Just received my ZS10 Pro and the very first thing I noticed is how small this is compared to the ZS10! Small enough that I'm not sure if the fit would be right! Then, I connected the cables, and tried it. I was correct. The fit was weird. The insertion was deep, and I mean real deep compared to ZS10 (reminded me of ZS3 when I first used it). It was deep that the default tips and my CP145's are not sealing well. Ended up using my foams to ensure a good seal.
Then, the moment of truth: SOUND. I apologize but I'm not really good at articulating what I hear, but here it goes.
The very first thing I that popped into my mind upon using it with my Zishan Z1, (verbatim) "Woah. It's hella thin". The first music I played with it was "Eye of God" by Erra. But then, as the song progresses, the "Impressed" part began creeping in. I played it 2-3 more times. Details were better, everything was more balanced compared to the ZS10. The side tombs that keeps popping on the right earphone is more noticeable and sounded better and tighter without the bass and congestion, and complication of the music hovering over it. After a good hour of listening, tried to go back to ZS10 and just realized how "thicc" it sounded. It felt like a bass cannon now, and sounded muddy all of the sudden. Details are there, but I dunno. Then I thought, this must be due to a more controlled bass and less bass bleed on the ZS10 Pro. After some more listening, I began to appreciate it's "clearness" more. It's so clear compared to the ZS10 that I get goosebumps more frequently. It's like everything is more controlled, precise, and balanced. I'm able to appreciate Joseph Arrington (A Lot Like Birds, Sianvar, Royal Coda) and Matt Garstka's (Animals as Leaders) drumwork a lot more, as well as Vladislav Ulasevich's (Jinjer) version of Pisces.
This definitely isn't for those who likes elevated bass. It's deep and has good impact and rumble when needed, but I don't think it would meet basshead standards without any EQ. You also can't say this is an upgraded ZS10. It's a completely different beast.
I really love how this sounds! The only gripe I have is the fit (YMMV). ZS10 fits better for me, but then again, my ear must have been used to it's size. It's too deep that it's not able to create a good seal non-foams for my ears. Using foams definitely fixes this for me, but I'll try to make use of the CP145 since I like how "direct" it sounds.
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