KZ Saga

Quick Disclaimer: After reviewing 8 IEMs and more audio equipment, I still consider myself as a beginner/casual. I enjoy listening to music, podcasts and occasionally do gaming. These IEMs were sent to me for free from KZ through Jenny in exchange for an honest review. They did not give me a script to follow and will be seeing this review together with the public and as always I did not read or watch any reviews prior to making this; all my thoughts are my own and I am going in blind.

The gear I am using for this review will be the following:

• ASUS Laptop with Spotify
• FX Audio R07Plus Desktop Dac and Amp

Thank you so much to KZ and Jenny for sending the KZ Saga to me. I look forward to working together with you in the near future and maybe I could start a mini collection of KZ IEMs soon huehue.

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So let’s begin.

KZ is an IEM manufacturer that started way back in 2008, they’ve been releasing lots of sets fit for any consumer either it be a super casual listener(like me) or die hard enthusiasts. KZ is also known to be conservative when it comes to packaging since they believe that most of the expenses should go to the IEMs themselves and save on the packaging; personally I think that while this logic works well with budget IEMs, this should not be the case when IEMs start to exceed the price point of 50$.

The KZ Saga has that signature black chrome finish on the shell and faceplate that KZ is also known for, it's a very sleek design but despite the metallic shell, the weight is pretty light. I like the grill mesh design on the faceplate which makes it look more premium without hurting the wallet. It comes equipped with their ultra wide frequency driver which I can assume is 10mm(please correct me if I’m wrong).

For a price point ranging from 23$ to 29$ these are good if you don’t mind the packaging at all and just care about the sound quality that the IEMs bring. It’s also worth noting that the KZ Saga has two versions, Balanced and Bass Improved, what was sent to me was the Bass Improved version because a basshead like me needs that oomph.

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UNBOXING EXPERIENCE


The unboxing experience was at the very least straightforward and simple. The front of the box has an outline of the KZ Saga design and a subtle indication that this IEM has a detachable cable. All I had to do was to slide the inner box and the IEMs were there, sad to say the faceplate has some scratches due to the plastic constantly rubbing on the KZ Saga since it was only placed inside a plastic tray, I wish that KZ would prevent this from happening in the near future by investing in using foam instead of the plastic tray that is commonly found in cheaper IEMs, sure budget all went to the drivers and technical but we don’t mind spending a bit more money to better packaging.

Inside the box contains the following:

• KZ Saga IEMs x2
• 3.5mm cable
• 3 pairs of KZ Silicone ear tips

My only two nitpicks here are that the ear tips are not the best in terms of fitment; as someone who has a slightly larger ear hole on the left, I find that the lack of a universal fit ear tip affects the sound quality so I definitely recommend doing some tip rolling to find the right fitment for you; the second nitpick is that the cable has a weird smell and despite weeks of using it, the smell has not gone away.

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OVERALL IMPRESSIONS

The sound signature of the KZ Saga has both a slightly warm and dark tonality. This should be expected considering that what I have is the Bass Improved version and not the Balanced version. I would like to mention again that I am currently using a FX Audio R07Plus Desktop Dac and Amp which should be able to power anything that’s plugged into it and what I’ve noticed is that the KZ Saga struggles when paired with the dac and amp. How so? Static noises and cuts. While listening to music, I notice some static noises and pops though it does go away after a while and no my devices are free from any electrical interference and are grounded very well so no electrical shortages here and there.

It has a decent mid-range but I do notice that vocals sound a bit recessed, it does not sound muddy but there is this sensation that makes me feel that the vocals are being held back. Instruments are defined well, separation could be better and the details definitely need some more clarity.

Though it has a decent mid-range, the sound staging is quite good. A little bit spacious area and slightly holographic; the imaging and depth definitely could be better which also coincides with the fact that the KZ Saga needs improvement in terms of instrument separation and clarity.

Last but certainly not the least is the bass. Surprisingly I’m satisfied with it, the mid-bass has the right amount of punch and decay while the sub-bass has a good amount of rumble and texture. This will definitely make bass heads happy but not enough to rumble your eardrums which is also a huge plus for me.

