KZ Krila - 1DD + 1BA with 4 tuning switch

Introduction​

This is honestly a long overdue of a review for the KZ Krila. I bought it around the time when DMS called KZ out for their very very aggressive marketing, so when KZ clarified DMS on this, they also gave out an offer to 100 people where they can order the KZ Krila for $1 USD. And that's how I decided to try the KZ Krila out.

Build, Design, and Comfort​

I prefer this design language (much like the D-Fi, the Castor, the Castor Bass, and other similarly designed KZ IEMs) compared to the ZSN-ish design. It has a sleeker and more minimal profile than the previous industrial look that the ZSN and the ZS10 Pro used. It gives this a more identifiable and uniform aesthetic while having enough space to have its distinct features, like the Krila faceplate, which has a wing-inspired design.

Build quality is decent. It's the expected metal faceplate with a plastic surrounding shell.

Comfort is neither amazing nor fatiguing, but it's comfortable for my ears. If there's an IEM I can think of that's more comfortable, that would be the Truthear Hola, which fits more snug to my ears.

Subjective Sound (Sound Impressions)​

All impressions done in all switches up (UUUU or 1111)

The bass response is one of the best features of the Krila. Even though I say as such, it's average. It has a decent kick for EDM and metal genres, while not being an IEM that's desirable for bassheads.
The mids and treble is where I have problems with this set. While the midrange is decent overall, vocals sounded like it has an extra zing in some of my tracks, especially on higher-pitched vocals. There's an extra lingering texture that isn't very present on other IEMs in its price range. It becomes more apparent when cymbals come into play. The cymbals are very strident when it comes to its texture. It's like the sensation of hitting a thin piece of metal that causes too much resonance (aka. metallic timbre). The result is that cymbals comes across as unrefined and harsh.

Staging performance is also not very good either. While I wouldn't expect amazing perception of width, depth, and imaging in its price range, the Krila has a more cluttered presentation in its reproduction even compared to the IEMs in its similar price range. It only gives me a wide area of where the cymbals are, but not a specific direction of where they should be. Aside from that, it has the usual elliptical shape without the sense of projection beyond my ears.

Other things to note:

• Bass dynamics, again, is fine. I think it's neither soft, loose, nor tight.
• Instrument layering is also fine. I can tell enough separation on this set. I just have more problems with the unclear placements.

Objective Sound (Frequency Response Analysis)​

As you can see on the graph provided:

• Switches all down (DDDD or 0000) makes the Krila bright-neutral. I don't recommend turning the switches off. My main problem is the treble.
• 4 tuning switches, and you only have varying amounts of bass response. Again, my main problem is the treble; any tuning switch doesn't address that.

It's a bit infuriating that with all these switches, it's essentially like having just one switch on any other IEM. I would suggest a more region-specific switch system (one for bass, one for lower mids, one for upper mids, one for treble) if it's possible. I think it would make the Krila a more compelling option.

Other than that, the treble actually looks fine, altho I'm using an IEC711 rig, so graphs above 6kHz is affected by insertion depth, and the spec is not too reliable above 10kHz. The only clue I can think of is that the resonance peak is very narrow or thin, but that's just a theory for me. There's probably IEMs out there with a more organic timbre that has a similar resonance peak shape. Midrange has an elevation at around 1.5k that is basically normal if you're used to IEF Neutral inspired signatures.

Overall, aside from my own qualms in specific areas, it sounds...decent. And in the graphs, it looks pretty normal compared to the previous offerings from KZ, like the ZSN Pro or the ZS10 Pro, and it roughly translates to my listening impressions.

Comparisons​

vs Moondrop Chu​

• KZ Krila is a more pleasing listen because the Moondrop Chu by itself is bright neutral, with a pretty soft and light bass response.
• The Moondrop Chu can only be considered better if you can EQ 6kHz down a lot, which would already fix its timbre issues on my ears.

vs QKZ HBB​

• QKZ HBB is a more flavored set. It's an IEM that's focused for bassheads. It has this very loose but boomy bass dynamics that sounds very enjoyable for EDM and metal genres.
• What I would say is that the QKZ HBB sounds more inoffensive in the treble compared to the Krila. I would probably say that it sounds more natural, even if it's too dark.
• While the QKZ HBB isn't very special in its overall staging performance, it exaggerates sounds that are directly left or right. So it might be a good idea to get the QKZ HBB for gaming.

vs Truthear x crinacle Zero​

• In theory, the Truthear Zero for me should sound worse than the Krila. Harman IE is a target that I don't necessarily agree with. It's too shouty. It can be too shrill. It can also be too lean.
• In practice, the Truthear Zero is surprisingly a more well rounded package despite my issues with its tuning.
• the Zero has a more bouncy-feeling bass, which sounds very engaging for EDM. Krila doesn't excite me in that regard
• the Zero also surprisingly has pretty natural timbre. Now again, it is still too shouty for me, and the cymbal attack can be intense, especially that it is exacerbated with its lean lower mids. But the mid treble to upper treble in my ears is modestly linear.
• Lastly, while the Zero sounds more congested in the perception of stage width compared to the Krila, which is relatively more open sounding, the Zero has better representation of the diagonals. As a result, it has more accurate imaging in my perception. It's a set that I'm actually surprised that works well for gaming despite my qualms in Harman IE.

vs Truthear x crinacle Zero:Red​

• No contest. the Zero:Red has the same qualities as the Zero, but tuned closer to my tastes.

