Reviewed by suicideup
:
One of KZ’s “technically competent” sets!
All-rounder, versatile, mild v-shaped sound signature (subjective)
Quick, fast, punchy bass response.
Well-detailed mids.
Bright, detailed upper frequencies (subjective).
Nearly non-fatiguing upper frequencies! (I am just as surprised as you are)
Well done, precise technical performance!
Very good fit, comfort and isolation.
Durable build quality!
Easy to drive.
:
BA Timbre is apparent and is noticeable on sibilant-prone tracks.
Paint finish is possibly prone to chip under certain conditions.
QDC 2-pin connection (a nitpick)
Nozzle length seems to be on the longer side and isn’t snug in fit on some ears (subjective)
While not having major flaws, its tonal performance isn’t “new” or “groundbreaking” for its asking price.
KZ ZS12 Pro X (Standard/Non-switch Version) Review!
(Video review here)
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the KZ ZS12 Pro X Standard Edition. 12 may be the lucky number!
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Disclaimer:
- I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as earphones should be used.
- Keephifi sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, transparent review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- This version of the ZS12 Pro X is the non-switch/standard version. This may, or may not be different to the version with tuning switches in terms of sound.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
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Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- - Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
- - Tanchjim Space DAC
- - Hidizs S9 Pro DAC
- - Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
- - Sony Xperia X Compact
- - Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: Stock large eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume.
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Sound signature:
- The KZ ZS12 Pro X, just like most KZ IEMs, is a V-shaped sounding set that leans to the brighter side of the spectrum. On certain sources, it may be perceived as a neutral-bright sounding set.
Lows:
- Despite being a V-shaped sounding set, the KZ ZS12 Pro X is by no means aims or tries to be a basshead IEM. Its bass is elevated and midbass dominant. It is clean and quick in decay. Everything is well-controlled and presented in this region, especially its texture and detail. Overall, this region is well-controlled and never lacked in quantity on all of the tracks I have tested and listened to this with. This will only be lacking however, if this IEM will be used by a basshead who wants a thick, lingering, impactful bass response.
Mids:
- As for the mids, it is mildly recessed, adequate in thickness, and has a little bit of warmth to it, particularly in lower mids. The lower mids never sounded too thick or thin to my preference. Male vocals and instruments are well done and presented in this region, but nothing too mindblowing for me to note for its asking price. Upper mids are elevated, but not by much when compared to the previous generations of KZs I have personally tried and reviewed. However, BA Timbre is apparent on this set and really shows on sibilant prone tracks only, most of the time. This made me conclude that the KZ ZS12 Pro X isn’t “tuned” to be sibilant, but it is inevitable under the aforementioned instances due to its apparent BA Timbre, that still needs to be worked on.
Treble:
- Moving on to the treble, it is well extended, not as bright compared to previous KZ sets, has a good amount of air, and has no sibilance and harshness, if we set aside its BA Timbre. Detail retrieval is actually for its asking price and renders microdetails and nuances with ease.
Soundstage, Imaging and Separation:
- It still amazes me from time to time that KZ improved greatly in this department, because their recent sets are technically competent, and it also shows here in the ZS12 Pro X. The soundstage is still your usual wide soundstage with a good amount of height and depth. It is also noticeably taller in height when compared to their previous well-recognized sets such as the KZ ZS10 Pro and ZSN Pro. Separation and layering are well done and free from any hiccups when used with heavy passages and busy tracks. Imaging is precise and has no problems on rendering vocal and instrument positioning, whether it be on live recordings, FPS games, or watching movies.
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Other IEM Comparisons!
Tanchjim 4U (Monitoring Mode)
- The Tanchjim 4U in Monitoring Mode is a flat-sounding IEM when compared to the ZS12 Pro X. 4 U's bass, particularly its subbass, is noticeably rolled off when compared to the ZS12 Pro X’s well-controlled, elevated bass. ZS12 Pro X’s mids is also warmer and thickener when compared, while the 4U in monitoring mode is lean and more transparent when compared. Highs are elevated on the ZS12 Pro X, but the detail retrieval is more or less the same between the two sets. BA Timbre is of course, apparent on the ZS12 Pro X. Soundstage is also wider and bigger on the ZS12 Pro X, while the rest are more or less the same.
TangZu X HBB Xuan NV
- In a nutshell, The TangZu X HBB Xuan NV is a warmer, thicker, smoother, safer sounding IEM when compared to the ZS12 Pro X. Technical performance is better on the ZS12 Pro X, particularly on the separation and layering aspect.
Simgot EA500 LM (stock preinstalled filter)
- In my humble opinion these two IEMs are the most comparable sets among all of the IEMs I currently possess, in terms of sound and their suggested retail price. Both share the same versatile, borderline bright sound signature. Both also exhibit excellent technical performance under 100 USD, but the Simgot EA500 LM has better mids in terms of forwardness and timbre. Its upper frequencies are also more refined and controlled when compared to the KZ ZS12 Pro X.
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Verdict
The KZ ZS12 Pro X, in KZ fashion (where they normally produce IEMs monthly), is their "best" KZ IEM yet, in terms of their handling upper frequencies, and tonal and technical performance balance. However, despite all of the positives or pros that I have observed and written down, we can't and won't deny that they still need to work on several areas in order to be competitive with most IEMs under $100 USD. In my humble opinion, their tonality in this set needs a bit of refinement or something noteworthy, especially on its mids, since this is an IEM that costs under 70 USD, aside from the BA timbre on their sets and included accessories that has been a raised suggestion for a very long time. Overall, the KZ ZS12 Pro is still a decent and technically competent IEM if you are looking for a KZ IEM with excellent technical performance. Great job KZ!
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Pairing recommendations!
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Source: The KZ ZS12 Pro X is easy to drive and does not require high volumes when used with. However, a warm-sounding set like the Simgot DEW4X helps to tone down the IEM’s apparent BA Timbre present in its upper frequencies.
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Eartips: The eartips are more than enough for the most part, but you may still use your preferred eartips. An eartips with a shorter stem might also help and benefit the fit, if you are like me who prefers a snug, wobble-free fit.
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Cable: The cable is basic and gets the job done. You may use your preferred cable.
Thank you for reading!
Non-affiliated link here: https://keephifi.com/products/kz-zs...ort-music-noise-cancelling-headset-new-arrive
40% OFF: https://keephifi.com/discount/zs12prox-b?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fkz-zs12-pro-x-metal-earphones-1dd-5ba-hybrid-hifi-bass-in-ear-monitor-headphones-sport-music-noise-cancelling-headset-new-arrive
