[CoiL]

  I'm all in for mid-range and soundstage. Any advices so far guys, and $50 down, KZ brand. Thank you

2nd edition ATE translucent black (not S version). And probably ATN (ZN1mini) too but I personally don`t have it, yet.

 

[kiyoshikiyomizu]

Thank about the advice. This is the one you mentioned ?
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/KZ-Psychic-ZN1-Smart-Tunable-Dual-Driver-In-ear-Headphones-with-Built-in-Amplifier-and-Microphone/32444083695.html

 

[CoiL]

ATE 2nd edition:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015-New-Arrival-Original-KZ-ATE-3-5mm-in-ear-Earphones-HIFI-Metal-Stereo-Earphones-Super/32350895239.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.21.zrFkuJ&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_9,searchweb201644_2_505_506_503_504_502_10001_10002_10016_10017_10010_10005_10011_10006_10003_10004_10009_10008_9999,searchweb201560_1,searchweb1451318400_-1,searchweb1451318411_6451&btsid=c1a0a037-4671-43a8-9b33-a96383f1cd77
 
ZN1mini/ATN:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/KZ-ZN1-Super-Bass-in-Ear-Music-Earphone-without-Mic-Dj-Headphone-Stereo-Earplug-Noise-Isolating/32573278912.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.2.TsKLaY&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_9,searchweb201644_2_505_506_503_504_502_10001_10002_10016_10017_10010_10005_10011_10006_10003_10004_10009_10008_9999,searchweb201560_1,searchweb1451318400_-1,searchweb1451318411_6451&btsid=f8bc3c77-615f-4d6a-ae6a-f705de98eb78
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/KZ-Psychic-ZN1-Smart-Tunable-Dual-Driver-In-ear-Headphones-with-Built-in-Amplifier-and-Microphone/32444083695.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.2.Denzyu&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_9,searchweb201644_2_505_506_503_504_502_10001_10002_10016_10017_10010_10005_10011_10006_10003_10004_10009_10008_9999,searchweb201560_1,searchweb1451318400_-1,searchweb1451318411_6451&btsid=4f37fd34-47ae-43d8-9cae-9cb953f7f6c2

 

[dbhai]

So the same seller or probably only seller with KZ S3 on Aliexpress now listed KZ S4 as well 
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/KZ-S4-mobile-phone-headset-ear-headset-wire-with-wheat-call-HIFI-subwoofer-universal-headset-earplugs/32605863556.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.2.SvZMtB&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_3,searchweb201644_5_505_506_503_504_502_10001_10002_10016_10017_10010_10005_10011_10006_10003_10004_10009_10008_9999,searchweb201560_2,searchweb1451318400_-1,searchweb1451318411_6451&btsid=ad61fd71-9cd5-4ef5-8cd5-0f87f2832f3f

Both S3 and S4 are to reach to me soon, ordered from TaoBao via MisterTao, just hoping them to be as discussed 

 

[vencaxxx]

Please, can someone (EISENbricher) shortly describe differences of sound between some KZ phones? I cannot decide which will be better for me. I am chosing between ATE, ATN/ZN1/ZS1, ED4, ED11, ED9, HDS1. ATE and ATN looks big and I prefer smaller earphones...

 

[crabdog]

  ...or just open up ED9 and change the cable for aftermarket one

I'm not that handy and don't even require the necessary equipment. 

 

[Zeebit]

Do any of the KZ earphones come stock with their blue whirlwind tips? Has anyone tried them and how are they?

 

[EISENbricher]

  Please, can someone (EISENbricher) shortly describe differences of sound between some KZ phones? I cannot decide which will be better for me. I am chosing between ATE, ATN/ZN1/ZS1, ED4, ED11, ED9, HDS1. ATE and ATN looks big and I prefer smaller earphones...

ATE for smooth, slight dark-ish sound with beautiful mids (hence vocals) and above average soundstage.
ZS1 for big sub bass and punchy bass (in short bass oriented phone), cool as a sports earphone. 
ZN1mini looks and feels like ZS1 but with big sound difference. ZN1 sounds mature, mellow and detailed with big 3D soundstage and arguably balanced sound.
ED4 don't have it... 
ED11 for most aggressive sound you can get from KZ, high sensitivity and most satisfying bass (it's fluid, has big rumble in sub region and quite punch in midbass region) and reasonable mids and higs.
ED9 versatile, two sound sigs and with accurate combination of filter and tips you can get most out of this one. Only shortcoming is that it has slightly sparkly highs which 
HDS1 nicely balanced sound, does justice for most frequencies and offers high resolution. May leave slight void in bass region though.
 
