Introduction
16 drive units with precise frequency division to build a full-range professional Hi-Fi experience! Yup, that's what the latest KZ ZAR brings. It is loaded with a dynamic and 7 balanced armature units on each side. U-curve style tuning for audiophiles like you and me. Supports 20 to 40,000 Hz frequency. Comes with 8-strand braided silver-plated upgraded cable. Sound great? Let’s find out now...
Special Thanks
This review is possible thanks to below companies. Be sure to check them out...
Package Content & Design
KZ ZAR comes in a simple black package. Well-protected as you can see. Once taken out KZ ZAR with medium size ear tips, there are user guide, additional 2 pairs of silicone ear tips (S & L) and 120cm standard 8-strand braided silver-plated cable with microphone.
This upgraded cable is 8-strand silver-plated. Comes with standard 3.5mm plug and is loaded with aluminum alloy splitter. Rest assures that it will shield signal interference, reduces distortion rate and ensures lossless transmission of sound quality. By the way, mine is loaded with microphone and single button smart control.
Outstanding build quality with black and grey colour! ZAR is loaded with glossy cover with see-through bottom shell. Rest assured that it will protect all the 8 driver units inside. As usual, it comes with 0.75mm standard gold-plated plug, widely applicable to 2 Pin cable. You can change the cable easily when needed. Or turn it into Bluetooth earphones with KZ AZ15 Wireless Bluetooth Earhook.
Fit & Comfort
It is a pleasure and comfort to wear KZ ZAR for long hours. Be sure to pick the correct ear tips size that matches you. And it needs to be worn over the ear. In addition, the ergonomic design helps to keep the earphones securely on my ears too. As for passive isolation, it is great. It does block some environment noises. And you won’t notice much microphonic from cable as well.
Sound Quality
It is easy to drive KZ ZAR with just 16Ω impedance. In fact, it is easier than KZ PR1 Pro. It might have even lower impedance. Therefore, rest assured that your smartphone will have enough power to drive it. Of course, using high performing DAC like Zorloo ZuperDAC Pro (ESS Sabre 9281ACPRO) will give you much better result. It will push ZAR to its limit. That's for sure.
KZ ZAR is loaded with U shape sound signature as per advertised. It does bring more excitement to all types of stuff like gaming, music and movie. The soundstage is decent. Good in depth but not so wide. Nonetheless, you can identify those musical instruments clearly thanks to the clarity that it brings.
For details, highs are very crisp and sharp. Great in details retrieving. You might face a little bit of harshness on certain songs if using bright DAC. But nothing to worry much about. For mids, it is getting warm touch on the vocals. Nice and natural. They are forward and close to your ears. Lows are loaded with powerful deep bass. Yet well in control. You can surely feel the bass bumping here and there.
Advantages
Limitations
Conclusion
KZ ZAR is an interesting U-shape in-ear monitor that you want to own. Enjoy crisp and powerful bass. Great details retrieval too.
16 drive units with precise frequency division to build a full-range professional Hi-Fi experience! Yup, that's what the latest KZ ZAR brings. It is loaded with a dynamic and 7 balanced armature units on each side. U-curve style tuning for audiophiles like you and me. Supports 20 to 40,000 Hz frequency. Comes with 8-strand braided silver-plated upgraded cable. Sound great? Let’s find out now...
Special Thanks
This review is possible thanks to below companies. Be sure to check them out...
- KZ for this KZ ZAR High Performance 1DD+7BA Drivers In-Ear Earphones and KZ PR1 Pro
- Zorloo for Zorloo ZuperDAC Pro
Package Content & Design
KZ ZAR comes in a simple black package. Well-protected as you can see. Once taken out KZ ZAR with medium size ear tips, there are user guide, additional 2 pairs of silicone ear tips (S & L) and 120cm standard 8-strand braided silver-plated cable with microphone.
This upgraded cable is 8-strand silver-plated. Comes with standard 3.5mm plug and is loaded with aluminum alloy splitter. Rest assures that it will shield signal interference, reduces distortion rate and ensures lossless transmission of sound quality. By the way, mine is loaded with microphone and single button smart control.
Outstanding build quality with black and grey colour! ZAR is loaded with glossy cover with see-through bottom shell. Rest assured that it will protect all the 8 driver units inside. As usual, it comes with 0.75mm standard gold-plated plug, widely applicable to 2 Pin cable. You can change the cable easily when needed. Or turn it into Bluetooth earphones with KZ AZ15 Wireless Bluetooth Earhook.
