KZ Krila

KZ Krila: the IEM king?

Intro

KZ, following a formula similar to previous releases (D-FI and AS24) and backed by a fairly aggressive marketing campaign claiming that these IEMs have no rivals under $1000 USD, launched the Krila, which are currently available for $19 USD. How did they fare following the trend of switches?

If you wish to read this review in Spanish, click here

Check out previous reviews here (or in spanish here)


Disclaimers:

• Many thanks to the folks at KZ (especially Kate) for sending me this product to provide my honest opinion. You can find the Krila here: https://www.kztws.com/products/kz-krila?_pos=1&_sid=a865e9638&_ss=r&variant=44688778952955 (Official KZ Website)
• Analysis over 4 days - Sessions of approximately 2 to 4 hours
• All music is lossless (Qobuz > 16bit - 44.1kHz).
• Gear Used: IFI Zen Air Can (AMP) + Fiio E10K (DAC) / TempoTec Sonata HD PRO (dongle)

Unboxing, Build & Comfort

To be honest, there isn't much to say in this section, as my opinions and comments are exactly the same as those I wrote for the KZ D-FI, since the housing, switches, cable, and eartips are identical.





In summary: These IEMs have a faceplate constructed with a metallic alloy and a transparent resin body. They feature a QDC-type connector and come with a generic KZ silver-plated copper cable (which I immediately replaced). The package includes three pairs of Starline tips and one pair of foam tips, along with a tool for adjusting the switches.





What changes in the Krila is that it implements a second-generation 10mm XUN dynamic driver and a 30005 balanced armature (abbreviated as BA) for the high frequencies.



Sound Description

Once again, just like the KZ D-FI, the Krila offers 16 sound configurations. As I found with the previous iteration I reviewed, several configurations are virtually indistinguishable from one another. Therefore, I chose to analyze three configurations that provided distinct presentations:


Credits: Ian Fann

(Switches turned on are denoted by the letter "U", while switches turned off are denoted by the letter "D").

DDDD: Stock signature, nearly neutral, closely following the new "IEF Neutral 2023" curve with a very subtle bass lift.

DUDU: A configuration with slightly more bass elevation than DDDD, primarily focused on the sub-bass region, aiming to provide a well-balanced full-spectrum sound.

UUUU: The configuration with the most bass, where it has the greatest presence but still falls far from being at a basshead level that would negatively impact the overall signature.


Gaming

It's been a while since I delved into the gaming segment, and I thought of trying out the Krila in their DDDD configuration while playing Battlefield I to evaluate their soundstage and accuracy.



Since it's a rather chaotic video game, it's challenging for almost any headphones to pinpoint the exact source of each shot, explosion, or shout, so I won't blame the Krila for that situation.

In Verdun Heights, it demonstrated the spacious soundstage it can create, extending well in a two-dimensional manner to each side. In more confined maps like Fort De Vaux, the image becomes somewhat blurred amidst all the simultaneous gunfire. However, in situations where you're alone, and the enemy is approaching from another room, you can reasonably determine the direction of those approaching footsteps and how close you are to a face-to-face encounter with the opponent.

The depth and height of the soundstage are decent for the price, on par with what other IEMs in this price range achieve. It was more than sufficient for me to discern the positions of the other players.


Music

Albums used:

“30” – Adele

“Frank” – Amy Winehouse

“Romanza” – Andrea Bocelli

“Antonio Vivaldi : Les quatre saisons” – Fabio Biondi, Europa Galante

“Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op.20, TH.12” – Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa

“Take Me Back To Eden” – Sleep Token

“Drive” – Tiesto

“Dirt Femme” – Tove Lo

“Alta Suciedad” – Andrés Calamaro

“Live After Death” – Iron Maiden



DDDD

The bass drum is usually perceived with a mild presence. For subbass lovers, this tuning is not recommended at all. It focuses on the bass, but since the signature follows a fairly neutral target, the bass doesn't stand out either. That's why I wouldn't recommend this configuration for current genres like pop or any subgenre of electronic music. The driver is fast enough to deliver the subtle bass without losing the rhythm in the music I listened to.

Female and male voices that belong to a similar vocal range, close to what is considered less sharp registers, have a smoother reproduction and may go somewhat unnoticed, while tenors and higher-pitched vocal registers shine a bit more when played.

The configuration in which I'll focus more on the mids: when listening to orchestras like the Boston Symphony, strings and wind instruments like the flute and oboes maintain a smooth and silky quality, while trumpets can have a hint of aggressiveness (a timbre issue from the BA). I've heard better string definition in other IEMs, but this prevents any particular instrument from taking a dominant role, resulting in better harmony within the ensemble. Overall, the perceived level of detail is slightly better than the average $20 USD earphones.