Overall these IEMs are fit for those who just want a new pair of earphones or just want to collect as many KZ IEMs out there and for a very low price point between 23$ to 29$ you can’t really expect the best of the best in terms of build and sound quality but it definitely will not disappoint you. As someone who has tried IEMs that are above the 50$ price point I can say with confidence that if you want to experience next level audio then it is worth saving a bit more. Will I recommend the KZ Saga to anyone? Yes and no. The reason why is everyone has their own personal preference and budget; if these check out for anyone then I’d definitely tell them to give the KZ Saga a try but other than that, there are so many other options out there, it is only a matter of how much money you have and are you willing to give deep into audio.

Blup blup 𓆟 and happy listening!

1ST IMPRESSIONS

Hello - I just received my SAGA Balanced yesterday, which was bought with my own money. I am still forming impressions. After a few hours, here are my thoughts. Hitherto I have bought all my IEMs with my own money. But I'd be happy to review IEM's if manufacturers could arrange to send them my way. So all IEM Manufacturers, if you are reading this. Please get in touch. I must say though, I will always be fair and balanced, and write my honest opinion, good or otherwise.

I normally do not care about cosmetics. But I have to say something about this. It is best looking KZ/CCA IEM I own. Looks really sleek, shiny reflective painted metal. Really Really nice looking.

Fit : I find them relatively small shells, that insert into the ear canal very well, one of the best fits ever, and are not heavy in the ear, and for me I could wear them all day with ease. Then the usual fear of metal shells, cold, does not happen with these, I think cos of the coating with which the metal is painted, some kind of transparent -almost purplish in the reflections surface - The surface is so reflective, so it is a bit of a fingerprint magnet, but that is unavoidable. The shape provides a solid "handle" for inserting into the ear, very easy to remove and put back in. I had a terrible experience with the KZ ZVX where the coating on the metal shell, began to peel within 24 hours, of receiving it. Really hope this does not happen too the SAGA.

Sound fitting : I find that for me, none of the stock tips fit easily well, my canal is larger than most, and this is a constant issue with ALL KZ/CCA IEM's - the black eartips supplied - even the largest of them does not seem to provide a good enough seal for me. So this has a massive impact on the bass, making them sound tinny. This happens with all KZ/CCA IEMs, supplied with the black tips.

So I had to do some tip rolling, The best so far has been the TRI Clarion Large, which provide a pretty good fit, without being tight, I do wish there was a size larger than the TRI Clarion Large - just a bit larger, for a slightly tighter fit/isolation. But with the TRI Clarion's, I get some bass back and the treble does not feel so excessive. From my experience with the TRI Clarion on other IEM's it tends to roll off a bit of the bass as well as roll off a bit of the high highs. Leaving a mid emphasis. Anyway, the best fit I have at this time, I think = is with the TRI Clarions. And the level of the bass depends on how well inserted the IEM is. Deeper insertion, more bass. In my opinion, I am not in need of any more bass, from the SAGA Balanced, once I have a good seal with the eartips.

This combination of the SAGA Balanced with the TRI Clarions - delivers to me what I think is an exact representation of the music/audio. No emphasis in either attenuation or amplifying the bass. Just right, altering the depth of insertion is sufficient to control how much bass I am hearing. The bass deserves special mention, it does NOT step over the midrange, in any way, visceral, basically it depends on the recording, portraying as much bass as is on the recording, not more or less. Extremely tight, not the loose echo laden bass you hear on some other IEMs. I have never heard such clean bass on any device, in my life, NEVER. Not on any speaker, or headphone or IEM. Extremely clean undistorted, bass that is not artificially boosted by sub-bass. Not wobbly, just tight bass. Reminds me of a sealed speaker - tight, but without any kind of low frequency roll off. I listen with a couple of visual digital analysis tools in the audio path which allows me to visually check things I hear, to be sure my ears are not deceiving me. All the way down to notes and beats centered at 40hz - vey clean bass and bass drums. Notice I said, centered at 40hz, so there is still audible response below 40 hz, but its not the one note kind of bass, or sub bass emphasis. So natural, and tight.

