[audionab]

which comply will fit es4?

 

[DocHoliday]

.
ZS10 is the same. To much of reagent can destroy the lab.

The 50095 armature on dual parallel is strong on nasal frequency.

They should have done

1 dynamic
150095

And dual 30095 on series

If you don't think you will use your ZS10 as is then you could always take one for the team and try one of Slater's mods found here and report back to us.

Spoiler

OK, so I've spent some serious time working on ZS6 mods.

Note that for all of these mods, you 1st use a sewing needle and gently pop off the stainless 'cheese grater' nozzle screen by poking the needle in 1 of the 'cheese grater' holes and lifting it right off. Carefully set them somewhere out of the way where you won't lose it. I recommend setting them on wax paper (sticky side down). It will keep the adhesive portion sticky, and won't let the adhesive get contaminated by dust or dirt while you are working. When you are done with your mods, just use tweeers to put the screen back in the center of the nozzle, and very gently push the screen down with your finger to make the adhesive stick.

Here's the mods I performed or attempted to perform:

1. "Folding foam" in the nozzle method

While this did cut the treble, I didn't really like how it affected the rest of the sound. It veiled the mids and boosted bass too much. There are better mod options available (read on). It did knock down the treble around ~3dB**, which is why this is a valid modification option. The advantages are that this is a quick fix, super easy to perform, and 100% reversible. I didn't test the "foam stuffed in eartip" variation of this mod, but I suspect the results will be extremely similar.


2. ZST foam mod to BOTH BA drivers in each shell (ie 2xBA). Let's call this mod "Double BA Foam Mod"

This is the mod outlined here: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kno...essions-thread.698148/page-1167#post-13480650
I followed those instructions to a T, including the size of the foam piece. As an alternative, you could use the foam plug from the ZS3 nozzle (don't cut the foam; use exactly as removed from the ZS3). The result was about approximately ~4-5dB** cut in treble. I liked this mod much better than the "foam in nozzle" mod (ie #1), as the mids and bass were not affected, and all other characteristics of the ZS6 remained the same (soundstage, etc). However, the treble lost some airyness and sparkle quality. That tells me that there are other treble frequencies that the foam is affecting. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad mod. It's very easy to perform, and like the "foam in nozzle" mod it's 100% reversible. So I urge you to try this mod before you try the next mod (which is NOT reversible).

I also could have done additional testing with the SIZE of the foam (ie smaller foam), as well as the TYPE of foam (or even a piece of paper towel). I may still do so (just not today as I've been working on this for hours and need a break).


3. Lazer Bond fill of ONE BA drivers in each shell (ie 1xBA). Let's call this mod "Single BA Fill Mod".

What is Lazer Bond? It's one of those cheesy as seen on TV products, but this one actually works. I use the crap out of Lazer Bond, and hardly ever use super glue anymore. It dries in a few seconds using UV light, is perfectly clear, and it is somewhat removable if need be.

I especially use it for headphone mods. It's perfect for filling vent holes (partially or completely), and for gluing shells back together (use along the outside at the shell seam, such as after taking apart an IEM shell like the ZS3, ATE, etc). The result is you can't even see where it was glued if you do it right. It needs UV light to cure, so you couldn't use it inside of an opaque material and expect it to dry. But for transparent or translucent IEM shells, or bass vent holes, etc it's perfect. It's dirt cheap, lasts forever, doesn't dry out, and has a very precise "needle-like" applicator that allows the perfect amount to go where you want it to go.

See the applicator? This is what makes it so easy and effective for mods:



It also doesn't give off fumes or a 'craze' film (ie whitish film) like super glue, which is important because this film not only looks bad but craze vapors can deposit on speaker drivers and possibly cause unwanted/unpredictable effects.

Here's a photo of Lazer Bond (you can get it anywhere - drug stores, as seen on TV places, Amazon, ebay, etc).



