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Knowledge Zenith (KZ) impressions thread
- Thread starter bhazard
- Start date
Seazer
100+ Head-Fier
I'll compare these to the trn v90 once i get them in about 10 days, apparently they sound similar
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Assimilator702
500+ Head-Fier
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While you’re deciding get the TRN V90. It’s REALLY good. As much as I like the ZSX the V90 seems to be a bit more refined and an improvement in tonality. ZSX = aggressive and in your face with killer bass. TRN V90 = pulled back a bit, more sense of space, not as aggressive with a bit more refinement and improved tonality. And the wildcard big boy .... the Moondrop KXXS = laid back a touch more and even MORE refinement and more natural tonality. Bass not as big but delivers the goods when called for.Im glad you hold the C10 in such high regard. The C10 was actually my very first chifi IEM and i love em! The ZS10 Pro was my second purchase. Which I'm also quite happy with. I was also lead to believe that the ZS10 Pro was superior in every way. But honestly im not so sure. There are aspects of both that I really like. I have a difficult time articulating my thoughts on the different things I like about each one. I suppose ill have to better familiarize myself with all the lingo lol. Im such a noob when it comes to all the terms that people use to describe sound. Right now ive been listening to the new Tool album. And ive been listening to each track twice , alternating between each set, so i can really listen for the differences in how they're tuned. The individual experiences Im having are making me wonder whether I should pick up the ZSX or the C12 now.. Im quite torn..
If we learn anything from KZ / CCA the C12 will be the less aggressive and more evenly tuned compared to the ZSX. And the ZSX is the best Hybrid KZ has ever released as afar as I’m concerned. The only winner I don’t own from KZ is the ZS7.
I did notice one thing after I got my ZSX. A spot on my left ear canal was sore and there was a cut. I thought it was from my CCA CA4 I use at the gym and those fairly wide bore TRN Black/Red tips with that slightly harder center tube digging into my ear canal. But after checking over the ZSX I noticed the nozzles are quite sharp and it seems they dig into my skin as I insert them. I’m using Medium sized tips so I guess there’s less material than a large. My CCA A10 and KZ AS12 which seem to use the same metal nozzle are not as sharp and don’t irritate my ear canal at all with Medium tips. I used Starlines yesterday at the gym and being so soft they did provide a bit of relief so I’m not nearly as sore as I was yesterday. Now I have to possibly file down those nozzles so they aren’t so sharp. I don’t mind a bit of danger with sharp metal edges like the ZSN has.......on the outside of my ear.....but not inside my ear.
Anyone else have this problem?
SoundChoice
100+ Head-Fier
I received the ZSX yesterday... And they are killing my ears. Specifically, the pinna. Because this is my first set of IEM, should I expect this pain to subside? Is there a so-called break-in period as far as ear comfort is concerned? It's kind of funny, because there is hardly any pressure from the IEM. It just seems like my ears become sensitive after some time.
My first IEM was the ZS10, non pro, and I could not get a fit. I was sure I was using them wrong. I watched videos, back in those days, there was no Slater posting pictures of rights and wrongs. I invested the GDP of a small Slavic nation trying different tips, certain that I just needed a good seal.
The lesson? Sometimes a piece of plastic just wont fit in your ear.
I almost gave up IEMs for good and got Skull Candy from a 7-Eleven.
Then I discovered the KZ ZST and learned what fit was like.
Things only got better since.
That was $49,000 ago.
Don't give up.
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While you’re deciding get the TRN V90. It’s REALLY good. As much as I like the ZSX the V90 seems to be a bit more refined and an improvement in tonality. ZSX = aggressive and in your face with killer bass. TRN V90 = pulled back a bit, more sense of space, not as aggressive with a bit more refinement and improved tonality. And the wildcard big boy .... the Moondrop KXXS = laid back a touch more and even MORE refinement and more natural tonality. Bass not as big but delivers the goods when called for.
If we learn anything from KZ / CCA the C12 will be the less aggressive and more evenly tuned compared to the ZSX. And the ZSX is the best Hybrid KZ has ever released as afar as I’m concerned. The only winner I don’t own from KZ is the ZS7.
I did notice one thing after I got my ZSX. A spot on my left ear canal was sore and there was a cut. I thought it was from my CCA CA4 I use at the gym and those fairly wide bore TRN Black/Red tips with that slightly harder center tube digging into my ear canal. But after checking over the ZSX I noticed the nozzles are quite sharp and it seems they dig into my skin as I insert them. I’m using Medium sized tips so I guess there’s less material than a large. My CCA A10 and KZ AS12 which seem to use the same metal nozzle are not as sharp and don’t irritate my ear canal at all with Medium tips. I used Starlines yesterday at the gym and being so soft they did provide a bit of relief so I’m not nearly as sore as I was yesterday. Now I have to possibly file down those nozzles so they aren’t so sharp. I don’t mind a bit of danger with sharp metal edges like the ZSN has.......on the outside of my ear.....but not inside my ear.
Anyone else have this problem?
The KZX really lives up to the name of the Terminator. It can damage people's ears LOL.
I guess the only option is to file away the nozzles or use a stiffer silicone eartip?
I've had the ZS10 Pro for a few days now and I think there every bit as good as my Tin T2 but also better in some ways. They are a touch more detailed as they should be with 4 BAs but the bass is quite a bit better than the T2. Even though I have a few IEMs I'm a headphone guy when I'm at home but I actually like using these at home form time to time over my headphones especially when I'm laying down to go to sleep. For $50 you really can't go wrong with these.
