I like when I can go look at my favorite creators graphs to compare the creators graph to other IEMS I own and its an easier way to judge. But KZ will use different scales DB scales for different IEMs. So I never pay attention to any company's graphs because they are never a 1 to 1 graph. But someone like Paul who has 1 to 1 comparisons using the same DB scale.and tools helps far more to make a better buying decision! Just keep doing what you are doing Paul!!! Cheers!!!
KZ should do their own squig like Moondrop did if they are so pissed off that their tuning is being misrepresented by "hobbyist equipment" (clearly isn't).
@@emanuelserpa exactly but guys like Paul and others do a really good job at documenting the IEMs they review and its a valuable tool when making a purchase!
You bring up an interesting point that hasn't quite disappeared but close. That dB scaling by marketing folks is something KZ used to do, but doesn't as much or ever now due to the reviewer graphs. While they will blame me and others for a bad graph, it has caused less marketing/artistic versions of graphs to make them look more attractive. They both complain and pay attention to what people are talking about.
@@PaulWasabiiSeems to be unusual for a Chinese company. I have spent a lot of time in China, speak the language (poorly and with much invective and rudeness) and ran a Reebok shoe factory for a Chinese guy. They were always interested in real data, and didn't complain when I told them what the real deal was... Even when it cost them money. And when something went wrong publically, they always hung up a sacrificial goat to defuse bad talk. KZ did nothing like that during the 'scandal' as far as I know, and complaining about reviewers opinions just seems out of character for a Chinese company. Maybe it's different in the Iem world.
My set finally arrived and I’ve been listening to it for a while. While most of the reviews I’ve seen so far are critical, here’s my take (no I’m not a professional audiophile lol) -it sounds amazing. Like really really good. The clarity is on point and the bass is near-subwoofer quality. I haven’t had any problem with the “mids dip” that the graph shows. Vocals are excellent and clear. -the fit is very good. I use the regular silicone tips and with this set they have a very good seal. I almost always dislike foam tips anyway. -they’re comfortable long wearing sessions. Just watched a movie with them! -yes you might need to turn the volume up a bit more with these than with others sets but it’s not like you can’t listen to these on your phone. I’m using these with the KZ AZ20 Bluetooth adaptors and they sound excellent and the adaptors can drive them just fine. -while I’ve not heard the other newer high-end KZ sets, this one outperforms any of my other KZ sets even my beloved ZS6. -They look amazing and feel very high quality. -conclusion: highly recommend!
Very nice. As I said, its not terribly far from the PR3 and you have the same folks who liked that one will be at home with Symphony. And the opposite, if you didn't like PR3, this is too close. Thank you for sharing your opinion as others will enjoy it as you do.
Thank you for the excellent review! As a non-audiophile, I actually understood most of it! Do you have any recommendations for planar IEMs that don’t break the bank? I received my Symphonies today and already love them over my other IEMs (KZ ZS10 Pro and ZS10 Pro X). They sound great to me, especially after I plugged them into an amp on my PC (my iPhone 15 Pro seems to not power them sufficiently). I really like them for soft and classical rock as I found vocals to be crisper and sounds brought forward that were subdued on the ZS10. I’ll keep the ZS10s for FPS gaming as they are more comfortable, but if the Symphonies are a poor representation of planar IEM potential, I am eager to try something else!
The secret on planars is they may be tuned different, but at the core, they are similar if you use EQ. HIdizs MP145 is probably the most generally appealing tuning which is similar to Symphony but lower the treble level. MP145 also has an impossibly large shell. Honestly, play with EQ on your PC if you can. I am not sure iPhone can or not. Planars have a crazy amount of capability, but the actual tuning is hard. EQ gets you there.
@@PaulWasabii I took your advice and got the MP 145s. I am so glad I did! I am only on day 3 of breaking them in and still fiddling with the tips and filters, but I am in love. They sound amazing! I would say that female vocals still sound a little more crisp (almost raspy) on the Symphonies, even with the vocal tips and silver filter. However, the MP 145s sound better and more smooth all around, and I haven’t even touched the EQ on my PC. Thank you so much!!
Sucks that KZ had a go at you for posting the early graph, especially since you've been quite positive about their other recent sets. Also knowing KZ, they'll probably come out with a few more successive versions of this DD + Planar hybrid til they get it right within the next few months.