Huge lesson, any impression anyone gives about an IEM, is massively affected by the fit. I can imagine that those who do not know much about eartips, who have larger ear canals, will complain about the sound of many KZ/CCA IEMs. In my experience, they are always improved by using better fitting eartips, or learning how to use the stock tips and insert them deep enough..

Now a bit of discussion on the stock eartips. I did try the largest of the stock tips and made an effort to insert them as best as possible. The sound becomes more intimate, lead vocals become closer like pretty much almost touching my head, or the vocal is partly in my head. The stereo image collapses a bit, definitely a lot of the sound now moves into my head. Kind of strange cos I did not have quite this effect when I tried similar eartips which were supplied with the CCA Polaris. Easing the insertion depth, adjusting them out a bit, reduces the in the head feeling. Its a nice sound, but certain things become splashy - like high hats and backing vocals, almost like they have developed a lisp. I think the stock tips also attenuate the bass and the high, highs, but accentuate the high mids. Not sure that I like this very MID and MID HIGH centric presentation. Sounds ok on spoken word and lead vocals, but on some backup vocals, it sounds congested and introduces a thickness and richness and some sibilance - especially where this region is already emphasized on the recording. But it does not seem cohesive, the overall presentation becomes "shouty", very lead vocal focussed, like an acquired taste - yeah everything is clear, I can hear everything, but it just did not work for me. While on the CCA Polaris, they rescued the harsh tendency on that IEM.~~The MID, MID HIGH focus of these eartips, kind of makes things seem distorted. and narrow.

No contest, a return to the TRI Clarions, is such a relief, everything comes back together in a fantastic open space. Natural soundstage, best bass I ever heard, just a lovely lifelike presentation, with every thing in the right place.

This deserves discussion - Why? Sadly all one can do is describe what I hear. We have no way of measuring these things. Why do some tips sound so different? What are the factors? Hard to say, only trial and error lead to discovering what eartip works best with each person on each IEM.

Over the ownership of the SAGA, I will continue to examine the potential for improvements in the fit. This is an ongoing process, one has to do in the IEM world, if one has larger canals, than the majority of the population, which are not well served by the stock IEMs. Eartips can totally change the frequency response of an IEM, in one's ears. The TRI Clarions, boost the bass to make them more audible, but not boomy, and attenuate the high frequencies, almost like having a tilt EQ, or EQ that simulates a "room curve". Those who do speaker/room correction will be familiar with this.

Now to the sound of the SAGA.

Once I got a good enough fit, I have not heard anything like this, ever. It is very hard to describe. How can an IEM be all of the following :

1. Crystal clear

2. Snappy

3. Full Frequency, from the highest highest highs, to the deepest lows. For the price - Less than $20, more like about $13 or $14 when on sale, I think everyone needs to buy this, and be introduced to something they have never heard. No area of the frequencies, step on any other. You hear everything, and I mean everything, clearly. The usual skew towards high frequencies, that you find on some IEM's, such as the Libra X, that seemingly make things clearer, is not here. In comparison, the high frequencies are well managed.

It is a bright IEM, It is a forward IEM, compared to some other IEMs, but I get the sense that many IEM's have to veil the extremes of frequency, cos that's where hey distort. Not the SAGA, cystal clear throughout. The sense of depth and 3D is amazing. Reverb is lifelike.

But it begs the question, what are you listening to. This IEM, was showing me how bright some of the music I listen to, actually is. If you listen to music which is better produced, gone is the apparent harshness and brightness. At the end of the day, I concluded, this IEM has been the best, to tell me and show me exactly what was in the music. I could hear the texture of each element in the music, so much better, not just hear the element, but also hear the processing that was applied to each element. I'm an audio/music mixing engineer. I could so easily hear elements such as compression and distortion, and reverb, and stereo placement and virtual depth, in the mix.

Like a lens, I can focus on and concentrate and zoom in on whichever element I want to hear.

