I got these then tuned with harman curve on my samsung driven by ve odyssey hd dac and they sound sweet but powerful! My $50 tws' and my old kz's will be on the shelf.
I had the original EDX, in a lovely gray, and loved it. It had big boomy bass... then years later, I got the EDX PRO X and was sorely disappointed. It was so boring in comparison! but now I have the D-fi and ZVX and CCA Polaris so I don't think I need another cheaper KZ single DD at the moment lol
Can you check out the new-ish EDX Pro X too? These are by far the most popular of the new KZ sets at already 10K+ units sold yet it seems they are using slightly different filters compared to all the recent releases.
Ah well, thanks for replying And I just wanna say I really like how you print out your notes and how consistent you are with each reviews, will keep supporting.
Thank you for this excellent review. I have been on a journey to identify the best value IEM, for balanced, analytical, detailed, high resolution listening, transparent and clear. The value part is derived from an acknowledgment that there has been so much improvement in driver technology, in recent years, and with the fierce competition, good quality should be more available without breaking the bank. My 1st IEM was a CCA CRA, and it was very nice, bought in May 2024. Then in July 2024, I got a KV ZVX, which took things to a higher level of detail and resolution. Unfortunately both of these as I have discovered were the silently revised versions of these products, something KZ/CCA are well known for... So it's now impossible for me to relate to any reviews of these products, cos the reviewer and I, DO NOT, have the same product ! I'd like to get something even more resolving than the ZVX, which is clearly a step ahead. What I have in mind is to get, over time, the best 1. Single DD, 2. Multiple DD, 3. Hybrid , 4. ALL BA, 5. Planar Magnetic, each of these in the sub $30 and for the Planar Magnetic - I realise I'd have to spend up to $50 for something like the Artti T10. I see this as unfortunately part of the sunk cost, learning curve, to fully appreciate what IEM's are about, and hear them for myself, before one day purchasing a truly State of the Art more premium/more expensive IEM. Knowing my needs, what would you recommend - Dear Paul Wasabii, in the 5 categories. And thank you for all the information you put out on squig, and youtube. I feel that I can rely on your measurements and opinions. I am somewhat biased towards the KZ/CCA Product range, in spite of my concerns with their product silent changes, but their value for money is hard to ignore. If there are NON KZ/CCA which you consider superior to the KZ/CCA alternatives, I am open to change if you could convince me with objective reasons. Thank you, and hope I get a response from you.
I really appreciate your analytical approach to the hobby. I am a fellow budget enthusiast and have amassed a couple dozen "cheapies" over the last couple years. I too have fallen in love with the KZ brand because of its cost to quality ratio. A couple recommendations I would suggest are the KZ Castor Bass edition which l think is a DD plus BA set, and the KZ D-FI non tunable version. I've enjoyed that one immensely! One other to consider is the KZ ZEX which is a DD and Electret set ( something different). I tried that one on a total whim ( it was $15 on Amazon) and it sounds really good too. Enjoy discovering the hobby🙂 Btw the ZVX is a really nice one too. Good choice!
The most resolving sets are going to be planars like S12 Pro/T10.F1 Pro. CCA Hydro is probably the most resolving hybrid for its price, a big jump from ZVX but also has a large shell which might bother you. I'd probably skip the rest as they aren't good values. All BA, maybe KZ AST24 but I like Hydro more. The point at which hybrid start to sound very resolving, they get very expensive which is why I say Hydro. Planars do it, but slightly off natural but technical performance per dollar is much better.
i suggest (single DD) Simgot EW200 as priority (or KiwiEars Dolce - underrated). Second is the current revision of (Planar) KZ PR2 but ensure to get a proper Dongle DAC for it. Then try to feel different sound signature from (Dual DD) QKZ x HBB and Hybrid offerings such as KZ ZST, KZ ZSN Pro X (or ZSN Pro 2 - slightly better) and KZ ZS10 Pro X.
I got a pair of kz edx pro X which are nice, especially for the 4$ i paid them, it's just that some times they feel a bit "piercing" in mid/highs, would these be less aggressive? Could get them for 6$ which is very tempting
I never heard the EDX Pro X but yes, I'd bet the EDC Pro is less piercing. Also make sure you have the right tip size and it fits your ear. If the IEM is not sealed in your ear, it will sound more piercing.
Look at EDX lite, it also sounds very balanced despite looking like a basshead graph. Same company, same graph, same IEM? Idk of this one uses the linear driver though. Og didn't have detachable cable, you're correct.
@@PaulWasabii even though I'm a bit of a budget hog, likely won't be getting this one since I suspect it's very similar to EDx lite and modded EDX PRO X, which is excellent. Delci gets here tomorrow to see if it stands up to any of my budget/ Ultra budget sets. I have a hard time believing it's as special as the hype but we shall see. Returning Fudu since modded $10 DQ6S sounds the same, and dare I say possibly better bass. Fudu is good but if you're a basshead audiophile, you'll probably own a ton of sets with the same sound. We need more basshead reviewers that can be honest, like you, about these newer bassier sets vs the ignored ones over the last few years when bass was out of fashion. Seems like more bassheads are coming out of the closet, so yay to that!! Something wrong with people who don't like bass, bwahaha. I still like the cars that go boom 😎
I would personally go EDC Pro, but you are fine with either one. Wyvern is closer to Harman style, EDC Pro is a bit fuller, more bass, less treble until the upper. Wyvern is just close to a very popular style, EDC Pro is more appealing to people who may never have heard an IEM.
