[baskingshark]

Well, I was gonna ask if I should get the ZS10 Pros over CCA C12s. Looks like I have to go for the C12s.

How's the timbre though? I hope it's not disappointing. I'm more about the unique sounds every instrument produces.

If u are after timbre, at the budget segment most multi BA/hybrids are not good for timbre. Whereas the DD sets at the budget segment tend to have better timbre but at the expense of poorer technicalities than their BA/hybrid counterparts.

CCA is a subset of KZ and KZs are actually quite infamous for having a "steely" or artificial timbre for acoustic instruments. I had 5 KZ hybrids and sold them all off as I value timbre over technicalities. Now for technicalities, the KZs are actually very good for their price, I previously said they can hit about 80% sound quality of sets ten times their price (like vs my midfi multi driver westones) and I stand by this statement. The latest KZ ZSX has supposedly fixed the timbre issues of their multi BA/hybrid sets, but it still ain't as good as some DD sets in the timbre department. So if u are after accurate reproduction of instrumental tone and timbre, best to look elsewhere. For technical excellence, the KZs are very good, so depends on what you want in your music and your music genre preferences.

 

[captione]

If u are after timbre, at the budget segment most multi BA/hybrids are not good for timbre. Whereas the DD sets at the budget segment tend to have better timbre but at the expense of poorer technicalities than their BA/hybrid counterparts.

CCA is a subset of KZ and KZs are actually quite infamous for having a "steely" or artificial timbre for acoustic instruments. I had 5 KZ hybrids and sold them all off as I value timbre over technicalities. Now for technicalities, the KZs are actually very good for their price, I previously said they can hit about 80% sound quality of sets ten times their price (like vs my midfi multi driver westones) and I stand by this statement. The latest KZ ZSX has supposedly fixed the timbre issues of their multi BA/hybrid sets, but it still ain't as good as some DD sets in the timbre department. So if u are after accurate reproduction of instrumental tone and timbre, best to look elsewhere. For technical excellence, the KZs are very good, so depends on what you want in your music and your music genre preferences.

Oh, that's decent then. I've heard worse so if the technicalities are pretty good then it's fair enough. Heard that the C12 is more treble linear than the ZSX with more meat in the mids, I don't want a fatiguing treble anyways.

If you look at my last.fm profile then I just listen to anything. From Noise and Power Electronics to anything with a pop structured songwriting, doesn't really matter as long as it's interesting, catchy, and groovy. I don't really prefer a signature as of now (I'm pretty much new in the game) so I'm buylisting some good IEMs with various signatures as far as my budget goes, though I'm pretty leaning to the warm, shallow v-type signature with sparkly treble that my wide bore tipped ES4 gives as of now.

 

[baskingshark]

Oh, that's decent then. I've heard worse so if the technicalities are pretty good then it's fair enough. Heard that the C12 is more treble linear than the ZSX with more meat in the mids, I don't want a fatiguing treble anyways.

If you look at my last.fm profile then I just listen to anything. From Noise and Power Electronics to anything with a pop structured songwriting, doesn't really matter as long as it's interesting, catchy, and groovy. I don't really prefer a signature as of now (I'm pretty much new in the game) so I'm buylisting some good IEMs with various signatures as far as my budget goes, though I'm pretty leaning to the warm, shallow v-type signature with sparkly treble that my wide bore tipped ES4 gives as of now.

Yeah when u are new to the hobby, the first phase is to discover what sound signature u like and try out different transducer types (eg hybrids, BA, DD, even planars/piezos/electrostat). The good news is that in the past 3 years, CHIFI provides very good sound nowadays for cheap; so we can get multiple IEMs with various tunings and various drivers to try them out. Actually most of us have a few sets lying about the house to suit different music genres, as our gear have strengths and weaknesses.

Most budget sets are tuned harmanish or V shaped to suit consumer preferences, but even among the budget sets, I think KZs are one of the market leaders for sub $50. They are a good brand for those new to CHIFI to start out, and they generally have a U/V shaped tuning with good technicals and fun sound.