The tactile sensation of each note from electric guitars has moments of clarity, although it can feel a bit blurred at times.

There is good air and extension in the highs, bringing detail to the forefront. However, the use of a BA makes bells and cymbals sound somewhat metallic in their reproduction. Personally, I didn't find them piercing at low to moderate volume levels. The 8kHz peak can be found in certain passages where soloists sing a capella (or with soft instrumental accompaniment), slightly elongating the "S" or "T" sounds, but it's not a significant issue.


UUUU

The subbass takes a noticeable lead in the signature. There is a slight improvement in the differentiation between subbass and bass, which is noticeable when both are played simultaneously (e.g., in the chorus of “All Nighter”).

Regarding the mids and highs, two scenarios exist:

1 If the song has abundant low frequencies, the voices/instruments can feel somewhat overwhelmed by the bass. Honestly, this didn't cause conflicts in my enjoyment of the music because the boost in the bass wasn't excessive, merely adding a warm tint to the signature. Cymbals tend to sound somewhat more subdued in situations like this, which can be favorable. It alleviates the issues of "S" and "T" sibilance.

2 For songs with few or no bass, I noticed significant similarity in this mode to the DDDD mode. The vocals are quite prominent, with some instruments like strings or drum toms standing out slightly more than the vocals in their reproduction (DDDD places instruments and vocals on a more equal footing in comparison). Highs are similar, if not the same.


DUDU

The distinction between subbass and bass is "subtly worse" (in quotes because the difference is very slim) than in the UUUU configuration, which may be due to a less aggressive focus in that range.

In fact, taking the last words of the previous sentence, the DUDU configuration strikes a good balance across the entire frequency spectrum. This doesn't mean that the issues with the highs are entirely resolved with this configuration, but they tend to be slightly more subdued than in the stock signature (DDDD). Furthermore, the achieved balance allows a wide range of music genres to sound pleasing to the ear without the need to switch between configurations.

In terms of the mids, the bass takes a backseat to vocals and is on par or slightly behind instruments depending on the situation (in songs like "Flaca" and "Con te partirò", bassists are just slightly behind guitarists). As expected, the clarity of mid-range instruments is somewhat reduced compared to DDDD (for example, it's a bit more challenging to find the guitars at 1:30 in "Vivo per lei" behind the drums and bass).


Soundstage & Imaging

The Krila is an IEM that manages to create a fairly wide soundstage (even slightly wider than the 7Hz Zero), effectively conveying the sensations of a real stage. Like other IEMs in this price range, it doesn't achieve significant depth in the album "Live After Death," resulting in the drums having an unrepresentative distance from the singer (this aspect is better polished in the 7Hz Zero).

Furthermore, the width of the soundstage allows for above-average imaging and separation in this price range (an aspect where the Krila clearly outperforms the Zero).



Comparisons

To be completely transparent, KZ asked me to make comparisons with higher-priced IEMs so that you can understand how the Krila competes against them (for those who may not know, the KZ Krila was promoted as the IEM that would dethrone any IEM under $1000 USD, according to KZ...).


vs LETSHUOER S12 PRO ($135 USD)



For this comparison, I used the UUUU configuration of the Krila since that's the closest to the tuning of the S12 PRO.


Credits: Ian Fann

I typically provide insights on each frequency and how each IEM performs against the other. However, in this case, that's not necessary. The only advantage I can give to the Krila is a smoother transition with less bleed between bass and mids. Other than that, there's no need for discussion: the S12 PRO's details are superior, not by leaps and bounds but enough to justify its price of $135 USD. It offers a wider and deeper soundstage, creating an almost realistic stage for live albums, which leads to exceptional separation and imaging, thanks to the beautiful planar magnetic driver. The treble is less aggressive but with more extension and air. However, I believe the Krila does a good job in microdynamics, although it doesn't achieve the natural timbre of the high registers that the S12 PRO has.

In conclusion, the difference is noticeable, and switching from one to the other is essentially an upgrade, so in my opinion, the Krila doesn't pose much competition.


vs Ikko Opal OH2 ($80 USD)



A more equitable comparison is with Ikko Audio's OH2, using the stock configuration (DDDD) of the Krila.


