At the time of the review, the LZ-A1 was was on sale on Easy Earphone’s website. Here is a link to their listing of the product:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Newest-Arrived-LZ-A1-A2-Dynamic-Headphones-HIFI-In-Ear-Earphone-Good-As-IE800-IE80-K3003/32560020404.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.3.FtWIbz&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_2,searchweb201644_5_505_506_503_504_301_502_10014_10001_10002_10016_10005_10006_10003_10004_401,searchweb201560_1,searchweb1451318400_-1,searchweb1451318411_6448&btsid=d38b8808-2fbe-4915-804d-fd908a770c3f
Introduction
A few months ago, a fellow Head-Fier was looking for reviewers of the now heralded LZ-A2. I was fortunate to get a chance to review them. They are truly a remarkable earphone that wins the ears of just about anyone who hears them. From what I’ve learned, these are the work of a genius named Lao Zhong. When I received the A2, I also got a pair of LZ-A1. My agreement was to review both. To be honest I was so smitten by the A2 that I almost forgot about the A1. Today we will be covering them with a review. The A1 is another great earphone from LZ.
At a time that the LZ-A2 couldn’t be much more popular in audiophile circles, and selling like hot cakes, they were DISCONTINUED! WHAAAAAAAT! WHY?!?!
It’s because this is just the beginning from what I’ve been told. As I type this, LZ is preparing to launch an LZ-A3, and I’m hearing it is sonically superior to the A2. They are also releasing a budget model to replace the earphone review we will cover today called the LZ-Z03A. So you might be wondering why I would even bother covering the A1 if a predecessor is soon to come. Truth be told, the success of the A2 has put the A1 in it’s shadows. It is still a great earphone that is STILL FOR SALE at a great price. If not for the A2, this might be the budget earphone everyone is discussing.
Disclaimer
I was given an opportunity to review the LZ-A1 in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I am in no way affiliated with LZ. I would like to take this time to personally thank my friend Chengyu for the opportunity.
My Background
I AM NOT a numbers and graphs audiophile or sound engineer. Personal audio enthusiast? Absolutely! Headphone junkie? Possibly…
There’s something about quality DAPs, DACs, Amplifiers and Earphones that intrigues me, especially if they can be had for low prices. I will buy the $5 to $500 earphone that looks promising, in hopes that I will discover that one new gem that can compete with the big names in this industry. If you look at my Head-Fi profile you will see that I have purchased MANY different headphones and earphones, ranging from from dirt cheap to higher end products. For me, this hobby is more about getting great price to performance ratio from a product, and have a variety of different gears with varying builds and sound to mix and match. With personal audio gear, we tend to pay a lot of money for minor upgrades. One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that just because a headphone has a higher price tag, it doesn’t mean that it has superior build and sound quality.
I’m always looking for great audio at a great price. I’m after headphones and IEMs that give me the “WOW” factor. I can appreciate different builds and sound signatures as long as they are ergonomic, and the sound is pleasing to the ear. It is my pleasure to share my experiences with audio products and make recommendations based gear I have owned and used.
REVIEW
The LZ didn’t come with any retail packaging. It arrived in an aftermarket case.
Specifications and Accessories
Specifications
Model Number: LZ A1
Transducer Principle: Dynamic
Driver Diameter: 8mm
Impedance: 16 ohm
Sensitivity: 108 dB
Frequency Response: 10Hz-20kHz
Cable Length:1.2m
With mic or not: With mic /without mic for your choose
Accessories
3x pair Red/Gray silicone tips (S,M,L)
1x Shirt Clip
1x Clamshell Case
NOTE: This is what I received in the demo package. This may vary from what will come when ordered from Easy Earphones website.
Housings
The housings of the A1 are similarly shaped to the A2, but slightly smaller. They have a gold aluminum barrel shaped housing. There is a molded aluminum cylinder protruding from the back of the gold barrel housing that has a driver venting hole.
The nozzle is another aluminum cylinder that leads to a wide, fat and short nozzle. There is a second driver venting hole on the bottom of where the housing meets the nozzle.
NOTE: The A1 also comes in a black/gunmetal finish as well. If you are interested in purchasing the A1 in this finish please inquire with the seller to see if this variation is in stock.
Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs
A gray rubber cable is used with this design. It is of standard thickness and durability, and has a fair amount of spring and memory. The rubbery finish has a tendency to grip the surface of whatever it touches. While this can be a hindrance, it also works great for wearing them looped over the ear. The Y-split is a gold metal jacketed housing. There is a chin slider that works effectively to help snug things into place. The A1 jack is straight designed gold plated 3.5mm plug with a gold tinted metal jacket that is identical to the Y-Split. Aside from some small rubber pieces where the cable meets the housings on each channel, there is nothing for strain reliefs.
Functionality
The A1 I received didn’t have any mic/remote features. However, the A1 can be purchased with this option. If you are interested in purchasing the A1 with a microphone and remote, make sure to contact the seller to see if they have any in stock.
Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation
The wide and short nozzle of the A1 makes tip rolling a bit of a challenge. Despite the width I was able to get a pair of medium Sony isolation tips on them and they work great. The smaller housing sets up great for both under and over the ear fitment. Wearing them cable down, microphonics were controlled well thanks to the included chin slider. Wearing them over the ear with the chin slider snugged into place not only eliminated any microphonics, it also gave me a great fit and is my preferred way of wearing them.
