra samples of instrument reverberations…….

Here of course the AS10 PRO is more about getting to the business at hand, a slightly simpler idea, yet owning slightly more contrasts in the end, to where vocals are a tad more forward from the rest of the midrange. Still when you get down to it, these two are tuned very close to the same, made by the same company and showcasing many of the same attributes.

What they have done here is made less drivers matter more, and what that performs like is giving you a slightly more natural presentation without the subtle glare that those extra BAs do.

As what gets us the goods is just less BA energy and a calmer, less drastic midrange leaving more room for down-home AS10 PRO balance and realism. Sometimes it is what you take out from a previous model, and not what you add in that’s valuable. Now don’t get me wrong, the AS16 PRO is still wonderful and valuable, especially what it does for the cost, it is just if you already heard the AS16 PRO and you were not on board with how the midrange was presented, the AS10 PRO has a gift for you! As when you first hear the AS16 PRO you can’t help but notice this big midrange BA energy, it's only after you lower volumes a little and start to understand the focus at hand that you start to overlook any off timbre that really both IEMs offer, to kinda look past that and appreciate the detail offered by the BAs in the end.

Same ideas here:
Really in so many ways the two are sharing the exact same sound, though the AS10 PRO has a lesser bass response, which helps further the midrange it holds. Still you have to wonder as maybe this lesser bass tone from the AS10 PRO is only lesser bass detail in the end, I won’t argue that fact. Either way the AS10 PRO sounds more dampend-down…….but only slightly. Here the AS16 PRO is showing not only more loudness at the same volume but a more filled-in midrange, filled in with maybe useful…….maybe not, extra BA energy, to where the AS10 PRO is somehow showcasing better separation of treble elements, in that those items get away from the AS16 PRO’s wall of sound, and so are better identified for what they truly are. So much of this is a give and and take, to where after 6 back and forth changes I started to appreciate the micro-details inside what the AS16 PRO did. Those details also add-up to a slightly fuller midrange too, already mentioned. They are both not different enough to value having both, unless you already had the AS16 PRO and wanted a quieter less involved midrange, with slightly less micro-details offered. Truly this was a fun test, as learning how each IEM had its pros and cons.



KZ AS24 v AS10 PRO:
Really I’m so glad that I did the AS16 PRO comparison first to the AS10 PRO, reason being is that AS24 is simply more of the same, yep, more of what the AS16 PRO is in the end. Same louder response to source, same more filled in midrange and yet not offering a big boost in micro details from the AS16 PRO? But the exact same vocal difference between the AS16 PRO and AS24 to the AS10 PRO. Now I have to admit I ordered the AS24 wrong, maybe. I was one of the only people I know that got it without the tuning switches. Yep, it comes two ways. At this point in time it doesn’t matter, as the AS24 PRO is alive and issued now from KZ. If the AS24 PRO has the tuning of the AS10 PRO, with those added vocal contrasts and lesser midrangey wall, that would be a winner. It is just you can read the prior paragraph to understand the differences between the AS10 PRO and the AS24, sure there is a slight added filagree of detail there, but the differences are the same. OH, and the AS24 is on the bigger side of the fence. I mean sure when you have a 12BA IEM in your ears you know it. And that’s the thing, the AS10 PRO fits so very nicely, you start to appreciate it more by doing these side-by-sides.



Finally the KZ ZS10 PRO X:
In so many ways prior I have loved the KZ ZS10 PRO X the very best. Really it is simple. Hybrid, yes……..the KZ ZS10 PRO X is a Hybrid, and normally I like Hybrids best. There is an authority that DDs do that can scale up to a different place. Still don’t get me wrong there are a few all BA sets I really love, but I almost have to be in the mood and choose the best music, where Hybrids just come off more well rounded in the end, they do more genres right and have intrinsically a better demeanor in general.

Sure a Friday night Original Soundtrack night, and an all BA set is special, but change over to Rock, and at times the all BA set doesn’t have the low-end power to get 100% of the job done……..it’s too polite. Yep, I just wrote that in an all BA IEM review!

KZ ZS10 PRO X
Now here prior to my testing I can refer back in memory too what my past ideas as to the KZ ZS10 PRO X were like. Quite simply KZ went and down-tuned the BA timbre out of the drivers here. KZ went and smoothed the ideas out, and that created a different sound, probably different than any IEM tested so far……..let us see


KZ ZS10 PRO X v KZ AS10 PRO:
So you can see the DD shining out from the bottom of the IEM in the photograph here.


KZ ZS10 PRO X

1 10mm DD combined with 4 BAs a side
Two 50024s treble BA sound-makers
Two 30019s midrange BA producers

Finally we now have an extra authority to the drums, but somehow the BAs don’t sound really down-tuned at all. They sound full-form full-frequency and standout in vivid focus. Truly in many ways this is like the AS10 PRO, yet we have again moved away from the big midrange given by the AS24 and AS16 PRO. To a place that while like the AS10 PRO, in the calmness and contrasts holding the vocals also forward like what the AS10 PRO does, still this is the very best IEM tested today. Yep, the KZ ZS10 PRO X is better than the new KZ AS10 PRO. Why, well simple bass ideas, but it more than that, there is a wonderful separation that started today with how the KZ AS10 PRO moved away from the AS24 and AS16 PRO, yet there is more……….call it effortlessness. Call it having those Hybrid contrasts and dislocations, and stage but to me this is also the most natural way to go. The big separation and round drums of the 10mm DD. The special separation of the 4 BAs in action. No wonder 40,000 people have read my review, or at least clicked on it. And I haven’t read it, I actually don’t even remember what I wrote?

Build:
Here we find qdc connectors, which other cables still work fine. A medium large IEM size to hold all the goodies inside. A metal nozzle-tip which holds ear-tips on fine. Really this style of connstuction has its advantages. Though the darker chrome faceplates can be a little brittle in showing scuffs and dust. The cool part of this construction comes with the wonderful air-vent system which creates less air-pressure possibly inside the ear, as opposed to a few previous models.

Package:
Probably the most important thing I didn't show is the AS10 PRO comes with a set of foams placed onto the nozzles when shipped. Many like these ear-tips the very best.

Cable:

Conclusion:
Here we are witnessing a careful bass, a more controlled bass than what many Hybrids do. Yet upon comparing with the famous KZ ZS10 PRO X something was slightly missing. Don’t get me wrong here, as the AS10 PRO offered a more mature in a way sound than the AS24 (non-switched) model and AS16 PRO which gave me the ideas to think, yes KZ is moving ahead and finding their sound. Their sound was hidden inside the KZ ZS10 PRO X , maybe. A more contrasty sound, even holding vibrant yet real vocal ideas, same as the AS10 PRO………and that is the one we are reviewing here. So kind-of how I see it is KZ is looking for any realness and forgetting about driver count. Because sure more drivers get you the micro details of the AS16 PRO and what is present with the AS24 , but it is not as important as the tune and the separation of imaging. The sculpturing of art, so to speak, is more important than just the information at hand. And sure there are going to be listeners who maybe find the 10mm bass of the ZS10 PRO X as garish and sloppy to a point, being wishful of the more poised and careful AS10 PRO. I mean who can argue with someone's personal signature wants and needs…….no one, except themselves. I hold the series today in order of best to worst as follows.