Credits: soundcheck39

• It's noticeable that the bass bleed is much more pronounced in the OH2, making it more invasive in the signature. In contrast, the Krila focuses on subbass and not so much on the bass in the lower end of the spectrum, allowing voices and instruments to shine with greater clarity.
• The impact of kick drums and basslines has a more significant presence in the OH2, making them suitable for bass-focused music. However, this comes with the issue I mentioned earlier in other songs.
• Details in the subbass department go to the Krila, while in the bass section, it's a tie.
• Both IEMs achieve a level of naturalness, but they are not without their flaws. As I mentioned earlier, the Krila exhibits a metallic tonality in wind instruments like trumpets, whereas the OH2 doesn't have what I would call detailed mids for its price. So, the perception of details and perhaps naturalness (due to having less pronounced bass) goes to the Krila, while the OH2 delivers more realistic and upfront vocal reproduction, which also avoids the metallic timbre in the upper mids.
• The treble offers two completely different presentations, with the OH2's treble appearing "darker" in comparison. While it's enjoyable to extract details from a variety of songs when listening with the Krila, I preferred the relaxed and more natural reproduction of the OH2.
• The soundstage is wider in the Krila, while the depth is slightly less than that of the OH2. Image accuracy, overall, is decent in both, with the OH2 suffering more in my opinion as instruments from both sides tend to compact in the scene.

In general, this was a closer match, and I would say that the Krila is a good choice for those seeking a more analytical listening experience. On the other hand, the OH2 offers a relaxed presentation and doesn't exhibit that artificial timbre in the high frequencies which the Krila sadly has.



Conclusion

I've already discussed this with other people, but I'm not a fan of the implementation of multiple sound signatures, especially in this case where I doubt an average user would spend their time cycling through the 16 possible configurations. Nevertheless, the sonic capabilities of the IEM are well executed, and it feels like a small upgrade compared to the KZ D-FI in terms of treble extension. I can't overlook the metallic timbre in the high mids and highs, but in my opinion, this is an IEM that excels at being analytical and detailed for its attractive price, without being boring for the listener.

KZ Krila

Teddy Roosevelt is a badass. This is a great quote by him, and feel free to skip past it if you don’t want to read it.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Personally, I live my life by this. Any dumb dumb can criticize and say some raunchy things about another company. But we need to look at what others are doing and respect them for the survival for the efforts put in. KZ does make a lot, and I mean a lot of iems, not just in product but different types. This isn’t a once-a-season iem producer but a company that has so many iems like a new one every week. I'm impressed by their volume of iems, and feel they have great value in manufacturing and surviving especially at their insane prices often times a third of similarly driver iems.

As someone fairly new to the hobby I want to experience everything that I can, but as my funds for new gear go low and my shelves go high, I like many of us need to watch out what I have and gain for gear. KZ has been on my radar for a while, while I’ve tried a fair amount of their gear I don’t own anything from KZ as many reviewers have said poor things about them. Audio for me is about finding what I personally like and enjoy. So the challenge of reviewing a $1 dollar iem seems like a good deal. I spend a lot more than 1 dollar a month on audio, so 1 dollar is a fun amount of money as it might pay for the shipping costs of the iem. So a dollar to me is of no consequence to own a product that may or may not be enjoyable.
This iem took 8 days to get to me from California. (Note this is not the stock cable or tips, as I often test with a different cable to focus on the quality of the transducer, and I hate QDC connectors with the fire of a thousand suns.)




Song Choice: Tidal list here:
I listen to a wide variety of music. I pick the songs because of various reasons. But I picture myself locked away like Andy Dufresne from Shawshank blasting music and shut off from the world. It’s a blissful image.
The Marriage of Figaro -The opera song from Shawshank Redemption, terrible recording but fun and gets me in the mood to listen to music.
O mio Babino caro -This is a modern less operatic version but a song with great female vocals.
Video Rigoletto - “La donna e mobile” Sung by one of the three Tenors, great song for high-performing male vocals. Pavarotti is the greatest classic singer maybe ever. Fight me!
Iron man - The sound at the beginning is hard to make sound great, great drums, and cymbals, and if done right it feels like an old-school band.
I Will Survive (1981 recording, I like her voice, and the old vocals, the drums, and various natural instruments really make this a favorite for me.
There is a light That never goes out - Smiths ( A classic, I just love it. It’s mellow, and I can tell a lot of the tuning if this song is done right.)
Jump (I like how the sound effects are in this!)
Star Child Someone recommended this song to me, and I like how funky it sounds and has nice vocals and a mix of music and things going on.
Dicke Titten Ramstein The beginning is amazing and the bass hits hard. Great song. I love rock and metal. The German language fascinates me
Master of Puppets: Very fast song. Helps me determine if the driver can keep up.

Bass (20-60 Sub Bass, 60-250 Hz Mid Base)

The base tuning is pretty good. The quality of the base isn’t amazing but the tuning of it is fine. I do plan to try burn-in and such over the next few days.


Midrange (250 HZ to 800 HZ Low Mids, 600-200 Hz Mids, 2000-5000Hz Upper Mids)

The mids are tuned well and music sounds great on the KZ Krilla. Podcasts are great on this with no issues.


