The KZ Taurus features dual dynamic drivers and a bright yet detailed sound signature. At just $25, it offers impressive clarity and detail for budget-conscious audiophiles.
Disclosure: I’d like to thank KeepHiFi for providing me with the KZ Taurus for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and KeepHifi had no say or input on the contents of this review.
The KZ Taurus brings something unique to the budget IEM market at just $22.99. This dual dynamic driver setup delivers detail and clarity that punches well above its price point, proving you don’t need to break the bank for impressive sound quality.
KZ has been making waves in the affordable audio space lately, and the Taurus represents their commitment to offering distinct sound signatures without the premium price tags. The horizontal dual 8mm driver configuration creates a W-shaped frequency response that emphasizes sub-bass and upper treble while pushing midrange detail forward. It targets treble enthusiasts and listeners who crave analytical, neutral-bright sound.
This review will cover everything from technical specifications and build quality to real-world performance and how the Taurus stacks up against competitors in this crowded price bracket. Let’s see if KZ managed to create another budget champion.
KZ keeps things minimal here, following their philosophy of putting resources into the product rather than fancy packaging. The eco-friendly box contains exactly what you need and nothing more.
KZ includes their standard silver-plated copper cable measuring about 1.25m in length. The stock cable does its job adequately, though it’s prone to some microphonics and tangling – nothing deal-breaking, but worth noting. If you want to go wireless, KZ’s Bluetooth ear hooks can transform these into a cable-free setup.
The Taurus takes a no-nonsense approach to design, prioritizing function over flashy aesthetics. KZ clearly focused its budget on the internals rather than premium materials or elaborate styling.
The transparent ABS resin construction feels surprisingly lightweight in hand without sacrificing durability. The metal faceplate features horizontal venting slots and subtle Taurus branding that gives it a clean, understated look. Through the translucent shell, you can actually see the crossover board with KZ’s gold lettering, which is a nice touch that adds some visual uniqueness. KZ offers three color options: Translucent Black (“deep and steady like the night”), clear Transparent, and Pure White for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.
The shells feel well-made for the price, though you can tell where corners were cut to hit this price point. The injection-molded nozzles have visible pruning marks that could potentially become weak spots over time. The debris filters appear to be cloth rather than metal mesh, which might not handle moisture as well during extended use.
Comfort is where the Taurus really succeeds. The shells contour naturally to most ear shapes, and the mid-sized housing works well for extended listening sessions. The nozzle size accommodates medium-sized ears without issue. The standard nozzle size makes tip rolling straightforward if you need to fine-tune the fit or sound.
I was able to wear these for several hours without any fatigue or pressure buildup. The lightweight construction definitely helps here; you almost forget they’re in your ears during longer sessions. Overall construction quality feels solid for the price bracket, with good attention to detail throughout.
Disclosure: I’d like to thank KeepHiFi for providing me with the KZ Taurus for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and KeepHifi had no say or input on the contents of this review.
The KZ Taurus brings something unique to the budget IEM market at just $22.99. This dual dynamic driver setup delivers detail and clarity that punches well above its price point, proving you don’t need to break the bank for impressive sound quality.
KZ has been making waves in the affordable audio space lately, and the Taurus represents their commitment to offering distinct sound signatures without the premium price tags. The horizontal dual 8mm driver configuration creates a W-shaped frequency response that emphasizes sub-bass and upper treble while pushing midrange detail forward. It targets treble enthusiasts and listeners who crave analytical, neutral-bright sound.
This review will cover everything from technical specifications and build quality to real-world performance and how the Taurus stacks up against competitors in this crowded price bracket. Let’s see if KZ managed to create another budget champion.
KZ keeps things minimal here, following their philosophy of putting resources into the product rather than fancy packaging. The eco-friendly box contains exactly what you need and nothing more.
KZ includes their standard silver-plated copper cable measuring about 1.25m in length. The stock cable does its job adequately, though it’s prone to some microphonics and tangling – nothing deal-breaking, but worth noting. If you want to go wireless, KZ’s Bluetooth ear hooks can transform these into a cable-free setup.
The Taurus takes a no-nonsense approach to design, prioritizing function over flashy aesthetics. KZ clearly focused its budget on the internals rather than premium materials or elaborate styling.
The transparent ABS resin construction feels surprisingly lightweight in hand without sacrificing durability. The metal faceplate features horizontal venting slots and subtle Taurus branding that gives it a clean, understated look. Through the translucent shell, you can actually see the crossover board with KZ’s gold lettering, which is a nice touch that adds some visual uniqueness. KZ offers three color options: Translucent Black (“deep and steady like the night”), clear Transparent, and Pure White for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.