1) KZ ZS10 PRO X
2) AS10 PRO
3) and 3) AS24 and AS16 PRO tie

Sure I mean I can slowly get into what the AS16 PRO does, and spend time with it, if I grab the AS24 orchestral music is spot on, and the AS10 PRO and KZ ZS10 PRO X are still included in this very comprehensible line-up. If I could suggest one though it would be the KZ ZS10 PRO X, so much so that I can’t explain it enough. But when I reviewed the KZ ZS10 PRO X back in October of 2022 it was popular, yet somehow has gained a following. You see, this style of IEM is very mainstream. It’s got the bass for popular music, yet does great vocals too that people just into vocal music would appreciate. But more than that the bass has an organic and natural fall-off, that and 10mm typically hold bass reverberations longer. See, this means that while the KZ ZS10 PRO X is not the most detailed bass, it does have a charm that BA bass just can’t reach. Really the rest is history………being the review has at least been clicked on by over 40,000 curiosity seekers.

KZ ZS10 PRO X


And truly I hope some of them made a purchase, because the PRO X is good. In fact this is not in any fashion slowing down with about 2000 clicks in the last two months alone? It is this analogue bass that somehow travels up all the frequencies into even covering a slight BA timbre in the mids and treble, and I like that! Really it’s the perfect mainstream IEM, never worrying about putting something too big in your ears.

KZ ZS10 PRO X
https://www.linsoul.com/products/kz-zs10-pro-x
$39.00

The KZ ZS10 PRO X sound is big and rewarding, full of life and naturalness. And when we are examining KZ, probably naturalness is the most important factor, in that Knowledge Zenith give you a lot of drivers at times, and a lot of sound per dollar spent, yet it is the quality of timbre that matters most in the end with KZ. And the new addition of this quieter dampened AS10 PRO sound is in some ways comparable to the KZ ZS10 PRO X, so much so that I would call the two brothers, only the KZ ZS10 PRO X has better bass, and more of it. What else can I say?

More you ask, well maybe you don’t…….I don’t care I’m going anyway!



Yep, more comparisons:
Here we are going to compare the AS10 PRO to a few recent releases.


Left to right:
The AS10 PRO, the 7Hz FIVE and the TINHIFI DUDU


The FIVE:
The 7Hz FIVE is more money, but at $149.00 it is still comparable to the AS10 PRO. The difference you ask? 5 DDs in action…….yep, so here really in many ways we are witnessing the opposite. Though still the FIVE is not perfect, in that the FIVE will move forward to sound a little different from each source. The FIVE is source dependent to a fault. Still that doesn’t mean it’s a bad IEM, it is just a confusing IEM in tonality. Also many were confused by the FIVE graph. See, many take graphs literally to understand the sound of an IEM. Sure the graph is all they have in hand, but let me tell you with the FIVE there has almost never been an IEM released that sounds so totally different from the graph. Probably the most confusing item is the FIVE bass representation, to where the graph shows a heavy bass, when in listening really the FIVE comes across as more balanced.

The FIVE v AS10 PRO:
Here is the thing, the AS10 PRO is a smidge brighter and holding those faster decays we have come to know from BAs. The tuning is lighter and airer, yet still holding a nice detailed bass tone, though if this was a boxing match, the FIVE throws bass with a more complete and cohesive demeanor, there is just more of it, holding this buttery smoothness that only a DD could add, plus reverberations too! But more than that, the FIVE is smoother across the whole frequency spectrum (5 DDs). When you first compare the two, you are thinking this FIVE is simply way better in all ways, but to place the AS10 PRO back in, it has a slight steeliness that the FIVE never does, except you can’t argue with the synthetic AS10 PRO detail. My 7Hz FIVE review will follow this KZ review. Do I favor the FIVE over the AS10 PRO? What do you think?

OH, and the FIVE is actually smaller than the AS10 PRO, go figure, that they were able to cram all those 5 DDs into a smaller place, to where sure the AS10 PRO is smaller than some of the KZ older brothers, but in a way that’s not saying much.

The TINHIFI DUDU v AS10 PRO:
A more cohesive Planar approach with the DUDU, while at the same time also holding the essential Planar off-timbre. As such the AS10 PRO timbre is coming from a less aggressive BA texture, to where BAs are like point light sources and Planar images are larger flatter affairs. The DUDU entertainment though comes from a different stage positioning of imagining elements, as they are bigger and almost floaty in presence. Yet still the DUDU still holds a thinner nature, especially compared to the FIVE. Yet that DUDU thinner nature is also a rearrangement of stage elements from the AS10 PRO, where sound takes place more out to the sides of the stage, and the AS10 PRO delivers items which are actually holding more careful sculpturing, holding more thickness of (inside the stage) and holding a more separated BA character.




Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C

$68.99
https://www.linsoul.com/products/kz-as10-pro

Disclaimer:
I want to thank Kareena of Linsoul for the love and the Knowledge Zenith AS10 PRO review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single ended
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single ended
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03 4.4mm balanced
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Samsung Phone 3.5mm
HiBy R3 II DAP 4.4mm balanced

KZ AS10 Pro Review

First of all, I would like to thank Linsoul Audio for sending the KZ AS10 Pro for review. Linsoul Audio is one of the largest online sellers of mouth-watering audio products; kindly check their website to see what I'm talking about.

KZ is one of the biggest and oldest companies in the portable audio industry that still operates today. Thank you, KZ. May you prosper and keep improving your products.

The KZ AS10 Pro, which sells for 69 US dollars, is an affordable all-balanced armature multi-driver IEM. It consists of five balanced armature driver complements for each channel.

The packaging is in the usual KZ style, simple, elegant, and efficient. It includes three pairs of silicon eartips, a pair of foam eartips, a cable, a warranty card, and the IEMs themselves.

Before we go on, please visit KZ's website for the AS10 Pro for more information, as I will concentrate this review on sound quality and personal experience with the KZ AS10 Pro.

Among the included eartips, the foam tips are the only ones I can use, because when I tried those silicon eartips, I felt there was pressure buildup, and when I walk or slightly nod my head to the music, I hear the sound change due to the changes in pressure. So, for this review, I only used the foam eartips.

For the sources, I tried everything I got and found that the AS10 Pro favors a warmer-sounding source because it sounds slightly on the brighter side of neutral. I still used my usual reference sources, which are the Fiio M15s DAP and Letshouer DT03 dongle DAC, to make my comparisons fair. However, I also enjoyed listening to it with my Kiwiears Allegro dongle DAC. Just keep in mind that the AS10 Pro needs careful pairing for good synergy.