Treble (5000- 10000 Trebble/Highs, 10000 ++ HZ Upper Trebble & Air)

The treble is the worst part of this set, I feel it needs some help. No issues here. I’m able to game, listen to music, and a podcast all at once with this iem. It has incredible details that come across in the treble. Looking at the frequency response I thought that I would enjoy it more, but lacks a bit in the treble for me.

Gaming
This is a fine iem for gaming. While not extremely resolving, I would recommend it to many people. The technicalities and tuning are very strong for what it is at the price.

Shell -
The shell is solid, and clear with a black face plate. It fits well and doesn’t cause any fatigue. I think it has one of the better shells that I’ve encountered and the design isn’t perfect but it’s very strong and not boring for the price. It doesn’t stand out or bother me in any sense. This is a good shell with a good fit. My only complaint is the QDC connection and lack of a design motif.

Case- There is no case for the Krilla, which is somewhat disappointing, I think given the price it is understandable. The 7hz Zero doesn’t have a case or even a pouch.

Cable- It’s pretty average and just okay. I didn’t use it and used a different cable as I normally do when I use an iem as I feel it gives the iem the best chance to succeed and unbiased review a cable. While not a huge believer in the sonic quality of cable, I do find a bad cable frustrating and annoying. The cable pictured is an Altalune

Tip Selection - The tip selection is really nice! It has foam tips on it and two pairs of silicon tips with it. I used Divinius tips to give every iem a fair shake in comparison to other more expensive iems to test.


Quick-Fire Comparisons

In this section, I'll quickly compare the

Truthear: KZ Krilla VS. Hola (20 dollars)
Overall Tuning: KZ Krilla
Details: KZ Krilla

KZ Krilla VS. Truthear: Zero: Blue (50 dollars)
Overall Tuning: KZ Krilla
Details: Maybe a slight edge to Krilla


KZ Krilla VS. Hexa
Overall Tuning: Krilla in the base, Hexa in the treble, very on par with each other
Details: Hexa


Graph:


Sound - Final Impressions

This is a solid tuned iem. It’s very nice and strong for the price. The tuning is exceptionally done, but it lacks technicalities. But it is very nice. It has a similar tuning to the Kiwi Ears Quintet which I consider an amazing iem. Details and sparkles aren’t as good, but mids and base are basically perfect. It’s exceedingly enjoyable on most tracks and does very well. The quality of the base could be better. While this iem isn’t the say-all end of all, it has reasonable technicalities and comfort, especially for the price. I’m giving a recommendation and a solid 4 stars as an iem. I find it an excellent value at the price with a 3-star recommendation at a Tuning of an A and a technical grade of a B. It’s really solid and enjoyable, especially with the listed EQ below.

Recommended EQ: This iem is tolerable as far as quality goes. This EQ brings the pinna gain of the 3-4k region down a little and the 8k spike down a tiny bit as well. This also adds a significant base shelf to the Krilla. I find since the Krilla’s base seems a little less impactful the extra base increases the quality of the iem overall and I enjoy it a bit more. With EQ, this iem is a banger. The quality of the base just needs more. I didn’t really mess with the tuning switches.

Preamp: -4.8 dB
Preamp: -4.8 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 20 Hz Gain 1.0 dB Q 2.000
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 34 Hz Gain 4.6 dB Q 0.500
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 960 Hz Gain -1.1 dB Q 1.800
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 3700 Hz Gain -3.4 dB Q 1.800
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 5700 Hz Gain -3.8 dB Q 2.000
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 6100 Hz Gain 1.9 dB Q 1.300
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 11000 Hz Gain -12.0 dB Q 2.000
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 13000 Hz Gain 5.4 dB Q 0.500
Filter 9: OFF PK Fc 0 Hz Gain 0.0 dB Q 0.000
Filter 10: OFF PK Fc 0 Hz Gain 0.0 dB Q 0.000





Gifting/Who is it for: Due to its current price, I’d highly recommend this as a cheap iem to get started in the hobby. It is functional, cute, and practical. Great for a niece, nephew, or cousin who you don’t really see that often but want to give a nice little present to. It’s not the greatest gift iem from a presentation standpoint, but it sounds good and has a great shell design making it, not the worst either.


Pairing: I used a Quidelix 5k for mobile, my dongle dac iBasso DC04 for my laptop, and my JDS labs Element III MK2 Boosted for my Desktop PC. I also tried the iem briefly on the apple dongle as well.

Thanks for reading. Any feedback is welcome.

Disclaimer:

• I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as how earphones should be used.
• KZ sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
• The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
• No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
• Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.

Source/s used:

• Hiby R3 Pro Saber
• Fosi Audio DS1
• Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
• Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: stock large eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 3.5 SE plug, 40-60% volume, low gain and high gain.


Sound signature:

• Compared to the D-Fi, the KZ Krila is a mildly warm, v/u-shaped sounding IEM. It nearly exhibits all the same characteristics as what the D-Fi has, but it is a bit airier.