But I would advise that once u find your desired sound signature, it is best to move up the line if finances allow. I made the mistake of sticking around the budget segment for years and kept buying sidegrade after sidegrade. The costs do add up, like you could get a midfi set for 4 - 5 budget CHIFI sets, but of course different strokes for different folks, YMMV.

 

[captione]

Yeah when u are new to the hobby, the first phase is to discover what sound signature u like and try out different transducer types (eg hybrids, BA, DD, even planars/piezos/electrostat). The good news is that in the past 3 years, CHIFI provides very good sound nowadays for cheap; so we can get multiple IEMs with various tunings and various drivers to try them out. Actually most of us have a few sets lying about the house to suit different music genres, as our gear have strengths and weaknesses.

Most budget sets are tuned harmanish or V shaped to suit consumer preferences, but even among the budget sets, I think KZs are one of the market leaders for sub $50. They are a good brand for those new to CHIFI to start out, and they generally have a U/V shaped tuning with good technicals and fun sound.

But I would advise that once u find your desired sound signature, it is best to move up the line if finances allow. I made the mistake of sticking around the budget segment for years and kept buying sidegrade after sidegrade. The costs do add up, like you could get a midfi set for 4 - 5 budget CHIFI sets, but of course different strokes for different folks, YMMV.

That's my plan honestly, try some few iems and sell some of them all when I get a feel of my preferred signature. KZ has been impressing me for months with the EDR2s, ZS3s and the ES4s, which I'm very glad that I have experienced. I also have the Nicehck DB3s currently that fulfills my timbre needs for now. I have four possible TOTLS in my plans when I have my sonical preferences sorted out.

 

[RikudouGoku]

That's my plan honestly, try some few iems and sell some of them all when I get a feel of my preferred signature. KZ has been impressing me for months with the EDR2s, ZS3s and the ES4s, which I'm very glad that I have experienced. I also have the Nicehck DB3s currently that fulfills my timbre needs for now. I have four possible TOTLS in my plans when I have my sonical preferences sorted out.

And what might those TOTLS be?

 

[captione]

And what might those TOTLS be?

I'm not sure if they're befitting of the TOTL title lol (my wallet would blow into dust when I definitely consider it as of now) but here are my possible choices:
NiceHCK NX7 Pro
TinHifi T4
Moondrop Starfield
Nature Sounds NS3
Any suggestions would be nice

 

[RikudouGoku]

I'm not sure if they're befitting of the TOTL title lol (my wallet would blow into dust when I definitely consider it as of now) but here are my possible choices:
NiceHCK NX7 Pro
TinHifi T4
Moondrop Starfield
Nature Sounds NS3
Any suggestions would be nice

Guess they might be TOTL when compared to KZ lol.

LZ A6, Audiosense DT200, Urbanfun iss014 and Shozy Form 1.1 are some good picks too.

 

[40lb]

Always start them young (3), just give them the budget stuff first. The ZSX is the first she actually sat down and listened too.
ZSX is a must have in any KZ collection.

 

[DynamicEars]

Well, I was gonna ask if I should get the ZS10 Pros over CCA C12s. Looks like I have to go for the C12s.

How's the timbre though? I hope it's not disappointing. I'm more about the unique sounds every instrument produces.

Oh, that's decent then. I've heard worse so if the technicalities are pretty good then it's fair enough. Heard that the C12 is more treble linear than the ZSX with more meat in the mids, I don't want a fatiguing treble anyways.

