AmericanSpirit
Member of the Trade: Night Oblivion
I’ve added some comments to ZEX Pro as well as MST implementation history and wild animal Lafitear Agree with CRN/ZEX Pro, I have both and was so disappointed with them and cut me off from trying new KZ for almost an yearI have ZEX Pro actually, never heard the original ZEX. The ZEX Pro Magnetostat can't be heard easily, especially without the mod.
The ZEX Pro also overdampened, seems like KZ just use easy way to match Crin's tuning with thick paper damper, that block the airflow. Bass is bloated. And seems like Crin didn't have any damper preferences or any engineering process with KZ, only sent them the tuning (I can't comment much but the result was pretty bad even though match with Crin's target).
And there were 2 version of ZEX Pro, the FR are different. Seems like the first batch sent to big reviewer have different FR.
I heavily mod my CRN / ZEX pro with quite good tonality and tuning, the XUN isn't smear anymore, attack is more precise, while mids also clearer. But the Magnetostat of the ZEX pro is under performed, I believe they are working, but barely audible, even after my mod.
But the ZES is different, even before I mod them, i can tell the Magnetostat is doing its job for high frequencies, airy and adding details and imaging.
I haven't heard CXS, but to date the ZES is maybe the best KZ i ever heard.
I rated the bass quality 7/10 or 7.5/10 which is passable and same level with KATO for picky bass man. That handled by 12mm (LCP?), the Magnetostat is considered bonus cherry on top for me.
ZES&ZNA uses 12mm new DD but not LCP diaphragm used for ESX. You can see from product page that they use different diaphragm material.
I do see KZ’s willingness in applying ESX LCP to their new product line ups. Looking forward for MST+LCP. Maybe SPD to back up thin sounding mid.
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