Lows:

• The bass here in the Krila is mildly elevated, and midbass focused, which translates to a punchy, clean bass. Attack and decay of the low frequencies of this set is quite fast and may lack on that area on some genres. This is by no means a basshead set, but the bass on the Krila is capable of handling bassy genres such as EDM, hip-hop, or pop.

Mids:

• The mids are mildly recessed, but it is quite clean and never got drowned in terms of presence during my tests. This also translates to its technical performance, more onto that later. Lower mids exhibit average thickness and texture. Upper mids are elevated, airy, sparkly, and clear. Peaks and mild sibilance are ever so present here, particularly on very busy tracks. With that being said, people with ears that are sensitive to elevated and present upper frequencies may avoid this one.

Highs:

• The treble is lively, light, and dazzling, with a few instances of small peaks. BA Timbre is present on this IEM, which aids in the retrieval of this IEM's details. The quiet laughing voice on Toto's "Africa," the ticking clock on the MCR's "Welcome to the Black Parade," and many more subtleties are easily heard. Still, just like its upper mids, the peaks are apparent on sibilant prone tracks and may not be everyone's cup of tea.

Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:

• In terms of technical performance, this isn't a "kilobuck killer" or "kilobuck level" performance, but it is above average and comparable to what you'd hear on IEMs under $60 USD. The soundstage is average, with plenty of height and depth. Separation is average-mild average, with little to no congestion on really busy passages. Imaging is above average in my opinion and truly shines in gaming, especially when detecting the footsteps or position of nuances in music and games.

Notable tuning switch configurations!

• UUUU (Stock) - Everything becomes more airy and wide. Mids are more open and engaging. BA Timbre and peaks are apparent.
• DDDD - This sounds like the D-Fi on the same configuration. The peaks are now absent on this config but the added boost to the treble and technicalities are gone as well. It is more “neutral” than the stock config though.
• DDDU - The upper frequencies are boosted and the overall sound sounded too lean to my liking. It is wider in terms of soundstage but lacks the overall note weight.
• UUUD - Everything sounds warm on this set, minus the BA timbre. Peaks are still apparent.

Comparisons!

VS Kiwi Ears Dolce

• The Dolce is a drier, brighter sounding IEM. It doesn’t have the BA timbre, that’s for sure, but it does have the “sizzly” upper frequencies due to LCP’s natural characteristic. Both excel at the technical performance, but the KZ excels more on the bass department, while the Dolce excels on the separation, imaging, and layering.

VS CVJ KE-S

• The KE-S is a warmer, “safer” less technical set. It does have the smoothness, the thickness, and the warmth but it doesn’t have the technical performance and airiness that the Krila has.

VS KZ D-Fi

• To put things simply, the Krila sounds like the D-Fi but is airier and a bit better on the overall technicalities.

VS Simgot EW200

• The Simgot EW200 is a more airy, cohesive, clean, “neutral” sounding set. The Krila can trade blows on technical performance, but the EW200 still is the winner due to its overall refined sound without sacrificing its presence of upper frequencies.

VS Campfire Audio Andromeda, Thieaudio Monarch MK1/MK2, Unique Melody MEST/MEXT

• They are literally miles apart, both in technical and tonal performance. The kilobuck IEMs are definitely better.

Pros:

• All-rounder, fun sound signature.
• The most “technical” sounding IEM you can get under 20 USD, next to the Tanchjim Zero.
• Inherits the overall sound quality of the D-Fi, but cheaper.
• Fairly controlled bass.
• Clean, fast low frequencies in terms of attack and decay.
• Open, “well-placed” mids.
• Airy, bright treble (subjective).
• Above-average technical performance for its price.
• Very good fit, comfort, and isolation
• Very good build quality.
• Easy to drive.
• Scales well on different pairings.
• Intuitive tuning switches.

Cons:

• BA Timbre is very present in stock tuning configuration.
• Peaks on upper frequencies are mildly present on sibilant prone tracks.
• This isn’t a “kilobuck” killer in terms of sound quality, contrary to what the brand claims.
• Accessories are very minimal; a pouch or a cable winder would’ve been a good treat to everybody (subjective).

================================================================================================================
The KZ Krila is definitely an upgrade to last month’s KZ D-Fi in terms of technical performance and upper frequency refinement. As for the million (or a thousand dollar) question, is it really a “kilobuck killer”? To me it is a resounding no, even when compared to the older, higher priced IEMs like the QDC Anole VX, Campfire Audio Andromeda, Ara, Solaris, and even the InEar Prophile 8 (not sure if this is a flagship IEM but you get the point), particularly on the technical performance. The aforementioned sets are miles better, even from an objective standpoint compared to the Krila. Does this mean that the Krila is an underperforming IEM? Definitely not, as this IEM can trade blows or be on par along with the IEMs under 60USD in terms of overall sound quality. I’ll still recommend this IEM to everyone who wants a very good, capable sounding IEM under 20USD. Well done KZ!

