The New KZ ZS10 PRO X Universal IEM

I was on a small journey as I didn't even know or care what the ZS10 PRO X was. I was simply curious about its current direct competitor......the TRN ST5. In fact I really thought the ST5 was going to be a solution for myself as well as many others. The TRN ST5 has a solid metal construction and 5 drivers too, with 1 DD and 4 BA drivers. And what drove this curiosity was the fact that in many ways the TRN ST5 was a direct trickle-down of TOTL Flagship TRN BAX technology. Yep, they took out the EST drivers and replaced them with BAs. The TRN ST5 even has wild vents off to the side, in comparison to the BAX being totally an open back hybrid design, with vents covering its entire faceplate. When I first got the BAX (a couple of months ago) all I could think about was what if they simply exchanged the BAX expensive EST array with BAs? ESTs are a whole system as they have more than just the ESTs themselves, but support electronics that enable EST replay. So when the TRN ST5 showed up at my door, needless to say I was pretty excited. A baby BAX, maybe? Well if you read my TRN ST5 review from last month, I thought it was just slightly too aggressive. Yep, it had a bite. In fact before the ST5 arrived I had seen people start comparing the ST5 to early versions of this ZS10 PRO X graph. When the two response curves were overlayed a brilliant FR was arrived at, through contrast. What I was seeing in the graph was more my style, but more than that it was the exact correction I wanted to see corrected with the TRN ST5!

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/trn-st5-hybrid-universal-iem.26032/reviews#review-29189

Now strange as this was, both the KZ ZS10 PRO X (39.00) and TRN ST5 ($59.80) are relatively close to the same money ($20.80) apart, and came out very close to the same time. Both companies have almost the same past history at Head-fi. So in more ways than ever they really are direct competitors. Only I will tell you right now.........this idea of a tune is way better than a few budget IEMs that I have recently reviewed.



https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tr...sal-in-ear-monitor.26098/reviews#review-29342

Better than the Tripowin Rhombus (1 Knowles 33518 X 1 DD) $79.00
Better than the KZ AS16 PRO (8 BA per side) $56.00
Better than the TRN ST5 (4 BA X 1 DD) $59.80

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/knowledge-zenith-kz-as16-pro.25953/reviews#review-28967

For the sake of simplicity, I will keep this short. Often my reviews are super-long while I go into all kinds of subjects that I feel are pertinent. Yet here the KZ ZS10 PRO X wins out due to coming up with a great tune and delivering that tune with style. You realize FR acceptance is maybe up to 80% of why you like an IEM. That is why so much emphasis is placed on graphs and target curves. And while this is no $600.00 IEM, there are still very important reasons why you should slow down and take a look at the ZS10 PRO X.

$39.00 USD
https://www.linsoul.com/products/kz-zs10-pro-x?variant=43295301566681

Free shipping and one year warranty when you order from Linsoul
Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C

Build:
For one reason the size and fit are dialed-in. Construction is both a CNC faceplate and resin semi-custom build. What's entertaining for starters is those Allen-head/HEX style nuts on the faceplate are for show as far as I can tell. Why? Because they don't extend into the resin cavity at all. Now the confusing part is there is the use of actual screws inside the body, holding the internal 2 pin mounting mechanism in place. And.......hilariously those screws show as almost being direct extensions of the top HEX bolts when seen at a slight angle. You will note there are the regular back vents which can be seen in the photos of the back side, but surprisingly the are 3 more vents drilled into the top of the CNC faceplates. Yep, 6 top vents in total for the pair. More vents than I have seen in my limited KZ experience. In addition BA black, DD gold and nozzle tip is copper. Despite the 5-Axis CNC Aluminum faceplate that is held down with faux-hex bolts, the entire build weights only 6 grams. Bringing the faceplate to your teeth, you can verify the aluminum, yet these are incredibly low-weight. It might be fully only arising in the mind, but I totally hear those (extra) three faceplate vents. Such happenstance of endearing sound qualities go the extra mile to gain genuine acceptance of this IEM.

