Wow...Great review Andy...Nice production values and grading system...Still awaiting for the ZVX to launch in Indian stores...Thanks for your work...Cheers...
@@getsandy2007 ZVX is a better tuned near neutral IEM compared to Salnotes Zero and with better resolution too. Hola on the other hand is even less resolving and less technical, but perhaps good if you prefer safe tuning that is smooth and airy
improvement of technicality , especially soundstage , imaging and positioning from KZ on their single driver had been slowly but surely improve over time , I first seen that in the ESX 10th Anniversary , then recently Ling-Long , and now ZVX .. your review convince me , this ZVX is one I need to acquire
I just received the zvx; and I find the balance to be effortless, no eq,, not annoying peaks trying to keep up with bass, and bass is staying in its lane, but still giving texture and shape. I need to give these some time but they certainly can grow on me
@@andreasruhz4385 hey bro, I am thinking about getting these iem instead of 7hz zero. Can you give me your review after using it for 2 months? I actually read somewhere that the audio in these iem shifts more to the right one after usage of 1 month. I'll really appreciate your help
Eiraa, my ZVX recently developed some kind of driver or housing issue, so I can't use them anymore, the sound on the right side became hollow and echoy, I'm in the process of getting a refund.. Also, I just recieved the KZ X HBB PR2 yesterday, and so far they are really good.. I'd recommend them over the ZVX, given my ZVX hasn't been the only ZVX to have issues, from what I've been told in the Facebook chifi community.. If you did happen to get a good ZVX unit, they're still worth it though.. But the PR2 would be my current KZ rec..
Hi Andy. Have you tried KZ PR1 PRO. People claim it’s better than pr1, pr2 and pr3? Also, could you share the link to your IEM spreadsheet? I could only find dongle spreadsheet. Thanks.
Unfortunately no, I haven't tried PR1 Pro. The 2023 IEM XLS is here: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18asFuMD3tRNT5WOOJDZS5GLe9wUW2Lxv/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=112460069217171938319&rtpof=true&sd=true
Andy, Chanced upon to see your video on KZ ZVX. Very unbiased opinion. Appreciate that. Have a few queries. I am a new comer into Lossless Audio. Currently I have iPhone 15 Pro and SONY WH1000XM4. Based on your review of ZVX, planning to buy it. Hope, it will be compatible with 15 Pro with a DAC Dongle. Have shortlisted few DACs - KZ AM-01 (it's DAC Chip - CX31993 & Op-Amp MAX97220), JCally 30 (DAC Cirrus Logic Chip-CS43131& Savitech Op-Amp SA9123L), JCally JM6E, JCally JM9. Pl suggest which of these DACs that'll go well with ZVX & 15 Pro. Thanks in advance.
Thanks!. Based on the options you provided, those are all ultra compact dongles, and the reality is, they are closely matched to each other. Between AM01 and 30, they do offer a bit more of power which works better with planars as well as single DD. For ZVX I would recommend AM01 more as I feel that the synergy is good between those two
@@donglemadness Thanks for your response. Happened to watch tear down video of KZ D-Fi. Understand the DD is common in both ZVX & D-Fi. I love to listen to Indian Film Songs, Classical Songs and Western Songs with more of a Bass. With a cheap DAC Dongle connected with 15 Pro, my Sony WH1000XM4 gives excellent frequency response when played Hi-Res FLAC Songs supported by an Equaliser. I prefer more of a Thumbing Bass effect. Considering my taste, will D-Fi suit me ? If so, then AM01 should also be compatible with D-Fi. Of course, I am assuming that other aspects of technicalities of both ZVX & D-Fi on par with each other. If D-Fi is rating wise on lower side, then I would prefer to go for ZVX. Pl advise. Thanks.
Dear Andy, thank you for this review. Basend on your opinion and other RU-vidrs I decided to purchase this model (currently using KZ ZS10 pro which I really like). I listen mostly to electronic music and would like to ask you how this KZ ZVX compare to SIMGOT EA500? The score in your videos is almost the same with 5 star grade. In the near future I probably will be wanting to buy something even better than ZVX and was wondering if I should go for SIMGOT EA500, will this be an emprovement over the ZVX or can you say that despite the price they are equally good? Thank you !
