LZ-Z03A

INTRODUCTION: I purchased the LZ-Z03A because of a very curious headfier who's screen name is dubbed TwinACStacks. I needed an upgrade from the Titan 1. So he recommended the LZ-Z03A. So I loaded up my bank card and purchased the LZ-03A. I did a 153 hour burn-in and I got some interesing results. First I'll talk about the Build Quality.

BUILD QUALITY: I must admit. It's pretty sturdy. Almost as sturdy as the Titan 1. The cable is slightly sticky at first, but that will wear out after a week or so. The cable is also thick and transparent. The strain reliefs on the bottom of the earpieces are thick and stiff. Yet the strain relief just above the I shaped AUX Plug is thin. It's strong enough for everyday use. The LZ-Z03A also has a convenient chin slider.

FIT/COMFORT: With the Spinfit eartips (Size Medium). It fits quite well. The comfort is nearly endless. I can wear the Z03A for hours and not even the slightest fatigue. The LZ-Z03A can go somewhat deep in my ear canal. It's more like a semi deep fit.

ACCESSORIES: The LZ-Z03A comes with 3 pairs of Yellow Core Eartips (S/M/L). 3 Pairs of Black eartips (S/M/L) and a shirt clip. Semi tralucent ear guides. Not bad. I wish it had a hard shell clam carrying case.

SOURCE/AMP: ASUS Zenfone 2 (Neutron Music Player and EQ OFF) w/the Topping NX2.

RESULTS:

GENERAL SOUND DESCRIPTION: Neutral. Cool. Bright. Analytical.

BASS: The bass takes the sidelines due to the bass being small in quantity. The bass is clear and keeps itself detached from the rest of the other ranges. It has very good tone. The bass can reach the shallow end of the subbass region (around 60 to 70 Hz). It is also quite fast paced and controlled. There's some misbass, but it's not enough to warm the sound. Let alone obscure the rest of the frequency. At least the bass is sufficient enough for most genres. Except for the most heavy bass demanding sub genres like Hard Dance, Hardstyle, Hip Hop and Techno.

MIDRANGE: This is where it gets interesting. The entire midrange in general is a bit thin and almost cold. More like cool. The lower midrange is quite clear and exuberant. The detail this IEM is rendered rather efficiently. That's where it stops getting good. The upper midrange is great. Sadly it sounds a bit artificial. The extreme energy that the LZ-Z03A portrays is slightly off putting in songs that require tons of energy for stringed and horn instruments such as electric guitars and trumpets. Thankfully the SpinFit eartips can tame the issue. Mostly. Still pretty good for $30.

TREBLE: The lower treble is just as energized. Which makes the headspace quite airy. After 9 KHz. The treble rolls off steadily. The detail is good. It's still slightly artificial though. It can be mostly fixed with the SpinFit eartips or foam eartips.

SOUNDSTAGE, ACCURACY AND IMAGING: The Soundstage itself sounds three dimensional. Not the best at it. Yet it just below the Havi B3 Pro 1. The width is slightly above average. The depth is slightly above average. The height is also average. Especially with foam tips. This is all based on price range by the way. The accuracy is great. It's good at fast instrument movements and placements. The imaging is vivid and clear. Although it sounds a bit two dimensional.

CONCLUSION: For $30. The LZ-Z03A does not disappoint. It's built very well. It has a decent amount of accessories. It has a neutral and detailed sound. Those that don't like lack of bass or an analytical sound signature and prefer a warmer and more musical sound. These are definitely not for you. For $30. It's quite impressive.