Finally the last feature in a very unusual (to me) feature of the parameter of the actual nozzle screen covered and narrowed. Yep, beyond any actual device implemented, KZ went and tuned the exit port with what looks like simple glue or something. Yet this feature is only seen by transillumination from the back. You don't need a picture, just take my word on this one, the nozzle screen looks to be occluded by 50%, around the edges.......making for what I would guess is more bass, less soundstage? Yet I totally agree with the tuning reached........this is full-on KZ in action! Lol..............they never slow down!



Do you see a place for the screws to fasten into?

Such Allen/HEX screws maybe real, the only way to know for sure is to take a few out and see if there is threaded resin underneath. All and all they look real, but I see them as incredibly short? You can see here they don't travel anywhere into the resin area of the shell? So? Your guess is a good as mine. Someone will take a pair apart! But the hex screw heads look like different anodized metal?




Cables & Amps:
The cable is fine and goes on easy. I accessed other cables as I wanted to find-out if 4.4mm affected sound quality, and it did. But truly these are way easer to drive than you would guess, arriving at full volume from a phone. While having an easy going quality, there was also the added feature to perceive every different amp change I did. Meaning a quick switch over to the bass heavy Sony Walkman WM1Z seemed to add a slight lack of pace as well as a slight commingling of bass frequencies, tell-tale of the Walkman WM1Z. While the midrange focused Sony WM1A was absolutely faster and trimed in presentation........showing the absolute ability for IEM resolve in DAC/Amps. Yet, there was something found with these amp switches........the ZS10 PRO X sounded correct from everything. This is one character I hold in high regard on my list of possible features. Because if an IEM sounds good always with my equipment, there is a good chance you will find it responding well at your house. The final amplifier I used was the new Shanling UA3 Dongle. Accessibility is offered in both 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm, I went with the 4.4mm route.

Sound:
After trying each method at driving the ZS10 PRO X, it really didn't matter which amplifier I used. Sure there were differences, yet all styles of tonal response were acceptable, and better than acceptable really.......there was a feature of naturalness at hand though-out my listening test with every device used. So why not, I'm using my Samsung phone and the Shanling UA3 for the remainder of the testing today. Included is the low-profiled (donut) wide-bore tips, which has become my trademark. Such orifices of sound transfer extend the soundstage the widest, with the most expanded imaging. While I have added a different cable, that's just because KZ didn't included a 4.4mm.




Bass:
Beautiful! The 10mm DD puts out a woody charm, asked for........but not always provided, even when price is no object. There are few issues I have with it, if any.......seemingly doing the exact tone I could ask for. You can see this is about total balance in relation to the whole. Meaning pushing the BAs up in profile starts to hide the bass presence, but that never happens as this is the exact tune I like. Not really analytical or sloppy.....not dull. Just right. On the UA3 I was at 22% of full volume with Eddict (propitiatory) software enabled (high-volume switch) enacted, don't ask me about the filter as I don't care. I wanted to really listen to this set before accessing any graphic representations. Meaning I saw a graph but normally don't zero in on them for fear of the graph affecting my listening. There is always that chance of thinking you hear what the graph displayed, when in fact.............not. But now after a few days of listening I can go over the graph in detail. Really standard V shape flair with quite a bit of boost in the lows, though note the accent out of the 1k region into the peak at 2.7k. A dreamy land that just goes to show you that if KZ can pull-off this level of expertise, then the game is open for almost anyone to get a piece of the pie. This style of creation of FR character is the exact reason I talked about this IEM in my TRN ST5 review before even getting the KZ!