Power handling and dynamics:

The power handling is surprisingly high; I don't hear it struggle and shift in tonality at loud levels. It also has very good dynamics, making the whole sound presentation sound energetic and lively. This is not a boring set, for sure.

Sound signature:

It has a bright sounding tonality; everything is neutral except there is an elevation around the lower treble. BA timbre also creeps in on some songs.

Technicalities:

The soundstage is very good; the size is quite big and spherical; it feels natural; there is good height, width, and depth, but not much spaciousness behind me.

The imaging is slightly above average in performance for the price. There is a discernible separation and accuracy in the images—nothing special, but I'm certainly not disappointed; I'm happy with it.

Bass:

In my opinion, the bass is the best part of this IEM. It's not the deepest, but it's very articulate and textured; it sounds fast, clean, and very neutral. Certainly not for bassheads.

Midrange:

The midrange sounds on the lean side; it lacks the lower midrange for lushness; the upper midrange dominates; it sounds lean on most songs; it has a considerable pinna gain; but it sounds clear and clean.

Treble:

It has a bright treble, but not too much; there is a BA timbre in the treble that is not audible on some songs but obvious on others. Overall, not a bad-sounding treble; there are good details, resolution, and air


Compared to KZ ZS10 Pro 2:

I prefer the ZS10 Pro 2; it has a V-shape sound signature and sounds more natural to me, but the AS10 Pro has slightly more detail, resolution in the highs, and better bass articulation and textures.

Pros:


- very good bass articulation and texture
- good resolution and details for the price
- affordably priced
- nice design
- not heavy.
- nice soundstage
-

Cons:


- the note weight is on the thin side.
- big shell
- pressure build-up

Conclusion:

The KZ AS10 Pro is to me an exciting IEM due to its all-balanced-armature driver complement and the low price. Even though the tuning is not for everyone, I know that many people love this kind of tuning, and its bright sound could certainly enhance some genres of music. It also has a good resolution for the price. So, if you like brighter-sounding IEMs to enhance your choice of music, then I highly recommend the KZ AS10 Pro.

Once again, thank you, Linsoul Audio, for sending the KZ AS10 Pro for a review.

Happy listening! Cheers!

=================================================================================================================
Disclaimer:

• I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as earphones should be used.
• Linsoul sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, transparent review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
• The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
• No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
• Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.

Source/s used:

• - Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
• - Tanchjim Space DAC
• - Hidizs S9 Pro DAC
• - Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
• - Sony Xperia X Compact
• - Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: Stock large eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume.

=================================================================================================================
Sound signature:

• Just like most recent KZ IEMs released, the AS10 Pro exhibits a V-shaped sound signature that leans to the bassier side of the spectrum. On certain source/pairings, it may sound "relatively neutral" with a subbass boost.

Lows:

• This region is definitely the highlight of the AS10 Pro as this is the most elevated region compared to the rest of the spectrum. It is thick, smooth, slightly subbass dominant, and fast in attack and decay. Texture is also present here as well, which is quite unusual based on my experience on IEMs with BA drivers and their bass characteristics. Bassheads at heart on a budget will definitely like this set, but will be lacking for those people who prefer their bass with a bit of longer decay.

Mids:

• As for the mids, it is mildly recessed, smooth, and definitely has warmth to it. Male vocals and the instruments found in this region still have the details I look for, just a bit thicker compared to what I am used to (I usually use neutral-sounding sets so please do keep that in mind). Upper mids are elevated, and has decent sparkle and air to it. While this region doesn’t have any abnormal sibilance and harshness, it is greatly affected by BA timbre, which tends to emphasize and make consonants linger longer than usual. This isn’t a deal breaker to most people like me who heard things on both extremes of IEM price and value, but will be a sign to avoid this IEM for those people who are very sensitive to brighter upper frequencies due to the aforementioned BA timbre. This BA timbre is also carried all the way to the treble.

Treble:

• Speaking of the treble, it is well extended, has good clarity and air. BA Timbre is present in this region as well. In return, detail retrieval is very good in this region. Microdetails are easily rendered and very, very audible without you needing to concentrate too much on one specific part.

Soundstage, Imaging and Separation:

• It is no surprise that BA drivers most of the time excel in this region, especially if an IEM has multiple BA drivers that are well-implemented in this department. And it really shows here in the AS10 Pro. The soundstage is your usual wide, with a good amount of depth and height. Separation and Layering are very incisive and clean on this set, rendering very heavy and busy passages with ease. Imaging is precise and shows very good vocal and instrument positioning. This also translates when this IEM is used on playing games.

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Other IEM Comparisons!

Simgot EW200

• The Simgot EW200 is a u-shaped sounding set that leans to the brighter side of the spectrum, which is the opposite to the AS10 Pro. Bass is definitely faster, and more elevated on the AS10 Pro, but not by much. The mids is a bit more vivid and open on the EW200. Treble is also a bit better on the EW200 as well because it is smoother and free from any BA timbre (yes aura-fi, of course that’s obvious). Soundstage is wider on the EW200, while the separation, layering, and imaging is better on the AS10 Pro.

EPZ Q1 Pro

• The EPZ Q1 Pro is a Harman-Tuned set that also leans to the warmer side of the spectrum. The AS10 Pro still has faster and more bass quantity when compared, but the Q1 Pro is “natural” in bass in terms of decay and presentation. The mids are also more open when compared to the Q1 Pro, while the treble is a bit more detailed on the AS10 Pro. Technical performance is better on the AS10 Pro.

Twistura D-Major (with stock black filter)

• The D-Major is a neutral-bright sounding set, and is the complete opposite of the AS10 Pro. They are toe-to-toe in terms of technicalities, but the overall bass response is better on the AS10 Pro.

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Pros:

• An all-rounder, bass-leaning sound signature! (highly subjective)
• Bass-oriented yet clean sound quality (for an all-BA set)
• Well done bass speed and details!
• Thick, rumbly subbass.
• Smooth, “musical” mids.
• Decently extended upper frequencies.
• Above average technical performance for its price!
• Decent fit, comfort, and isolation (subjective).
• Very good build quality!
• Straightforward, free-from-tuning-switches IEM! (subjective)
• Easy to drive.

Cons:

• BA timbre is very prevalent on higher volumes.
• While the fit exhibits good isolation, it also shows a bit of “internal pressure” in my ears (could be only on my ears, hence subjective)
• Faceplate is prone to scratches and smudges.
• Shell is big and may not fit smaller than average ear sizes.
• Despite having a “refreshed packaging”, the accessories are still barebone.