This device, portrayed a good attribute of distinguishing tracks from each other, and elements in the track. Yet not separating them out into a disconnected mess. Everything still hangs together. I use crossfeed, so I can adjust my stereo width to taste.

4. Revealing - it will take a while for the ears to get used to this new reality, Now I listen at even lower volumes, and this is me, who already listens quietly, but now I have to lower my listening volume even more, cos I can hear so so clearly even at the lowest volumes. This is an extremely revealing IEM, phenomenally revealing.

5. Vocals - Just one word - Stunning, Absolutely stunning, unbelievably stunning, you hear vocals front and center, with the utmost of ease. If the vocal was well mixed, you hear it with way too much ease, without it being sibilant, or jarring to the ear. Super clear vocals. Spoken voice on adverts, e.g on Spotify, sound extremely natural, and very very clear, without being harsh in any way.

6. Transient Response - Super tight, from every hit of a drum, to high hats, very tight. Guitar strums, lead guitars, vocals, keys, it is a fantastic result, this is the best IEM I have heard. This has dethroned the ARTTI T10, with ease. In comparison, the ARTTI T10 now sounds muffled, and imprecise. The pianos on the SAGA, are pin sharp. Piano is one of the most difficult instruments to reproduce accurately, cos it has a huge frequency span.

For those on a budget, and those who can afford to spend more, just get the SAGA and if you can - get both the SAGA Balanced as well as the SAGA Bass, at the same time. When I have a bit of spare disposable cash, I will still get the SAGA Bass version, just to "see" if maybe I prefer that one. At the price these are available for, it is definitely worth spending a bit more and getting both versions of the SAGA.

I would say - whatever IEM you own, just buy at least one SAGA - Balanced or Bass Enhanced version. You cannot go wrong with this.

The big problem, is that at first it will sound strange, but after you go back and forth with your other IEM's especially the other budget IEMs you own, you realize the others have been like lying mirrors, and the SAGA is telling you the truth, at least more truth than these other IEMs.

I own the 7Hz Zero 2, and the SAGA dispatched the Zero 2, with ease, no contest. This is so much better than the Zero 2., in every way. Fits better, looks better, is less expensive, sounds better. And it also overtook my ARTTI T10,. This is a giant killer IEM. Sounding better than IEM's 5 times it's price. The ARTTI is the most expensive IEM I own, and the SAGA is easily better. Now I have to live with buyer's remorse, on my Zero 2 and ARTTI T10. That's a lot of money I have spent, down the drain. But that is this hobby, initially one has to spend some money "learning".

This is a very good IEM. I can imagine that its value continues to appreciate as I hear more audio, through it. KZ - well done. Very well done. Yes it took a while, to get here, and many of us have invested in so many other KZ IEM's but this is definitely worth - going out again and spending on this one. This is the one we have been waiting for.

Just buy one, and learn what your music and audio was supposed to sound like.

I shave off a small bit of the high end EQ, when listening, as a bit of a safety net, more psychological than needed. Just to please myself. The IEM probably does not need it, but old habits die hard.

All manner of adjectives or descriptive words come to mind - Precise, Accurate, Pin Point, Detail, Resolution, Clarity, True. I feel I can now finally rest, and just enjoy my music and audio. No more searching.

No more temptations. I've already spent enough on things like the ARTTI T10, and the Zero 2, which I will no longer use, so this hobby has a cost, each better IEM one discovers, creates more of a pile of IEMs which are no longer used. I'll keep these others, cos I can't bear to give them away, also I need them for comparison purposes. The only way to know how good an IEM is, is to compare with others. So there will be "loss", from the losers in the IEM race.

Clearly, at some point in time, when the price comes down, I am encouraged to buy the KZ Zenith.

The KZ SAGA taught me - driver technology - such as planar magnetic, or dynamic, or whatever, is not the most important issue. This single dynamic driver IEM, took out my cherished, revered ARTTI T10, with ease., and dismissed the Zero 2, that I had also loved so much.

Furthermore, there is no relationship between IEM quality and cost.

