KZ Saga

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.)

Introduction​

KZ needs no introduction and the same applies for an IEM that has “Bass” in the name: in fact, this time I’ll be speaking about a basshead IEM from KZ which will probably appeal to many listeners around.

Disclaimer: the KZ Saga "Bass" were sent to me by KZ so that I could write an honest review. This review represents my personal opinion on the set, it isn't promotional or paid content and I don’t get any revenue from the sales of this product.
At the time of the review, the KZ Saga "Bass" were sold for about €15 at Aliexpress. You can find more infos and buying link on KZ-Audio's website.

Click to expand...

Technical Specifications​

• Driver Configuration → 1 x DD
• Impedance → 23 Ω
• Spec-sheet Frequency Response → 20Hz-40kHz
• Sensitivity → 108 dB
• Cable → 1.25m OFC cable with QDC 2-PIN connectors
• Plug Type → 3.5mm

Packaging​

The packaging of the KZ Saga Bass is no different from any other cheap KZ IEM, and the same applies for what’s inside. In fact, the box contains:

• The KZ Saga Bass
• The detachable cable
• One set of silicon tips (S, M, L sizes)
• User manual

Design, Build Quality, Comfort and Isolation​

The KZ Saga Bass look very good and feel super sturdy in the hands: in fac, the build quality is very good and they look like they’re built to last. I don’t really like the “Saga” writing on the faceplate but maybe that’s just me.
Are the faceplate grills “open”? I don’t think so and even though they look good I don’t feel confident enough to say that these may be semi-open.

I find the earpieces to be very comfortable even though the 6mm nozzle is pretty wide, as the nozzle is long enough to grant a good insertion and the overall shape of the IEM has no sharp edges.

Cable​

The cable is the same low quality cable all over again. I am not really complaining in this case since we’re talking about a €15 IEM, but KZ should really do sometimes to include a slightly better cable with their products in general. The biggest lack is probably a chin slider, which I usually find very useful.

Sound​

GEAR USED FOR THE TEST

• DAC: Topping E30
• AMP: Topping L30, Fiio A3
• Mobile phones: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Xiaomi Mi A3, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Moondrop May’s DSP cable with PEQ=0
• Dongle: Apple Type-C dongle, Fosi DS2, Hidizs XO
• Portable DAPs: Benjie S8/AGPTEK M30B
• Bluetooth Adapters: KBEAR S1, KZ AZ10
• Other sources: Presonus AudioBox iONE, Elgato Wave XLR

Amplifier needed?
No, an amplifier is not strictly needed. Amplifying the Saga Bass doesn’t really improve them noticeable but I have noticed a slightly tighter bass response (might be placebo as well, so take this with a grain of salt).

Let’s speak about the sound.
The Saga Bass are V-shaped, very dynamic and engaging.
The sub-bass is big, thick, rumbly, and the same applies for the midbass that never lacks punch. It’s a basshead low-end hands down. From a technical standpoint, the Saga Bass don’t shine as the bass is pretty slow and very demanding tracks that need fast basslines to be cleanly reproduced will feel a bit clumsy. In terms of timbre, though, the note weight is very pleasant and this kind of low-end gives a very warm tone to the overall signature.
Male vocals are deep and warm, followed by energetic female vocals that never become shouty. Instruments take a step back since the low-end is the star of the show, but the Saga Bass don’t sound awkward in any way (sure, those who want a more forward midrange should look for more neutral sets).
The treble has some excitement going on and it’s not for those who are sensitive to treble, but it’s not harsh or super bright, it’s just energetic and has a fair amount of details. Micro nuances aren’t an easy task for this set, but if you’re on the market for a fun IEM and don’t need to extract the smallest sound cues in every track, the Saga Bass will be a decent daily driver.

The technical performance is okay, with average soundstage and sufficient imaging. The layering is below average unfortunately (also because of the thick low-end) and the instrument separation is just average as well. As said before, the technical performance isn’t the main reason to buy this set.

Are they something I would use considering my taste and preferences?
Yes, yes and, again, yes.
These really gave me BL-03 vibes but in this case the upper midrange is more full-bodied and the treble is a bit better with a touch more air and sparkle. This means that the Saga Bass will sound a tad brighter but I think it’s a good way of sounding “brigther” than the BL-03. As a dubstep (and EDM in general) listener, I find these to be perfect candidates for bass-heavy playlists on a daily basis, even though the bass isn’t always able to keep up with super fast Drum ‘n Bass tracks.
I like these anyway: the timbre, the energy, the low-end power… it’s a very good set to have in my backpack.