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The KZ AS10 Pro is KZ’s “refinement” answer to the previous AS10, ASF, and the other AS-named IEM in the series existed. We’re well-aware that they are releasing IEMs almost every week, but recently there’s a pattern where they make quite remarkable IEMs in their brand itself in every price range they cover, and the KZ AS10 Pro is one of those. If we’re talking about how this IEM fares in the saturated market, it competes well on its own, for an all-BA driver set mainly due to its technical performance and bass character. The only deal breaker that I see in this IEM is its larger than average shell size and its BA timbre, which may be resolved sooner or later by them. But until then, I can recommend this IEM if you want your bass to be impactful for a BA driver while not compromising the technical performance, and if you have no problems with BA timbre.

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Pairing recommendations:

• Source: The KZ AS10 Pro is easy to drive, and a warmer sounding dongle is preferred.
• Eartips: The eartips included are soft enough, but you may use your preferred eartips.
• Cable: The cable is durable and good enough if we’re talking in a practical sense. You may use your preferred cable.

Thank you for reading!


Non-affiliated link here: https://www.linsoul.com/products/kz-as10-pro

Additional photos here:

Intro

KZ AS10 Pro is a new product in AS line up made by KZ equipped with 5 Balanced armature in each earpiece. This is the first time I auditioned an all BA setup so far its not bad though. I was wonder the BA handling the bass? The linearity is the one I noticed is not that boomy or big perhaps it caters clean and precise bass response. Still I'm impressed in its sound quality. Let get into it.




Disclaimer

My opinions are unbiased, and I haven't been influenced or instructed to praise these IEMs. Every detail in this review is actual experience made by listening for hours everyday.





Brand model
KZ AS10 Pro

Plug Type
3.5mm

Frequency Response
20-40000Hz

Impedance
26Ω

Impedance
32 ohms

Cable Type
Silver-plated cable

Cable Length
120±5cm

Sensitivity
109dB

Pin Type
0.75mm





Packaging

Pair of KZ AS10 Pro (already inserted foam tips)
Silver-plated cable
Set of silicon eartips
Manual





Build and Comfort

The build of AS10 Pro is made of resin I found it sturdy ensuring it last long. The unique design strikes an angular pattern of the faceplate with a triangular vent. The body is transparent where you can see the BA's inside it. The earpiece is on the larger side since I dont have a problem wearing this. For smaller ears I recommend to auditioned this first but if it fits you well, you will not remove this in your ear because how comfortable these are.


Drivability

For 5 BA setup surprisingly it is easy to drive with your smartphone but still benefits in more powerful sources to wake up more the dynamics.





Sound Aspects


Source used :


Realme 9 Pro

KiwiEars Allegro

Onix Alpha XI1

Fosi Audio SK02


This iems spend 40-50 hours of burn in using pink noise before taking details of this review


The AS10 Pro is a V shaped tuning delivers clean and precise bass, smooth and natural mids and energetic and detailed treble. When I was testing this IEM quite sometime giving this ample power it will show its hidden clarity and nuances.


Bass

The bass exhibits clean and control that doesnt bleeds onto the mids. It is not big and making a deep impact perhaps it is well textured and nuanced so basshead wont satisfy on this department I found it fun and engaging to make an enjoyment presentation.


Mids

The midrange is smooth and have an analogue-ish approach take note this is an All BA setup well done KZ for making this happen. The added warmth in mids contributes to the naturalness of vocals and instruments. The vocals is pushed forward and somewhat shouty in higher volumes but there's no BA timbre which is excellent.


Treble

The treble is airy, sparkly and have lively dynamics. It picks up microdetails and nuanced contributing to its musicality.
Percussion instruments have decent note weight ,bite, crisp, but still smooth. In some tracks it can be fatiguing because of its energetic treble controlling the volume depends on tracks will solve this problem.


Technicalities

The soundstage is wide and there's no sign being boxy in the mix. The imaging is decent for the asking price. This is where it excel the resolution and layering when you give this right amount of power the clarity is superb and the separation of instruments improved a lot resulting a clear picture of the presentation





Conclusion

KZ is bringing up a new IEM on the table AS10 Pro offers great sound value with its unique design and fun and engaging sound signature. The ability to extract details makes you lost to the music without noticed this is another IEM such as KZ ZS10 Pro 2 makes me impressed how they refined it so well. Although it lacks some necessary accessories on its price point I think KZ compensate this with its excellent performance.


Non affiliated links below :
https://www.linsoul.com/products/kz-as10-pro?_pos=2&_sid=df0656bf5&_ss=r

https://www.kztws.com/products/kz-as10-pro-with-innovative-10-balanced-armature-drivers-iem-earphone

Review Of The KZ AS10 Pro​

Introduction​

KZ has recently made significant improvements in the way they tune their products, thanks to increased feedback from their audiophile followers. As I previously stated, Kz was instrumental in starting my IEM journey and interest. I still believe that Kz truly bridges the gap between a casual listener and an audiophile, and I am living proof of this. albeit my personal experience does not show it, I believe Kz is still doing an excellent job, albeit I remain wary of their public relations. But, getting back to the review, Kz recently introduced a successor to one of their original products (AS10), the AS10 Pro, and I was fortunate enough to receive one for review, but before I go any further, I'd like to clarify a few points.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. As I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “AS10 Pro.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the AS10 Pro based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

Unlike the AS10, which featured a hybrid setup of one dynamic driver and four balanced armature drivers, the AS10 Pro has an all BA driver setup with five custom BA drivers. The shell has also been enhanced, though it feels a little larger, and the design is quite ergonomic, making it feel safe and comfortable on my ears. The shells also felt a little weighty, but there were no difficulties with comfort or isolation during longer periods of use. The faceplate on the shell is composed of metal and extends quite far over the shell; nonetheless, I believe that for a 5 BA configuration, the shell is excessively large.The cable that comes with the IEM is the standard KZ cable that they include with any of their mid-tier IEMs; it also features qdc connections on one end and a 3.5mm L-shaped termination plug on the other. The other included accessories are three pairs of silicon eartips and one pair of foam eartips. Technical characteristics include an impedance of 26 Ohms and a sensitivity of 109dB. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 40kHz.

Sound​

The feedback to any KZ IEMs lately has been increasingly positive; I recall testing the AS10 and not preferring the sound due to better competitors in the same price bracket. But now that I have the AS10 Pro, it appears that KZ has been actively working on their Planar, all BA, multi-hybrid, and other configurable IEMs. The AS10 Pro produces a bright neutral sound with sub bass boost, and for an all BA IEM with a weak predecessor, I believe it has vastly improved in terms of tonality and technical performance. The sound does not come off as offensive, though there are some instances where it adds some heat or sibilance. In other words, the sound incorporates BA timbre. Let's go further into the sound to learn more about it.