Proves that there is no distinction between Analytic and Fun. You can have both at the same time. My fear is that due to our different HRTF's each of us needs a different IEM and eartip combination., so there is no way for me to know if this IEM will sound as good in your ears.

It needs no EQ. I do think it needs some burn in- either of the device, or my own ear becoming familiar with what I am hearing. Cos on the second day, it does not sound as "harsh" in the highest frequencies. Sadly demonstrates how an IEM cannot be evaluated in isolation of the eartips, cos in this case the change of eartips resulted in a dramatic change in the result.

This is the best transducer I have ever heard. Period. On any device ever. Awesome.

The only reason I have not scored this a 5, is I can imagine that better is on its way, from the KZ stable.

Makes me wonder how high the competition has to reach to produce anything better, at any price.

Now that was 1st impressions. Congratulations for having read all of that.

FINAL VERDICT

Upon a 2nd review in the cool light of another day - with ears that were not tired, here is the reality.

1. The SAGA Balanced is still one of the better KZ IEMs, actually the best of the KZ/CCA Clan which I own.

2. It does not approach the clarity, resolution, dynamic range, and transient response of the ARTTI T10. In simple ENGLISH, the T10 is better.

What's the explanation for the revision, in my evaluation?

1. I may have been tired from a long day of listening, when I observed my 1st impressions

2. Comparing the two IEMs based on memory of one, while listening to the other, rather than a direct back to back comparison

3. Poor fit during listening one or more listening sessions. A proper seal is such a dependency, in evaluating IEMs, any minor deviations from a proper seal, have such a huge impact on the results.

4. Not matching the listening volume, while switching between IEMs

5. Human perception error

6 Mistaking brightness for clarity. The SAGA is brighter.

7. Mistaking intimacy for better. The soundstage of the SAGA is smaller, more intimate. Cos the SAGA is unable to resolve low level information as well as the T10, so it sounds bolder, and removes any focus on extraneous details. This may make it seem better.

8. New toy syndrome.

9. I may have been listening to not too dissimilar IEMs, to the SAGA Balanced IEM, that I had become attuned to that, as normal, and the T10 then sounded erroneous.

10. This is a hypothesis. I suspect that dynamic driver IEMs have this limitation in their ability to resolve details, so they dull transients. Psychoacoustics wise, dulling transients, will remove the details, which on the other hand makes the average level even out, making it sound louder, sort of like tape compression. So the more even response of the SAGA, could be responsible for an impression that it is more pleasing to the ear, similar to how one perceives audio that has been processed by a limiter, which appears even, and subjectively more pleasing, deceiving our ears.

Make no mistake. The SAGA is a decent single DD - worth the money. Better than any other KZ IEM in the budget range that I have heard, but not better than the T10.

Disclaimer​

I received the IEM from KZ in exchange for my honest review. However, my opinions about the IEM are entirely personal and based on my own experience using them. I was not paid for this review.
An additional note: the model I received for review is the Balanced Version, not the Bass-Boosted Version, so please keep that in mind.
This review was originally written for the AudioKnights website and translated into English using translation tools. If you'd like to read the original review in its native language, you can do so at the following link.

What’s in the Box?​

Honestly, not much. The packaging is very minimalist and doesn’t come with many accessories—a fairly generic bundle typical for KZ. Inside the box, you’ll find a basic cable, KZ silicone ear tips, and of course, the IEMs themselves, in black.
However, it's important to keep in mind that these are budget IEMs, priced similarly to a standalone premium cable. So, the minimal accessory package is a reasonable compromise. The silicone tips included are decent, but for a better seal and a more tailored fit to my ears, I swapped them for different silicone tips. That said, I tested the sound with both the KZ tips and my replacements and found no significant difference, so I felt comfortable reviewing them without using the stock tips.

Build and Design​

The IEM shells are made of black metal with a very intriguing design. When I first unboxed them, I was surprised—KZ and metal? I was used to receiving plastic builds from them, especially in this price range. These IEMs do not feel cheap in any way. They’re lightweight, and unlike their competitor, the Moondrop Chu, which felt heavy enough to bother me during extended listening, these were comfortable and unobtrusive. In terms of build quality, KZ has absolutely nailed it here—offering tremendous value for the price.