The shells feel well-made for the price, though you can tell where corners were cut to hit this price point. The injection-molded nozzles have visible pruning marks that could potentially become weak spots over time. The debris filters appear to be cloth rather than metal mesh, which might not handle moisture as well during extended use.
Comfort is where the Taurus really succeeds. The shells contour naturally to most ear shapes, and the mid-sized housing works well for extended listening sessions. The nozzle size accommodates medium-sized ears without issue. The standard nozzle size makes tip rolling straightforward if you need to fine-tune the fit or sound.
I was able to wear these for several hours without any fatigue or pressure buildup. The lightweight construction definitely helps here; you almost forget they’re in your ears during longer sessions. Overall construction quality feels solid for the price bracket, with good attention to detail throughout.
Sources used for this review:
Links to my music playlist used for the majority of testing:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6QSIhuCBDAUyoWGcyxPeN8?si=c0a4eb6bd3e3421e
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/hifi-oasis-audio-testing/pl.u-lKWlcjy04xp
Tidal: https://tidal.com/playlist/503485c7-7f3d-43f0-b904-4b9a89c33875
The 36Ω impedance of the KZ Taurus means most modern sources drive it perfectly well, though it scales noticeably with quality amplification. I found it pairs particularly well with clean, neutral sources that don’t add warmth to the already bright signature.
The Taurus has a neutral-bright sound signature, with bass guitar and drum kicks sounding detailed and impactful. The Taurus works well with most genres, though it particularly shines with music that benefits from its analytical, detail-focused approach.
The Taurus presents a polite bass profile that prioritizes sub-bass impact over mid-bass presence, creating a faster, cleaner, and more controlled low-end experience. This approach actually contradicts KZ’s marketing, which positions the Taurus as somewhat bass-heavy. The reality is quite different as the dual 8mm driver configuration delivers bass that complements rather than dominates the overall presentation. This sub-bass emphasis provides enough foundation for tracks without bleeding into the midrange, preserving clarity across frequencies. Electronic music sounds articulate but lacks the full-bodied follow-through some might expect from dual-dynamic IEMs.
Don’t expect thunderous rumble here. The bass is well-controlled and detailed, but it’s more about precision than impact.
Midrange performance stands as one of the Taurus’s strongest attributes, featuring a forward presentation with natural tonality. The upper midrange receives noticeable elevation, providing air and brightness that enhances detail retrieval. Male vocals occasionally sound slightly thin due to the neutral tuning and rolled-off lower midrange, yet they never become veiled or shouty. Female vocals push forward with impressive presence but can edge toward sibilance at higher volumes or with bright sources. This creates a midrange that balances adequately across most genres without notable flaws.
The treble response extends beautifully with remarkable control and energy. It delivers crisp, sharp detail without excessive harshness, handling potential sibilance well even for those with moderate treble sensitivity. The Taurus offers clear detail without fatigue and proper extension with appropriate air and sparkle. The upper registers feature a strategic dip that tames potential sibilance while adding musicality. Very well done here, even for someone like me who is typically not a fan of bright tunings.
The Taurus creates an impressive spatial presentation with a holographic soundstage that exceeds expectations at this price. The width appears particularly noteworthy, with noticeable breadth, though the height dimension remains underdeveloped. Layering capabilities prove above average, allowing complex tracks to maintain separation without congestion. This spatial awareness makes the Taurus suitable for casual gaming where precise directionality isn’t critical.
Instrument placement is accurate, and there’s good separation between different elements in the mix. Not the widest soundstage I’ve heard, but certainly respectable for the price.
The KZ Taurus has spent several weeks in my daily rotation, and I can say with confidence that it punches well above its $25 USD price tag. This isn’t your typical budget IEM that makes compromises at every turn. Instead, KZ has created something that genuinely competes with more expensive options while maintaining an accessible price point.
The Taurus works best for listeners who prioritize detail retrieval and clarity over warmth or bass impact. If you’re someone who enjoys analytical listening, exploring the intricacies of your music, or you’re curious about neutral-bright sound signatures, this is an excellent entry point that won’t break the bank.
Just know what you’re getting into. This isn’t the IEM for relaxed, laid-back listening sessions or if you crave that full, warm sound. But for critical listening and detail exploration, the KZ Taurus delivers impressive performance that justifies every dollar of its modest asking price.
Buy direct from KeepHiFi: https://keephifi.com/en-ca/products/kz-taurus-horizontal-dual-dynamic-drivers-in-ear-monitor-iem-headphones-hd-dual-microphone-hifi-gaming-earbuds?ref=xaqpvmrl&variant=41492995604526
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Review link: https://www.hifioasis.com/reviews/kz-taurus-review/
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