I wanted to use this because the Lazer Bond applicator is exactly the size of the BA nozzle, so it is basically idiot proof. You barely need a drop - just enough to "fill" the nozzle on 1 of the BA drivers (doesn't matter which one). Just squeeze a drop in the BA nozzle to fill/seal it up, then use the UV light to dry it for 10 seconds. Done.

You could also use quick drying 2-part epoxy and a toothpick, or even something like Elmer's white "school glue" and a toothpick. You just need to fill 1 of the BA nozzles so it is totally sealed, but not so much that it drips out and makes a mess in the nozzle. Literally 1 drop is plenty.

Anyways, what about the sound? The result was about approximately ~4dB** cut in treble. I liked this mod much better, as the mids and bass were not affected, and all other characteristics of the ZS6 remained the same (soundstage, etc). The remaining treble had sparkle and airyness, just like in the totally stock ZS6, it's just that the total LEVEL (or amplitude) of treble was lowered some. However, this mod really made me appreciate how powerful even ONE of these high-frequency BA drivers KZ used are. If you were REALLY treble sensitive with the stock ZS6, this may still be too much for you. Even though it has a LESSER AMOUNT of treble, it's the TYPE of treble that is still there - still very bright, high frequency, and some could still call it sharp (not OVERLY sharp, as with the ZST, but definitely has an edge to it).

The only real disadvantage to this mod is that it is NOT reversible. If you are worried about the reversibility of this mod, stuff the nozzle with small blob of bluetac instead (which will accomplish the same thing, but WOULD be reversible).


4. Removal of 1xBA in each shell

Yeah, that ain't gonna happen. I tried this multiple ways, and there just isn't enough room to work with. The BA drivers are located way down in the nozzle. They're stuck to one another pretty darn good. The ZS6 nozzle does not come apart as easily as the ZS5 nozzle (I think the nozzle is press-fit into the shell, not glued in like the ZS5). And if you try to remove the nozzle with force, or try ripping out a BA with pliers etc, you seriously risk really ruining your ZS6. Even if you can remove 1 of the BAs, you still have to deal with the wires. Don't waste your time with this mod. The "Single BA Fill" mod will accomplish the same thing, carries almost no risk, and won't affect the total impedance like removing a BA driver will.


5. Lazer Bond fill of ONE BA driver in each shell (ie 1xBA) PLUS the ZST foam mod to ONE BA driver in each shell. Let's call this mod "Single BA Fill + Single BA Foam" Mod

This is literally just a combination of #2 and #3 above. The only difference is that you follow #3 (the "Single BA Fill" mod). And if the treble is still "too much" for you to handle, you do the "BA Foam" mod from #2 to the ONE BA. It is still a very easy mod to perform.

As expected, this provided the most reduction in treble. I estimate ~8+dB cut in treble. The mids and bass were not affected, and all other characteristics of the ZS6 remained the same (soundstage, etc). The foam in the 1 BA does cause the treble to lose some airyness and sparkle quality (the foam must be affecting other treble frequencies).

This is the best mod if you are looking for the maximum treble cut.

If you do this mod and for some reason you don't like it, the foam can be removed, reverting this mod to #3 above (ie the "Single BA Fill" mod). Another option to get some sparkle back, is to leave the foam in place, and just use EQ to boost the treble range by a couple of dB.

I also could have done additional testing with the SIZE of the foam (ie smaller foam), as well as the TYPE of foam (or even a piece of paper towel). I may still do so (just not today as I've been working on this for hours and need a break).


******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

** Note about the treble cut figures - They were approximated by A/B comparing to an unmodified ZS6, which was then cut using Rockbox's EQ at 10k until the unmodified and modified ZS6 both sounded the same. So for example, if I had to cut the unmodified ZS6 by 5dB at 10k for it to sound the same as the modded ZS6 (with mod X applied), then mod X reduced treble by 5dB. Make sense? Obviously, this isn't scientific, and using the EQ allows the manipulation of very specific frequencies, whereas mods such as foam can affect a wider range of frequencies. Please keep that in mind if down the road someone with proper measuring equipment performs these same mods and publishes the results (in other words, all ears are different, YMMV, I'm only human, etc).