Treble​

The treble response produces a bright, lean sound with an airy and broad response. The reach of the high notes or the pitch of the notes is slightly regulated to sound less offensive. The upper treble has an airy and expansive response that allows the vocals and instruments to sound as expressive and pure as possible, whilst the brightish character does not produce a sharp sound but rather a metallic one that sounds crisp. The air provides for a vast and spacious sound while simultaneously instilling a lean quality in the notes. The lower treble has a lot of energy that is strong and forward in the mix, but it never sounds too lean, hot, or sibilant. In my opinion, because the midrange also has that forward presentation, it balances that note weight and consistency. The vocals and instruments have improved note weight and clarity, as well as good detail. The instruments do not hide in the background, but rather integrate perfectly with the mix, making it sound very expressive. Tracks like Black Water Lilies by AURORA sound amazing with that broad and airy sound, but her vocals feel a touch too hot for my hearing, especially as she scales to upper octaves, but the instruments have a very vibrant and distinct character. As a result, the overall presentation of the treble region is airy, extensive, and detailed, with traces of hotness mixed in.

Mid Range​

The midrange offers a nice timbre and note quality, allowing for a seamless and smooth response whether it's vocals or instruments. Normally, I have difficulties with the BA IEMs from Kz due to how spiking they sound and uneven in the midrange, but when I listened to the AS10 Pro, the response was really precise and enjoyable to hear. The upper midrange has high vitality, which is similar to the lower treble, albeit the presentation is not as forward as the lower treble. The vocals and instruments have a lovely smooth response that doesn't add much lean quality, but it's there; the presentation is light and open-sounding, especially with the female vocals. The instruments offer a clear and bright response that complements the overall response. Although the lower midrange is muffled, the vocalists and instruments can be heard clearly. The notes have adequate weight and do not appear to lack solidity or make the response sound hollow. Tracks like Majiko's Kokoronashi sound more transparent and revealing, with crisper and more vibrant vocals, making the response more engaging and appealing to me. As a result, the midrange region sounds lively, fluid, and open.

Bass​

The best aspect about a KZ all BA set is that the bass has much improved in terms of presence and control. I mean that the bass response is well-controlled, clear, and detailed. The emphasis is on the sub bass, however the mid bass has some presence but lacks weight in the slams and thumps. The sub bass region offers good depth and rumbles, and the punches are rapid and precise, making the sound very controlled and textured. The midbass has presence, but it's more noticeable than impactful. The intricacies and texture of the notes are excellent, with no muddiness or bloating. ISOxo's track "how2fly" sounds incredibly forward and expressive, and the bass is very precise and powerful, but not overly puffy. On the other side, tracks like Ricky Martin's I Don't Care appear to have good depth and presence, but BA bass lacks dynamics and heaviness in the overall presentation. Overall, the bass region is presented in a detailed, textured, and well controlled manner.

Technical Performance​

In terms of technical agility, I believe Kz has progressed in all aspects of their BA department. I believe the response is competitive, if not superior in some areas. Let's be more specific.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The presence and stage have good depth and width, and the holographic sound is good because of the accurate and clean imaging. The separation between the notes is quite good, since I can determine which direction the music is coming from.

Speed & Resolution​

The overall resolution is excellent, with adequate exposure for both macro and micro details. When it comes to the attack and decay of the notes, I believe they resolve quickly, allowing for a clear and consistent response.

Sound Impressions ​

Sources​

Sony WM1A - While listening to AS10 Pro with WM1A, the response sounded more expansive and airy, with controlled treble that made it sound balanced, and the bass sounded more distinct and compelling. The midrange felt more forward, while male vocals sounded leaner. However, the mid range does have that clarity and finesse.

FiiO M15S - While listening to AS10 Pro with M15S, the response seemed cleaner and more transparent, but the natural presence I felt with WM1A was lost. The treble sounds sharper and crisper, and the midrange sounds upfront and more expressive. The bass sounded more controlled, a little too controlled, and less apparent in the mix, but it was still discernible.

Tracks​

Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring to Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

So, in the end, it appears that Kz done an excellent job adjusting AS10 Pro in a unique and brighter manner. I am confident that the quality of the drivers and sound has improved; therefore, if you are searching for an all BA set with well controlled bass, forward midrange, and detailed treble, this is the set I recommend.

Today, I'm diving into the KZ AS10 Pro, the eagerly anticipated successor to the original AS10 after six years, before i start i would like to thank Linsoul for sending the AS10 Pro for review. My impression from the all-black packaging hints at a flagship product from KZ. However, the accessories inside is exactly what you expect from every KZ product. The box contains the usual Starline tips and the standard cable common across KZ products. While functional, the cable lacks standout features and feels rather basic.

The AS10 Pro earphones themselves tell a different story. They boast an impressive, high-quality construction, feel solid and chunky though their larger size might be a concern for those with smaller ears. Personally, I found them to fit comfortably and securely, with the deep nozzle providing effective isolation that enhances the listening experience. However, the chunky size and shape make them stick out of my ears compared to the more compact original AS10.

Sound Quality

Bass:
The bass performance of the AS10 Pro is nothing short of remarkable. It offers a satisfying depth that rivals many dynamic driver IEMs. With excellent extension, the bass is tight, controlled, and powerful. Unlike the older AS10, which had a fun and boomy bass, the AS10 Pro's bass is more refined and mature. While it lacks some of the fun factor of the original, it still delivers an impressive impact for a balanced armature. Both the mid and sub-bass are well-executed, presenting a dynamic quality that brings energy to the music.

Midrange:
The midrange of the AS10 Pro delivers a smooth sound that adds rich texture and warmth to male vocals and clear presence to female vocals. The midrange is detailed without being overly harsh or fatiguing, offering a warm to neutral timbre. While it may not sound as natural as a well-tuned dynamic driver, it significantly improves over the original AS10's balanced armature timbre. KZ has finally perfected its BA tuning, achieving an almost dynamic driver-like tone and timbre. Vocals are slightly more forward compared to the original AS10, though they still retain a somewhat recessed quality, in line with the classic V-shaped sound of the AS10.

Treble:
The treble is finely tuned, smooth yet detailed. There’s a natural sparkle and airiness to instruments, avoiding excessive sibilance or harshness. The upper treble extension is well-managed, though on some tracks it can become too energetic and fatiguing for those sensitive to treble brightness. Overall, the treble is detailed, agile, and airy.

Soundstage and Technical Performance:
Compared to the original AS10, the AS10 Pro excels in technicalities. The soundstage is impressively spacious, allowing for accurate imaging and excellent instrument separation. The detail retrieval is equally noteworthy, with the BA drivers capable of revealing subtle variations and textures across all frequencies.

Afterthoughts

In conclusion, the KZ AS10 Pro is a stellar IEM, showcasing well-tuned balanced armature drivers that deliver an impressive performance. Despite the modest accessories, the earphones themselves are a delight, combining comfort, excellent isolation despite their bulky shape and size, and outstanding sound quality. This makes the AS10 Pro a worthy successor to my favorite and oldest KZ IEM. However, if I were to choose between the Pro and the original AS10, I would still pick the original AS10 for its more musical, fun sound with boomy, deep sub-bass and fast, punchy mid-bass.

