Intro
The KZ ZS4 is to be understood as an upgrade to the ZS3. The same housing as its predecessor now contains a hybrid configuration consisting of a BA and a dynamic driver.
In contrast to the ZS3, the BA driver brings more brightness and clarity to the music, but also sometimes wants too much.
From time to time I'm not quite so clear about the criteria according to which KZ distributes their product names. If you assume that the ZS* series was actually reserved for their flagship models, the ZS4 doesn't really fit in.
Out of competition are currently their pure BA driver models, which have also received new series designation (BA* & AS*).
Handling
In terms of appearance and material (plastic), the ZS4 is a copy of the ZS3, as already mentioned, but with slight changes to the sound tube, which is no longer as thick, but just as long. I have to admit, that I always have my problems with longer tubes (ZS3, ZSR), because no matter what tips I use, they press and cause pain in the long run. So also unfortunately here. But this is my personal problem and a subjective evaluation.
Otherwise, the design is very ergonomic, so that the ZS4 fit very well in the ear, provide excellent insulation and are also suitable for sports activities.
As with all models, the scope of delivery is the same (cable, three different silicone tips).
Sound
If the ZS3 was already an in-ear for bass heads, so is the ZS4.
It pushes, punches properly and also goes very deep. However, it's a bit too much for me, because the bass is very pronounced especially in the middle/upper range. This also leads to the blending of the mids. You can't expect great details here, it depends more on the quantity.
The mids are a bit shy, especially when it comes to very bass-heavy songs. This is especially noticeable in male voices, which seem more distanced. That's a shame on the one hand, because they have something on their chest, but can only play out their potential with less bass intensive music. An equalizer certainly helps here if you want to lure them out a bit. They do have an appealing level of detail and, if you allow it, a good separation. The upper mids can sometimes get a little hard and so unpleasant in some songs.
The same applies to the highs, which are more of the brighter kind (quite contrary to the ZS3), have a good resolution and offer a lot of details, but also sting here and there and highlight the sibilants.
Outro
I see the ZS4 clearly above the ZS3 and just as easily above the ES3, but for my taste you get more for your money with the ZSA, ES4, or ED16|ZS7, even with the ZST Pro. They're not bad and especially made for bass lovers and electro|EDM fans, but for many other genres you should have an equalizer at hand if you're not into full bass and treble sensitive, and want to emphasize the actually very good mids.
KZ doesn't give in to the ZS4's nakedness and produces a good hybrid, albeit with some limitations. Only the product name suggests something different, since KZ has already delivered better in the price range and in the dual configuration (1*DD & 1*BA).
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More reviews: https://david-hahn.wixsite.com/chi-fiear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHIFIEAR/
You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GGQCSG6
The KZ ZS4 is to be understood as an upgrade to the ZS3. The same housing as its predecessor now contains a hybrid configuration consisting of a BA and a dynamic driver.
In contrast to the ZS3, the BA driver brings more brightness and clarity to the music, but also sometimes wants too much.
From time to time I'm not quite so clear about the criteria according to which KZ distributes their product names. If you assume that the ZS* series was actually reserved for their flagship models, the ZS4 doesn't really fit in.
Out of competition are currently their pure BA driver models, which have also received new series designation (BA* & AS*).
Handling
In terms of appearance and material (plastic), the ZS4 is a copy of the ZS3, as already mentioned, but with slight changes to the sound tube, which is no longer as thick, but just as long. I have to admit, that I always have my problems with longer tubes (ZS3, ZSR), because no matter what tips I use, they press and cause pain in the long run. So also unfortunately here. But this is my personal problem and a subjective evaluation.
Otherwise, the design is very ergonomic, so that the ZS4 fit very well in the ear, provide excellent insulation and are also suitable for sports activities.
As with all models, the scope of delivery is the same (cable, three different silicone tips).
Sound
If the ZS3 was already an in-ear for bass heads, so is the ZS4.
It pushes, punches properly and also goes very deep. However, it's a bit too much for me, because the bass is very pronounced especially in the middle/upper range. This also leads to the blending of the mids. You can't expect great details here, it depends more on the quantity.
The mids are a bit shy, especially when it comes to very bass-heavy songs. This is especially noticeable in male voices, which seem more distanced. That's a shame on the one hand, because they have something on their chest, but can only play out their potential with less bass intensive music. An equalizer certainly helps here if you want to lure them out a bit. They do have an appealing level of detail and, if you allow it, a good separation. The upper mids can sometimes get a little hard and so unpleasant in some songs.
The same applies to the highs, which are more of the brighter kind (quite contrary to the ZS3), have a good resolution and offer a lot of details, but also sting here and there and highlight the sibilants.
Outro
I see the ZS4 clearly above the ZS3 and just as easily above the ES3, but for my taste you get more for your money with the ZSA, ES4, or ED16|ZS7, even with the ZST Pro. They're not bad and especially made for bass lovers and electro|EDM fans, but for many other genres you should have an equalizer at hand if you're not into full bass and treble sensitive, and want to emphasize the actually very good mids.
KZ doesn't give in to the ZS4's nakedness and produces a good hybrid, albeit with some limitations. Only the product name suggests something different, since KZ has already delivered better in the price range and in the dual configuration (1*DD & 1*BA).
_____________________________________________________________
More reviews: https://david-hahn.wixsite.com/chi-fiear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHIFIEAR/
You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GGQCSG6