I see alot of youtubers are "praising" the ATE's but no one here recommended them, why is that so?
I've never rated the ATE but the ATR is one of the best value for money earphones available.
Totally agree. ATE 5th gen has
slight difference in soundstage (depth presentation, soundstage distance in width),
slightly more relaxed treble,
slightly smoother/softer bass.
Overall I would say ATE has more "laid-back" long listening session sound.
But note that differences are not big and depend on source gear/files and amping. ATR really starts shining when amped littlebit. Also tips should be used silicone ones with deep fit (KZ starlines are recommended by me).
I see alot of youtubers are "praising" the ATE's but no one here recommended them, why is that so?
To me the ATR is a direct upgrade to the ATE. Better build quality with a VERY similar but more well-rounded signature. Can't go wrong with either.
Agree.
The ED7 sound signature is only the slightest variation of KZ's new ATR, and as I said, those differences are a result of the driver housing.
Don`t agree - ATR has different driver inside as far as I know. Btw, ATE also has different driver inside from both (confirmed by my own "surgery").
Also, I`ve done something that most of here hasn`t done - modded and tested different KZ drivers in same custom housing head-to-head.
Even if drivers look same, they may sound different due to different tuning by KZ.
Unless it comes straight from KZ representative, I wouldn`t belive or spread such conclusions on housing size "tuning".
Though, with some IEMs housing shape, size and venting makes changes to sound.
Would comment more but I gotta go atm.....
EDIT:
ATR is flat on both sides and has terrible extension. The ATE's don't have the soundstage, but the signature is definitely better and they have much more extension in lows and highs. I would never recommend the ATR's over the ATE's to anyone here.
I know
And I would only recommend the ATE if you couldn't get access to an ATR.
LOL @ khigly and his/her obsessive subjective opinion on certain IEM`s.... despite many rate them highly and review them. No objectivity.
Agree with You B9, I would recomend ATE only if ATR is not available. Though, ATE is better in modded configuration (FF-mod) than even modded ATR.
It offers a more balanced listening experience if you don't want the extra bass of the ZS3 or the brightness of the ZST. It has it's place in the KZ range. There's plenty of people who find the ZST too bright and the ZS3 too bassy, this is the ATR's niche.
Doing some A/B with the ATR and ZST right now and I can agree with this statement. Not quite as bassy as the ZS3, but isn't as sharp as the ZST. I still stand by my statement that
you lose midrange clarity with the ATR though.
That`s where modded ATE beats ATR (modded or not) and sounds more dynamic/natural (little better lusher/richer mids).
+
slightly better imaging and soundstage.
Wow! I can't understand how the ATR's are that bad!?....They are one of my favorites when used on a DAC or professionally amped, as well as the ATE's! Too many "QC issues" purchasing the ZST or the ZS3. Bought both the ZST and the ZS3 "twice" only to encounter issues with both the make and structure and the lack in balance of the left and right drivers as well.
There is more potential than the ears can hear on the ATR and ATE....IMO!
I don't have the ATE but want to chime in that ATR is okay BUT you need a decent source! I found it meh from a phone so the total cost of sound output upgrade plus ATRs may not be that cheap anymore
Agree! Decent DAC source + little amping make very noticeable jump @ SQ coming from typical smartphones and cheap mp3 players.
And fortunately, there will be someone to pass your modding skills on to. 
