Hey Guys and Gals
Well here it is… my first iem review.
After reading every iem review on the web known to mankind and due to lack of sleep obsessing about these audio gadgets, I finally ordered 5 inexpensive monitors. The KZ ZSN PRO was the first package to arrive. The cost was $22.00.
My initial impressions…
First , this is my first iems with detachable cables! Isn’t that neat? The fit in the monitors was snug and felt solid.
Second , the monitor casing is kinda big compared to previous earbuds. They are thicker and thus stick out further than previous models I have worn. It seemed like the sound nozzle should have been a little bit longer. It took some extended tips to get a tight fit in my ear canal.
Third , and this is big, neither of the monitors had a “L” or “R” to differentiate which bud goes in each ear. I figured it out but checked a review photo to make sure. Also, the cable wraps around and behind the ear instead of dangling straight down. Putting them on must be similar to someone trying to put on earrings!
Here is my setup:
Windows 10 PC > Spotify > AudioQuest Jitterbug USB Filter > Modi 3> Vali 2> KZ-ZSN PRO.
First Listen…
Uh oh, these sound thin, shallow, flat and closed in.
With some good KEF speakers, AKG headphones and a few other iems under my belt, I knew the music (Graceland, by Paul Simon) did not sound right. To make the story short, over the next six hours, the sound became much more rich, smooth, warm, airy and natural.
The treble region seems quick, slightly thin and bright, but airy and natural. The mids are smooth, authentic and a little warm overall. The bass sounded tight and enjoyable but a bit boxy.
I don’t want to paint a bad image. What IS good about the buds to my ears, is their smooth and coherent continuity. Music is quick, precise and mostly a little warm throughout.
Soundstage
As some of you may have read in my prior post, my search is for inexpensive iems with a good soundstage. I want an “I am there” experience with the music. I want width, depth and precise location as part of the experience. Maybe my expectations are too high for iems, at least in this price range
The KZ-ZSN PRO s do have width that extends wider than my face. The depth is somewhat shallow, but there. There is a sense of space in the music but placement of instruments is not as precise as what I am seeking.
With that said, I assume these monitors DO HAVE a good soundstage compared to other buds in the same price range.
Summation
After one day with these buds, I thought the sound was smooth, dynamic and coherent throughout the frequency range. As others have mentioned, they will probably sound better with more burn-in time. As to the monitor fit and over the ear cord, it now seems routine to put them on and wear for over an hour at a time. I needed an extended tip to maintain a secure fit in my ear canal.
I am having fun exploring what iems can do for music. At this price range it is an inexpensive hobby. It also helps me to listen to music with a more knowledgeable and discerning ear.
My obsession with soundstage aside, I found myself “moving to the music” with these buds and will continue to enjoy them.