[charlescc2]

I use ZST with the bluetooth cable, and I can easily go loud enough to blow my eardrums.

You do know that the bluetooth module has a separate volume control, right? What I do is turn the volume on my phone all the way, and then use the bluetooth module to actually adjust the volume during use. To do so, hold down the up/forward or down/back button on the bluetooth module until you get the volume where you want it. It takes a few seconds before the volume starts changing.

I actually tried that but must not have been holding long enough as it wasn't working, but yeah that does it, thanks. The volume seems to be equal to when I have them plugged up with a wired cable, so that works.

 

[charlescc2]

As you can see I have that new ZS6 platinum colored cable on my ZS6 in this picture however it's sounds veiled to my in comparison, same goes for the silver and gold ZS5 upgrade cables. Fortunately the ZST braided cable works with not only ZST's but ZS6 and ZS5 even though on the five the pin housing will not drop all the way into the slot it catches enough pin to hold and sound great.

What is that DAP setup you have? Is that an AMP clipped onto it (and which one)? Really slick looking setup . I think I'm going to try to get a better portable solution for listening to music than using my Galaxy S6, which already has crap battery life at this point even when not putting it to work. I'm also hoping to be able to get the most out of the ZS6s that I have coming in, and I'm pretty sure my phone isn't going to get enough juice to them.

Also, you mentioned the braided cable didn't fit properly on the ZS5, but is that also the case with the ZS6? I feel like I read people saying that it didn't fit snugly onto the ZS6 either and that the plastic end needed to be snipped off to get a snug fit. I have the cable now and I guess I'll find out any day with the ZS6s coming in, but if I have to cut something I'm afraid I'm going to screw up and ruin the IEMs

 

[Podster]

To be honest, it is not the answer i was expecting.
I gave the colorful one to my wife as she is safisfied with 'em. I'm thinking about purchasing the carbon version on 11.11. I'm waiting for silver heavy braided KZ cable as a potentionaly decent pairing with them. The heavy braided upgrade cable sounds very good with my ZS5's.
Well... or i just wait for releasing the new ZSR... Really hard times for the chi-fi "maniacs"

Assuming you wanted an honest answer! Like I said to your main question, I've never heard any audible difference in the Carbon's and Colorful's, I also said I like the ZST braided cables on ZS5/6 as well even though they are not made for them or have full insertion like on the ZST's. I apologize if my answer did not meet your expectations

@charlescc2 , that stack is the FiiO X3ii with FiiO stacking kit holding the Topping NX2 DAC/Amp (DAC is not too impressive but amp rocks and forever) I think overall it is best to stay with specific cables on the KZ line really, I guess if you are good with tiny DYI projects the cutting down of the braided cable plug would work however my hands are like the Hulk's with tiny stuff

 

[vector84]

Your chart explains why I like the Chi-foams best. They appear to pass more sound at 4k and 6.5k, where I have a bit of a dip in my hearing.

If this is from your testing, could you run another test with the foams put on the nozzles backwards (if you have the time)?

This is the only way I can get a consistent seal using Large New Bee foams, since my ear holes are so large. It seems to me to change the sound signature a bit (more lively sounding), I'm guessing because the nozzle is closer to the ear, and the foam is covered by the rubber lining all the way to the back end. TIA!

That data comes from @hakuzen, the original is here:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kno...essions-thread.698148/page-1553#post-13777787

EDIT: oops, that's the first round of tip rolling, here's the one with Ostry tips too:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kno...essions-thread.698148/page-1527#post-13766425

 

[vector84]

Also, you mentioned the braided cable didn't fit properly on the ZS5, but is that also the case with the ZS6?

It doesn't fit snuggly because it's a different connector housing.

Didn't the B A type housing for ZS5/6 just come out a few days ago in that braided style? Should be able to find them somewhere on aliexpress.

 

[Podster]

It doesn't fit snuggly because it's a different connector housing.

Didn't the B type housing for ZS5/6 just come out a few days ago in that braided style? Should be able to find them somewhere on aliexpress.

Would be nice if they did make this triple braided ZST cable for those two models as well, I'll be watching for them. In the meantime I have the bronze SP cable for my ZS6's, a couple of these :

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/KZ-...5.html?spm=a2g0s.13010208.99999999.273.fO4cLZ

in the gray and yellow for my ZS5V1's

 

[vector84]

Would be nice if they did make this triple braided ZST cable for those two models as well, I'll be watching for them. In the meantime I have the bronze SP cable for my ZS6's, a couple of these :

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/KZ-...5.html?spm=a2g0s.13010208.99999999.273.fO4cLZ

in the gray and yellow for my ZS5V1's

I could have sworn I saw a post linking a source for the new braided A-type cables on aliexpress, but I can't seem to find it right now.