Fit & Comfort
It is a pleasure and comfort to wear KZ ZAR for long hours. Be sure to pick the correct ear tips size that matches you. And it needs to be worn over the ear. In addition, the ergonomic design helps to keep the earphones securely on my ears too. As for passive isolation, it is great. It does block some environment noises. And you won’t notice much microphonic from cable as well.
Sound Quality
It is easy to drive KZ ZAR with just 16Ω impedance. In fact, it is easier than KZ PR1 Pro. It might have even lower impedance. Therefore, rest assured that your smartphone will have enough power to drive it. Of course, using high performing DAC like Zorloo ZuperDAC Pro (ESS Sabre 9281ACPRO) will give you much better result. It will push ZAR to its limit. That's for sure.
KZ ZAR is loaded with U shape sound signature as per advertised. It does bring more excitement to all types of stuff like gaming, music and movie. The soundstage is decent. Good in depth but not so wide. Nonetheless, you can identify those musical instruments clearly thanks to the clarity that it brings.
For details, highs are very crisp and sharp. Great in details retrieving. You might face a little bit of harshness on certain songs if using bright DAC. But nothing to worry much about. For mids, it is getting warm touch on the vocals. Nice and natural. They are forward and close to your ears. Lows are loaded with powerful deep bass. Yet well in control. You can surely feel the bass bumping here and there.
Advantages
- Crisp sound with powerful deep bass
- Clear & detailed
- Excellent build quality
- Comfortable for long hours
- Great noise isolation
Limitations
- Soundstage can be wider
Conclusion
KZ ZAR is an interesting U-shape in-ear monitor that you want to own. Enjoy crisp and powerful bass. Great details retrieval too.
The ZAR is well made, and it is comfortable in my ears, the isolation is good The box is that old school KZ I remember well and more than enough to securely hold the contents. inside is star-tips and a good-looking durable silver cable that I think is one of the best from KZ ever.
Sound:
Bass:
Bass onthe ZAR has a excellent deep punch with good control, weight, and good speed. both Mid and Sub have some elevation but nothing fatiguing.
Mids:
Midrange is warm detailed and lush, there is good body, and they are forward. There's is a slight recession on some tracks, but this is minimal and normal on a V-shaped IEM.
Treble:
Highs are well extended with an airy and detailed presentation, no harshness or fatigue here just pleasant and accurate with some air.
Soundstage:
The staging is a natural field, it has good depth but is only moderate in width. There is great separation and clarity with accurate imaging even on busy recordings.
After thoughts:
The ZAR is proof that KZ is always trying to improve it is tuned to be enjoyable but also better than the last flagship.
I think KZ fans will like this one too there is a lot of new players and this one is a good choice for those that like the signature.
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 wise is KZ small little black box. IEMs are metal alloy faceplate with bottom half resin. This package comes with 3 pairs of KZ starline silicon tips in S M & L. The stock cable is the 8 strand silver plated upgraded cable [same as in KZ PR1pro stock cable], one of KZ better cable we seen so far.
Equipment used / Music choices :
ASUS Laptop WIN 11 with Spotify Connect to
1. Ifi UNO DAC to FSA Beyond HD Amplifier 6.35SE and Supplier HD Linear Supply
2. Topping DX3PRO DAC to Topping Amplifier L30 6.35SE
3. ifi Zen Dac v2.0 interconnected to ifi Zen Can 6.35SE/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 LDAC
Music Tracks - variety of EDM, pop, jazz, country, instrumental, classical, audiophile male/female, chinese / cantonese favourites.
Some of tracks used -
Need you tonight - INXS,
Jack and Diane - John Mellencamp,
I'm Good - David Guetta and Bebe Rexha,
Dancing in the Dark - LOLO,
Dire Straits – Money For Nothing,
AHA- Hunting High and Low,
Camomile - Fields of Gold,
Chicago – If You Leave Me Now,
Depeche Mode - Strange Love,
Ed Sheeran - I Don't Care,
Glass Tiger - Thin Red Line,
Symphony No.5 in C Minor by Beethoven,
Bubbles – Yosi Horikawa, etc..
Sound Impression :
Overall Tonality and Timbre - sounds organic and natural and smooth. The new single dynamic driver seems to be quite good and capable, taking care and delivery of good Bass, slams hard and deep, fast and snappy. The new 7 BAs consist of 1 x 30019S and 6 x 50024S, deliver good mids vocal in crisp and clear, organic and natural tonality. The treble presentation is good in imaging, instrument separation and micro details.