Final Verdict of all of the mods:

The bottom line is that tips are easy to play with. I would mod the ZS6 if you are really treble sensitive and unhappy with it's sound. If you LOVE the ZS6 as-is, consider leaving it alone and just play with tips. I would encourage you to burn-in for 10-20 hours and see if it helps. Also, try a few different sources to see if you notice any differences (laptop, phone, DAP, iPod, whatever). Maybe you'll be happier with 1 source vs another.

The mod I settled on was #3. I think it's the best compromise between knocking the sharpness of the treble down a few notches, but still leaving intact the very personality that makes the ZS6 special. However, you could also forgo the #3 mod, and just use foam tips (wedge or ball) on the bone stock (unmodified) ZS6. It's kind of up to you.

Now, if you are one of the folks that is REALLY bothered by the ZS6, your best option IMO is #5 in combination with foam tips (wedge or ball).

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Read on for more information about tips plus the modifications...

We know that tips can also be used to effectively tinker with the ZS6 sound. If you missed the unmodified ZS6 tip rolling post, its worth a read because I talk about how each tip affects the sound.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kno...essions-thread.698148/page-1669#post-13848607

WITH the mods, the sound is still affected basically the same way, there's just LESS treble to try and force the tips to "deal" with.

I went back and re-tested a few of my favorite tips after modification of the ZS6 using #3 and the #5 method. The #3 method gave me the sparkle and airyness I like with the ZS6, so I could use the tips to really fine tune the sound with the tips. With the #5 method, I used tips to try and get back some of the 'extra' lost treble.

So with that said, here is where I rate the 'best' tips in combination with the modifications:

Modification using the #3 method only (ie "Single BA Fill" mod):

Treble sensitive:

1. "Ball" style foams - cuts the most treble cut. These are your the droids, er, I mean tips you're looking for. Overall smooth sound. Very "quiet" environment in your head, like you're in the recording room with the band (call it 'extreme isolation', which really allows you to concentrate on the music).
   
2. "Wedge" style foams (ie generic Complys) - "Goldilocks" tip, depending on ear fit/length they may need to be cut down shorter for deepest insertion. Sight cut in treble (a good thing if you're in this category). Overall really laid back smooth sound. Treble sounds REALLY good. Just right IMO. I REALLY like this combination.

NOT Treble sensitive:

1. "Wedge" style foams (ie generic Complys) - "Goldilocks" tip, depending on ear fit/length they may need to be cut down shorter for deepest insertion. Sight cut in treble (may or may not be your thing, but worth a try even if you don't mind the ZS6 treble). Overall really laid back smooth sound. Treble sounds REALLY good. Just right IMO. I REALLY like this combination.
2. Dual-Flange Silicones - Adds a tad bit of soundstage, more sub bass. No change in treble/brightness.
   
3. KZ Turbo/Whirlwinds - Adds bigger soundstage, bumps midrange, a tad brighter but adds a hint of graininess to the sound.

Modification using the #5 method only (ie "Single BA Fill + Single BA Foam" mod):

Treble sensitive:

1. "Wedge" style foams (ie generic Complys) - "Goldilocks" tip, depending on ear fit/length they may need to be cut down shorter for deepest insertion. Sight cut in treble (a good thing if you're in this category). Overall really laid back smooth sound. Treble sounds REALLY good. Just right IMO.
2. "Ball" style foams - cuts the most treble (too much when used with the "Single BA Fill + Single BA Foam" modification combination IMO). If you need this much treble cut you may want to consider finding another IEM; seriously. Overall smooth sound. Very "quiet" noise floor, like you're in the recording room with the band (call it 'extreme isolation', which really allows you to concentrate on the music).