Exactly. KZ is fiercely defensive about their brand so I get it. As I said, it has been an ongoing discussion for a long time, so I knew what was going to happen. We had already talked about it, talked about the complications of this tuning and where I thought it should go on those next set. We'll see.
It seems the filter on the nozzle is the metal type they also used in the ZAX. I replaced the paper filter on Rhapsody with metal and it got bright. Real bright. I removed the filter and it stayed bright. That paper filter they used really controlled the highs on the Rhapsody so it might be the same here. Don't change the filter on Rhapsody. The Castor on the other hand didnt have this problem with metal or no filter.
Hello Bro Paul Wasabii , i have 2 questions for you ✅ KZ Symphony VS CCA Trio , which iem can deliver more sensational experience for watching various genre movies for 3 - 4 long hours ? Please give me valid reasons ✅ KZ Symphony VS CCA Trio, which iem do you like more ? Please give me valid reasons. Thank you Brother 🙏👍🏻😁
I feel like this is an uphill battle as yknow Planar fans will intensely dislike the 6mm dd muddying the tight response from the planar And dd fans will probably abhor the planar timbre and shine
Good thing some of us stay open minded. KZ may not have hit the mark but atleast they keep trying different things. I'd be down to a hybrid planar once they get the tuning down.
@@MariaAudioChick oh yeah theyre a multi million dollar company with plenty of audio engineers But it does look odd I feel like the best bet for a planar hybrid would be a low freq ba
Yes, out of the box, it is pretty close to what you describe. Also why I dropped the 6mm level in EQ, it doesn't go deep enough to stand with the planar on quality. It is making sounds, but it doesn't add to the sound quality. If you were looking at feedback from PR1 thru PR3, most of it would be on the treble so I was a bit surprised they didn't address it more than they did.
@@MariaAudioChick I don't know, I kind of question the viability of planar hybrids. Planars sound good when they are big, so big that it doesn't leave much room for extra drivers, even tiny ones in an already big shell.
I like hybrids to the Cadenza 4 sounds pretty good in the few minutes I spent with it. On the KZ side, they have that super linear DD, it was well liked in both sets that used it, but they need to showcase it. I get excited for the sub-$100 sets that raise the bar, not sure who is going to be the first to put one of those out. On the planars, Tinhifi is supposed to put one out which would get lots of eyeballs if it is a p1max successor.
Exactly. I have heard the complaints and try to do the line up more often because you aren't alone, the big ones are quite large for smaller/medium ears.
Been using the tanchjim ola and I've found out that it really isn't suitable for FPS games. Not an audiophile myself but some of my friends did say that it was lacking soundstage or whatever it is, do you think the KZ Symphony would be a better choice?
I think the size of the shell might get to you for long session gaming. Also the treble level is up there and going to get intense over the long term. I'd take a look at something more relaxed like CCA Trio.
Good review Paul! Thank you for being straight up and honest and calling it as it is. And Thank you for not pandering to KZ. The PROBLEM with KZ is THEIR ATTITUDE.
Attitude is one word for it, I think they set in their ways, a bit stubborn when it comes to change. They will get there, but the planar tunings are due for an overhaul.
Hmm hope it was worth the purchase … kinda a negative review. I’ve never heard a planar driver before lol but I do like a fair bit of high end… like the ZS6 has and people complained about.
It ships with a pair of foam, try those. Some people like PR3, it wasn't for me, but also why I mention EQ. From the beginning, the KZ planars were tweakable in EQ.
I think it's hard for people to review KZ planars. Having had a few, I can say this with certainty-it takes about 200 to 250 hours of use, for them to start sounding good, and then over then next 100 hours or so, the tone, timbre, and frequency response changes, they can become really nice, more bass ( a bit, enough) , more layered and rich mids (from improved bass), less harshness and sibilance in the highs, depending on which one, given unit variance.. So reviewing out of the box is never going to be good, you won't hear much to like in a lot of cases.
Some of it might be that, some of it is KZ needs to change their planar tuning. That is why many people EQ their KZ planars, quite capable drivers for the money, but need to be more generally appealing.
@@PaulWasabii I took out the filters in the nozzle entirely, and put a layer of micropore tape, according to your recommendation, they sound fabulous on my sonata bhd pro with the 'warm version' bin file for the firmware update.. Just stupendous, at high volume double ended.. Still 'alright' at lower volumes. Something happens when you start edging up on 4vrms+, just opens right up.. I have heard really expensive headphones, and I am still saying they sound fabulous, and you know the price. I would upgrade, if I thought there was an upgrade under 300 bucks. I am not so sure there is, now that I have got them just right, gear, cables, tips, tuning, etc.. Ya KZ needs to get on top of their tuning game, they are not making best use of the good drivers they sometimes come up with.
