As much as KZ touts their new drivers, new designs, and new configurations today, I can't help but to think that this has very little to with their "new sound". I think they just changed the way they tuned their IEMs and this is what's making them more balanced and "less KZ-like". I've always had a love/hate relationship with their products as I've returned more of them than kept. However, I've been really enjoying their ZVX IEMs because it's the only DD that actually has real clarity and detail without muddiness in the upper bass/lower midrange (well, maybe a little! ☺) and a real sense of resolution and detail in the treble. I actually find these more engaging than my Letshouer S12 Pro! What the hell, KZ? Now I'm contemplating purchasing the D-Fi. I like this new direction and for the price, I just might become a true KZ fan! Seriously, don't mess this up KZ! 👍🏽
So partly that is true, but if you look at how they used to run all their drivers in parallel with small volume tweaks, you get why they never sounded like hybrids. Now with crossovers and acoustic tubes, you are hearing the drivers as you would in other hybrids. On the 1DD sets, they are tuning with less material in the nozzle, more electronic tuning than physical tuning. With each set, you hear how the parts have subtly changed from even their recent sets. I don't think you need to buy every KZ set as some of them are intermediate implementations of something new, but still fun to see what they come up with and which hits people in the right way like ZVX.
Good thoughts on KZ. I just got the Bass KZ Castor IEMs and they are my KZ favourite so far! I have the ZVX s as well and they are nice but I like these better and they are under $20!
Sir, don't hold your breath; after all, this is KZ were talking about here. They seem to go out of their way to mess things up or create some sort of issue. So far, they've proven that they are quite consistent in achieving that.
KZ is trying…now if they could offer a decent cable and get away from QDC connectors, would make a lot of people happy. Great review and analysis Paul. Thank you.
@@PaulWasabii one thing i never understood was the need of that silver plate they include in some of their models. that's useless. why not ditch that and instead invest in better accessories. i bet they can at least get a case for the same price.
Sounds like KZ has done well with this one, I just wish their cables had a straight connector, with my mostly on the desk usage, the 90 deg angle is not the best. I'll probably pick this one up at some point.
People like AS24 because it is perhaps the cheapest BA bass implementation that is quite good. I think it is more of a hobbyist set. Instead of ZAT, look at CCA Rhapsody, it has better balance.
Great review. 👍 Close but no cigar. The coherent driver setup is tempting, but I think I'll wait for the next generation to upgrade the TRN ST5, hopefully with the smoother treble I also prefer. ✌️ And by a different manufacturer too. 😂 Have been burned by KZ twice already ....
Yep, the two brands go back and forth with implementations and tend to touch on different preferences too. With ZAT, it was more obvious where they were going while TRN tends to be more of a surprise.
Good review.... Have you been checking the nozzle, to see if it's a 3 tubes one, or if they keep the big hole formula of the DD doing the bulk of the job ?
It looks like 2 tubes as the DD has its own, harder to see how the blocks of BAs are grouped. With the Zobel and switches, it behaves closer to a traditional frequency split but using KZ's circuit and 3d printed tubes.
The tuning on ZAT is quite different, flatter and less extended. Rhapsody is closer to what most people expect without knowing much, a fun set that has some switches which will change the sound a bit. On ZAT, there are switches, but the low setting is quite flat on bass. That isn't what most people expect, but some people look for that style
Yeah, QDC is basically QDC. What makes it QDC is the partial sleeve that covers the base of the pins. Regular 2pin 0.78 will fit QDC also, but there is no sleeve, just 2 exposed pins going right in to the socket. QDC is also angled and 2pin is straight. Typically you can use your KZ cables on TRN sets as they both use QDC.
hi bro..can you suggest me which one to chose?, i am a music lover and this is the forst time i am entering into IEM world.. earlier i had KZ zsn pro x, for few days and returned it as the high freq, was too bright ans sharp, and i was having pain and ear aches due to the sharp hig freq.. and afetr that didnt use any iems and was using just a basic TWS from Oppo.. i wanted to but a proper IEM for music listening and i am planning to buy a basic DAC also for especially music listening only.. please suggest me shoudl i go with this one (KZ ZAT) or KZ zs10 pro x (successor of 10 pro).... ? ??? i like some extra bass too in my music.. please drop your comments on this..