Unfortunately, the same praise can’t be given to the cable. It’s the standard KZ cable—it’s not terrible, but I quickly found myself swapping it out for a more comfortable option. To be fair, at this price, there’s little room for complaint. After all, the cost of the IEMs is comparable to what you’d typically pay for a decent standalone cable. And while it’s not bad, upgrading to a third-party cable that works across multiple IEMs can be a worthwhile investment.
The included KZ silicone tips come in three sizes. They’re not bad and have a solid fan base, but they didn’t fit my ears perfectly, so I swapped them out for a different type. However, they were generally comfortable.

Fit and Comfort​

These IEMs are extremely comfortable to wear. They feel secure in the ear, and I didn’t experience any fatigue or pressure during long listening sessions. In fact, they’re among the most comfortable IEMs I’ve ever used. The seal they provide is also excellent, which adds to the overall experience.

Sound Performance​

Unfortunately, I don’t have a frequency graph for the specific version I reviewed, as the only graphs I could find at the time of writing were either provided by KZ or reviewers who analyzed the enhanced bass version of these IEMs. However, I can describe the tuning as fun, engaging, and enjoyable—a relatively balanced V-shape sound signature with a slight emphasis on bass (even in this "balanced version") and relatively gentle treble.

Sub-Bass​

The sub-bass, which covers the lowest frequencies and often delivers the rumbling sensation rather than distinct sounds.

The sub-bass is impressively powerful in these IEMs. It provides a satisfying and substantial rumble that makes bass-heavy tracks incredibly enjoyable. Personally, I found the quantity to be just right—plenty to meet my bass cravings without feeling overwhelming. Overall, the sub-bass is highly enjoyable and delivers an exciting listening experience.

Mid-Bass​

The mid-bass, where the bass becomes more distinct and perceptible, is equally well-executed. In this range, you hear kick drums and some male bass vocals more clearly.

The mid-bass feels well-balanced—not overly emphasized but definitely present. It strikes a great balance, giving punch without overshadowing other elements of the sound. As someone who appreciates good bass, I was more than satisfied with the tuning here.
Overall, KZ nailed the bass performance with this model. It offers enough bass to please enthusiasts without feeling excessive. Honestly, I wouldn’t want to imagine how intense the bass must be in the "enhanced bass" version—this balanced version already feels perfect for my taste.

Mids​

The mids are the home to most instruments and vocals.

The mids region feel present and reasonably forward, but not overly so. Vocals, both male and female, come through with clarity. At lower volumes, the mids can feel slightly recessed, requiring a slight volume boost to shine. That said, listening at excessive volumes can harm your hearing, so caution is advised.
While not as smooth or lush as something like the TINHiFi T2 Plus, the mids here are still satisfying. They capture enough nuance in vocals and instruments to make the listening experience enjoyable. Overall, the mids are impressive for the price, though they could benefit from a bit more refinement.

Treble​

The treble, which captures high-pitched sounds like cymbals, violins, and higher synthetic tones, adds brightness, sharpness, and sparkle to the music. However, excessive treble can lead to harshness or fatigue.

The treble here is handled well—it’s neither too much nor too little. It avoids harshness while maintaining enough presence to provide detail. This conservative approach to treble contributes to the perception of slightly enhanced bass, as there’s less high-frequency energy to compete. Personally, I prefer this kind of treble: smooth, balanced, and non-fatiguing, but still present.
That said, a touch more treble might have been welcome, as it could enhance contrast with the bass and add a sense of "air" that would make the sound feel more open and refined. Despite this, I feel KZ did an excellent job balancing the treble, and the result is quite satisfying.