Between ZVX and EA500, the tuning is slightly different. But on technical aspect they are pretty much on par. I would even say the EA500 with Red Nozzle will be focused on "warmer" sort of sound. ZVX is notably closer to neutral target while EA500 is just minor hint of coloration. But either way both are already great in their own way and can't go wrong with any of them
@@donglemadness thank you for the response, i wonder what the future will bring because if I understood correctly this is a great time for cheap IEMs as some of the newest releases can compete with much pricier gear from couple years ago.
Very good presentation .. short and simple .. without the imprecise comparison .. true to point and honest. Thank you very much Bro. Keep it up and I have got myself a new Tanchjim Zero with all your repeated posting in Dongle madness group. Now I am poisoned to extend of no return. Zero is indeed illegal with impressive soundstage and transparency. It is really something comparing with CCA CXS 😂
Another fine tune KZ D-Fi is coming. I am study D-Fi graph. Slight different from ZVX on the presence, mid treble, air region which is tone down a bit to tailor for a bigger market.
I just got this IEM. I was very suprised how it perform. I got it on sale in Indonesia for equivalent $12. I bought because it look very nice. It was shocking to hear it on my Hiby dap. I wish I had seeen this video before, I would have bought it sooner. I have two questions, if you have time. First, what is the best foam tips I can buy for ZVX? The box came with only one set of foams, too small, and the others were the starlines. Second question, now I have KZ Pr2, which I love, and purchased after asking you if my DAP was able to drive them, yes, on double ended, high gain, at 90 out of 100 volume, can open up beautifully..and have ZVX, which is mind boggling at the price...what is your recommendation for my next KZ set? Thank you...great video!
That's awesome. Eartips really is dependent on the wearer biology. The same tips you mentioned as being small is the very same one that I like and use the most. 70% of my ear tips now are KZ Foams which I bought separately off AliExpress/Shopee. Perhaps you can check if they have the size you need. Always remember that what works for me, may not work for others. Next KZ set? after Krila/Castor/AS24 II don't have any newer KZ yet. To me, ZVX/DF-i/PR2 are the ones that stand out the most still
@@donglemadness Thanks so much, will order the kz foams in different sizes.. Good, I don't have to try those other kz sets, I will get the Dfi next..you have the one with switches?
For under $25, yes this would be it. Hard to beat the sort of quality you get for such enticing price. The only video I talked about the price point subject was for the closing of 2023 which you can watch in my channel. I will do another one as we edge closer to 2025
@@donglemadness I see, thanks again for the advice and suggestion, Andy! I had originally ordered the Wan'Er Studio Edition on Ali, but there weren't enough reviews, so I cancelled that earlier today and watched your KZ videos and chose the KZ D-Fi. The Wan'Er and KZ D-Fi were on sale and with coupons and credits were $16 CAD and $20 CAD respectively. I'll mostly be using the KZ's as a placeholder till the MP143's arrive, but also largely because my left TWS earbud's volume is cut in half. It's a Final ZE3000 TWS earbud.
I am looking to buy my first IEMs as my earphones broke and I need a cabled one since I use them a lot so a true wireless won't be enough yet. Plus I can use the IEMs wirelessly later. My quesitont is, the KZ ZSNs are slightly cheaper where I live. And it has more drivers. FiiO JH3 and KZ ZS10 Pro is still within my budget. More drivers doesn't always mean better, so do you think it's worth getting the more expensive ones as my first IEMs or should I just go for the ZVX or ZSN?
You are right about one thing, more drivers does not mean better. What matters more is how they are tuned and implemented. Even a single DD can still be superbly superior than many hybrids. The very best IEM I own which is Shure KSE1500 is a single driver true Electrostatic and it is unmatched by anything I have ever used. Stick to ZVX and you should be good. I will even say get Tanchjim ZERO while at it since it is dirt cheap and yet to me ZERO is the best still for anything under $100
Awesome review as always. Please I want your honest opinion which chifi iem has the best macrodynamics or macro detail? I've been spoilt with ESX's macro detail which even my $400 IEM doesn't come close in that area. ESX has made me to dig into my music library again and again. Sadly I don't have my ESX again plus the new batch doesn't have that magic 'macro deatil' not micro detail
You are looking at it, ZVX and the other version I am testing now, DF-i. Both are amazing with details handling both Macro and Micro. Even CCA CXS was already good at it. You can also look into Simgot EA500 with black nozzle. I have tried the ESX and I must say the ESX does not offer the sort of resolution and accuracy like ZVX does
Hey Andy, I first stumbled upon your channel while seeing reviews of ZVX and bro..its awesme...the way your present + the points table..its awesome. Currently I am using KZ ESX primarily for sub-bass and bigger soundsatge for synthwave/techno/chillstep/lofi kind of music with almost negligible vocals. I want to upgrade my IEMS but they need to have sub-bass and big soundstage for sure + be little more musical than ESX + no sharp ear piercing treble . Can you please suggest something in 50$ range. Thanks in advance!!