Pairing recommendation/s:

• Source: This sounds just fine when plugged straight to a phone, but is vastly better when used with a proper source. I prefer using a warm source on this one to minimize the BA Timbre.
• Eartips: The eartips are alright but I suggest using softer eartips for this one.
• Cable is good, and does its job, albeit basic. You may always use your preferred cable.

Thank you for reading!

Non-affiliated product link here!: https://shopee.ph/KZ-Krila-1BA-1DD-...port-Gaming-headphone-i.345922933.22847252871

Additional Photos Here:

KZ Krila
1DD + 1 BA ($16)

Thanks to KZ for sending this set for me, rest assure, my review is 100% my personal opinion.
You can get the Krila in links below

Lazada KZ Store：https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/kz16...43fr0UO4Q&itemId=3615896965&channelSource=pdp
Lazada Krila：https://www.lazada.co.id/products/i...4863640.table_online_product.1.68054edffcLuCU
Official website:
https://www.kztws.com/products/kz-krila

Inside the Box You Get :

• IEM
• Pin Switch
• Cable
• Starline Tips SML, Foam Tips
• User Guide - Warranty Card

The build of the Krila is from plastic with metal faceplate, the cable is your typical budget thin KZ cable, which is look rather underwhelming but it works.

as for fitting, I don't have any problem using Krila with its foam tips or the silicone KZ Starline tips, its comfortable enough for long listening session


SOUND
Tested using stock foam tips, stock cable, with iFi Go Blu and plugged directly to my smartphone
I test the Krila using 0 1 1 0 tuning switch configuration,

I found the tuning switch to be controlling the bass quantity rather than the claim of switch #4 can control uppermids-treble Overall tonality of the Krila on my ears its just like your typical extra mid-bass / bassy harman type tuned IEM (HOLA, Starfield, KXXS, KATO, D-Fi, etc)
Bass is deep, punchy and has good speed, the decay is rather fast, and can be used for your double pedal death metal tracks, but also can be used for EDM because of its bass quantity and how punchy its bass.
Midrange is on the leaner side, especially the lower mids, I found male vocal to be a bit lacking in body, probably it just how the Krila BA sounds, not only male vocals, instrument is also presented in leaner way.
Treble is sparkly, extended but never piercing.
Technicalities
Stage shape is presented like an empty field, also I do found the shape to be not symmetrical, it has bigger width than depth.
Imaging is pretty good for $16USD

Separation - Positioning if compared to your sub $20USD 1DD configuration, the Krila has an edge on the Separation and Positioning, thanks to its dual driver hybrid configurations, tested on such complex songs like OST from nZk and Plini tracks, I can easily separate and pinpoint what sounds is playing.

Detail retrieval for its price is very good, it has micro details (yep you read that right) though its not a lot.

Comparation

KZ D-Fi : 1DD with 4 Tuning Switches, build of the D-Fi is more solid which is from full metal, the sound is quite close to Krila, though I found the D-Fi to be more smoother and has less bass punch, I also found the Tuning Switch of the D-Fi to be more potent / noticeable compared to the Krila (probably due to D-Fi only 1DD?)

Conclusion :
In my opinion the Krila offers you good technicalities for only $16 USD.
It also has fun tonality, good punchy bass and it can be used as an allrounder super budget categories IEM.
Though in the end it only you can decide for yourself, whether the Krila is worth your money or not.


Just in case you're Indonesian or understand Bahasa Indonesia, you can watch my review of this IEM here



thats all from me for now,


-littlenezt

Product Information
Product model
KZ Krila
Impedance
28-36Ω±3Ω
Sensitivity
106±3dB
Frequency
20-40000Hz
Plug type
3.5mm
Pin Type
0.75mm
Cable Type
Silver-plated cable
Cable length
120+5cm
Wearing type
In-ear

Let's talk about the KZ Krila" the giant killa"
The Krila is the latest from KZ and despite it's very low price it performs better than some more expensive models. This is my impressions. Responsive bass good balanced speedy and depth. Mids are clear and positioned well, treble has energy and details. This is emphasized when the switches are on. Good 3D imaging and accurate staging. Comfortable design with a good seal for me. A hybrid done well.
I do like the Krila very much, maybe the AS24 and D-Fi I like a little better but they are more expensive, I can't fault the krila at its price point it's impressive.