@@PaulWasabii just curious what you didn't like about it. Like it as is but just modded mine to see where I could take it. Smoothed out the mids, less spicy, clearer, more details, and a little tiny bit more bass which I'll never complain about. The bass is not as layered and textured as RF but still really fun. Vocals are great. I have not heard bass better, quality and quantity combo, than RF yet. Not DQ6S, not Fudu. Ive tried nearly all budget bass sets except for HBB QKZ and Tin Hifi. Delci will be here in a few hours but I'm not expecting it will take down Rosefinch. I heard Legato sounds just like RF so I'm skipping that. Any suggestion as a basshead upgrade under $150. I looking at QOA Adonis new, as an option eventually.
true that KZ is not the low price leader as far as sound quality... I got the QKZ AK6 Titan for like $5 and was BLOWN away by how good it sounds. Now it's not perfect, obviously, but it's FUN with lots of bass but still has vocal and treble clarity, more like a refined KZ EDX. First thoughts is it's preferable to the KB Ear Rosefinch or at least more balanced because that one has TONS of bass and only acceptable treble. The KZ and CCA single DDs are good, but possibly not as overall competitively interesting compared to the above mentioned models.
Yes, the low cost, first set range of models is interesting to me. There are super popular sets, and then sets that are equally good or better but aren't well known outside of audio groups. QKZ used to be more popular, more marketing. Really dropped off the past couple of years.
@@JosephFlemming I've been saying that about AK6 Pro, $3.50ish. I'm still shocked about how good it is, clean detailed!! Now I've modded it, slightly and painted it, no longer looks or feels cheap. Read my post above about returning Fudu. KBear ROSEFINCH is THE budget set for EDM. The highs are perfect for that genre, too much in the highs and upper mids will kill murder your ears with EDM, especially trance. The bass is thick yet detailed and textured. Haven't heard bass that comes close in quality at that quantity. Hip HOP sounds greatntoo. Mine is modded and using pure silver cable but looking to get a second since they are so cheap now. I want one stick with pure copper or SPC cable to really get that old school vibe. I'll look into the AK6 Model you suggested. Have been looking at a lot of qkz sets since the AK6 Pro. EDx PRO og is so much fun, slap a filter on it and wow! EDx PRO X, $1.79, and EDx lite, $3.49, are also great but more balanced not basshead level.
@@someoneusa Very interesting what you wrote about the KBear ROSEFINCH ! What Trance music are you listening to? are they ever shouty or harsh at the upper mids?? For years my go-to for Trance music was the first batch KZ ZSR (they ruined it since,shoulda bought 3 pairs) - they had great bass and energetic highs but still REALLY smooth 2Khz-4Khz range so you NEVER have to EQ anything down, never found anything like it since... The more technical KZ vs HBB DQ6s are the only upgrade i've found for Trance music, but it is brighter and sharper (NOT shouty though) amazing value IMO.
@@Rodness28 funny I bought DQ6S and Rosefinch at the same time and at the time could only keep 1. Kept Rosefinch and never looked back. I liked DQ6S but the bass just couldn't compete with Rosefinch and they are brighter. Back then I didn't know about modding. I recently picked up the DQ6S again for $10. I modded it and it sounds las good as Fudu with better bass. I think I wrote that in another comment. Anyway, returning Fudu. Rosefinch is not shouty at all, not even close. I listen to Tiesto, Armin, Scott Bond and a lot of trance with female vocals which can get fatigueing, not on Rosefinch. Also Florida Break beats like ICEY, old school jungle and lately addicted to Chainsmokers 2023 Tomorrowland set which will definitely hurt on the wrong IEM. The Weekend is a male artist with a high pitched voice which can sound wrong, Rosefinch does him justice. Old school rap like Sir Mix A Lot, Gucci Grew, Beastie Boys etc with 808s are heaven. Every basshead Ive recommended to loves it and for $10, no point in not trying it if you love bass, EDM and hip hop. The sub bass to mid bass ratio is just right where I finds is missing in alot of IEMs lately that are focused on Midbass. I NEED my rumble. I just got a thank you to a recommend where I described the differences and suggested a few IEMs saying this was my favorite for these genres and that's what they got. I'll try to find it so you can see what he said about it.
They should try to make smaller shells like Meze.If they manage to do this they will sell very well.Their shells have many empty spaces inside.I would definitely pay more for a smaller iem
@@PaulWasabii I don t know many technical things but I know one thing that there is a lot of competition-antagonism but also a lot of potentiality in this market.Thats why Im thinking that the manufacturers that will be technically capable offering smaller shells and custom iems in lower price ranges will have a great advantage over the others.. Who wouldn't like for example a custom 61t or a Davinci for 100(+ -) $ more or a custom or smaller Simgot dynamic driver ? I would be the first to open my wallet..wide 🙄🤔😆 It is awkward for someone to buy his fav iem pricy or not and not be able to put it comfortably in his ear. By the way I bought it.. I want to see how it will stack up against my modded Libra balanced..