Linsoul : https://www.linsoul.com/products/kz-as10-pro?_pos=2&_psq=KZ+AS10+PRO&_ss=e&_v=1.0

KZ AS10 Pro
I was contacted by Kate, the social media representative at KZ, and was sent a review sample of the new AS10 Pro. It is a 5BA set and retails for around $50.

The Packaging
The AS10 Pro comes in the familiar KZ small black box with a white sticker on the side bearing the product information. Sliding the box open reveals the IEMs in a foam cut out, below which the accessories are stored below a cardboard flap.

The contents comprise:

● AS10 Pro IEMs
● Silver plated 2-pin cable
● Three pairs of "Starline" tips (S, M, L)
● One pair foam tips (M) pre-fitted
● Documentation

Build and Design
The AS10 Pro is a completely new design. The earpieces are triangular in form with rounded corners and finished in a shiny gunmetal colour with the model name "AS10 Pro" in a white script font. There is a narrow triangular vent with a mesh and channel identification can be seen in the bottom corner of the faceplate. The clear plastic 2-pin socket is on the top of the faceplate which is made from alloy and the rest of the earpiece is clear resin, enabling the BA drivers to be seen. The nozzles are gold-colouref metal with a silver mesh and there is a gold KZ logo on the underside. Like most of the recent KZ releases, the earpieces are very well made.

The original AS10 has been around for a while. The drivers used in that are: 22955 for bass, 29869 for mids, 31005 for mid/high and 2 x 30095 for the high frequencies. This was also the configuration for the BA10. The AS10 Pro uses the 22955 and 29689 like the original, but mid/high frequencies are handled by a dual 31736 array while the upper range is covered by a single 30019 BA. There are no BAs placed in the nozzle as in some previous models.

The cable is a silver plated copper type with a 2-pin 0.78mm connector and a gold plated 90° angled 3.5mm plug. The sheath is transparent, revealing the copper wire within. The cable is not as prone to tangling as previous KZ designs but there is still no chin slider.

Fit and Isolation
The AS10 Pro has quite long nozzles and I could not get an acceptable fit with any of the supplied tips. After some experimentation I settled on a pair of KBEAR wide bore tips with which I obtained a comfortable and secure fit with excellent isolation. These tips also allowed the earpieces to sit much closer to the ear. External sounds were substantially attenuated, with even loud traffic noise while walking barely audible.

Sound Impressions
The AS10 Pro was tested with Xduoo X20, Sony NWZ-A15 and Hidizs AP80 Pro X DAPs. A smartphone, via a USB-C dongle, and a digital radio were also used. I found the IEMs to be rather source-sensitive with the Hidizs AP80 Pro X sounding a little too soft and the Sony losing a little in impact, whereas the Xduoo X20 displayed good synergy and provided some extra power. The IEMs were subjected to a burn-in period of 100 hours before evaluation. The sensitivity was just a little low with a moderate increase in volume necessary to obtain a healthy signal. I also found the AS10 Pro to be very fussy with regard to cables and the best result was obtained with a NiceHCK Black Cat.

Tonality
The AS10 Pro was impressive straight out of the box. It displayed excellent detail and immediacy with a very natural timbre, especially in the bass which was deep, resolving and fast with an almost DD-like quality and natural decay. Both mids and treble were extremely clear and somewhat forward but totally lacking in harshness and displaying abundant detail and projection, giving the impression of a live performance. Staging, because of the transparency in the mids and treble, was fairly spacious with excellent positioning of elements within the image but there was a reduction in depth.

Bass
Although using only one 22955 bass BA, the low frequencies were punchy, dynamic and speedy with a natural warmth and decay similar to that of a dynamic driver and a rich sub bass response seldom found with a BA. Resolution and texture were of a high standard and instruments displayed a natural timbre. The reproduction of studio and hall ambience was very convincing.

"Seven Passages" from Iranian composer Behzad Ranjbaran's "Persian Trilogy" is based on an episode in the 11th century poem "The Book of Kings", titled "The Seven Trials of Rostam". It is a richly scored work which is reminiscent of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade", both thematically and in orchestration. On the AS10 Pro, the dramatic opening came to life with the powerful percussion section to the forefront, the timpani and bass drum sounding forceful and full of impact. The decay of the drums and ambience of the hall were realistically conveyed with a natural timbre and tonality similar to that of a good DD but with the speed and precision of a BA.

"EVA" from Jonn Serrie's spacemusic album "Elysian Lightships" showcases the AS10 Pro's ability to produce a deep and satisfying bass response. The introduction features smooth, ethereal synth patches evoking the vast dimensions of space. Soon a deep sub bass drone forms a solid foundation and there was a definite sense of weight with good texture and definition. The bass never dominated proceedings and always stayed perfectly in balance with the other elements in the production.

Midrange
The AS10's midrange was exceptionally clear and transparent with a high level if detail. As a result, imaging and movement were particularly well rendered. The tonality was a touch brighter than neutral but totally lacking in harshness and there was no bleed from the bass region. The timbrexwas largely natural with a slight warmth in the lower mids and becoming brighter with frequency. There was a moderate rise towards the treble boundary which was nicely contoured and dovetailed smoothly into the treble.

"A Chloris" by the Venezuelan composer Reynaldo Hahn is a homage to Bach. In the recording by John Lenehan and Julian Lloyd Webber, the timbre of the cello and piano sounded realistic and natural. The sense of space in the recording venue was accurately reproduced and a touch of extra brightness from the AS10 Pro gave the impression of attending a live performance.

The expressive and slightly forward nature of the midrange ensured that vocals came over very well. Chris Izaak’s “Wicked Game” was a good example of this, with his voice clearly focused above the guitar and bass accompaniment. James Wilsey's haunting vibrato lead guitar set the scene and the subtle backing vocals were in perfect balance in this excellent production. The emotional expression in Izaak’s voice was convincingly conveyed with the dark and brooding atmosphere of the piece effectively communicated.

Treble
The treble was characterised by speed, high levels of detail, excellent extension and fast transient attack. At times, it did stray close to the edge in terms of brightness but never crossed the line into harshness and did not display a tendency for sibilance. There was good extension with a definite sense of "air" and precise separation.

"A Gradual Awakening" is the first album from Canadian synth duo Mychael Danna and Tim Clement. It was released on the now-defunct Fortuna label. It is an album of electronic music inspired by the landscapes of Canada.

"Ice and Air" begins with descending swirling arpeggios in the high registers evoking snowfall. Each sound was cleanly depicted and displayed good separation and extension. As the track continued a powerful bass drone added depth but the high frequencies remained clean throughout and retained their clarity. The detail in the various melodic strands was nicely differentiated with each part having its own character.

Charles Ives's "The Unanswered Question" is a remarkable orchestral piece.
The classic recording by the New York Philharmonic under Leonard Bernstein came over dramatically on the AS10 Pro with the quiet and contemplative introduction punctuated by the atonal trumpet solos and powerful declamations from the woodwind which produced a startling effect just as the composer intended. During these interludes, the individual timbres of the various instruments were easy to discern, remaining clean and clear even in the most dynamic passages.