@@abhishekbhardwaj7764 Yes of course, I recommend DQ6S because it has richer and denser Subbass which seems to ve suitable for your music preferences. But hey can't go wrong with ZVX if you are not an outright Basshead
I am very curious why the tkzk ouranos hasn't been mentioned again in these newer reviews. Are these cheaper iems like the tanchjim zero and the kz better sounding for your own taste than the ouranos?
I have tons of IEMs and I will of course mention the ones that I personally use regularly and fit best my preferences. What is best for me is of course Tanchjim ZERO by account that I use it more over tons of others I have in hand. That doesn't mean the rest are less favourable, the fact remains, so many IEMs now exhibits amazing quality and I have yet to find anything this year that I would consider as bad
Amazing Review! Btw, have you tried the 7hz Salnotes Zero and the Tangzhu Wan' Er? Those are also incredibly tuned neutral IEMs at the same price of $20 usd. Please do a review of those!
Thanks! Yes I have tried both and in fact you can check my other video on Battle of The Zero IEMs. Wan'Er SG I have reviewed separately but not on video
@@donglemadness Ohh I didn't know. I just found your channel today and subbed. Where can I find your review on the Wan'Er SG? Edit: Nvm I just found your Head-fi profile with the review!
So i have the zvx and listened to it for about 2 days now. It sounds so good! I haven't had another kz iem before, so i can't compare. It's ok from my phone, listening to Spotify. But with quieter songs from cayin n3, there's a slight noise floor even on low gain. Would you recommend abigail pro to improve it? To eliminate noise floor and improve air extension?
Yes, it simply means that ZVX being highly sensitive will pick up artifacts and background noises. Something like Abigail Pro could help to emit cleaner background as with many other good dongles including JCally JM7 (essentially similar to Abigail Pro)
@@donglemadness hi again and sorry if unrelated to the video. So I already tried my zvx with my laptop. But the laptop does not detect it. Admittedly, my laptop takes some plugging-unplugging routine from my full sized cans before I hear anything. Do you think a dongle like Abigail could negate the problem?
Thanks Renato, on my primary site I only do tier ranking for DAC dongles, but I have not done any rank tier for IEMs. So far the only sort of tier I have done was on Top 5 of 2022 which I did a video end of last year. Cheers!
I watch lots of movies and listen to all types of songs and i need a theatrical effect so do u prefer this ZVX ? And my other options are eda balanced version and zsn pro x
I personally haven't tried this type of cable that has pause function. That would probably depend on your source as well. Perhaps you can check on some QDC pin cables that has MIC which normally also has buttons for use with Play/Pause
hi, i am from a little country in Africa(Burkina Faso).I love your reviews.How does this ZVX compare to kz PR1 hifi in terms of technicalities?I altready have 7hz zero and i like it but I am looking for something more engaging with better technicalities.thanks
PR1 is great with technicalities as well but would require even more power to shine. ZVX is more efficient yet I also think it has more refined presentation with technicalities. But it is very close with both of them because, both already pushing the standards really high.
@@donglemadnessThanks ever so much for replying me. I use a sonata E44 as a dongle.Do you think this can make the pr1 shine enough to make a real difference with the KZ ZVX?thanks
@@alexandrezoubga The most energetic dongles are E44, PEE51, Earmen Sparrow, iBasso DC04 (non Pro). They have enough brightness I consider as proper. If you need more brightness, go for JCally JM20, E1DA 9038, HIBY FC3 etc
That would be either Kinera Idun Golden if you want very neutral flat sound curve (but very organic), or BQEYZ Winter or TANGZU Heyday, all three of them I loved very dearly
I have the ZVX and the Castor Bass set with all the switches on to flatten its curve and find that really helps. It is layered and more dimensional just more forward enough than the ZVX to do so but the ZVX is smooth from being less forward. They both offer wonderful listening but are different. I hear the Pula PA02 has this different signature and you mentioned the Sivga Nightengale this way too. Perhaps a review of the Pula PA02 vs the Nightengale, and ZVX is in order?