Sound Review
I did my demo with my usual gear. I used an LG-G3 with the latest firmware for portable and smartphone use, and either my Shanling H3 or Sony Walkman F806/Cayin C5 amplifier for a high fidelity portable use. For desktop use I used my Toshiba Satellite Laptop in combination with a HIFIMEDIY Sabre ES9023 USB DAC/Bravo Audio Ocean Tube amplifier with a Mullard 12AU7 tube for higher impedance, and a Fiio E18 USB DAC & Amplifier in both high and low gain. Both were run at 24 bit, 96000 Hz. I also tested them with other DAPs and amplifiers as well. I used Google Music downloaded in its highest download quality (320 KBPS) and I also streamed FLAC via Tidal streaming service. I also used purchased and downloaded tracks in MP3, FLAC, WAV and DSD. I make sure that any gear I test has sufficient playtime before writing a review.
I used my usual same songs for testing gear:
“Limit to your love” by James Blake (bass speed, punch, response)
“Doin’ it Right” by Daft Punk (sub bass)
“Get lucky” by Daft Punk (bass to midrange transition resolution, male vocals)
“Madness” by Muse (soundstage, separation)
“Some nights” by Fun (soundstage and male vocals)
“The soundmaker” by Rodrigo y Gabriela (texture and imaging)
“Bassically” by Tei Shi (bass to midrange resolution, female vocals)
“Skinny Love” performed by Birdie (female vocals, acoustic playback)
“One” by Ed Sheeran (male vocals, acoustic playback)
“Outlands” from the Tron Legacy Soundtrack (symphonic presentation, imaging)
“Sultans of swing” by Dire Straits (detail, separation, balance)
“And Justic for All” by Metallica (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
“Ten thousand fists” by Disturbed (driver distortion, treble response, rock playback)
Note: Other tracks were used, but the listed songs were primarily used to assess and break down the gear’s response.
Source Selection
At 16 ohms and utilizing a dynamic driver, the A1 can be driven with just about any source. Their bass forward tuning makes them somewhat forgiving with low bitrate files and poor recordings. They also have a very responsive driver that upscales well with more premium files and sources.
Sound Signature
The A1 is basshead audiophile for sure. They are a fairly high resolution V-signature that is very entertaining. The overall feel is bassy and crisp up top while still maintaining a much better than average level of clarity and separation at mid and upper midrange tones.
Bass
The A1 has a bass forward tuning that gives a sense of their being more rumble than punch. It is a bouncy and responsive bass that seems to extend well. Sub through mid bass is abundant and responsive without going overboard. Bass heads will find it to be a very responsive and enjoyable, while those looking for a more linear tuning will be turned away by the forwardness.
Midrange
Midrange is farthest back in the mix but has a very nice level of detail and clarity. You won’t feel like you’re losing anything in terms of fidelity as long as the forward bass presence doesn’t take away from your ability to enjoy them. A forward lower midrange rolls into a relaxed upper midrange, with a dip around 1-2k. All in all, they are the classic V-shape midrange without any sense of them being muffled or distorted.
Treble
There is a 6k spike that adds a level of crispness, giving the A1 a Hi-Fi feel. Although this rounds out their V-shape it can also be fatiguing depending on what music, source volume you usually listen at. For the most part I was able to enjoy them at what I consider healthy listening volumes.
Soundstage and Imaging
The tuning and clarity sets up for the A1 to have a somewhat spacious sound. Imaging is okay, but these give me a “in the head” sound that doesn’t give me a sense of instrument placement.
Comparisons
Dunu Titan 5 ($130 to $150 USD on many sites)
The Titan 5 is a V-shaped earphone with good extension on both ends of the frequency response. Their dynamic tuning, detachable cables and all metal housings makes them a great package.
Comparing the A1 to the Titan 5, it’s apparent how much of a value the A1 is. The A1 bass is more forward, but also more controlled and responsive. I give the Titan 5 a very slight edge in terms of midrange. They carry a slightly more forward presence with equal clarity but are in better balance with bass tones. Treble is more extended on the Titan 5 and just a bit more crisp. Overall, I actually prefer the A1 sound signature. They are slightly less fatiguing and a bit more fun to listen to with all genres of music from what I hear.
In terms of build and accessories, the Titan 5 destroys the A1. It’s really not even a contest
Soundmagic E50 ($45 to $55 USD on many sites)
The E50 is a very balanced earphone from bass through midrange tones and finishes with a fatigue free and extended treble presence. They are a great earphone for anyone looking for a earphone that puts vocals at center stage.
Comparing the two I give the fun factor to the A1, but the technical capabilities to the E50. The A1 bass is undeniably better in terms of all around awesomeness. The E50 gets a huge advantage with an excellent midrange response. Treble will be a matter of preference. I personally like the less spiked treble of the E50. Soundstage goes to the A1, with imaging going to the E50.
In terms of build, I give them a draw. Soundmagic has a slight advantage in the accessories department.
Conclusion
LZ knows what they heck they are doing when designing an earphone. Just as much as this is a review of the A1, it’s also a precursor to what is and what is to come. With the promise of the LZ-A1 predecessor on the way (LZ-Z03A) we have a great opportunity to pick up the A1 at a phenomenal sale price. If you are looking for some impressive bass and Hi-Fi sound for without spending a lot of money, the A1 might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Thanks for reading and happy listening!