I knew.......I don't know how I knew......but I did (instinctively) feel this was going to be pay-dirt! And................all I can put down on paper will still not describe the bass-soundstage at hand. Just go with your gut.......if everything I have said in this review makes sense, if you believe this is your IEM, just buy it. Stop reading.......you don't need to read any more..............life is way to complicated.............just look at the photographs and order yours now! The bass soundstage has to be heard to be believed. You won't believe it. I'm not going to say, trust me..........but trust me on this. While not the most detailed there is a level of sophistication here that hands-down represents the best that Knowledge Zenith has ever done.............not just the bass is the best, the whole enchilada is the best.......100% FR success. But again it's more than that, it's the timbral accuracy that while there is a sheen of light reflecting off the glass, it has been subdued to the point of satisfaction. The spacial existence of playback in bass is moving and emotional.......to the point of me just demoing the ZS10 PRO X and falling asleep with them three hours later. This is real, the value is real here. It's the imaging out into the soundstage, that if it's there in the file, then it is portrayed with accuracy, way more than the price would have you believe. Somewhat thick...............the graph is correct here.......but I like it?

Custom made BAs:
Before I get started in this section I want you to realize there is a difference at times with how Knowles BAs sound, as well as Sonion implementation into the FR. I'm not going to come out and say these KZ BAs are the best, most realistic BA imaging, yet they way it was done, the implementation hides most BA timbre and sounds more musical than a totally clear and forward replay. You often get what you pay for........Yet obviously everything comes with a price. With that said there are many Head-Fi listeners, that due to this particular price, won't give the ZS10 PRO X the time of day. That would be a huge mistake, as these are nothing like the KZ of 2016. Nothing! Also there is nothing I could write to persuade that crowd, so I'll stop waiting my breath. Yet they may be out in public or just happen to be near the ZS10 PRO X in a shop and could truly find what I'm taking about, and that's why I wrote this review.....to get the word out.



Treble:
2 count them, two 50024s treble BA sound-makers. Note the 8k peak, though also note the surrounding areas of treble which come-off as laid-back, yet not dark. Again it's perfect.....really it is. Such display of upper elements are found to excite the presentation, but not ever come-off as sleepy. There is a quickness of attack that is faster with BAs........this BA character pin-points frequency response and comes off with transients despite the faster decay than single full-range DDs. Yes, there is dislocation...........this sounds like a Hybrid because it is a Hybrid, and it's this full-on separation that's the very reason I want and need Hybrids. It's no secret the Hybrid sound is my favorite way to go. And this........well it's that classic hybrid sound that contains be best attributes of the reason they still make them. That's right..........can you say contrast.......say it with me C O N T R A S T........yes, that was easy, almost as easy as the price of admission to get ahold of this contrast.

I said all that but still remember these are not as intense as something like the BAX, they don't try to be. There is a huge amount of forgiveness that you only start to realize is held in songs like the original Star Wars theme. Or listen to "The Force Awakens" and learn what John Williams wanted..........a dynamic "attack" of sound, that's not really what's gong on, more of a laid-back and more accessible "sleepy" experience. While there still is excitement and involvement here, it lends itself to unlimited listening times, meaning if you've got the time........you've got the IEM. Listening to "March of the Resistance" in 96 kHz - 24 bit.........you can still feel the excitement yet it's toned down somewhat. This sent me on a full tangent looking for the most drastic dynamics I could find...........and sure enough, everytime they were just slightly softened.



So if you were wondering what one thing is not included with the ZS10 PRO X, it's that edge of your seat vividness, and no.......not here, and not today......in fact not ever with the ZS10 PRO X. Is this an issue? Hmmmmm? I don't know, not for me and not at the price hey are asking. The main thing is they could have dialed in more brightness and gloss, but then we also would have lost something. The gain would have been absolute BA timbre, but we would have maybe gained detail too. For whatever the ZS10 PRO X is, it is correct despite its both contrast and lack of intensity! Does this bother me, I mean do I want anything more? Not one bit. This is what I ordered, and the IEM restaurant delivered it in stunning fashion, let me enjoy my musical meal! Remember this energy in the upper midrange and treble was not truly loved with the TRN ST5 or the Tripowin Rhombus. Read my reviews of them if you want to burn-more reading calories.