Yeah, its not the hobby graphs as much as their planar tuning hasn't changed much over time. The complaints that existed on the early sets have carried through.
Yes, that is the point of graphs. You can nitpick the accuracy but generally the levels are what people are looking at and whether it fits with what they want.
Hello Bro Paul Wasabii ✅KZ Symphony ✅KZ ZAR ✅CCA Rhapsody ✅KZ X HBB PR2 ✅Blon BL-X Z Jojo 📌Please rank 1,2,3,4,5 for watching action movies 📌Please rank 1,2,3,4,5 for watching Korea Drama Movies Thanks Bro Paul Wasabii 🙏👍
I like when I can go look at my favorite creators graphs to compare the creators graph to other IEMS I own and its an easier way to judge. But KZ will use different scales DB scales for different IEMs. So I never pay attention to any company's graphs because they are never a 1 to 1 graph. But someone like Paul who has 1 to 1 comparisons using the same DB scale.and tools helps far more to make a better buying decision! Just keep doing what you are doing Paul!!! Cheers!!!
KZ should do their own squig like Moondrop did if they are so pissed off that their tuning is being misrepresented by "hobbyist equipment" (clearly isn't).
@@emanuelserpa exactly but guys like Paul and others do a really good job at documenting the IEMs they review and its a valuable tool when making a purchase!
You bring up an interesting point that hasn't quite disappeared but close. That dB scaling by marketing folks is something KZ used to do, but doesn't as much or ever now due to the reviewer graphs. While they will blame me and others for a bad graph, it has caused less marketing/artistic versions of graphs to make them look more attractive. They both complain and pay attention to what people are talking about.
@@PaulWasabiiSeems to be unusual for a Chinese company. I have spent a lot of time in China, speak the language (poorly and with much invective and rudeness) and ran a Reebok shoe factory for a Chinese guy. They were always interested in real data, and didn't complain when I told them what the real deal was... Even when it cost them money. And when something went wrong publically, they always hung up a sacrificial goat to defuse bad talk. KZ did nothing like that during the 'scandal' as far as I know, and complaining about reviewers opinions just seems out of character for a Chinese company. Maybe it's different in the Iem world.
Is the graphs of the companies correct or in real the iems sound different ???
I have this arriving next week. Can’t wait!
My set finally arrived and I’ve been listening to it for a while. While most of the reviews I’ve seen so far are critical, here’s my take (no I’m not a professional audiophile lol)
-it sounds amazing. Like really really good. The clarity is on point and the bass is near-subwoofer quality. I haven’t had any problem with the “mids dip” that the graph shows. Vocals are excellent and clear.
-the fit is very good. I use the regular silicone tips and with this set they have a very good seal. I almost always dislike foam tips anyway.
-they’re comfortable long wearing sessions. Just watched a movie with them!
-yes you might need to turn the volume up a bit more with these than with others sets but it’s not like you can’t listen to these on your phone. I’m using these with the KZ AZ20 Bluetooth adaptors and they sound excellent and the adaptors can drive them just fine.
-while I’ve not heard the other newer high-end KZ sets, this one outperforms any of my other KZ sets even my beloved ZS6.
-They look amazing and feel very high quality.
-conclusion: highly recommend!
Very nice. As I said, its not terribly far from the PR3 and you have the same folks who liked that one will be at home with Symphony. And the opposite, if you didn't like PR3, this is too close. Thank you for sharing your opinion as others will enjoy it as you do.
Pls mention the DAC and phone you're using!!
Thank you for the excellent review! As a non-audiophile, I actually understood most of it!
Do you have any recommendations for planar IEMs that don’t break the bank? I received my Symphonies today and already love them over my other IEMs (KZ ZS10 Pro and ZS10 Pro X). They sound great to me, especially after I plugged them into an amp on my PC (my iPhone 15 Pro seems to not power them sufficiently). I really like them for soft and classical rock as I found vocals to be crisper and sounds brought forward that were subdued on the ZS10. I’ll keep the ZS10s for FPS gaming as they are more comfortable, but if the Symphonies are a poor representation of planar IEM potential, I am eager to try something else!