NOT Treble sensitive:

1. KZ Turbo/Whirlwinds - Bigger soundstage, bumps midrange, a tad brighter but adds a hint of graininess to the sound. The only valid way to "add" some treble back with using this modification method (ie "Single BA Fill + Single Foam method). A better option is really to consider the "Single BA Fill" mod instead; trust me.
2. Dual-Flange Silicones - Adds a tad bit of soundstage, more sub bass. No change in treble/brightness.
3. "Wedge" style foams (ie generic Complys) - "Goldilocks" tip, depending on ear fit/length they may need to be cut down shorter for deepest insertion. Sight cut in treble (may not be your thing since the mods already cut a lot of treble). But still worth a try even if you don't mind the ZS6 treble, because the overall sound is really laid back and smooth sound. A really good tip option.

Old KZ with blue cable/Knowledge Zenith on plug

Is this, perhaps, the KZ in question?

Wiljen said:

Unfortunately, the cure for KZ-fever is to catch something even worse like Ibassoitis, Campfire-contagion, Noble-sickness, or Brainwazv belligerence.

 

[CoiL]

that said, it'd be great if you can test out some of the more obscure chi-fi DIY brands' hybrid (like SK, Skald, Hisenior), you'd be surprised at what 100 bux can buy you

Yeah, I was little late to Hisenior B5+ and got IT01 before it arrived into focus of around-100$ tier. But I`m totally happy with modified IT01.
But who knows, maybe when I get free money to spend, I can try another 100$ IEM.

 

[Dickymint]

I have the addiction, spending money on new gear, terrible addiction! I have a bundle of Trinity gear, it's good but not great, I bought some KZ gear and to be honest, I prefer what I hear from KZ, so far! Also, I can understand why people use EQ adjustments but I always thought that it is pointless buying a lot of different gear, if you are going to adjust everything to sound the way you want, or the same as what you have already? To me it sort of negates the reason for buying new gear, why buy more to adjust it to sound like what you already have? And, is it possible that what you have become used to, is that which is wrong? Physico babble..... There are more questions than answers!!!

 

[Slater]

I have the addiction, spending money on new gear, terrible addiction! I have a bundle of Trinity gear, it's good but not great, I bought some KZ gear and to be honest, I prefer what I hear from KZ, so far! Also, I can understand why people use EQ adjustments but I always thought that it is pointless buying a lot of different gear, if you are going to adjust everything to sound the way you want, or the same as what you have already? To me it sort of negates the reason for buying new gear, why buy more to adjust it to sound like what you already have? And, is it possible that what you have become used to, is that which is wrong? Physico babble..... There are more questions than answers!!!

A lot of people buy different stuff because they DON’T want to EQ.

Or the fit of 1 earphone is better than another.

Or they WANT them to sound different, because they use different gear to listen to different genres (for example neutral for classical, bass heavy for rap, etc.

Or 1 to use for working out (sweat proof, maybe Bluetooth compatible), 1 to keep at you desk at work, and another for using at home.

Everyone has their reasons.

 

[Dickymint]

Yeah, I agree, just adding a discussion topic. I tend not to use EQ at all, it comes from my old Hi-fi days we it was frowned upon to make adjustments and to have tone controls. Plus, I have so many headphones that I would be constantly making EQ changes depending on which headphone I was using.

 

[audionab]

usually i just cut 4khz 8khz and also cut 125hz and 250hz for cleaner bass and eliminate resonance to some extent

 

[Bartig]

This guy is saying that the ES4 sounds similar to the ZST pro:

In all honesty: I think TechmanZ is spot on for most of the KZ IEMs. He has one weak spot - for me - and that is he totally loves the ZST’s. I think they are the most fatiguing KZ’s out there, with too little bass and way too piercing highs. He on the other hand, prefers it over the KZ top models and ZSR, for example.