Bass – the bass transient speed is fast and snappy. The bass is actually well controlled and accurate, kick drum and strikes are quite precise.
Mids – both male and female vocals are natural and forward sounding with good weight tone.
Treble - instruments separation and imaging are clear and concise, accurate and precise, yet not sibilant, cymbals and high hats are good, extend well and good micro detail.
Soundstage is considered average in width, depth and height. Top end airiness is lacking in producing 3D holographic effect.
All testing are done using the stock starline tips and stock cable.
KZ ZAR Comparison to
CCA HM20 consists of 1 ‘XUN-7” DD and 7BAs of 1 x 30019S and 6 x 50024S.
KZ ZAR in terms of tuning overall sounds better in lesser bass bleed, cleaner and better clarity, resulting in better resolution and crispy-ness.
TRN VX PRO consists of 1 x 10mm CNT DD, and 8 BAs of 4 x 30095 and 4 x 50060.
TRN VX Pro tuning is even brighter and transparent, best suited for treble-head, those that are treble sensitive might find a bit sibilant in certain zone and tracks.
Final Thoughts
This is a good tuning set for those that enjoy fast amd snappy Bass that hits hard and deep. Mids Vocal are represented well, crisp and clear, bright and organic. Treble highs are well extended with good micro details and resolution. Rather enjoyable musical set that suit most music genres.
Packaging / Presentation :
Packaging wise is KZ small little black box. IEMs are metal alloy faceplate with bottom half resin. This package comes with 3 pairs of KZ starline silicon tips in S M & L. The stock cable is the 8 strand silver plated upgraded cable [same as in KZ PR1pro stock cable], one of KZ better cable we seen so far.
Equipment used / Music choices :
ASUS Laptop WIN 11 with Spotify Connect to
1. Ifi UNO DAC to FSA Beyond HD Amplifier 6.35SE and Supplier HD Linear Supply
2. Topping DX3PRO DAC to Topping Amplifier L30 6.35SE
3. ifi Zen Dac v2.0 interconnected to ifi Zen Can 6.35SE/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 LDAC
Music Tracks - variety of EDM, pop, jazz, country, instrumental, classical, audiophile male/female, chinese / cantonese favourites.
Some of tracks used -
Need you tonight - INXS,
Jack and Diane - John Mellencamp,
I'm Good - David Guetta and Bebe Rexha,
Dancing in the Dark - LOLO,
Dire Straits – Money For Nothing,
AHA- Hunting High and Low,
Camomile - Fields of Gold,
Chicago – If You Leave Me Now,
Depeche Mode - Strange Love,
Ed Sheeran - I Don't Care,
Glass Tiger - Thin Red Line,
Symphony No.5 in C Minor by Beethoven,
Bubbles – Yosi Horikawa, etc..
Sound Impression :
Overall Tonality and Timbre - sounds organic and natural and smooth. The new single dynamic driver seems to be quite good and capable, taking care and delivery of good Bass, slams hard and deep, fast and snappy. The new 7 BAs consist of 1 x 30019S and 6 x 50024S, deliver good mids vocal in crisp and clear, organic and natural tonality. The treble presentation is good in imaging, instrument separation and micro details.
Bass – the bass transient speed is fast and snappy. The bass is actually well controlled and accurate, kick drum and strikes are quite precise.
Mids – both male and female vocals are natural and forward sounding with good weight tone.
Treble - instruments separation and imaging are clear and concise, accurate and precise, yet not sibilant, cymbals and high hats are good, extend well and good micro detail.
Soundstage is considered average in width, depth and height. Top end airiness is lacking in producing 3D holographic effect.
All testing are done using the stock starline tips and stock cable.
KZ ZAR Comparison to
CCA HM20 consists of 1 ‘XUN-7” DD and 7BAs of 1 x 30019S and 6 x 50024S.
KZ ZAR in terms of tuning overall sounds better in lesser bass bleed, cleaner and better clarity, resulting in better resolution and crispy-ness.
TRN VX PRO consists of 1 x 10mm CNT DD, and 8 BAs of 4 x 30095 and 4 x 50060.
TRN VX Pro tuning is even brighter and transparent, best suited for treble-head, those that are treble sensitive might find a bit sibilant in certain zone and tracks.
Final Thoughts
This is a good tuning set for those that enjoy fast amd snappy Bass that hits hard and deep. Mids Vocal are represented well, crisp and clear, bright and organic. Treble highs are well extended with good micro details and resolution. Rather enjoyable musical set that suit most music genres.
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