The secret on planars is they may be tuned different, but at the core, they are similar if you use EQ. HIdizs MP145 is probably the most generally appealing tuning which is similar to Symphony but lower the treble level. MP145 also has an impossibly large shell. Honestly, play with EQ on your PC if you can. I am not sure iPhone can or not. Planars have a crazy amount of capability, but the actual tuning is hard. EQ gets you there.
@@PaulWasabiithank you so much! I have subscribed and am checking out your other videos. You impart a great amount of knowledge and I appreciate it!
@@PaulWasabii I took your advice and got the MP 145s. I am so glad I did! I am only on day 3 of breaking them in and still fiddling with the tips and filters, but I am in love. They sound amazing! I would say that female vocals still sound a little more crisp (almost raspy) on the Symphonies, even with the vocal tips and silver filter. However, the MP 145s sound better and more smooth all around, and I haven’t even touched the EQ on my PC. Thank you so much!!
Really interesting to hear how you approached the EQ adjustments!
I used to do more complex things, Autoeq, but start with the basics and get it in the ball park without diving into 10 PEQ filters.
I think this is the first review of these. I swear when I was looking for a review an hour ago, nothing popped up! Thanks!
Should be more soon, there are more than a few sets out in the wild
thanks for this video, It;s nice to see they are using metal grill on the new symphony.
Indeed. I know sometimes they use the white one for a bit of tuning but it would be an interesting story on how they pick the grill.
Sucks that KZ had a go at you for posting the early graph, especially since you've been quite positive about their other recent sets. Also knowing KZ, they'll probably come out with a few more successive versions of this DD + Planar hybrid til they get it right within the next few months.
Exactly. KZ is fiercely defensive about their brand so I get it. As I said, it has been an ongoing discussion for a long time, so I knew what was going to happen. We had already talked about it, talked about the complications of this tuning and where I thought it should go on those next set. We'll see.
It seems the filter on the nozzle is the metal type they also used in the ZAX. I replaced the paper filter on Rhapsody with metal and it got bright. Real bright. I removed the filter and it stayed bright. That paper filter they used really controlled the highs on the Rhapsody so it might be the same here.
Don't change the filter on Rhapsody. The Castor on the other hand didnt have this problem with metal or no filter.
Yes, this is one area that I would like KZ to actually explain when they are using the mesh as a mesh or mesh for tuning.
Hello Bro Paul Wasabii , i have 2 questions for you
✅ KZ Symphony VS CCA Trio , which iem can deliver more sensational experience for watching various genre movies for 3 - 4 long hours ? Please give me valid reasons
✅ KZ Symphony VS CCA Trio, which iem do you like more ? Please give me valid reasons.
Thank you Brother 🙏👍🏻😁
I feel like this is an uphill battle as yknow
Planar fans will intensely dislike the 6mm dd muddying the tight response from the planar
And dd fans will probably abhor the planar timbre and shine
Good thing some of us stay open minded. KZ may not have hit the mark but atleast they keep trying different things. I'd be down to a hybrid planar once they get the tuning down.
@@MariaAudioChick oh yeah theyre a multi million dollar company with plenty of audio engineers
But it does look odd
I feel like the best bet for a planar hybrid would be a low freq ba
Yes, out of the box, it is pretty close to what you describe. Also why I dropped the 6mm level in EQ, it doesn't go deep enough to stand with the planar on quality. It is making sounds, but it doesn't add to the sound quality. If you were looking at feedback from PR1 thru PR3, most of it would be on the treble so I was a bit surprised they didn't address it more than they did.
@@MariaAudioChick I don't know, I kind of question the viability of planar hybrids. Planars sound good when they are big, so big that it doesn't leave much room for extra drivers, even tiny ones in an already big shell.
@@rustyshakelford1466 I can see that. But you never know what the future holds. Definitely doesn't seem like we're quite there yet.
Any sets coming up that you're excited for?
I like hybrids to the Cadenza 4 sounds pretty good in the few minutes I spent with it. On the KZ side, they have that super linear DD, it was well liked in both sets that used it, but they need to showcase it. I get excited for the sub-$100 sets that raise the bar, not sure who is going to be the first to put one of those out. On the planars, Tinhifi is supposed to put one out which would get lots of eyeballs if it is a p1max successor.