Some comparisons:​

KZ Saga Bass vs Truthear Gate

The Truthear Gate have less low-end quantity and a speedier bass response, a cleaner lower midrange and perceived more forward upper midrange and treble. The overall listening experience varies a lot between the two since the Saga Bass actually have a lot more rumble down low, which provides for a warmer response with better note weight. On the other hand, the Gate have better detail retrieval and superior technical performance (keeping in mind that it’s always a €20 IEM), even though the timbre is still better on the Saga Bass since the Gate sound a bit artificial on top.
The KZ Saga Bass are better in terms of build quality, the Gate have a slightly better cable, both are similarly comfortable and both come with a limited set of eartips.
My preference: I’d pick the Saga Bass, they sound richer to my ears and they are more fun with my bass-heavy playlist.

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KZ Saga Bass vs Hidizs MS1 Galaxy

The KZ Saga Bass sound better than the MS1 Galaxy under every aspect in my opinion: better low-end extension, punchier bass, less veiled midrange, more natural vocals, more correct sounding and more open treble without the need of the 8k peak (the MS1 are still somewhat dark even with that peak). Soundstage and imaging aren’t a real upgrade from the MS1 but spatial cues are clearer to my ears when I’m using the Saga Bass.
The build quality of the Saga Bass is better too, the comfort is more or less the same and the isolation is slightly better with the MS1 Galaxy in the ears. The cable is not that different too. The MS1 Galaxy come with a few more tips but this and the better isolation are the only things in which the MS1 Galaxy do better.
My preference: the Saga Bass are better hands down. Don’t even think about the MS1 Galaxy, leave it on the shelves and get a KZ Saga Bass, KZ Castor Bass or similar IEMs in the sub-20$ bracket if you’re searching for a pair of low-end cannons.

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KZ Saga Bass vs Celest Wyvern Abyss

The Saga Bass are warmer, with better note weight and punchier bass. The Wyvern Abyss go for a cleaner and thinner lower midrange, a more pronounced upper midrange (with more energetic and forward female vocals that can become shouty at times) and a touch better upper treble extension. If you want better note weight and more bass punch, along with a warmer timbre, the Saga Bass deliver that in a better way, otherwise you’re getting faster basslines, better female vocals and an airier and more detailed response on the Wyvern Abyss.
Soundstage, imaging and instrument separation are slightly better on the Wyvern Abyss.
Build quality is good on both sets (different materials though), comfort is great with both, isolation is better with the Wyvern Abyss in the ears. Wyvern Abyss’ stock cable is better, whereas the included eartips are very few on both sets.
My preference: The Wyvern Abyss are more versatile so they would be my pick since I also listen to a lot of different genres and play games. The Saga Bass are more satisfying with most of my bass-heavy playlists though, so I reach for them more often through my daily routine.

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KZ Saga Bass vs Blon BL-03

The BL-03 II have been announced and hopefully I’ll be able to, but if one wanted OG BL-03’s vibes in a more modern and comfortable shell, then the Saga Bass are a good set to experience so. Differences from the BL-03? The Saga Bass offer a more full bodied upper midrange and an airier and slightly more detailed treble. The bass is pretty slow on the Saga too but it’s not as slow as on the BL-03.
Technicalities are a touch better on the Saga Bass too.
Build quality, comfort, isolation and stock cable are better on the Saga Bass. The BL-03 came with a few more tips included in the box, but that’s all.
My preference: I still like BL-03’s timbre a bit more, but the Saga Bass sound more correct and they are much easier to insert in the ears. I’d pick the Saga Bass nowadays (comfort is the main reason, though).

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Final Thoughts​

The Saga Bass is a fun-oriented timbre focused IEM that kind-of reminds the OG Blon BL-03’s vibes. It’s a V-shaped set that provides a punchy low-end, on point vocals and an overall natural end-to-end extension that is hard to dislike (unless you are searching for a pair of neutral sounding IEMs).
The technical performance is average for the price and very crowded and fast tracks won’t be an easy task for the Saga, especially if compared to some peers like the Chu 2, the Truthear Gate, the 7Hz Zero 2 and so, but the overall signature is very engaging and natural sounding and all makes up for a super fun set to always keep in the backpack.