Midrange:
2 count them, two 30019s midrange producers. Between 5.5k and 7k there is the classic upper midrange/treble sibilance (anti-sibilance) dip, but hold on we are getting ahead of ourselves. There is a 4k peak and a valley made from 4k to 6k..........and this is what was the upper midrange/treble over-the top with the TRN ST5, where here it's just right. This was the area that had me guess the ZS10 PRO X was and is the solution...........even before I knew I was getting it for review. It's the (upper-mid) energy amount where the placement is more subdued in reference to the bass. We hear more bass due to balance, yet there is still enough midrange to fill the needs, and somehow the timbre is still great. One reason I'm guessing it's great is there are not areas of forwardness for the sake of detail. This could pretty much be thought of as a more laid-back style of response, yet with just enough vividness to keep it alive!



Conclusion:
Times they are a changing, and no better example than the Knowledge Zenith ZS10 PRO X IEM. This is a sound that would have cost at least $1300 back in 2013, but life moves-on and technology makes strides in performance. I actually don't expect you to believe this review, I mean how could you? But if anything I wrote makes any sense at all..........if there is a chance you want to explore KZ again, thus forgetting any negativity from the past, this is truly that IEM..............this is that one. While the Allen-HEX screws (maybe) don't go all the way into the shell, it's more or less cute at this point. The gold hardware inside is maybe tacky or silly, like fake gold jewelry? But so what, you can't see it really. The box is almost the smallest IEM box known in existence, yet that's the charm......that these perform regardless of the visual obstacles................the fact that the QC stamp is placed inside the bottom of the box. That's right no quality control paperwork, they used the inside of the box! What's wrong with that, I like it!

The fact, these could in ways be a persons first import IEM, or perfect as a Christmas gift. The Win-Win-Win is un-stoppable, nothing could stop this IEM from reaching the ground level. Then it's only up from there......truly the last IEM I reviewed from KZ was the best KZ in my personal history, then many others concurred that they found that to be the case too. When this hits................it is a market disrupter..........if I ever heard one. Full-on performance, for very little cash output.

The most important thing here is the sound, this could be the style of IEM that you take around when you don't want to risk damaging your TOTL models, yet you also don't want to deprive yourself of near-top quality sound. The most important thing is what KZ wrote on the box............they wrote "Don't forget the original intention of using earphones is to enjoy music" That is all they wrote. The moment the Knowledge Zenith ZS10 PRO X hits your ears you will instantly get it. You'll know first hand why I wrote this review and why I'm so passionate about the future of KZ.

Coming-up the comparison against (the even more money) $49.00 USD Tripowin Cencibel. While the build is fantastic, still it looks like KZ will win this round also?


Product model KZ ZS10 PRO X
Impedance 29Ω
Sensitivity 112±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

General Information​

KZ ZS10 PRO X
Upgraded 1DD + 4BA Hybrid Driver HiFi IEM

• 10mm Dynamic Driver+4 Custom Balanced Armatures
• Classic Alloy Faceplate+Resin Shell
• Enhanced Detachable 0.75mm 2Pin Connector
• Ergonomic Shape, Wide Compatibility

$39.00 USD
https://www.linsoul.com/products/kz-zs10-pro-x?variant=43295301566681

Free shipping and one year warranty when you order from Linsoul
Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C

"A new generation with performance upgrades
Upgraded based on the KZ ZS10 PRO with cumulative sales exceeding 500,000 units"

Better than the Tripowin Rhombus (1 Knowles 33518 X 1 DD) $79.00
Better than the KZ AS16 PRO (8 BA per side) $56.00
Better than the TRN ST5 (4 BA X 1 DD) $59.80

Disclaimer:
I want to thank Kareena of Linsoul for the love and the KZ ZS10 PRO X review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cor
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Samsung Android smart phone 3.5mm