Here's the original info post from @Superluc quoting hillsonicaudio:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kno...essions-thread.698148/page-1628#post-13818602

 

[Podster]

I could have sworn I saw a post linking a source for the new braided A-type cables on aliexpress, but I can't seem to find it right now.

Here's the original info post from @Superluc quoting hillsonicaudio:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kno...essions-thread.698148/page-1628#post-13818602

I can attest the triple braid is the best sounding cable I've found for the KZ even with a shallow insertion on the ZS5/6 they still sound better than the other upgrade cables I've tried on them but like you I've not found the triple braids advertised specifically for ZS5/6 on AliEx or they would be in my 11/11 basket. I looked at Hill and have no clue how much RM39.00 is! Can't seem to sign up with them and it also looked like the only have two of the A-Type left

 

[vector84]

I can attest the triple braid is the best sounding cable I've found for the KZ even with a shallow insertion on the ZS5/6 they still sound better than the other upgrade cables I've tried on them but like you I've not found the triple braids advertised specifically for ZS5/6 on AliEx or they would be in my 11/11 basket. I looked at Hill and have no clue how much RM39.00 is! Can't seem to sign up with them and it also looked like the only have two of the A-Type left

I think that's Malaysian Ringgits, so it should be around $9.30 USD?

But I think you'd need to contact them directly about an international order. If memory serves, they posted on their Twitter that they would be happy to do international orders, but as they typically do not do so, there would be additional shipping fees.

 

[Dark Helmet]

Does anyone else have movement (loose) with their input port on their ZS6?

 

[bsoplinger]

Here's the AliExpress link for the version of the braided cable that I purchased in case anyone can't find it. This is from a previous post, perhaps @Slater although I really don't remember who posted it. I personally don't hear anything different but its just a much nicer cable all around vs the stock or white / silver replacement cable. Like the silver replacement there's no microphone.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New...Cable-Earphone-Upgrade-Cable/32821872852.html

Edit: I should add that to use this on the ZS6 or ZS5 it looks nicer and you get deeper insertion of the pins if you cut back the clear plastic guide which is too big to fit into the plug area. Just note the rounded vs square end in the material before you cut it off so you can keep the polarity correct.

 

[Lord Rexter]

Does anyone else have movement (loose) with their input port on their ZS6?

Yes, I do unfortunately.

 

[vector84]

Does anyone else have movement (loose) with their input port on their ZS6?

Stock cable where it fits into the ZS6?

If so, some useful posts from @Slater and @AudioObsession :
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kno...essions-thread.698148/page-1655#post-13834750
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kno...essions-thread.698148/page-1627#post-13818205

TLDR: KZ stock cables are now 0.72mm pins, KZ upgrade cables are 0.75mm pins, so to fix the issue you can either tin the pins of your cable or get an upgrade cable. I suppose you could also just glue it in place if you don't need to remove cables frequently.

Make sure you've seated the cable completely before going too far though - they can take some heavy force to insert the first time, but stock cables should seat down to where the plastic molding has a stop ledge.

 

[Dark Helmet]

Stock cable where it fits into the ZS6?

If so, some useful posts from @Slater and @AudioObsession :
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kno...essions-thread.698148/page-1655#post-13834750
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kno...essions-thread.698148/page-1627#post-13818205

TLDR: KZ stock cables are now 0.72mm pins, KZ upgrade cables are 0.75mm pins, so to fix the issue you can either tin the pins of your cable or get an upgrade cable. I suppose you could also just glue it in place if you don't need to remove cables frequently.

Make sure you've seated the cable completely before going too far though - they can take some heavy force to insert the first time, but stock cables should seat down to where the plastic molding has a stop ledge.

It's actually the plastic housing that the pins are in that moves.

 

[charlescc2]

I can attest the triple braid is the best sounding cable I've found for the KZ even with a shallow insertion on the ZS5/6 they still sound better than the other upgrade cables I've tried on them but like you I've not found the triple braids advertised specifically for ZS5/6 on AliEx or they would be in my 11/11 basket. I looked at Hill and have no clue how much RM39.00 is! Can't seem to sign up with them and it also looked like the only have two of the A-Type left

Despite the triple braid not fitting the ZS6 perfectly, do you find it to be connected adequately enough to not be bothered by it?