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank KZ for providing this review unit. The KZ Krila can be gotten here (no affiliate links): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CB4P1SC9 or https://aliexpress.com/item/1005005792133697.html

SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 1 x 10 mm second generation XUN DD + 1 x 30095 BA
• Impedance: 28 - 36 Ohms (depending on tuning switch setting)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz
• Sensitivity: 106
• Cable: 2-pin, 3.5 mm (single-ended), 0.75 mm, silver-plated cable
• Tested at $19 USD

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of KZ "starline" silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 1 pair of foam tips
- SIM card pin (for tuning switches)
- Cable




For an ultra-budget set, the accessories are more than serviceable. In fact, there are some pricier IEMs that do not come with detachable cables in this day and age, and I'm glad to report that the Krila does come with a detachable silver-plated wire.

This cable is thin and tangly, but has surprisingly minimal microphonics. Unfortunately, it does not have a chin cinch, but once again, for the entrance fee of the Krila, this is nitpicking.




3 sizes of the famous KZ "starline" silicone eartips are included, in addition to a pair of foam tips. The foams do improve isolation but tame treble (at the expense of soundstage loss). Do tip-roll to see what suits your preferences.

A card pin completes the accessory line-up - this is an essential part of the arsenal - to flick the tuning switches, which we will discuss later.

The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock "starline" silicone tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.


BUILD/COMFORT



The housings are fashioned from polished mirror-like metal, with the inner aspects lined by dermatologically-friendly resin. The faceplates have a wavy wing-like motif, and this definitely belies the $20 cost of the Krila. Do take care of them, as the shells may be easily scratched.

Even though the shells are on the larger side, they are light, and comfort is quite decent, I've no complaints on this front.




QC is also quite reasonable, the switches are easily manipulated, and lock with a satisfying click. In contrast, I encountered tuning switch IEMs that had their switches stuck (looking at you, TRI Star River).




Being vented, isolation is bang average, though the Krila should still be usable on-the-go.

I didn't encounter any driver flex on my pair, but that is partially dependent on ear anatomy and type of eartips used, so YMMV.



KZ has added a filter mesh on the nozzles, which will prevent debris and ear wax from entering.


DRIVABILITY

I tested the Krila with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Colorfly CDA M1 DAC/AMP dongle
- Creative Sound Blaster X5
- E1DA DAC/AMP dongle
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone

The tuning switches modify the impedance of this IEM between 28 - 36 Ohms, but overall, the Krila is moderately easy to drive. Amplification may help scale dynamics, soundstage and bass tightness.


TUNING SWITCHES/INTERNALS

The Krila utilizes a 1 x 10 mm second generation XUN DD and a 1 x 30095 BA.




A major strength of the Krila, is its 4 tuning switches, which furnishes 16 permutations to the sonics.


Graph of the various tuning permutations on the KZ Krila via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

The Krila has a 5 dB change in bass on the most extreme of tuning switches, but there are some small changes noted above 7 kHz, so the switches aren't gimmicks, unlike some other "tunable" budget IEMs (cough cough CVJ TXS).




Graph of the most extreme permutations on the KZ Krila. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

Filtering to just the 2 most extreme of tunings, the Krila varies between a neutral profile (with all the switches flicked down), and a mild U-shaped tonality (with all switches up).

Personally, I would have liked to have seen greater variance in the FR of the 16 switch permutations. Nevertheless, one can't expect the moon for sub $20, and there are indeed changes in the frequency response as detailed above, so the Krila can claim itself to be a versatile pair.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES



The following impressions were done with all switches down -> ie least bassy configuration.

Honestly, one wouldn't think that the Krila is a $20 IEM when it comes to technicalities, and it kills most sub $20 IEMs in this department. Micro-detailing and instrument separation are well done, with good clarity on tap. Soundstage is above average in all 3 dimensions, with decent imaging. We will go into detailed A/B comparisons against other rivals below, but ballpark, the Krila can perhaps tango with some $50ish sets in technical chops (though perhaps not at the kilobuck competition that marketing materials trumpet).

Sadly, BA timbre is present in spades, and brasses and woodwinds have plasticky overtones. Timbre lovers might want to look elsewhere as such.

On this all switches down configuration, the bass is neutral in quantity. Sub-bass lacks deep extension, though texturing is above average, with rapid bass transients without mid-bass bleed. The Krila is arguably one of the better sub-$20 sets in terms of a fast and clean bass, so kudos to this.

The lower midrange is similarly neutral, and is very transparent with good clarity (there's no mid-bass bleed to encroach here). However, the lack of heft makes the lower midrange sound a tinge thin, so those that want a full-bodied midrange might need to consider alternatives. At low to moderate volumes, the 9 dB ear gain pushes the upper mids to be quite forwards but just below the edge of shoutiness, so vocals are definitely primed in front of instruments.