At the time of the review, the LZ-Z03A was was on sale on Amazon and Easy Earphone’s Aliexpress website. Here is a link to their listing of the product:
 
http://www.amazon.com/LZ-Z03A-Dynamic-Cancelling-Earphones-Headphones/dp/B01C2XK0D4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1457660433&sr=8-2&keywords=lz+earphone
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Easy-New-Original-LZ-Z03A-Hifi-Stereo-Dynamic-In-ear-Earbuds-Heave-Bass-Noise-Cancelling-Earphones/519064_32600913773.html
 
Introduction
Earlier this year I had the honor of reviewing a pair of LZ-A2 hybrid in-ear monitors. Here is a link to the review:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/lz-a2/reviews/14722
 
The A2 was a “giant killer” of an earphone that offered an uncanny price to performance ratio. Shortly after several reviews were posted on Head-Fi, the A2 peaked in terms of recognition and popularity. At that same time, they were discontinued! What? Why? If you look hard enough, you can occasionally see a pair listed on Aliexpress for upwards of a thousand dollars. This is the law of supply and demand in full effect I guess...
 
After reviewing the A2, I also had a chance to review their single dynamic earphone, the LZ-A1. It was another phenomenal sounding earphone. I walked away from writing the previous LZ reviews knowing that these wouldn’t be the last of their products I would ever hear.
 
A part of reviewing is talking to manufacturers about new products. I was curious to seek the origin of LZ products, and was able to find one of them. Easy Earphones is a Asian shop on Aliexpress (they also have an Amazon store). When communicating with them, I was informed that the A2 was discontinued to make way for a successor to them. Not only that, they also have a successor to the A1. Today I will be reviewing the LZ-A1 successor, the LZ-Z03A.
 
Disclaimer
I was given an opportunity to review the LZ-Z03A 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 Easy Earphones 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-Z03A comes in a generic looking black box with purple foil lettering on the front.
 

The back of the box has specifications printed in Chinese and English. There is nothing printed on the sides of the box.
 
Specifications and Accessories
 
Specifications:
Resistance: 16Ω
Sensitivity: 105±3dB
Frequency Response Range:16-20000Hz
Driver Type: Dynamic
Cord Length:120cm
Driver Diameter: 8mm
 
Accessories:
3x Pair gray/yellow silicone eartips (S,M,L)
3x Pair black silicone eartips (S,M,L)
1x Shirt clip
1x Pair silicone ear hooks
 

Both sets of tips are nice quality, and the ear hooks are a nice touch for someone who prefers an over the ear fit. One thing missing is a clamshell case. I feel that now days any earphone more than twenty dollars should have one, especially ones that sound as good as these.
 
Housings

The housings of the Z03A are barrel shaped combination of metal and plastic. The shape and design trumps the old models and looks slick and sophisticated. LZ improved things by adding more detail and improving aesthetics. The L&R markings are cleverly located, and the silver rings on the outside of the housings are a nice touch.
 

LZ improved the shape, making them a little smaller than the last models. They narrowed the nozzle, making it much easier to do some tip rolling. Thanks to their improved design and shape, the Z03A sets up well for both over and under the ear fit.
 
Cable, Y-Split, Cable Jack, Strain Reliefs

The Z03A cable is a nicely colored thin and rubbery cable that seems durable. It has a considerable amount of spring and memory. The Y-split is a gold metal jacketed tube that follows the same theme as the housing. The jack is a straight designed gold plated 3.5mm design with a gold metal jacketing that is identical to the Y-split. Strain reliefs at the jack and housings are small but adequate. Although the cable could be better in terms of material used, I find it to be adequate for a budget in-ear monitor, and would prefer this cable over something more flimsy and less durable.
 
Functionality

A single button microphone and remote is located six inches down from the right channel housing. The single button works for both Android and IOS. When using it for phone calls, I could hear voices with good clarity. When talking to friends and family, they reported my voice coming through at a three or four on a scale from one to five.
 
Ergonomics, Fit and Microphonics, Isolation
The slim and simple housing shape sets up for both under and over the ear fit. It was a toss up in terms of which fitment I preferred as they both worked well. Microphonics were noticeable and average for a universal in-ear monitor when wearing them cable down. Looped over the ear, microphonics were pretty much eliminated. Isolation is average for an in-ear monitor. Outside sounds are reduced, but can still be heard when music isn’t playing.
 