Let's Wrap This Up.​

In conclusion, the KZ Krila is fine. It's a decent option in the market that will be bought by people and would be satisfied with it. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with that. My problem is that many companies and manufacturers can just make an IEM that is either tuned into some form of neutral or some form of Harman, and it is basically what we see everywhere in the current market, regardless of the price range. KZ's marketing is about how its tuning can outclass some $1000 IEMs, and it is true when compared to some $1000 IEMs. I won't deny there are badly tuned $1000 IEMs out there.

However, I say this:

Tuning Can Only Get You So Far...​

It's great that even KZ themselves are conscious of actually good tuning. It is a massive improvement from their previous products, like the ZSN Pro X. However, KZ also has to realize what market they're stepping into. We have the 7Hz Salnotes Zero, which is unique for being bright-neutral that's relatively well done. The TangZu Wan'er has a more lively vocal presentation while keeping a balanced tonality. The Truthear Hola has a more relaxed signature. Those three IEMs are very similar in terms of technical performance, so it all comes down to the consumers' preferred flavor of tuning. And then we have the KZ Krila, which tries to fit within those three IEMs, but has a worse representation of timbre compared to the other IEMs listed that the Krila just feels generic compared to the three aforementioned IEMs. The tuning switches are not helping to make the Krila stand out on the market. If this is KZ's method to become "unique", they should improve on this further like region-specific adjustments. Otherwise, it is a wasteful gimmick and shouldn't even be considered.

Here's a video review if you prefer to watch​

Disclaimer: Thank you and kudos to KZ for arranging this review unit, all herewith are based on own observation with no affiliation nor obligation, noob observation - please enjoy.

Packaging / Presentation :

Packaging in KZ white box. IEMs are well built top plate metal alloy and body resin. Comes with 1 black foam tip, 3 pairs of starline silicon tips in S M and L. Cable is the white flat cable.

Equipment used / Music choices :

ASUS Laptop WIN 11 with Spotify Connect to

• ifi UNO DAC to FSA Beyond HD Amplifier 6.35SE and Supplier HD Linear Supply
• Topping DX3PRO DAC to Topping Amplifier L30 6.35SE
• ifi Zen Dac v2.0 interconnected to ifi Zen Can 3.5SE/4.4BAL

Sony walkman A55 with Fiio A5 Portable Amplifier 3.5SE
LG G7+ 3.5mm SE with Shangling UP5 2.5bal/3.5SE/4.4bal BT via LDAC

Music Tracks - variety of EDM, pop, rock, jazz, country, instrumental, classical, audiophile male/female, chinese / cantonese favourites.

Some of tracks used -
Shatter Me – Lindsey Stirling

4x4=12 – Deadmau5
Need you tonight - INXS,
Jack and Diane - John Mellencamp,
I'm Good - David Guetta and Bebe Rexha,
Dancing in the Dark – Eddie Berman,
Snow Throwing – Lose Again,
IntroOooOoo – Kidkanevil, Daisuke Tanabe,
Brydshot and Bye - Dimlite,
Mushroom Picker Dance - Floex,
Bubbles – Yosi Horikawa,
Ageispolis – Aphex Twin,
Original remastered – Leftfield,
Virtual Reality and Acoustic Guitar Guy – Instrumental only, etc..

Sound Impression :

Technically good, well tuned and Versatile tuning [with 4 switch]

Overall Tonality and Timbre – Sound Signature is bright with good Weight Tone and Clarity. Overall is Well Balanced tuned set, organic and natural, clean and clear.

Bass – Bass transient speed is fast and snappy and clean, on the leaner side, well controlled and accurate, kick drum and strikes are precise. Sounds quite natural and organic, not Basshead level on Low Sub Bass Rumble on neutral setting. Thus no bass bleed, clean sounding.

Mids – Male and Female vocals are organic natural sounding, forward sounding with good weight tone and clarity.

Treble - Instruments separation and imaging are clear and concise, accurate and precise, cymbals and high hats are good, have good micro details and nuances.

Soundstage is good in width, depth and height.

Fit and isolation is pretty good.

All testing are done using the stock tips and cable.

KZ Krila with 4 switch [USD20.00 currently]

Comparison to

Sony XBA N3 AP [USD330 currently]

Sony XBA N3 AP has 1DD + 1BA covering full range sound spectrum, so when A/B with KZ Krila, Sony BA sound and quality is well recognised to be one of the best, in terms of clarity and resolution, N3 is tuned with a bit more bass, being a bass lover, enjoy the rumble and thump more, with not much bass bleed present, mids is clear and crisp, and high are extended well, details are good. Overall the N3 exhibit more silky smooth and easy listening pleasure.

Final Thoughts

KZ Krila has 4 tuning switch and basically tuned well to be regarded as a Value Performance over Price Ratio set. Recommended if looking for a 1DD+1BA budget value performance set.