Yeah ZS10 Pro, non X, version is not as bright. If you just want a middle of the road starting point, look at Tangzu Wan'er or Kiwi Ears Cadenza or even KZ D-Fi. Those are basically the most popular tuning style from the past year.
Landed on my lap today and the first impression was, the mid treble peak you were lamenting about is very very prominent. So much that Paloma Faith was shouting in my ears with 10 extra DB of treble! Will burn it in and pair with warmer source and if it gets better.
I think there is a disconnect in some KZ graphs and how it sounds. I am not sure the treble arc they show is what it is in-ear. But also, take inspiration from others, but get the balance better. I can't figure out where the gap is but yeah, it should have been lower.
Fudu is actually a warmer smoother set. ZAT might push more detail but is also a bit brighter. Neither is right, just figure out which you are looking for, the more relaxed fudu or something more technical like ZAT. Fudu sounds like typical sub $100 bassy sets and ZAT is going more for a refined, less fun sound.
yeah I touched on that. They two are close and being averse to 5k peaks and more upper treble, I lean to AS24. I can see where others will take less 3k and don't care about the air, just want a similar performance but with a DD so go with ZAT. There is no clear winner there, just your preference.
I think the question is to basic, I think what he is meaning to ask is do they help boost the sound of footsteps from other audio? I think the biggest problem especially if he is referring to warzone is the fact of certain sounds just blend the footsteps to where the soundstage does not exsist, he is more worried about directional sourcing if you will
I have kz zas at the moment deciding if I’d like to try zar or zat, I run sound bar setting for audio in warzone on console, I can hear folks fighting from quite a ways away I can hear when they actually clip themself to a zip line and where etc, but I also use the same set for listening to music, actually gave my wife my AirPod pros because I prefer the sound of these and the volume aspect is large
I recently bought Zero: Red and I like how it sounds and if I would upgrade to a more technical set without it being too sterile, should I pick ZAT or HEXA?
I haven't heard Hexa or the new one Nova but in this price range, you are getting a balance of cost and technical performance. That too sterile sound comes for the most part from a dipped midbass like Red and Hexa. That is why I said the bass glide is well done on ZAT. That balance of midbass is important. The trade off is Hexa has more upper treble and that affects other areas and how much technical detail you can hear at that end. So no clear winner there, just consider which is more important to you.
Bet My life if I open all drivers. Or the ba produces 1% of sound. Or they have no crossover and they all blend the sound all together. Wonder what graph gives when speakers are disconnected. Mmmm
You are absolutely right. Once I had a CCA HM 20, and one day I went on opening it to check the filter repartition job. This thing was full of BA, but they were making the same job that a lonely 30095 tweeter can do. All high passed with a 2.2 uF capacitor.
@Radugazon yep. Cca and kz I gave 20 sets away because of that. They can't make an iem.unless its a single dd. So much crooked people in that company. That I tell people to avoid it
As much as KZ touts their new drivers, new designs, and new configurations today, I can't help but to think that this has very little to with their "new sound". I think they just changed the way they tuned their IEMs and this is what's making them more balanced and "less KZ-like".
I've always had a love/hate relationship with their products as I've returned more of them than kept. However, I've been really enjoying their ZVX IEMs because it's the only DD that actually has real clarity and detail without muddiness in the upper bass/lower midrange (well, maybe a little! ☺) and a real sense of resolution and detail in the treble. I actually find these more engaging than my Letshouer S12 Pro!
What the hell, KZ? Now I'm contemplating purchasing the D-Fi. I like this new direction and for the price, I just might become a true KZ fan! Seriously, don't mess this up KZ! 👍🏽
So partly that is true, but if you look at how they used to run all their drivers in parallel with small volume tweaks, you get why they never sounded like hybrids. Now with crossovers and acoustic tubes, you are hearing the drivers as you would in other hybrids. On the 1DD sets, they are tuning with less material in the nozzle, more electronic tuning than physical tuning. With each set, you hear how the parts have subtly changed from even their recent sets. I don't think you need to buy every KZ set as some of them are intermediate implementations of something new, but still fun to see what they come up with and which hits people in the right way like ZVX.