See, that’s ok. To each his own. But when I think he says they’re like the ZST’s, I think he says he likes the ES4 too.

I hope he doesn’t try to say they’re the same. Because they’re absolutely not. The ES4 has delicately tuned down highs and a far more pronounced bass. They aren’t the same at all.

That’s why I like the ES4 so much.

 

[monitoringsound70]

Hope I'm not disturbing the thread in any way but i just got back to my newly delivered ZS3 (Love amazon next day delivery)
Only had about half an hour with them at the moment but first impression out of the box was seemingly vacuum isolation, these things literally disappear in the ear, Fantastic isolation, and the first pair of KZ that I don't have to use large tips just use the medium tip already fitred.
Definitely the most comfortable for me yet.

Naturally sound wise I'm finding these are definitely bass and mids.... really nice mids actually, Treble is certainly there but very rolled off, although completely without fatigue. But I was expecting that.
Of course this is just a first impression but I like what I'm hearing.

Whether I feel the need for better treble I have the mod up my sleeve. (Many thanks to Slater) So I'll continue to to see how they go.
But definitely impressed so far, especially with the isolation

 

[SciOC]

A lot of people buy different stuff because they DON’T want to EQ.

Or the fit of 1 earphone is better than another.

Or they WANT them to sound different, because they use different gear to listen to different genres (for example neutral for classical, bass heavy for rap, etc.

Or 1 to use for working out (sweat proof, maybe Bluetooth compatible), 1 to keep at you desk at work, and another for using at home.

Everyone has their reasons.

Or, ya know, a combination of an addictive personality and OCD like me.

I've never really understood the purists/"don't want to EQ "crowd myself.... If you take audio that seriously, isn't it contradictory to be kind of lazy about getting the best out of your sets?

My es4 are on the way, as well as my, *gulp*, campfire Andromeda....I figured I save $250 buying used andromeda, why not get some kz with my savings.... You can't have too many IEMs after all.

What's sad is that REALLY rich people often treat cars the way we treat KZs....

 

[dhruvmeena96]

oh that would be much more damaging...

Stop listening to music altogether for a week...
And get some earplugs when you sleep. Brain will reboot and addiction is kept in check.... And its easy for you as you don't listen to technicalities.

 

[mbwilson111]

Stop listening to music altogether for a week...
And get some earplugs when you sleep. Brain will reboot and addiction is kept in check.... And its easy for you as you don't listen to technicalities.

Well I do listen to music and I suspect I have done so for many more years than you have. A week without music? I think not!

The remark about damage referred to the wallet.

 

[dhruvmeena96]

Well, EQ is important not to get best out of earphone but to protect the ear from resonant frequency. You guys will become specific sine tone deaf of you go on like this.

Sometimes you think that a certain specific iem or headphone sounded nice when I was a kid and this iem doesn't sound that nice is because when you were kid, you were more sensitive to hypersonic effect as hearing range was higher. I have to increase 16kHz to listenable level on EQ just to get super details out of IEM.

Your ears turn weaker everyday and listening also changes everyday, but is not noticeable.


So try doing some Equalisation of sound

 

[dhruvmeena96]

Well I do listen to music and I suspect I have done so for many more years than you have. A week without music? I think not!

The remark about damage referred to the wallet.

I know, I was giving rehab to your brain....

LoL


And I was not competing with listening experience. It is actually beneficial to yourself if you are able to control the urges.....

I lived without music for 2months, its painful but well worth it.

I had urge to buy total, like u18t and now I don't...


Transformation

 

[mbwilson111]

I know, I was giving rehab to your brain....

LoL


And I was not competing with listening experience. It is actually beneficial to yourself if you are able to control the urges.....

I lived without music for 2months, its painful but well worth it.

I had urge to buy total, like u18t and now I don't...


Transformation

I have survived this long listening to music almost everyday..I think I will continue...too much great music still waiting to be discovered. You have no idea how eclectic my taste is.