SinisterDev
100+ Head-Fier
I received the ZSX yesterday... And they are killing my ears. Specifically, the pinna. Because this is my first set of IEM, should I expect this pain to subside? Is there a so-called break-in period as far as ear comfort is concerned? It's kind of funny, because there is hardly any pressure from the IEM. It just seems like my ears become sensitive after some time.
When you said it was your first set of IEMs, that got me thinking that maybe you have a similar problem that i have. My ears seem to be very picky about what kind of tips I use. I guess the skin in my ear canal is very sensitive. When I picked up my CCA C10's, I tried using the provided tips and they were murder to my ears! After just a few songs, my ear canals were really hurting! Ive come to realize that not all silicone used to make these tips is created equally. Some are more rough and abrasive than others. I even experienced the same soreness with much smaller, single DD earbuds if the tips were too rough.
A few years ago, I picked up a pair of V-Moda Zn's and their "Bliss 3.0" tips were the smoothest, silkiest, most comfortable silicone tips I've ever used. I could wear them for hours with little to no soreness. They were my daily drivers up until I started getting into the Chifi hobby. Im still searching for some new tips that are as smooth and comfortable as those. As a matter of fact, if anyone is familiar with a brand of wide bore tips that are very smooth and silky, please let me know lol! I had picked up some Tennmak Whirlwind turbo tips and they're fairly comfortable, but im sure there must be better out there. I was thinking about maybe trying some Spinfit tips next. Not sure which ones would be best for the KZ/CCA IEMs. It seems they make quite a few different ones.
But yeah, Id definitely suggest exploring that avenue first and see if you notice less soreness and discomfort. Im sure if you ask around on here, you'll get some good recommendations. The community has been very helpful. I definitely recommend going with a wide bore tip for the ZSX too.
SiggyFraud
100+ Head-Fier
Nimweth
Headphoneus Supremus
ZSX on the way. It will be interesting to compare it to the CCA C12.
Podster
Headphoneus Supremus
Cable porn :
In order of preference, I rate the **** 6 core highest. Extremely supple, so much that it doesn't need ear hooks, which looks and feels nicer imo. Nice color, too.
KZ Upgrade cable, perfect for the price, not super far from KPE stock cable. Jack could lose some weight and belly.
TRN 16 cores cable. Not too bad but on the heavy side and I'm not a fan of the brown. I have a balanced silver too, and it looks just like... silverish paint. Doesn't ever get completely straight, braiding could be better. Still good value.
Some pretty nice cables there, for me I think the new TRN pewter 16 core is the classiest look on the ZS7's
So after reading about the new ZSX I never had an issue with ZSR fit so like @bedlamite I believe I'll just wait for 11/11 to try a pair out
Seazer
100+ Head-Fier
How close do the TFZ No 3 sound to the KXXS? Apparently they sound similar but something about the No 3 sounds really harsh and fatiguing to my ears. I get no fatigue from the ZSX despite the forward soundWhile you’re deciding get the TRN V90. It’s REALLY good. As much as I like the ZSX the V90 seems to be a bit more refined and an improvement in tonality. ZSX = aggressive and in your face with killer bass. TRN V90 = pulled back a bit, more sense of space, not as aggressive with a bit more refinement and improved tonality. And the wildcard big boy .... the Moondrop KXXS = laid back a touch more and even MORE refinement and more natural tonality. Bass not as big but delivers the goods when called for.
If we learn anything from KZ / CCA the C12 will be the less aggressive and more evenly tuned compared to the ZSX. And the ZSX is the best Hybrid KZ has ever released as afar as I’m concerned. The only winner I don’t own from KZ is the ZS7.
I did notice one thing after I got my ZSX. A spot on my left ear canal was sore and there was a cut. I thought it was from my CCA CA4 I use at the gym and those fairly wide bore TRN Black/Red tips with that slightly harder center tube digging into my ear canal. But after checking over the ZSX I noticed the nozzles are quite sharp and it seems they dig into my skin as I insert them. I’m using Medium sized tips so I guess there’s less material than a large. My CCA A10 and KZ AS12 which seem to use the same metal nozzle are not as sharp and don’t irritate my ear canal at all with Medium tips. I used Starlines yesterday at the gym and being so soft they did provide a bit of relief so I’m not nearly as sore as I was yesterday. Now I have to possibly file down those nozzles so they aren’t so sharp. I don’t mind a bit of danger with sharp metal edges like the ZSN has.......on the outside of my ear.....but not inside my ear.
Anyone else have this problem?
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TechnoidFR
500+ Head-Fier
ZSX on the way. It will be interesting to compare it to the CCA C12.
I have both. It's exactly the same thing
Design and tips are different, but they are absolutely identical
Aerdowaith
New Head-Fier
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- Dec 3, 2011
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I have both. It's exactly the same thing
Design and tips are different, but they are absolutely identical
Now that is really really interesting. Has there been a KZ and CCA pair which were identical before now?
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Now that is really really interesting. Have there been a KZ ans CCA pair which were identical before now?
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kno...essions-thread.698148/page-3064#post-15073966
There's this post where KZ made some OEM identically tuned IEMs for 3 companies:
Tripowin TP10, the CCA A10, and the KBear KB10
Just the brand name is different.
1clearhead
Headphoneus Supremus
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- Apr 5, 2013
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That's a triple win for everyone!!!https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kno...essions-thread.698148/page-3064#post-15073966
There's this post where KZ made some OEM identically tuned IEMs for 3 companies:
Tripowin TP10, the CCA A10, and the KBear KB10
Just the brand name is different.