My impression and review of the KZ ZS10 Pro
Wanted my first post to actually be hopefully helpful to someone so here goes.
KZ has been on the CHIFI seen for awhile now, making good price to performance earphones for the masses.
The usual sound signature throughout their history has always been heavily “V” shaped, excluding a couple of various models along the way. I have been using KZ’s IEM’s for quite a few models now and have to come to enjoy them, for some of their merits.
Where I ordered them…
Amazon
The KZ ZS10 PRO has 5 drivers per side hence the 10 in the name. 4 balanced armatures (2 high and 2 mid) and 1 dynamic driver providing the lows.
Packaging
The ZS10 Pro comes in the usual KZ packaging.
A simple slip over a box.
KZ is claiming a frequency response of 7-40k which is excellent if it comes even close to this.
It also boasts 111db/mW and at 30 ohms, allowing these IEM’s to be driven to decent volume levels from most portable sources.
After making it past the slip cover you are greeted by the “display” inner box showing off some beautifully polished 304 [stainless steel], and of course the model info and 10 driver bragging.
Lifting the plastic and IEM’s nice foam holder up reveals the usual fanfare.
Complete box contents include: IEM’s, cable, a set of starline tips (my personal favorite) and the user guide.
This is the usual KZ minimalistic packaging… but I think its rather classy and if it allows them to dump the money into units themselves I’m happy.
Units Themselves/Build Quality
This time around KZ seems to have stepped things up. The back is POLISHED 304 [stainless steel] attached to their typical high grade plastic. This gives them a heft and feeling of quality over the usual all plastic builds.
Removing the stock smooth medium tips reveals KZ gave us a metal sound tube WITH a tip retention groove, this also reveals the good metal screen.
Sound Impressions
When they first came out of the box I plugged them in and popped on some music.
I was not very impressed with what I heard, the bass was boomy and dominated over the rest of the sound, the upper bass/lower mids were completely recessed and everything in that range was distant.
I wasn’t about to give up on them, so knowing that BA’s don’t really need any burn and dynamic drivers are helped by it I didn’t want to run pink noise and chance popping a BA so I played music with the bass boost on just to focus on that driver.
Viola! so please give them the chance they deserve before tossing them aside.
Here goes the actual sound impressions now that that is out of the way.
Audio equipment used for listening is as follows: Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Topping NX4 DSD, Hidizs Sonata II, Khadas tone board running into a JDS Labs atom amplifier. Audio files ranged from MP3 V0 to 24 bit flac.
Bass 8.5/10
The bass is powerful, tight, punchy but not boomy or muddy (after some burn in) but it can be overpowering at times. It doesn’t bleed into the midrange as it seems well kept in check. The bass extends very low and can easily get down into the sub bass rumble region.
Midrange 7/10
The midrange (after burn in) is rather detailed albeit slightly recessed. Male vocals are present and forward female vocals get up into where the midrange BA’s sing giving them deep detail and spaciousness.
Treble 8/10
The treble extends well gently rolling off in the upper registers. It’s slightly emphasized in the high midrange giving it air and sparkle without getting to hot or screaming. Some sibilance may creep in on some songs but it really stays in check.
Comfort/Isolation
The ZS10 Pro is a large earphone there is no doubt about that, but if fits well in the ear and more flush than the old ZS10. The nozzle is also deeper than the old ZS10 allowing for better seal/insertion than before. The cable sits comfortably over the ear and is well braided, long enough to be convenient but short enough to not get in the way. Isolation is about average with IEM’s as there appear to be air holes in the outer shell, as well as on the inner surface. Unlike other KZ models I wasn’t able to detect sound changes by changing positioning what little can be. Sound leakage isn’t the best but more than adequate to not disturb those around you.
Overall/Conclusion
kZ has stepped things up this time around, the ZS10 Pro is a vast improvement over the original ZS10. Gone is the hugely “V” shaped sound of old and I feel the ZS10 Pro is mostly well balanced leaning towards bass happy. The soundstage is about as wide as expected for IEM’s but the sound is well detailed and shows great amounts of instrument seperation and depth.
They have a very fun pleasing sound that lends itself well to many music types. I have been thoroughly enjoying listening to them and will whole heartedly recommend them to anyone looking for an earphone in the $40-$50 range.
I know i don’t have frequency graphs and all (yet, I’m building a test rig) but i hope this is helpful to someone.
I’m only allowed 1 picture because I’m new, but more will come I plan on being here awhile if I’m allowed 