Currently I'm using kz esx. N i want to upgrade with a price that is not far different. Kz dfi no switch, kz zvx or stay in kz esx or another brand? I like to listen to the natural sound. Vocal lively , sound stage wide, bass but not too much. Which one I need to buy? Can u suggest for me?
@@Dr.Anwarali Anything under $200, Tanchjim ZERO is the one with the most open and wide soundstage, on top of being illegally great sounding. Then if you want the best, Hidizs MP145 and Final Audio A5000, two of my regular favourites
anyone here used zvx for a week already? coz i'm slightly worried about driver flex. apparently the linglong has noticeable driver flex -- i saw 3 people say that the sound is already affected and one said that the driver is already damaged.
Best sounding can be very subjective to what you prefer more in sound tuning. Do you like it neutral or close to neutral? do you like it more of Harman tuning? more bass? more treble? all comes into play. ZVX and DF-i are practically similar. C3 and Ouranos also quite similar in the way they are tuned, can't go wrong with any one of them
@@donglemadness thanks for your your Input. But in terms of technical performance, which ones are the best of those four? Could it possibly the cheaper ones are better in technicalities? Or is it just an unwritten rule that the more expensive the IEMs the better their technicalities?
They share the same spot. Each scoring 86 and 87 points respectively. But if you want a bit of precision, ZVX it is, a bit of smoothness EA500 (with Red Nozzle). Can't go wrong with any one of them
Ty for the review. But sadly, very harsh treble and highs. I only listen to Power and speed metal like Blind Guardian, Symphony X etc. Useless foe this kind on music, returned then the next day. I would give them a 4/10 overall.
I use ZERO more over everything else, including my $2000 USD KSE1500, which is the absolute king of IEMs, so it is a very personal thing to me this ZERO, as I said it clicks to my taste, not exactly a king or anything like that as ZERO has it downsides too. Just a very personal thing
This is a surprise coming from KZ Now I'm curious how this competes to the 7hz Salnotes Zero, Tangzu Wan Er, Truthear Hola and all of the other iems in this price Its crazy how more iems keep getting cheap while becoming more and more capable of delivering good quality sound Thank you for the in depth review as always will definitely check this out myself
I have 7hZ ZERO, Wan'Er SG and Hola and a few more within this price range. I can say that both KZ ZVX and Simgot EA500 are both superior to any of those under $100 in terms of sonic performances. Well at least I really like the smooth, musical Wan'Er SG, but definitely 7Hz/Salnotes ZERO and HOLA are not something I would personally prefer to use. Thanks again!
@@donglemadness Thank you for your insight on the other iems mentioned, interesting to know that you prefer the KZ ZVX I want to ask an additional question though, you mentioned that your favorite is the Tanchjim Zero and began researching about it. Have you tried the Tanchjim OLA the original and Bass version yet? Others are saying thats the iem to get instead of the Tanchjim Zero I'm pretty much experimenting on iems on the cheaper side first before I ever spend $100 - $200
@@roviccastillo9087 Yes. I have both OLA versions as well and I prefer ZERO way more over the OLAs. In fact I have 4 Tanchjim ZEROs with me which I use regularly over many other IEMs that I have. It just simply clicks to my taste and preferences. I even declared that Tanchjim ZERO is the only IEM I need if I have to settle for just one, but that's just me and a very personal choice
@@donglemadness Sorry for the lengthy conversation but I'm curious to know as well what the shortcomings of the OLA versions are for you compared to the Zero I'll be analyzing these sets myself when they arrive but your insights in audio equipment interests me since I also value natural/organic details and tonality
@@roviccastillo9087 OLA both versions are good sets, no doubt about it. But in my view they lacked the fluidity of Tanchjim ZERO with dynamic transients due to focus on being crisp and ended up sounding a bit sharper than what I normally prefer. It is also lacking organic temperament to the tonal and timbre presentation. If you want to read the whole story, you can find it here: www.head-fi.org/showcase/tanchjim-ola-bass-version.26185/review/29598/
This beats the Simgot EA500 and the Heyday by about 5 points…💀 No point in comparing it to the rest of the $20 line up then huh? --- Update: I goofed and misread the charts. 😅
If you check again EA500 total score is 86/100. ZVX is 87/100. Also consider the element of timbre and tone as well where the differences could work for one person, may not so much on others. EA500 (red nozzle) has smooth dynamics energy where ZVX is more on crisp attack (if both compared side by side).