Soundstage and Imaging
The AS10 Pro's stage was of reasonable size, thecwidthbeing most noticeable an̈d with a good impression of height. However the depth did suffer from some compression due to the forward nature of the midrange. Imaging was notable feature, while both separation and layering were of a high standard, as befits a multi-driver design.

"Genesis Ch.1 v32" appears on the album "I Robot" by the Alan Parsons Project. In the introduction sustained phased synthesisers fill both sides of the image. As the track progresses, with each bar more layers are added: twelve string guitar, vocal samples, solo guitar, bass, percussion and sound effects, ending in a very dense production. Throughout, the AS10 Pro managed to retain a hold on all the disparate elements and present them as a coherent whole with precise layering and separation. The gradual rise in intensity towards the climax was very well portrayed which allowed the drama of the piece to be appreciated.

"Lujon" by Henry Mancini is a colourful orchestral piece evoking a tropical panorama. After an introduction featuring various percussion instruments, a lush string accompaniment creates an atmosphere redolent of a romantic interlude in a spy movie. The AS10 Pro made the most of this providing a rich and smooth rendition filling the soundstage while the position of all the different sections of the orchestra were clearly defined. Throughout this, alongside the excellent technical performance, both the musicality and feeling of the piece were retained.

Comparisons
All comparisons were made using an Xduoo X20 DAP with a NiceHCK Black Cat cable.

KZ BA10
The BA10 is a 5BA model which uses: 1 × 22955 bass driver, 1 x 29869 midrange BA, 1 x 31005 mid/high unit and 2 x 30095 for the high frequencies. This is the same configuration as the original AS10, although in a different shell. There are no BAs placed within the nozzle and the shell is vented. Its unusual shell, though very well built, can cause fit ssues for listeners with small ear canals, but fortunately I obtained a good comfortable fit with this model.

The BA10 has a well balanced mild V shaped profile. Bass is very natural in tonality, with good impact and timbre resembling a DD. The midrange is perhaps its best feature, being open, smooth and detailed with excellent layering and treble is also well controlled with the two 30095 BAs tuned less aggressively than customary. Soundtage is of smaller dimensions than the AS10 Pro and is perhaps it's weakest feature.

The AS10 Pro improves on the BA10 in every department, with a larger, more expansive stage, a higher level of detail, a noticeable increase in clarity and a more natural timbre throughout. The bass is deeper and has a more believable decay and tonality. KZ's tuning has improved in recent times and the AS10 Pro is a perfect example of this.

KZ AS12
The AS12 is a six-driver IEM. The BAs employed are 2 x 22955 for the bass, 2 x 29869 for the mids and 2 x 30095 for the treble. The shell is similar to the AS16 and CCA C16 and is not vented. All the drivers are housed within the shell.

The AS12 is a neutral/bright IEM which majors on detail and clarity. Bass shows good speed and depth, the midrange is detailed and clean and the treble well extended and bright. There is a touch of "BA timbre" in its presentation which is totally absent in the AS10 Pro, which has a warmer and more natural tonality across the frequency range. The AS12, because of its cooler and more forward midrange, has a shallower stage and also loses a little in separation in busy passages whereas the AS10 retains a grip on proceedings, with better layering and imaging. The AS12 also can become fatiguing over longer listening periods, whereas the AS10 Pro is more relaxing and is more suitable for longer sessions.

TRN X7
The seven-driver X7 is equipped with the following BAs: 1 x 22955 (bass) 1 x 29869 (mids), 2 x 50060 (mid/high) and 3 x 30095 (treble). Like the AS12 and BA10, no BAs are placed within the nozzle, but the output from the BAs is channelled through 3D printed sound tubes to the nozzle. With the supplied tips, it is very comfortable to wear for long periods.

Th X7 has a well balanced profile with a lively and detailed character. Sub bass is very capable, especially for a BA and there is good weight in the mid bass, giving a warm and rich quality to the low frequencies. Midrange is again well contoured with a nicely judged rise into the treble and a clean delivery with good timbre. The treble is smooth but lively and there is an overall feeling of immediacy. It is broadly similar to the AS10 Pro but has a little more mid bass warmth. The sub bass is not as deep but the soundstage is considerably larger in all three dimensions. The treble is smoother and softer giving the impression of being not quite so detailed but it is less prone to fatigue. The choice between this and the AS10 Pro is more a matter of taste.

Conclusion
The AS10 Pro is another example of the improvement in tuning displayed by the more recent releases from KZ such as the Castor Harman, CCA Trio and PR3. There was no evidence of "BA timbre", the bass possessed a depth, power and texture more usually associated with a good DD and the midrange was clean, clear and detailed and showed only minimal recession. There were a couple of minor issues; the soundstage was a little shallow and he upper mids/lower treble occasionally became more emphasised, but this only occurred with certain material.

I have not heard the original AS10 so cannot say whether the Pro is an improvement for me but I feel it is preferable to the BA10, AS16 Pro and AS12. However, I also think that it is the best all-BA design from KZ I have heard so far and it comes highly recommended.

Intro/Disclaimer​

2024 has been an unbelievable year for budget IEM releases. Today I will be reviewing the KZ AS10 Pro, the successor to the original KZ AS10 which was released almost six years ago. For those that don’t know, KZ is one of the pioneers of the budget IEM scene and has been around since 2008. They have released quite a number of IEMs over the years under the KZ or CCA branding. The AS10 line is configured with 5BAs per side, three for highs/ultra highs, one for mids, and one for lows.

This set was provided to me by Linsoul in exchange for my honest opinion. No money exchanged hands, and I was not asked to say anything specific. All thoughts and opinions below are my own and not influenced by any external party.

My impressions are solely based on what I hear with my own two ears as this is a very subjective hobby. My ratings are also based on how I think this IEM fares against others in the same price category.

My primary litmus test when it comes to audio gear is whether or not vocals and instruments sound natural/organic. Regardless if the IEM has the biggest bass or the most technical treble. If it doesn’t sound natural to my ears then it’s a red flag. SPOILER: The AS10 Pro definitely delivers on this front.

Links​

Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/products/kz-as10-pro
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?me=A267P2DT104U3C&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Packaging and accessories​

The AS10 Pro comes in the standard small cardboard sleeve packaging that you see amongst all other KZ/CCA IEMs. Inside, you will find the IEMs with foam tips installed, along with 3 pairs of KZ silicone tips and a QDC 2 pin cable. The accessory package is quite lackluster for a $68 IEM in 2024. The cable was the biggest disappointment, as it’s the same thin plasticky cable included with all KZ sets.

Build, Comfort and Fit​

The build of this IEM consists of a 3D-printed resin shell with a brushed aluminum faceplate. The shell is of medium/large size and is similar to other KZ/CCA IEMs like the Hydro, Rhapsody, and Trio. The IEM fits fairly well in my ear once I got the proper seal but those with smaller ears should exercise caution as the shell is quite large. Overall, the build quality of the AS10 Pro seems top notch.