I really wanted the bigger KZ/CCA but my ears are so small. The Castor bass have a barely comfortable fit for me. 😅
Exactly. I have heard the complaints and try to do the line up more often because you aren't alone, the big ones are quite large for smaller/medium ears.
Hi. I am using kz zs 10 pro. Looking for new iem . Should i get zs 10 prl 2 le symphony. Thank you
KZ Pro X or Pro 2
@@PaulWasabii Thank you. Do you think planner iem from kz will be better from this?
The $58 promo price now can include a 784 core cable upgrade for just $5 more for the next 100 orders.
Yep, saw that. That is a nice cable too. QDC only, but its a unique one
Is cca rhapsody better than symphony? 🤔
Yes, Rhapsody is going to be more generally appealing. Symphony is more of a specialist, especially if you liked PR3.
Is kz zs 10 pro better than kz symphony ??
Yes ZS10 is better. Symphony is a tough one as it is very bright
Suggest me the nest kz earphone plz
KZ EDC Pro is a good starting point
Been using the tanchjim ola and I've found out that it really isn't suitable for FPS games. Not an audiophile myself but some of my friends did say that it was lacking soundstage or whatever it is, do you think the KZ Symphony would be a better choice?
Maybe the Rhapsody or Conch... They both have great reviews and various tuning options. Or even the Orca. I have the Conch and it's a great set.
I think the size of the shell might get to you for long session gaming. Also the treble level is up there and going to get intense over the long term. I'd take a look at something more relaxed like CCA Trio.
Good review Paul! Thank you for being straight up and honest and calling it as it is.
And Thank you for not pandering to KZ.
The PROBLEM with KZ is THEIR ATTITUDE.
Attitude is one word for it, I think they set in their ways, a bit stubborn when it comes to change. They will get there, but the planar tunings are due for an overhaul.
Hmm hope it was worth the purchase … kinda a negative review. I’ve never heard a planar driver before lol but I do like a fair bit of high end… like the ZS6 has and people complained about.
It ships with a pair of foam, try those. Some people like PR3, it wasn't for me, but also why I mention EQ. From the beginning, the KZ planars were tweakable in EQ.
❤
I think it's hard for people to review KZ planars. Having had a few, I can say this with certainty-it takes about 200 to 250 hours of use, for them to start sounding good, and then over then next 100 hours or so, the tone, timbre, and frequency response changes, they can become really nice, more bass ( a bit, enough) , more layered and rich mids (from improved bass), less harshness and sibilance in the highs, depending on which one, given unit variance.. So reviewing out of the box is never going to be good, you won't hear much to like in a lot of cases.
Some of it might be that, some of it is KZ needs to change their planar tuning. That is why many people EQ their KZ planars, quite capable drivers for the money, but need to be more generally appealing.
@@PaulWasabii I took out the filters in the nozzle entirely, and put a layer of micropore tape, according to your recommendation, they sound fabulous on my sonata bhd pro with the 'warm version' bin file for the firmware update.. Just stupendous, at high volume double ended.. Still 'alright' at lower volumes. Something happens when you start edging up on 4vrms+, just opens right up.. I have heard really expensive headphones, and I am still saying they sound fabulous, and you know the price. I would upgrade, if I thought there was an upgrade under 300 bucks. I am not so sure there is, now that I have got them just right, gear, cables, tips, tuning, etc.. Ya KZ needs to get on top of their tuning game, they are not making best use of the good drivers they sometimes come up with.
Holy cow the Symphony is a big chungus
Yes, KZ has a few sizes of shells and Symphony is on the top bracket
Someone else on squiglink has a graph that looks very similar to yours - a FR mess lol
Yeah, its not the hobby graphs as much as their planar tuning hasn't changed much over time. The complaints that existed on the early sets have carried through.
Ever since the huge disappointment with ZAT, I shy away whenever I see similar treble. Such is with PR3 and this.
Yes, that is the point of graphs. You can nitpick the accuracy but generally the levels are what people are looking at and whether it fits with what they want.
Comparable to PR3... oof.
i hate kz cuz always qdc
Τhe worst tune ever
Hello Bro Paul Wasabii
✅KZ Symphony
✅KZ ZAR
✅CCA Rhapsody
✅KZ X HBB PR2
✅Blon BL-X Z Jojo
📌Please rank 1,2,3,4,5 for watching action movies
📌Please rank 1,2,3,4,5 for watching Korea Drama Movies
Thanks Bro Paul Wasabii 🙏👍