Finding nozzle tips for the ED7 is a bitch as they're tiny little buggers. Maybe I need 4mm tips?
Silicones with a 3mm collar work best for the tiny-lipped ED7.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/knowledge-zenith-ed7-in-ear-monitor.23035/
Anyway, since my OG zs3s come with a detachable cable could I use a “bluetooth cable” with it? Last time I was here in 2017 I don’t remember kz’s having the ability to use a Bluetooth cable. That would be awesome though for all of kz’s models with detachable cable to be able to use them with Bluetooth with the iPhone 8 as apple decided to not include the 3.5mm jack which is beyond ridiculous!!!
So suppose someone needs to direct me to the kz Bluetooth replacement cable... and I might pick up the zsr and zs3e as well. Guessing these are better choices than the zs5?
I believe that TRN and KZ Bluetooth cables will work on all KZ in-ears that are equipped with "detachable" cables. Slater, Hungry Panda and a few others will have more useful information but according to many posts on this thread the TRN models seem to offer the best solution.
... and I might pick up the zsr and zs3e as well. Guessing these are better choices than the zs5?
The ZS5 situation is a repeat of the ZS1 situation.
Early ZS1 models (version 1) have the brass ring nozzle and all subsequent models (version 2) have mesh screens and NO brass rings. Early ZS5 models (version 1) have one balanced armature in the nozzle and one balanced armature in the main housing cavity. All newer ZS5 models (version 2) have both balanced armatures set in the nozzle and NO balanced armature in the housing cavity.
The ZS5(v1) and ZS5(v2) sound different. Just as the ZS1(v1) is highly sought after the ZS5(v1) is highly sought after because it sounds incredibly good for a set of $35 in-ears when properly amped with a low output impedance source. In my never-to-be humble opinion the unique vent design found on the ZS5 contributes to its airy presentation and I do hope that KZ employs this unique feature on a future model - be it hybrid, single dynamic or dual dynamic.
Hint.......hint....... KZ, if you're reading this!
Pay particular attention to the time stamps of the ZS5 reviews here as you pour through them. To better explain the differences between the v1 and v2 I included KZ's promotional images in my review but you'll get a wider sampling of the ZS5's strengths and weaknesses by going through all of the reviews.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/knowledge-zenith-zs5.22479/
Finally, do a search for the "Slater Mod" for your ZS3 because the modified ZS3 sound signature may appeal to you. My ZS3(v1) - no foam in the nozzle - sounds better then all ZS3(v2) models which were shipped with said foam in the nozzles.
Hmmm....
Noticing a pattern here.
Are the zsrs and zs3es better than the zs5s?
Thanks
"Better" is highly subjective. Only a handful of us enjoy the ED7 so one can't paint with too broad a brush when making general statements. That said, knowing that you enjoy the ED7 sound signature I highly recommend the ZSR. You could pick up a ZS5(v2) and temporarily kill one of the BAs in the nozzle but I can't promise it will sound close to the ZS5(v1). The impedance for the ZS5(v1) is 4.8Ω and the ZS5(v2) is rated 16Ω not to mention the fact that the combination of balanced armatures are different (2 X 30095 in the v2 versus one midrange 1205 BA and one 30095 BA in the v1). See my review for further details.
ZS5(v2)
ZS5(v1)
Also, the ES4 might be worth looking into since you enjoy the ED7. THE ES4 sound signature became just as controversial as the ED7 sound signature. Both models are "highly" dependent on finding eartips that MUST tame the mid-bass in order to allow for more definition in the lower-mids. Both the ED7 and ES4 can sound mediocre at best with poorly matched eartips.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/kz-es4.23181/
Hope this was helpful.