If you look at my last.fm profile then I just listen to anything. From Noise and Power Electronics to anything with a pop structured songwriting, doesn't really matter as long as it's interesting, catchy, and groovy. I don't really prefer a signature as of now (I'm pretty much new in the game) so I'm buylisting some good IEMs with various signatures as far as my budget goes, though I'm pretty leaning to the warm, shallow v-type signature with sparkly treble that my wide bore tipped ES4 gives as of now.

like @baskingshark said if you are after for the best timbre, a solid single DD will do the best. But if you have to choose between C12/ZSX/ZS10 Pro, ZSX and C12 will have better timbre than ZS10 Pro, and about trebles, the ZSX will be safer than C12, so i guess ZSX is better choice to your preference.

well the "TOTL" list that you are mention there isn't TOTL sound at all to be honest, they are better than most budget IEM but once you upgraded, there is no way turning back, you have to be ready mate, the rabbit hole doesn't stop there at entry level midfi. But the budget level indeed is needed for you to know exactly what sound signature that you like and you prefer, and from there you can search for your real upgrade according to your signature preferences. Goodluck and sorry - for the fall into this rabbit hole, lol

 

[captione]

Goodluck and sorry - for the fall into this rabbit hole, lol

What a rabbit hole indeed, and an interesting one too. Once I get myself some long term gear I'll be leaving this hobby to pursue something else. I wasn't planning on going through real audiophile territory, I just want to give my love for music some justice by not using my crappy hand-me-down earbuds that came with some brand smartphone. Really glad to stumble upon this thread

I'll be trying out my friend's ZSX once I get a hold of it. I'll just see if it fits to my liking

 

[baskingshark]

What a rabbit hole indeed, and an interesting one too. Once I get myself some long term gear I'll be leaving this hobby to pursue something else.

Trust me, many people here have made this promise but are still here today waiting for the latest hypetrain. I said exactly the same thing 25 IEMs ago LOL.

Well maybe the coronavirus outbreak may curb our CHIFI purchases for the next few months. So we can enjoy the existing gear we have and try (probably unsuccessfully) to leave the rabbithole

 

[Zerohour88]

I'm not sure if they're befitting of the TOTL title lol (my wallet would blow into dust when I definitely consider it as of now) but here are my possible choices:
NiceHCK NX7 Pro
TinHifi T4
Moondrop Starfield
Nature Sounds NS3
Any suggestions would be nice

usually TOTL in porta-fi means kilobucks (stuff like CA Andromeda, Sony Z1R, VE8). Technically it can apply to any "top of the line" of a particular product line, but rules of common usage applies, I guess.

recently tried the Tin T4 and NX7 (non-Pro), I'd definitely take the T4 over that one. Not sure how much better the "Pro" is.


also, saw this being advertised by Linsoul, the KZ S2, I suppose finally a new IEM from them? at least it alleviates the "oh, KZ releases new IEM every week" meme.
I hope they worked off the E10 instead of the S1D

 

[RikudouGoku]

Trust me, many people here have made this promise but are still here today waiting for the latest hypetrain. I said exactly the same thing 25 IEMs ago LOL.

Well maybe the coronavirus outbreak may curb our CHIFI purchases for the next few months. So we can enjoy the existing gear we have and try (probably unsuccessfully) to leave the rabbithole

Some people ruin themselves with gambling or gaming but we ruin ourselves with iems

 

[Slater]

usually TOTL in porta-fi means kilobucks (stuff like CA Andromeda, Sony Z1R, VE8). Technically it can apply to any "top of the line" of a particular product line, but rules of common usage applies, I guess.

recently tried the Tin T4 and NX7 (non-Pro), I'd definitely take the T4 over that one. Not sure how much better the "Pro" is.


also, saw this being advertised by Linsoul, the KZ S2, I suppose finally a new IEM from them? at least it alleviates the "oh, KZ releases new IEM every week" meme.
I hope they worked off the E10 instead of the S1D

Is “KZAcoustics” the same thing as KZ?

Because a lot of Chinese companies copy off one another to trick people into thinking they’re the more successful company.

 

[Zerohour88]

Is “KZAcoustics” the same thing as KZ?

Because a lot of Chinese companies copy off one another to trick people into thinking they’re the more successful company.

KZ Acoustics sounds much more mainstream, I think. Not sure if they've abandoned the "Knowledge Zenith" part entirely, not that its relevant and more about people just memeing "typical chi-fi naming".

Also, seems someone shared the link to linsoul product page previously (haven't been on headfi for months, just thought a new KZ warrant checking up on the thread). A 1DD+1BA design, guess its not based on the E10 then.