Comfort wise I'd say ED11 = HDS1 > ED9 > ZN1 > ATE > ZS1
 
ED11 is most comfortable earphone that I own (alongside HDS1).
 
DISCLAIMER personal opinions only

 

[EISENbricher]

Do any of the KZ earphones come stock with their blue whirlwind tips? Has anyone tried them and how are they?

ED10, ED11, ATE come with those as far as I remember.
I didn't like those tips though... They are stiffer and don't isolate that well for me.

 

[vencaxxx]

Thank you very much 

 

[CoiL]

 

Do any of the KZ earphones come stock with their blue whirlwind tips? Has anyone tried them and how are they?

ED10, ED11, ATE come with those as far as I remember.
I didn't like those tips though... They are stiffer and don't isolate that well for me.

Just for mention... for me, smallest whirlwinds (that are NOT included with KZ IEMs) are very good tips and one of my top 5 silicone tips alongside JVC spiral dots, no-name ultra-soft white ones, Philips UE smallest (red/grey), CX300 no-name replacement (blue/grey). Keep in mind though, that I like deep insertion and I have small ear-canals.

 

[Pulpfiction]

My ATE's (ordered a few months ago) didn't come with whirlwind tips, they look the same apart from lacking the silicone 'ribs' on the inside. I see you rated ATE last comfortwise btw EISEN.What would you say is the size of your ears & ear canals, large / medium / small? I'm curious because you rated ZN1 more comfortable than TE - I find ATE very comfy actually though I'm not sure if they'd fit if they were any bigger. I ordered ZN1 Mini sputlr-of-the-moment style & it should come in soon, but after looking at it more (*after* ordering lol) it does look bigger than the ATE... Slightly worried I won't be able to enjoy them..

 

[CoiL]

IEM fit is very subjective and depends a lot of persons ear-canal-shape. Again, for me ATE is very comfy and I have small ears with small ear-canals.
If I get ZN1mini/ATN, then my worry is about nozzle length. They do seem more comfy design and ergonomic but since I like deep insertion, I`m afraid they wont be so comfy/secure for wearing.

 

[EISENbricher]

My ATE's (ordered a few months ago) didn't come with whirlwind tips, they look the same apart from lacking the silicone 'ribs' on the inside. I see you rated ATE last comfortwise btw EISEN.What would you say is the size of your ears & ear canals, large / medium / small? I'm curious because you rated ZN1 more comfortable than TE - I find ATE very comfy actually though I'm not sure if they'd fit if they were any bigger. I ordered ZN1 Mini sputlr-of-the-moment style & it should come in soon, but after looking at it more (*after* ordering lol) it does look bigger than the ATE... Slightly worried I won't be able to enjoy them..

It's just in realtive terms! They are nicely comfy and I can easily wear them for hours. Btw my ear size is medium.

It's like comparing multiple comfortable couches, all are pretty comfortable but you have to choose one.

ZN1 has smoother curves and thinner body and hence slides easily in the ear.

Pls keep in mind though the fit is very, very personal and subjective.

Just for mention... for me, smallest whirlwinds (that are NOT included with KZ IEMs) are very good tips and one of my top 5 silicone tips alongside JVC spiral dots, no-name ultra-soft white ones, Philips UE smallest (red/grey), CX300 no-name replacement (blue/grey). Keep in mind though, that I like deep insertion and I have small ear-canals.

Yup, since the stiffness won't matter much if the tip size is very near to ear cavity size. That way it has to flex only little.

In case of others though, more need to flex worsens with increased stiffness. I hope I'm making sense.

 

[CoiL]

Btw, those who are interested on getting opinions about different tips/IEM combinations or sharing impressions about their tip-rolling results - please keep this useful thread alive : http://www.head-fi.org/t/726229/the-tip-rolling-iem-modification-thread/15#post_11787305