KZ Saga
As a regular reviewer for KZ, I was sent a review sample of the new Saga single DD IEM. The Saga is available in two versions, Balanced and Bass Enhanced. The model tested here is the Bass Enhanced version.
Product link:
KZ Saga: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1100915423

The Saga comes in a very small compact white rectangular box. The front of the box bears an image of the IEMs and the rear features the specifications. Removing the slip cover reveals a white plastic tray with the IEMs inside, below which is a white card flap under which the accessories are stored. The contents comprise:

● Saga Bass Edition IEMs
● 2-pin silver-plated copper cable
● Three pairs "Starline" ear tips
● Documentation

As usual with KZ, the accessories are minimal with the cost focusing on the IEMs themselves.

The IEMs are very well built with a glossy gunmetal coloured zinc alloy shell shaped like a triangle with rounded corners. The faceplate bears the name "Saga" in white in a script font. There are three vents on the lower edge of the faceplate and a small circular pinhole vent at the base of the nozzle, which is also metal, and has a fine silver coloured mesh. The raised 2-pin socket, accepting a QDC connector, is made of transparent plastic.

The 10mm dynamic driver is described as "Inner Magnetic" and is claimed to have an ultra-wide frequency range and 360° "panoramic surround sound technology". There are no specifications regarding the diaphragm material.

The supplied cable is an OFC type with a 2-pin 0.75mm connector and a gold plated 90° angled 3.5mm plug. The sheath is transparent, revealing the copper coloured wire within. The cable is not as prone to tangling as previous KZ cables but there is still no chin slider. It handles slightly better than the white silver plated cable supplied with other recent KZ designs.

The Saga was tested with Xduoo X20 and Hidizs AP80 Pro X DAPs. A smartphone, a Penon OS133 USB-C dongle, and a digital radio were also used. The IEMs were subjected to a burn-in period of 100 hours before evaluation. The supplied cable, although servicable, was replaced with a TRI Through silver-plated cable. The large stock Starline tips were used for testing and resulted in a comfortable fit and good isolation. The majority of the testing was carried out with the AP80 Pro X and Penon OS133 USB-C dongle.

Tonality
The Saga displays a very well balanced and warm "L-shaped" profile. There is a deep and powerful sub bass leading into a mid-bass with a solid and satisfying "kick". There is some influence from the bass into the lower mids which adds "body" to cellos, the lower notes of pianos and male vocals but does not colour the sound too adversely, although in certain material the mid bass does become dominant. The upper mids show a gentle rise and segue into the lower treble very smoothly. The treble itself is smooth and fairly detailed and is very easy on the ear with no sharp peaks or harshness. It is a very "analogue" type tonality with a natural timbre which prioritises musicality over technical prowess, although at times it can come over as a little bit soft. The soundstage is a stand-out feature, being very expansive and spacious with excellent perspective.

Bass
The Saga Bass Enhanced Edition certainly lived up to its name with a strong, deep and rich sub bass displaying good extension and texture. Mid bass was also lively with good impact, but it did bleed slightly into the lower midrange. Tonality was warmer than neutral which did affect the sense of speed and decay and tended to mask detail.

"Rock On" by David Essex has a superb production by Jeff Wayne ("War of the Worlds"). It is founded on an innovative bass riff from Herbie Flowers's double-tracked bass guitars in each channel and in this revolutionary arrangement, there are no instruments playing chords, giving it a concentrated and pared down feel. The Saga's powerful bass allowed the notes to plumb the depths and growl menacingly while remaining clearly separated from the kick drum playing simultaneously. The syncopated strings and brass with minimalist vocals provided a contrast which was handled very adeptly by the Saga, although a little more definition would have been welcome.

"Flight over Jupiter" by Vangelis is the soundtrack to a video using images from NASA’s Juno mission to recreate what it might have looked like to ride along with the Juno spacecraft as it performed its 27th close flyby of Jupiter on June 2, 2020. Opening with deep sub-bass tones, timpani and characteristic Vangelis synth chords, a cathedral pipe organ follows with a classical "toccata" motif. The Saga reproduced all these with depth, power and texture, reaching well down into the lowest octaves. A moody theme on synth strings with deep bass comes next, supported with more deep chords. The separation and ambience here was very well portrayed as the piece ended with powerful deep space rumblings.