Good thoughts on KZ. I just got the Bass KZ Castor IEMs and they are my KZ favourite so far! I have the ZVX s as well and they are nice but I like these better and they are under $20!
@@philipm.4738, same with me here, but did you notice that Paul 's graph on the castor in SQUIGLINK had gone and I wonder why.
Sir, don't hold your breath; after all, this is KZ were talking about here.
They seem to go out of their way to mess things up or create some sort of issue.
So far, they've proven that they are quite consistent in achieving that.
@@TheRebelLion13they get as good as possible on an item, like pr1 pro, then proceed to destroy it. Pr 3 is awful.
KZ is trying…now if they could offer a decent cable and get away from QDC connectors, would make a lot of people happy. Great review and analysis Paul. Thank you.
qdc doesn't bug me, but they should of course upgrade accessories in their pricier units.
Yes, ZAT actually has the cheaper cable which is surprising. Better box, but ribbon cable.
Their silver cable is okay for the budget they tend to be at, but they need to include it more often. Other acessories would go a long way too
@@PaulWasabii one thing i never understood was the need of that silver plate they include in some of their models. that's useless. why not ditch that and instead invest in better accessories. i bet they can at least get a case for the same price.
Sounds like KZ has done well with this one, I just wish their cables had a straight connector, with my mostly on the desk usage, the 90 deg angle is not the best. I'll probably pick this one up at some point.
I want to know how to choose between AS24 and ZAT. The low frequency performance of pure moving iron headphones worries me😢
People like AS24 because it is perhaps the cheapest BA bass implementation that is quite good. I think it is more of a hobbyist set. Instead of ZAT, look at CCA Rhapsody, it has better balance.
Great review. 👍 Close but no cigar. The coherent driver setup is tempting, but I think I'll wait for the next generation to upgrade the TRN ST5, hopefully with the smoother treble I also prefer. ✌️ And by a different manufacturer too. 😂 Have been burned by KZ twice already ....
Yep, the two brands go back and forth with implementations and tend to touch on different preferences too. With ZAT, it was more obvious where they were going while TRN tends to be more of a surprise.
Good review....
Have you been checking the nozzle, to see if it's a 3 tubes one, or if they keep the big hole formula of the DD doing the bulk of the job ?
It looks like 2 tubes as the DD has its own, harder to see how the blocks of BAs are grouped. With the Zobel and switches, it behaves closer to a traditional frequency split but using KZ's circuit and 3d printed tubes.
@@PaulWasabiiThis one has the zobel network?
I've been looking into this one... lets see how this goes
Hey Paul, how is the ZAT compared to the CCA Rhapsody . Thanks in advance.
The tuning on ZAT is quite different, flatter and less extended. Rhapsody is closer to what most people expect without knowing much, a fun set that has some switches which will change the sound a bit. On ZAT, there are switches, but the low setting is quite flat on bass. That isn't what most people expect, but some people look for that style
Does all QDC cable fit on other QDC fit iems. New to this information. Or does it need those 0.75 or 0.78 2 pin cable QDC version.
Yeah, QDC is basically QDC. What makes it QDC is the partial sleeve that covers the base of the pins. Regular 2pin 0.78 will fit QDC also, but there is no sleeve, just 2 exposed pins going right in to the socket. QDC is also angled and 2pin is straight. Typically you can use your KZ cables on TRN sets as they both use QDC.
hi bro..can you suggest me which one to chose?, i am a music lover and this is the forst time i am entering into IEM world.. earlier i had KZ zsn pro x, for few days and returned it as the high freq, was too bright ans sharp, and i was having pain and ear aches due to the sharp hig freq.. and afetr that didnt use any iems and was using just a basic TWS from Oppo.. i wanted to but a proper IEM for music listening and i am planning to buy a basic DAC also for especially music listening only.. please suggest me shoudl i go with this one (KZ ZAT) or KZ zs10 pro x (successor of 10 pro).... ? ??? i like some extra bass too in my music.. please drop your comments on this..
Yeah ZS10 Pro, non X, version is not as bright. If you just want a middle of the road starting point, look at Tangzu Wan'er or Kiwi Ears Cadenza or even KZ D-Fi. Those are basically the most popular tuning style from the past year.