@@tunewavetamil agree with Paul. Libra probably sounds close to this, EDx Lite, EDX Pro X and EDA balanced. If you want more bass with quality sound try KB Rossfinch, $9-10. Or Ak6/EDx og PRO versions, $3-10.
seeing previous EDC, i thought this would be another bad supercheap but if EDA-Bal tuning lives on, I WILL buy this. i just hope KZ continue this tuning in their higher lineup. --- how's the tech/res compared to eda-bal btw?
Kinda where I wish it had the bass switch, technically going to be harder to hear the finer points. But when KZ prices it at $12. expect it to be priced appropriately and in this case, tuned better than a typical $12.
Which one would you recommend between EDC Pro, D-fi non switch, ZVX, Libra Hi Res and Vader Hi Res? I'm looking for the more balanced sound with better soundstage and imaging
Those sets are all over the map. Just start with EDC Pro and figure out what you like and don't like. If you really want a brighter, sharper set after EDC Pro, then you can look at the high res models.
Amazing earphones, i have other Kz such as Zst, edx, edx1 and i still don't regret my purchase. Bass is warm, present but not melting on the rest of the sound. I paid $12 shipping included on the official website and yes i think these will be my very favorite iem for 2024. Of course if you have any suggestion for the same budget or even UP to $40-50-60 then i'd be curious to hear/hear more.
Would you say these are as technical as castor bass? I just got another copy of those and it looks like they silent updated them. They sound much less technical now...
Tuning is one of those things that can change your perception of techs. On EDC Pro, it is a bit relaxed so you might need more volume to hit the same perception as the more V shaped Castor. Generally, don't chase more techs around the same price points, you are mainly hearing tuning that is closer to what you prefer. EDC Pro is a bit different as it has less boost in the treble so some people will perceive that as less tech, but you go to turn it up a bit.
This is why I said EDC Pro is the set to buy when you don't know what to buy. Start there, get a feel for what you like or don't like without spending $50
@@PaulWasabii Thanks for the info! I currently own KZ ZSN and KZ x HBB PR2 earphones. Unfortunately, my KZ ZSN is damaged, so I'm looking for a replacement around $50. I'm interested in the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO, but I need one with a microphone cable. Would you recommend the KZ EDC PRO, or is there a better option than the TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED in this price range?
i have both TRUTHEAR Zero(blue) and TRUTHEAR Zero Red. Zero Red comes with (10ohm) Bass Adapter which in my personal opinion(taste) works better on Zero(blue). Digest that information first. My suggestion though.. Simgot EW200 for cheaper than both. Then purchase a pure copper cable with mic (2 pin variant) from KBear for around $5 - they does look cheap but they serve well. This cable is compatible with all IEMs i mentioned here. i did not notice sound difference compared to each of the mentioned iem's stock cable.
I'd probably not own both but better is the wrong word. EDC Pro has a bit more bass so it will sound a bit fuller than Wan'er. If you care about a cleaner, more detailed sound, that is Wan'er. But they are going to be close. Zero 2 is even closer to EDC Pro so if you like the Zero2 look, get it or save a few dollars and get EDC Pro
@@PaulWasabii If it said 'Moodndrop' on the box, and was $120, would it be a bad set? Lately it seems harder to tell how good something is based on price point..
Would I be sad to be enjoying EDC Pro and have extra money in my I pocket? No. Lan is nice but enjoy EDC Pro for a few months, and you will find its not far below Lan. Worth it to some, but if you enjoy something, don't chase the rainbow.
Yeah, you are losing the Delci metal shell but nothing from Zero 2. As I said, KZ hangs a bit more energy later in the treble which if you are sibilant sensitive, KZ is probably not for you.
@@PaulWasabii@cruizzz I've yet to hear a KZ set sound sibilant or so spicy that a filter/tip roll can't fix. Guess I'm lucky not to be bothered by 8k 😁😁 unless it's a mountain like V80. So far the only sibilant set I've acquired. And still after modding, sounds amazing. I find Conch and Simgot tuning harder to take but ya know, filters.
Yeah, i use EQ anyway, but sibilance always hits me, in any kz. With eq its no problem, i just wondered how good kz "technicalities" againt more expensive iems @@someoneusa
@@cruizzz try modding Castor Bass if you have it! KZ usually just needs a tiny tweak to trade blows with $50/$100 + . I really think the main differences in more expensive sets, othet than accessories which YMMV, is attention to tuning details. There are so many budget sets with the same drivers uses in more expensive sets. If you like tuning, can save $$$. There are a few @$100-200 that I have my eye on because unique tuning and/or driver configs with beautiful deaign, build, cabke...
I like the EA500LM driver, but the tuning is not as generally like-able as EDC Pro. EDC Pro is middle of the road, not going to offend anyone and tuned quite well as pointed out by HBB.