Midrange
Receiving some influence from the bass, the Saga's lower midrange was warm and inviting. Coming from a punchy mid-bass, there was some colouration and "bloom" which did become slightly dominant on some material. The rest of the mids were very well presented, with a decent amount of detail and a pleasant timbre. There was a moderate pinna gain into the upper range which ensured there was no harshness or sibilance on vocals and the overall tonality was rich and full, although a little more urgency, definition and detail would have been welcome.

The original version of "You Raise me Up" by Secret Garden is a wonderful production. The lead vocal, by Brian Kennedy, is sung very expressively with excellent diction. Recorded in a resonant acoustic, the Saga conveyed the space around the soloist very effectively while retaining all the emotion in his voice. There then follows a beautiful solo by Fionnula Sherry where the Saga displayed a very natural timbre on the violin. In the middle of the track the Irish choir Anuna sing a full choral version of the theme and the separation of the voices and dynamic range were dramatically presented here. Accompanied by full orchestra and Uilleann pipes, the effect was breathtaking filling all the available space in the image. At the conclusion, Brian Kennedy's solo vocal returns with an intimate and emotional rendering of the final verse and the Saga conveyed the feeling admirably.

In Chloe Hanslip's wonderful reading of the Violin Concerto No.1 by Jeno Hubay with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, her violin was clearly presented above the orchestra in a spacious manner. The tonality of the solo instrument was conveyed very naturally by the Saga and there was enough detail to show the high harmonics on the violin which helped to produce a natural timbre. Towards the end of the movement, the interplay between the violin and the woodwind was attractively handled with an excellent balance between them.

Treble
The Saga's treble was smooth, fairly well extended and free from sibilance and harshness. Detail retrieval was good, however, a little more definition would have helped to produce a more incisive performance and produced a more spacious and airy result. The timbre was largely natural but during more energetic passages there was a reduction in clarity with some congestion occurring.

Kevin Kendle is an English electronic music artist who has an extensive catalogue of albums inspired by nature and landscapes. He has also recorded a series of spacemusic albums in the “Deep Skies” series and a collection of albums depicting the seasons.

“January Sunrise” from his “Winter” album is a typical example of his atmospheric and melodic style. It begins with crystalline tinkling sounds evoking ice and snow. A gently flowing tune ensues and the Saga conveyed a believable picture of the scene with a clean and precise portrayal of Nature in January. The high frequency sounds were delicate and well separated, forming a perfect backdrop for the melody line. At the conclusion, the full theme is presented, supported by string synths and woodwind samples. The production becomes more densely scored and throughout all this, the high frequencies remained clearly articulated.

Walter Leigh's Concertino for Harpsichord and Strings, written in 1934, is perhaphis best-known work. The second movement, in the style of a Sarabande, is a thoughtful piece with a mediaeval feel. It begins with solo harpsichord which was clearly reproduced by the Saga and then the theme is taken up by the orchestra with a lively accompaniment from the solo instrument. The excellent Lyrita recording, with Trevor Pinnock at the keyboard with the LPO conducted by Nicholas Braithwaite, came to life with the Saga and at the conclusion, the clean and bright arpeggios on the harpsichord shone through against the rich harmonies of the strings.

Soundstage
In the Saga's promotional information, it claims to "deliver a solid performance as good as the Stereophonic Cinema" and provide "an immersive soundstage beyond traditional limits" with a "360° Panoramic Surround Sound for Total Audio Immersion". I have to say that there is some truth in this as the Saga produced a wide, deep and tall stage with good impression of movement and imaging. The separation was limited somewhat by the warmth in the midrange which tended to coalesce in more complex pieces and led to some congestion, especially at higher volume. In general though, the staging was of above average in dimensions.

"Clouds below your Knees" is a track from the album "No Blue Thing" by Ray Lynch. Lynch's unique blend of acoustic and electronic instruments is based on strong melodies and a basis in classical music. This piece is founded on a lively rhythm punctuated by bright electronic sounds and features solos for woodwind and viola. The Saga managed to put all these elements together and present them in an entertaining way with a notable sense of movement and forward progression. The solo parts were highlighted very effectively and stood out from the background well and the interweaving of the various instruments and rhythms came over very pleasingly.