BTW Paul, where had your KZ Castor graph in SQUIGLINK gone ?
I see it here: pw.squig.link/?share=KZ_Castro_0000
Landed on my lap today and the first impression was, the mid treble peak you were lamenting about is very very prominent. So much that Paloma Faith was shouting in my ears with 10 extra DB of treble! Will burn it in and pair with warmer source and if it gets better.
I think there is a disconnect in some KZ graphs and how it sounds. I am not sure the treble arc they show is what it is in-ear. But also, take inspiration from others, but get the balance better. I can't figure out where the gap is but yeah, it should have been lower.
@@PaulWasabii I suspect mines a bad sample. The mid treble shoutiness just won’t go away and has been dominating the entire frequency band.
Hi Paul, how is the ZAT compare to Tangzu Fudu. Thanks for your advice.
Fudu is actually a warmer smoother set. ZAT might push more detail but is also a bit brighter. Neither is right, just figure out which you are looking for, the more relaxed fudu or something more technical like ZAT. Fudu sounds like typical sub $100 bassy sets and ZAT is going more for a refined, less fun sound.
Many thanks Paul for your guidance 😊😊
I have KZ ZS10.
Can i upgrade to KZ ZAT?
I love listening music.Is it worth to upgrade?
Can you please suggest?
Nah, Rhapsody was closer to an upgrade and the new ZSN Pro 2 is closer to ZS10 style
@@PaulWasabii For Hybrid Earphone, performance wise i can go with Rhapsody and not ZSN Pro 2 right?
@@PaulWasabii or other Hybrid Earphone with budget around 60$?
Kz zat vs KZ as24?
yeah I touched on that. They two are close and being averse to 5k peaks and more upper treble, I lean to AS24. I can see where others will take less 3k and don't care about the air, just want a similar performance but with a DD so go with ZAT. There is no clear winner there, just your preference.
Notice any similarities with the Bose tuning? 😂
Is it good for gaming ? ( hearing footsteps)
Yep, you can also look at other KZ sets which are more affordable like Castor. Most sets in 2023 can pick up footsteps.
I think the question is to basic, I think what he is meaning to ask is do they help boost the sound of footsteps from other audio? I think the biggest problem especially if he is referring to warzone is the fact of certain sounds just blend the footsteps to where the soundstage does not exsist, he is more worried about directional sourcing if you will
I have kz zas at the moment deciding if I’d like to try zar or zat, I run sound bar setting for audio in warzone on console, I can hear folks fighting from quite a ways away I can hear when they actually clip themself to a zip line and where etc, but I also use the same set for listening to music, actually gave my wife my AirPod pros because I prefer the sound of these and the volume aspect is large
I recently bought Zero: Red and I like how it sounds and if I would upgrade to a more technical set without it being too sterile, should I pick ZAT or HEXA?
I haven't heard Hexa or the new one Nova but in this price range, you are getting a balance of cost and technical performance. That too sterile sound comes for the most part from a dipped midbass like Red and Hexa. That is why I said the bass glide is well done on ZAT. That balance of midbass is important. The trade off is Hexa has more upper treble and that affects other areas and how much technical detail you can hear at that end. So no clear winner there, just consider which is more important to you.
@@PaulWasabii Lots of choices...xD
This or kiwi quartet?
I never heard Quartet, but Quintet is a better set and closer in sound. Also a multiple in price over ZAT
Bet My life if I open all drivers. Or the ba produces 1% of sound. Or they have no crossover and they all blend the sound all together. Wonder what graph gives when speakers are disconnected. Mmmm
You are absolutely right. Once I had a CCA HM 20, and one day I went on opening it to check the filter repartition job. This thing was full of BA, but they were making the same job that a lonely 30095 tweeter can do. All high passed with a 2.2 uF capacitor.
@Radugazon yep. Cca and kz I gave 20 sets away because of that. They can't make an iem.unless its a single dd. So much crooked people in that company. That I tell people to avoid it
They didn't on ZAT but there is a graph on an earlier set. KZ's new circuit and 3d printed tubes is not the same as before.
@PaulWasabii aleluia . I hope they learn the lesson. Love your reviews paul
Zat is basshead?
Actually no, take a look at the older ZAS