The treble is quite extended with decent air. Resolution and clarity are boosted, though there is some sibilance. Treble-sensitive folk might find a slight tinge of tizziness and splashiness of high-hats and cymbals. Trebleheads will have no complaints though, and tip-rolling (eg foam tips) may mitigate this area somewhat. With this tuning choice, micro-detailing is much better than what the Krila's $20 entrance fee should actually provide.


COMPARISONS



Comparisons were made with some tunable gear at various price segments. Well, KZ markets the Krila to be a kilobuck killer, so let's see how high the Krila can fly before it gets its wings burnt.

As per the "SOUND & TECHNICALITIES" segment above, the Krila was tested with all switches down (least bassy profile).


Stage 1 - CVJ TXS ($12 USD)


Graph of the CVJ TXS via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

We'll start with the lowest bar to clear - the CVJ TXS.

This is a single DD which has a purported 4 tuning options via 2 switches. However, as per the graphs above, the switches are literal switcheroos, as 3 out of 4 tunings are identical, with the last just a hair different in the treble. Thus, the Krila has the upper hand when it comes to true versatility.

The TXS is a more old school V-shaped pair with bigger bass and treble, though the bass isn't tight with massive mid-bass bleed. The TXS is also harsher in the treble regions.

When it comes to technicalities, the TXS is mediocre. It has inferior instrument separation, imaging and soundstage. The aforementioned mid-bass bleed impinges onto the midrange and compresses dynamics and the soundscape.

Stage 2 - KZ D-Fi ($27 USD)

Graph of the KZ D-Fi via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

The next challenger is none other than the Krila's older sibling, the D-Fi, which is a single-DD with a neutral + sub-bass boosted tonality.

The D-Fi has 16 tuning permutations, but likewise only has a 4 dB difference in bass amongst the spectrum of tunings. The D-Fi has less treble air and sparkle, and sounds much darker.

Although the D-Fi has more natural timbre (it is a single DD after all), it loses to the younger upstart Krila in technicalities, and is a league behind in soundstage, clarity, imaging, instrument separation and micro-detailing.


Stage 3A - TRI Star River ($59 USD)

Graph of the TRI Star River via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

The Star River is a dual DD set, but is once again a scam in terms of tuning switches. Out of 4 promised permutations, there are only 2! Additionally, my Star River had stuck switches, requiring great force just to manipulate them, so the QC is quite questionable.

The Star River is shoutier in the upper midrange, with more bass, though the bass isn't as tight with mid-bass bleed. Surprisingly, the cheaper Krila beats the Star River in technicalities, with the latter having a weaker soundstage, imaging and instrument separation.


Stage 3B - CVJ Mei ($59 USD)

Graph of the CVJ Mei via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

The Mei is a hybrid which has 4 distinct tuning options via 2 switches.

When the Mei is used with all switches up (ie the most resolving tuning), the Mei has a tamer upper midrange but more treble air and sparkle. The Mei has improved technical chops, with better soundstage, micro-detailing, imaging and instrument separation.



Thus, the Krila's valiant flight to the sun ends here. It is stopped in its tracks and loses the bout with the CVJ Mei, but bear in mind that the Krila costs 1/3 of the Mei's price!

When A/B comparisons are done with other tunable gear in my inventory that are higher priced (eg AKG N5005), the Krila doesn't stand a snowball's chance in hell, though we once again go back to the sub $20 price of this IEM. It is already quite an achievement to compete and even surpass some $50ish sets, so KZ can be quite proud of packing excellent price-to-performance ratio in this IEM.


CONCLUSIONS



I'm no rapper, but excellent price-to-performance ratio is the Krila's middle name.

Marketing spiel aside, the Krila is no kilobuck killer, let alone a midFI range market disrupter. However, as per the usual cliché of punching above its weight, the KZ Krila does this and more, and can give some $40 - 50 sets a run for their money, which is nothing to sniff at considering the Krila costs a fraction of these gear.

The Krila has solid build and ergonomics, with a detachable cable at this budget pricing (something that cannot be said for pricier sets like the hyped Final E3000). The tuning switches do give a difference in tonality, thus increasing its versatility, and the Krila is relatively easy to drive.

At the sub $20ish range, the Krila does stand head and shoulders above the competition in technicalities, though BA timbre rears its ugly head, in addition to a bit of a thinner midrange and some spiciness/sibilance at the higher end.



KZ has come a long way from the old school banshee V-shaped fare of yesteryears. Some recent releases like the D-Fi and Ling Long have been warmly received. All in all, I think the Krila is another fine addition to the ultra budget pool. It is by no means perfect, but I would actually put it as one of the benchmarks at sub $20 as of the time of writing. Indeed, gear like the Krila will only spur manufacturers to improve on their future releases, and more robust competition will surely filter down to the consumers in forcing them to churn out cheaper and better products.