Specs​

The KZ AS10 PRO features 5 Balanced Armature drivers: 22955 Low Frequency BA, 29689 Mid Frequency BA, 31736 High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency Array BA, and 30019 High Frequency BA.
Frequency: 20-40000Hz
Impedance: 26Ω
Sensitivity:109dB
Pin type: QDC 0.75mm
Plug type: 3.5mm
Cable type: Silver-plated cable
Cable length: 120±5cm
PRICE: $68.99 USD

Sound​

Sources Used
KZ AS10 Pro w/ Tangzu Sancai balanced tips <- Chord Mojo 2 <- MacMini M1 <- Apple Music Lossless

Songs played






Initial impressions (before brain burn in)
I usually like to jot down my first impressions within the first few minutes of listening to a new IEM. Because, believe it or not, brain burn-in is a real thing.

Upon listening to the first few songs in my library, I was immediately impressed with the large soundstage and excellent vocal clarity. The timbre and tonality on the AS10 Pro is really good for an all-BA set. Male and female vocals are forward but not overbearing. Some songs can come across shouty but that is very artist dependent. There is quite a bit of upper treble energy but I did not find it too sibilant or piercing. It’s pretty clear that KZ was going for a V-shaped sound signature with this set.

Lows (Bass)

• Good sub bass extension and rumble for an all-BA set
• Engaging midbass that is not overbearing
• Well textured and nuanced

Mids

• Vocals are pushed forward in the mix
• Male vocals have a nice warmth and richness
• Female vocals are energetic but doesn’t cross the line
• Energetic and engaging upper mid range

Highs (Treble)

• Good clarity and instrument separation
• Lot of energy in the 6-10k range
• Some songs can come off as too spicy
• High hats and cymbals can come off metallic

Technicalities (Soundstage/Separation/Imaging)

• Excellent instrument separation and imaging
• Good micro-details
• Soundstage is done very well
• Great coherency for an all BA set

Comparisons​

I’ll be comparing the AS10 Pro to another all-BA set, the DUNU SA6 MK1($549) and the single-DD Simgot EA500LM ($79) (Graph Credit: Paul Wasabi)


DUNU SA6 MK1

I know this is not a fair fight, but hear me out. It’s not as one sided as you might think. The DUNU SA6 came out in 2021 to much praise and fanfare but a lot has changed in three years (which is like ten in IEM world).

Upon initial comparison, you can tell that the SA6 has the more safe tuning. Especially when it comes to the treble. It also has more presence in the midrange compared to the AS10 Pro. Leading to more textured and nuanced vocals. Instruments like guitars and drum snares also sound a bit more natural.

The SA6 also has a bass switch that one can use to increase that part of the frequency range. With it on, the bass on the SA6 definitely has more oomph. With it off, I would say the bass quantity and quality are on par with the AS10 Pro.

Now, where does the AS10 Pro excel? Soundstage and imaging. It’s not even close. The AS10 Pro presents a much larger soundstage along with pinpoint imaging. I’m able to pick out instruments in the mix with ease. If you want to squeeze every last ounce of detail from your music then I would definitely steer you towards the AS10 Pro.

Winner: Tie - The tuning of the AS10 Pro is not for everyone but you can’t ignore the value proposition compared to more expensive all-BA sets like the SA6. For a fraction of the price, you are getting similar performance if you can handle the treble.


Simgot EA500LM

The next set I’ll be comparing the AS10 Pro to is the Simgot EA500LM, which is considered by many in the community as the benchmark for an under $80 set with great midrange and treble extension.

Looking at the graph, you can see that the EA500LM has a much more filled-in mid-bass and lower midrange. This along with the fact that it’s a dynamic driver, provides a much more enjoyable experience when listening to modern music genres. The bass reproduction is just so much more nuanced and textured coming from the EA500LM.

The midrange between the two are quite comparable, both have similar amounts of ear gain through the upper midrange. However, vocals sound a bit more natural on the EA500LM and less shouty.

Treble is also quite comparable, but I would say the AS10 Pro wins out in terms of sheer resolution and imaging. The EA500LM is no slouch but one-DD is no comparison to 5BAs in terms of resolution.

Winner: EA500LM - If you are after sheer resolution, then I would pick the AS10 Pro but for everything else EA500LM is the better choice.

Conclusion​

I would be lying if I said that I didn’t have many high expectations coming into this review. However, suffice it to say, I was pleasantly surprised. KZ really did a good job tuning the AS10 Pro, and although I’ve never heard the original, everybody agrees that this iteration is better on all fronts.

It’s quite remarkable how good the under-$100 IEM market is these days. If you are looking for a V-shaped all BA set with great tuning then you can’t go wrong with the KZ AS10 Pro. Be warned: the cable is quite bad so definitely plan on upgrading it if you decide to get this set. With that said, for under a hundred dollars, I think you can get yourself a very nice pair of IEMs for not just listening to music but also gaming. The soundstage and pinpoint imaging will be perfect for tactical shooters.

Hope you enjoyed this review, let me know in the comments if you have any questions.

Today, I'm examining the KZ AS10 Pro, the successor to the original AS10. The all-black packaging suggests a flagship product, although the accessories do not match up. Inside the box are the standard Starline tips and the usual cable that accompanies all their products. It's not a poor-quality cable; it's just unremarkable and lacks flair. The AS10 Pro earphones themselves look impressive and are well-constructed; however, they are on the larger side, so those with smaller ears should be aware that the fit may be tight. For me, I found them comfortable and snug, and the isolation was effective.

Sound-wise, the AS10 PRO represents a significant improvement over the original while preserving that classic tone.
Bass:
offers a satisfying depth that rivals many dynamic driver IEMs, with excellent extension, tight and controlled powerful impact, and impressive texturing. Both Mid and Sub Bass are remarkable, exhibiting an almost dynamic quality.
Midrange:
The midrange delivers a "smooth and natural" sound, with a lift that add thickness and warmth to male vocals, and presence to female vocals, without being overly harsh or fatiguing. The overall timbre leans slightly towards the warm and lush side. directly in opposition to the original.
Treble:
The high tones are smooth, yet they possess a natural detail, with a lift that imparts the perfect amount of sparkle and air to instruments, avoiding any excessive sibilance or harshness. They maintain a relaxed and secure quality with a well-managed upper treble extension.
Soundstage And Technical:
The soundstage is impressively spacious, offering an accurate imaging and instrument separation. Detail retrieval is just as impressive, with the drivers capable of revealing subtleties and textures across frequencies. The nuances in vocals and instruments are conveyed clearly, resulting in a more natural and life-like presentation.

Afterthoughts:
The new AS10 Pro is a capable and delightful IEM, with well-tuned BA drivers that are impressive, making it my favorite product from the brand to date.