OKCSC ZX1

After two Years = ZX1 + old AKG
)))

Disclaimer:
I bought the OKCSC ZX1 at my own expense.






Specifications:
- Driver: 57mm Composite Film Horn Speaker + 180 Degree Open Cavity
- Sensitivity: 98dB
- Frequency response: 16Hz - 20kHz
- Impedence: 32Ω
- Cable: non detachable (3.5 mm, 1.2 meters)


Accessories:
Literally none. Zilch. Nada. Zero. The headphone came in a transparent plastic bag with nothing else LOL. Not even a packaging box. I'm one that values the sound of a transducer (IEM/headphone) more than the accessories provided, but it was quite shocking to just receive a plastic bag in the mail.


Build/comfort:
The ZX1's design is unorthodox at best, and maybe towards the "ugly" end of the things. I wouldn't be caught wearing it outside, but then again, open backed cans are generally not useful for outside use due to the poor isolation. It is also not foldable. Thankfully, the sound quality of the ZX1 trumps the looks, so as the old adage goes, don't judge a book by its cover.

Though the ZX1 is huge, it is extremely comfortable and light, with minimal clamping force. It can be worn for hours with no issues, unlike other more "clampy" headphones. The foam pads are quite plush, though one might need to worry about where to get replacement pads once the stock ones wear out.

The cables are non detachable and they are on the thinner side. I found in my audiophile journey that cables are usually the first point of failure, so it is quite a bummer to have the ZX1 come with non detachable cables, not to mention some folks might wanna cable roll or even add some balanced cables to it. Thankfully, the cable is long (1.2 m) and has some strain reliefs.


Isolation:
Non existent, as per other open backed cans.


Soundstage:
Isolation is poor, but it makes it up for it with a wide soundstage.


Drivability:
On paper, the impedance of 32Ω makes it look like the ZX1 will be drivable from smartphones and lower powered sources. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound that good with said lower powered gear, and amping will improve the dynamics, clarity, bass quantity/extension and soundstage much more. I would recommend that the ZX1 be used with amping to unlock its true potential.

I did not hear any hiss on the ZX1 with multiple sources.


Sound:
The ZX1 is U shaped/mild V shaped, with recessed mids (though not overly recessed).

It has very good technicalities (imaging, instrument separation, clarity, details). Timbre is excellent for vocals and acoustic instruments. Note weight is on the thinner side, I personally would have preferred thicker notes for voices and instruments.


Bass:
For a set of open backed cans, the bass extension and quantity is excellent. The subbass can go really low to around 30ish Hz.

Quantity wise, the bass is north of neutral, and just a level shy of true basshead levels. There is a slight midbass hump.

Quality wise, the ZX1's bass is tight, textured and accurate with minimal midbass bleed.

Amping and higher powered sources also increases the bass quantity and quality, unlike driving it from lower powered sources, as discussed above.


Mids:
Lower mids are recessed, but still retain good details and clarity. The upper mids can be fatiguing with longer listening sessions due to a boost in this area. Female vocals are hence more forward than male ones.


Treble:
Lower treble is boosted relative to upper treble. Microdetails are good, it extends relatively well, though there's a higher treble roll off. I am borderline treble sensitive and found the lower treble (and upper mids area) to be harsh with prolonged music listening, especially for female vocals. There was also mild to moderate sibilance, so overall I would rate the treble as the weakest area of the sound, though I think trebleheads will like it.
I found a few "fixes" for this harsh lower treble:
- EQ
- playing less predominantly female vocal genres
- playing at lower volumes - Fletcher Munson curve makes the sound signature more U shaped than V shaped with lower volumes


Conclusions:
If the ZX1 were judged solely by looks and accessories, coupled with the thin non detachable cables, it would honestly score a straight ZERO from me. Thankfully, the comfort and sound quality more than makes up for the looks, and it has amazing timbre and bass quality/quantity (especially for an open backed set of cans). Technicalities and soundstage are also very good on the ZX1. It's treble may be bright and harsh, so it's not the best option for treble sensitive folks, unless you wanna try a few simple fixes as detailed above in the "treble" section. Other than the treble, I think the rest of the sound quality is very good for the price, and it would be a good introductory CHIFI set of cans for those new to the hobby, especially for those wanting a bright sound signature.