[Slater]

Do you guys think a ZS5 -> ZS3 reshell is possible considering the size of the components?

Would it screw with the accoustics?

Not enough room in the ZS3. There's only enough room for at most a 9mm DD driver according to my measurements when I had the shells apart (the stock driver is 8mm, so there is room for a larger driver swap, but 9mm is max). Also the nozzle is awfully small to fit a BA driver and still have enough open room in the channel for the sound from the other drivers to pass.

A better donor shell would be the ZS1/ZS2/ZN1. It's very comfortable to wear, and even has dual sound channels for better frequency separation. It is easy to open, and has enough room for 1-2 BA drivers (in the shell not in the nozzle) and a crossover.

Another option would be to rework the ZS5 shell. Sand it smooth with a Dremel and smooth/fill in the thin spots with Bondo and repainting. It won't look sexy and CIEM-ish like the ZS3, but it won't have the sharp edges anymore.

Finally, there's tons of info at the Home-made IEM thread (https://www.head-fi.org/f/threads/home-made-iems.430688/) You would fall out of your chair seeing what those guys have made, casting their own CIEM shells using readily available materials.

 

[WilliamCruz]

Got my HDS3, for few bucks.

SOUND
It has a warm sound, slightly u shaped freq with A little more emphasis on the treble. Can be a little bright/dark at times, depending on the track. The treble does extend far and is sometimes annoying especially on badly recorded tracks, the bass is a little lacking on extension but the amount and decay is just right.

Overall, it has been tuned well..a good all rounder. But do not expect it to perform at the level of iems like GR07.

Resolution and seperation is great, was able to hear the little voice crack from the track "all by myself by Celine Dion.

I also like to mention that the fit is excellent, it's so small and light so there won't be any discomfort, however the microphonics isn't the best.. cable noise is clearly audible.

Value 5/5
Sound 4.5/5
Comfort 5/5
Isolation 3.5/5
Microphonics 3/5


This IEM is for people that are on a budget and
want a non bassy iem. I have owned the zs3 and ate in KZ lineup. SQ wise it is better than the KZ ATE, closer to zs3. I like it more than the zs3, non-bassheads can consider this purchase.

 

[1clearhead]

Wow! So far I've been burning and listening to the KZ ZS5, since Sunday (today being Wednesday in Beijing, China) and I have to say that these are a winner! ....Well? as long as QC factors don't arise.

Amazingly for the ZS5, 3D and hi-end RES is by far the best in my collection even beating my priced M1221 and K3 HD in that certain area per say. Though, overall clarity still goes to the M1221, while the K3 HD still holds its own for a linear presentation.

I'll try to download some PIC's when I get a chance.....

 

[CoiL]

Wow! So far I've been burning and listening to the KZ ZS5, since Sunday (today being Wednesday in Beijing, China) and I have to say that these are a winner! ....Well? as long as QC factors don't arise.

Amazingly for the ZS5, 3D and hi-end RES is by far the best in my collection even beating my priced M1221 and K3 HD in that certain area per say. Though, overall clarity still goes to the M1221, while the K3 HD still holds its own for a linear presentation.

I'll try to download some PIC's when I get a chance.....

SAY WHAAAT?

Where is the best and safest buy button?

 

[Viber]

I wonder how low would the ZS5 sell in the future...
Anyone remembers price fluctuation of ZS1/ZS2/ZS3/ATE-S etc? or maybe they were all sold at a low price right off their release date ?

I have a theory that ZS5 will be sold for 20$ eventually.

 

[CoiL]

Clear... WHERE did You buy Yours? I want to hit the buy button and get the experience You are having!

Edit:

I gave up! Pre-ordered it from NickeHCK (haven`t had issues with them), gray, without mic, silver cable for 36$.

Painful waiting begins....

 

[hoerlurar]

I just spoke with Jim at NiceHCK. He's offering a $10 pre-order discount on the ZS5. So I cancelled my previous order and ordered again after the price adjustment. $29 for the blue with the mic and silver cable.

is this offer still valid, has anyone tried the last couple of days?

 

[CoiL]

is this offer still valid, has anyone tried the last couple of days?

Hmmm... didn`t notice that offer, just 2$ coupon. Will try to contact Jim.

 

[Shuikit]

I contacted Jim last week and he did a manual $10 discount for me

 

[CoiL]

Do you guys think a ZS5 -> ZS3 reshell is possible considering the size of the components?

Would it screw with the accoustics?

You could try some DIY shells from AE, for example this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/In-...-Balanced-armature-receivers/32724182956.html

I`m going to reshell ZS5 FOR SURE.... with WOOD

 

[Podster]

I'm hearing all this re-shell talk on the ZS5, anyone have some shots of these cracked open so I can see the layout? THX

 

[CoiL]

I'm hearing all this re-shell talk on the ZS5, anyone have some shots of these cracked open so I can see the layout? THX

Will crack them open as soon as I get them! ....but loooong wait is dreadful...

 

[Podster]

Will crack them open as soon as I get them! ....but loooong wait is dreadful...

I know what you mean @CoiL as I'll have the same condition on the TFZ King's and ZS5 myself!

 

[ricemanhk]

Pics as promised.

Also some blow-up diagrams of the drivers on the taobao link
https://world.taobao.com/item/550087478031.htm

 

[Trebor1966]

Pics as promised.

Also some blow-up diagrams of the drivers on the taobao link
https://world.taobao.com/item/550087478031.htm

Where can we buy the gold cable - on ALIExpress there is only the cable with angled plug:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/Kz-z...lgo_pvid=31854c29-1144-462c-bbb7-98f616382a4f