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 sixteen ohms, the Z03A is set up to be used with a smart phone. The Z03A has a bass forward signature with a somewhat crisp treble presence. It is somewhat forgiving with poor recordings, but also upscales well with higher resolution sources. I enjoyed streaming music with them and my LG G3.
 
Sound Signature

The Z03A is a refined slight V-signature that maintains a good amount of clarity through the entire frequency range. The overall feel is dynamic with a warm tilt, crisp top end and somewhat spacious sound for a single driver dynamic in-ear monitor. It sets up well for just about every music genre i played.  
 
Bass
Bass has an overall slightly forward and balanced feel. It is a bouncy bass with fast attack and good tone. There is equal amounts of punch and rumble. Although it is fabulous for a budget model, the dynamic driver will smear sounds when bass passages become complex. Still, the Z03A has a universally polite and slightly forward bass response that works well with every genre of music.
 
Midrange
Lower midrange is forward and carries a warm tilt while avoiding sounding unnatural. Vocals carry nice weight without sounding artificial. There is a drop off from lower to upper midrange but it is tastefully done so that it isn’t perceptually noticeable while giving the Z03A an added sense of spaciousness.  
 
Treble
I say that the Z03A is a slight V-signature because there is a spike around 6kHz. If not for this spike, they might fall into another category. This spike isn’t outrageous and helps give the Z03A a crisp feel at upper frequencies. Those sensitive to this frequency might find them a hair sibilant or fatiguing at higher volumes. I wasn’t bothered by it whatsoever, and found it to be a welcomed touch to help round out their sound signature. The overall feel of the treble response is pretty smooth, natural and balanced aside from the 6kHz lift which helps make the treble pop and add energy to the track.  
 
Soundstage and Imaging
Soundstage is better than the average in-ear monitor thanks to their slight V-signature and fairly high level of resolution. I wouldn’t say imaging is any better than average. Their tuning doesn’t necessarily set up for an extraordinary sense of instrument placement.
 
Comparisons
 
Xiaomi Hybrid (Piston 4) ($20 to $35 USD on many sites)
The similarly priced Xiaomi Hybrid was released shortly before the Z03A. To my ears the Xiaomi hybrid sounds like a refined tuning of the PIston 2.0.
 
Comparing the Xiaomi hybrid to the LZ-Z03A, the Piston hybrid carries more bass body and more relaxed midrange and upper frequencies. The Z03A is more extended, natural and crisp sounding. The tuning of the Z03A seems more universally applicable to every genre of music, as the Xiaomi hybrid seems more geared towards today’s modern genres.
 
As far as build and accessories is concerned, I give them a draw. Both earphones are lacking a case and come with decent tips.
 
Brainwavz ($25 to $40 USD on many sites)
The XF200 is a sports earphone recently released by Brainwavz. They offer a very solid fit, nice accessories package, and V-Signature that sounds really decent.
 
Comparing the two, the XF200 definitely has more of the classic V-shape than the Z03A, with increases both at sub bass and upper midrange frequencies. Midrange is recessed in comparison to the Z03A. After the upper midrange boost, the XF200 rolls off where the Z03A continues on. The Z03A is a more balanced and extended sounding earphone.
 
Build quality goes to the Z03A. They have a more premium build with their metal housing, Y-split, jack and microphone/remote. Accessories goes to the XF200. Their clamshell cases and tip selection are some of the best in the business.
 
Conclusion
The LZ-Z03A is a great budget option, and one of the best sounding earphones you can get for thirty dollars. Just like the other LZ earphones I’ve had the opportunity to review, these have a great price to performance ratio.
 
The Z03A is getting a high ranking from me because in a conversation about what is the best sounding earphones for thirty dollars, I would have to mention these.
 
If you are on a budget and looking for something with good looks and sound, I have no problem recommending these. They are a fabulous performer, and a great example of what budget-fi is all about.
 

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

Overall, the audio quality & build quality is very good. No words needed, just buy it and feel the quality.
(I really hope LaoZhong to hire proper designer. The desgin is seriously horrible compared to the audio quality)