Technical Performance

The technical capabilities of the KZ Saga are decent, albeit not extraordinary. Imaging is fairly average, but soundstage width is satisfactory—not too narrow, which is equally important. There’s a relative sense of space, and the sound doesn’t feel overly centered. Detail retrieval isn’t particularly high, which is understandable at this price point. In summary, while the technical performance isn’t exceptional, it’s good enough to deliver an enjoyable listening experience. For the price, I’d argue the KZ Saga offers more than expected. I found myself gravitating back to them despite their limitations, which speaks to their overall appeal.


Comparison: Letshuoer D13

I no longer have the D13 for direct comparison, but I kept detailed listening notes that serve as the basis for this comparison. While the price points are not perfectly aligned, I believe the comparison is justified, especially since both are single dynamic driver IEMs.

• Bass:
  The bass in the KZ Saga is slightly more emphasized than in the D13 but less restrained. If you’re a bass lover, the Saga is the better choice. The D13, by contrast, emphasizes bass only when it’s naturally present in the track, making it more controlled and predictable.
• Midrange:
  The midrange feels more engaging in the Saga, with better clarity and balance. That said, the D13 delivers a bit more body to instruments like pianos and guitars, and male vocals feel slightly fuller. However, the D13 only excels in select areas of the midrange; overall, I found the Saga’s presentation to be more consistent and enjoyable.
• Treble:
  Treble in the D13 feels relaxed but can occasionally highlight sibilant sounds like "s" and "sh." Beyond that, the treble performance is similar between the two, though the Saga offers slightly more treble presence in a controlled manner.
• Technicalities:
  The soundstage in the D13 is notably narrow, creating a congested and centered presentation that often felt like a sonic "muddle." The Saga, on the other hand, delivers a more open soundstage with a better sense of spatial separation. Imaging capabilities are roughly equivalent in both.

Verdict:
Between the two, I’d personally choose the KZ Saga, which surprises me given that the D13 costs around 50 USD at the time of this review. That said, preferences vary. If you favor more controlled bass, subdued treble, and a library heavy with male vocals and guitars, the D13 might be the better fit.

Bottom Line​

In my opinion, the KZ Saga is an excellent pair of IEMs. At approximately 15 USD, you get a well-tuned sound signature, a solid metal build, and a product that feels anything but cheap—neither in sound nor build quality. I genuinely enjoyed using these IEMs; they handled every track I threw at them with satisfying, fun, and engaging sound, especially with their punchy bass.
If someone had told me in the past that KZ would release IEMs with good tuning, excellent build quality, and uncompromising sound at this price, I would have been highly skeptical. But after trying the KZ Saga, I’m pleasantly surprised and can easily recommend them to friends. It’s hard to think of another IEM in this price range offering comparable value.
However, there are compromises in the included accessories:

• Eartips: I had to switch to alternative eartips for better comfort (Personal thing, the included ear-tips might be work for you, as I know many like and prefer KZ's ear-tips).
• Cable: The stock cable feels plasticky and isn’t very flexible, prompting me to replace it with a more comfortable one.
• No Carrying Case: There’s no storage pouch included, which is important in order to make the IEM last longer.

When factoring in these potential upgrades (which you don't have to do, but I feel like some would want to):

• A new cable (~5$-10$)
• A carrying case (~3$-5$)
• Additional eartips (~5$)

The total cost can push the Saga into a price range where other similarly tuned IEMs become viable alternatives.
However, cables and eartips are often worthwhile investments when purchasing any IEM, so this is ultimately up to personal preference. If you already own a spare cable, a storage case, and find the included eartips sufficient, the Saga represents fantastic value at this price point.
Interestingly, the lack of premium accessories can also be seen as an advantage. It offers flexibility to customize your setup by choosing a cable, eartips, or carrying case that match your personal preferences and needs.
As a gift, the Saga shines, too. At this price point, they’re an excellent present for anyone. I’d be thrilled to either receive or give these as a gift.
All in all, the value here is excellent, and the sound quality punches well above the Saga’s price. Well done, KZ!

(Psst…! If you’re considering purchasing these IEMs, I highly recommend going for the balanced version that I reviewed rather than the bass-boosted one. The balanced version already offers plenty of bass for most listeners, and sometimes less is more.)