The unashamedly romantic ballad "And I love you so" by Perry Como was delightfully portrayed by the Saga. There was the impression of a sphere with the lead vocal placed centrally and surrounded by strings, percussion and guitar. The character of Como's voice came through authentically with the emotion evoked by the tender and poignant lyrics clearly evident. The quality of the production was also nicely conveyed with a lush, warm and slightly soft atmosphere created by the Saga, which suited this material perfectly.

Comparisons
Tripowin Piccolo
The Piccolo is a single DD IEM employing an 11mm dynamic driver with a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) diaphragm and a dual-chamber inner structure. The shell is very well made in full metal with an incised design. The original price was about $35 but is currently available for the ridiculous price of $10, which is what I paid.

The tonality is lively, bright and engaging with a powerful bass, open midrange and a bright extended treble. The soundstage is of average size. Compared to the Saga, the overall tonality is more dynamic, brighter and more energetic. The bass is not quite as deep but is faster and tighter. Mids are more forward which does make the staging a little more shallow, but there appears to be more detail here. The same applies to the treble which feels more extended with better resolution, but occasionally becomes "thinner" in tone. The two IEMs are different in character, the Saga being warm, relaxing and enveloping, whereas the Piccolo is immediate, exciting and lively. They are complementary rather than rivals.

WG T-one
WG's T-one is also a single DD model with a 10.2mm driver which has a composite film diaphragm, a rear cavity enclosure and a Tesla grade magnet. Originally priced at around $100, it has been available recently for as little as $30.

The shell is very solidly built from metal with a wave-like design on the surface. The interface is MMCX and there is a high quality cable. The T-one is in many ways a combination of the Piccolo and the Saga. It has a warm and powerful bass range, pleasantly tuned mids and a smooth but extended treble. Of the models mentioned here, it is the most balanced of the three with very few minuses in its overall performance. The Saga goes deeper in the sub bass but is not as resolving. The mids on the T-one are more open and detailed than the Saga and the treble is more extended and detailed. The Saga does beat it in terms of soundstage but the T-one has a better sense of layering and separation due to the higher resolution. Build quality is superior, as is the cable. With excellent comfort and more accessories, it is preferable to the Saga at the recent low pricing, even with the extra cost.

Conclusion
With a solid build, appealing warm L-shaped profile and a low price, the Saga is another attractive model from the KZ stable. Relaxing to listen to, it is perfect for lengthy listening sessions. It is not the last word in resolution, nor does it challenge more expensive and refined designs, but it does represent great value. Amongst the avalanche of recent releases from KZ, it stands out as something a bit different in terms of tuning and is a refreshing change from the plethora of Harman, JM1 and New Meta IEMs currently flooding the market. As usual, there is little in the way of accessories and the cable does not do justice to the IEMs, but its presentation is enjoyable and can be recommended for those who prefer a relaxing sound with no major shortcomings.

The packaging remains the classic KZ style we've seen over the years, now with star-line tips and, interestingly, a copper cable—a notable change.

Straight from the start, the Saga emphasizes bass, as expected from its Bass version. The bass delivers impressive speed and impact. When listening to "Arlandria" by Foo Fighters, one of my favorites, the mid-bass power and speed are quite impressive. Transitioning to LL Cool J's "Murdergram," the sub-bass comes through powerfully, with a deep rumble that strikes hard and fades at just the right pace. Even though the bass may be slightly less tight compared to the Castor, it retains sufficient control, texture, and depth to be satisfying.
The midrange, contrary to expectations, is not as warm and thick, yet it retains sufficient body and note weight, with a hint of lower warmth. The upper midrange register presents almost neutrally. Vocals are slightly recessed but remain well-centered and in front of the instruments.
The treble tones are mellow, and although slightly subdued, they sound authentic and possess sufficient breathiness to be pleasurable. I would describe it as having a pleasantly smooth treble that provides ample detail.
The soundstage of the Saga isn't exceptionally broad, yet it offers reasonable imaging with precise details and placement.
The KZ Saga is another cost-effective, fun, and well-tuned IEM for casual enjoyment of pop and rock music. I appreciate its enjoyable signature, although it is in a market saturated with others.