[BadReligionPunk]

Hi folks,

I have been using my KZ ZST for some time (bought them just after their release) , and I think I am ready for a new pair of chi-fi IEM...
Even I am not a specialist at all, or even use them intensively, I find they are not really perfect to my ears:
- I find the highs are a bit weird, pearcing, with even some sibilance sometimes
- I also find the mids are a bit too much recessed, and somehow lacks details (even if i found it much more muddy when received them, burn in helped on this point)

So, could you please help me in finding a new pair of IEM (the chi-fi scene is constantly moving, so maybe a bit tough to follow)? I am a bit lost with all these potential gems...

Here are my needs and usage:
I don't use DAPs anymore, and will mostly use them from my phone (Huawei P20pro), so they have to be driveable...
Seems also that I appreciate more mild v-shaped (ZST is my limit in terms of bass, and I am also looking for softer highs).
My budget is rather low. Let's say around 50$, maybe a bit more for something that would give a big improvement, maybe during next AE sales...

Tks for your help

If the ZST was a nice fit, then most people here will say that KZ ZS10 Pro is the best KZ right now. It uses same shell as ZST with a steel back plate and 5 drivers each side, so it will be heavier. However no one really has anything bad to say about them. They are on Aliexpress at $35

Also CCA C10 is $24 and also uses the same shell. Very smooth warm tones with great mids. A very good all- rounder that is crazy loud at low volumes. Easily driven by phones. A very safe bet IMO.

 

[FastAndClean]

Wonder if it can compete with popular single BA like fiio fa1 or even etymotic.

NO

 

[Elna]

If the ZST was a nice fit... .

Thks for the tip.
ZST is indeed rather a right fit for me, but not sure that heavier IEMs would stay in place well.

But wouldn't zs10 pro, or c10, with so many drivers, be prone to a driver failure with time?

Except these 2 points, Zs10 pro seems quite nice...

 

[mbwilson111]

Thks for the tip.
ZST is indeed rather a right fit for me, but not sure that heavier IEMs would stay in place well.

But wouldn't zs10 pro, or c10, with so many drivers, be prone to a driver failure with time?

Except these 2 points, Zs10 pro seems quite nice...

Do you require it to be the cable over ear type or would you prefer a simple straight-in IEM with cable down?

 

[Elna]

Do you require it to be the cable over ear type or would you prefer a simple straight-in IEM with cable down?

I tend to prefer over-ear style, to limit microphonics when I move. But lots of cable-down can also be worn sa over-ear, don't they?

 

[requal]

NO

Graph is from @Wiljen site/review and as I see those get quite nice rating, slightly better then **** ****.
And as usual YMMV.

https://audiofool.reviews/2019/06/07/kb-ear-f1/

 

[FastAndClean]

slightly better then **** ****.

wrong
kb f1

****

 

[requal]

Overall

 

[requal]

Im on BA side, and I like what I hear form F1 from top to bottom. I prefer BA bass, Treble are also good for me. It is also matter of source or tips, and preferences.

 

[Wiljen]

Overall

This is looking at build quality, accessories, etc rather than only sound. that is why I split the data into two sections to make it easier to differentiate.

 

[Riz99]

@Wiljen, slightly off topic but between the simgot em1, em2 and en 700 pro which do you prefer the most?

 

[requal]

@Wiljen Yeah I see. But sum is sum.

6.0/10
BUILD QUALITY
7.5/10
ACCESSORIES
6.0/10
SOUND QUALITY
5.8/10
---------------
23,5 / 4 = 6,325

 

[BadReligionPunk]

Thks for the tip.
ZST is indeed rather a right fit for me, but not sure that heavier IEMs would stay in place well.

But wouldn't zs10 pro, or c10, with so many drivers, be prone to a driver failure with time?

Except these 2 points, Zs10 pro seems quite nice...

They are heavier but not much heavier. I mentioned it because I like my ZST and find it super comfortable. My C10's added weight was a problem for me as they hung down and put their weight on my anti-tragus(Bottom ear flap thingy). I had to find the exact right tip to allow the nozzle to fit further down my earhole which worked great. Now I regularly wear my C10's at work for 4-5 hours before it gets painful. No Idea how much the ZS10 PRO weighs, but have not heard anyone bad mouthing its fit, and everybody is raving about the sound. I have been tempted multiple times to just buy them, but I always wimp out last minute.

As far as driver failure? Yea the more drivers there are the bigger chance of failure. If you need super reliability, then a removable cable single dd IEM is what you are after. That said. How long have you had the ZST? That's 4 drivers there. I have loads of multi driver stuff and have not had any problems(knock on wood). As long as you take care of your stuff right?

 

[Elna]

They are heavier but not much heavier. I mentioned it because I like my ZST and find it super comfortable. My C10's added weight was a problem for me as they hung down and put their weight on my anti-tragus(Bottom ear flap thingy). I had to find the exact right tip to allow the nozzle to fit further down my earhole which worked great. Now I regularly wear my C10's at work for 4-5 hours before it gets painful. No Idea how much the ZS10 PRO weighs, but have not heard anyone bad mouthing its fit, and everybody is raving about the sound. I have been tempted multiple times to just buy them, but I always wimp out last minute.

As far as driver failure? Yea the more drivers there are the bigger chance of failure. If you need super reliability, then a removable cable single dd IEM is what you are after. That said. How long have you had the ZST? That's 4 drivers there. I have loads of multi driver stuff and have not had any problems(knock on wood). As long as you take care of your stuff right?

I assume I also would have to try some tips to feel comfortable with heavier IEMs (as my ears seem to be non symmetrical, so don't necessarily need the same tip...).
About the driver failure, my ZST are from early 2017 and still OK (even if they traveled for several weeks in bad conditions). So, this fear about failure is probably nonsensical.

ZS10pro seems more & more appealing now...

 

[BadReligionPunk]

I assume I also would have to try some tips to feel comfortable with heavier IEMs (as my ears seem to be non symmetrical, so don't necessarily need the same tip...).
About the driver failure, my ZST are from early 2017 and still OK (even if they traveled for several weeks in bad conditions). So, this fear about failure is probably nonsensical.

ZS10pro seems more & more appealing now...

Whatever you decide come back and let us know what you think.