:
+ Affordable price for its quality
+ Clean and tight bass with good sub-bass extension
+ Neutral and well-balanced mids
+ Crisp and extended treble
+ Spacious soundstage and precise imaging
+ Natural timbre
+ Versatile tuning switches
:
- Harman tuning may feel repetitive for some users
- Not suitable for bassheads
- Treble can become aggressive with switches 3 and 4 on
KZ Castor Silver Harman : This IEM is Mispriced!
Hello friends,
Today, my desk is piled with review tasks from KZ and CCA. A lot of review work. Besides KZ products, I also have the Hidizs MS3, Tanchjim One, and the Tin Hifi C0. In our previous content, we started discussing CCA again after an 8-month hiatus. Now, let’s talk about the KZ.
On my desk right now, I have the KZ Castor, CCA Polaris, KZ EDX Lite, and KZ ZAT. All these products are from PT Jagat Pramudita Aksata (JPA), which manages several online stores like Toko Kere Hore, Hore.ID, and Knowledge Zenith Store Indonesia, the official distributor of KZ in Indonesia. They offer a complete product range with clear warranties and easy claims. For those interested in buying KZ or CCA products, you can check the links in the description. For other brands like Sgor, JCAlly, F.Audio, iBasso, and 7hz, you can visit Toko Kere Hore or Hore.ID.
Today, I will review the KZ Castor Harman, a dual dynamic driver IEM featuring a switch function, which is a fun feature but can be a bit troublesome for reviewers. Let's get started.
**KZ Castor Harman Review**
I won’t be discussing the KZ Castor Black version today since other reviewers have already covered it. I’ll focus on the Harman-tuned silver version.
In Indonesia, the KZ Castor Harman is priced between IDR 175,000 and 199,000, roughly around IDR 200,000. During the initial launch, the promo price was under IDR 150,000. My first reaction upon trying it was, “This IEM is mispriced, Sir,” implying it was too cheap for its quality. Let’s see why.
Specifications:
- Dual Dynamic Driver configuration: 10mm and 8mm
- Frequency range: 20Hz to 40,000Hz
- Impedance: 31-35 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 105dB
- Standard KZ 2-Pin QDC or Type-C connection
- Switch with 4 tunings
Packaging:
The packaging follows KZ’s usual budget style, similar to models like the KZ AS24 or KZ ZAT. It includes:
- 3 KZ Starline silicone eartips
- 1 memory foam tip
- OFC cable in a reddish color
- Tuning switch pin/sim ejector
Build Quality:
The faceplate design is one of KZ’s coolest, resembling a Yin-Yang symbol. The metal faceplate is silver, with a fully resin housing, including the nozzle. The clear resin allows visibility of the internal components, including the two stacked dynamic drivers, the switch module, and the wiring.
- User manual and warranty card
The housing size is moderate, not too small like the Moondrop Chu 2 or too large like the KZ AS24 or ZAT. The nozzle size is standard, not long like the CCA Pianist.
The switch module works oppositely on the right and left sides. The OFC cable is 1.2 meters long with a 2-Pin QDC or Type-C connection, L-shaped 3.5mm gold-plated jack, and a 4-pole design. The right cable includes a microphone.
Sound Quality:
With all switches off, the KZ Castor Harman delivers a tight and punchy midbass that is sufficient but not overwhelming. The sub-bass reaches deep, providing a pleasant rumble that adds depth to the overall sound. The bass presentation is clean and fast, capable of handling complex bass lines and fast double kick drums in metal tracks without sounding muddy. For those who prefer a bit more bass, turning on switch 1 or 2 will add more weight to the low end, but even at its maximum bass setting, it doesn’t reach basshead territory.
The mids on the KZ Castor Harman are neutral and well-balanced, ensuring that vocals and instruments are clear and detailed without being overshadowed by the bass. Both male and female vocals sound natural, with good body and presence. The articulation is precise, avoiding shoutiness and sibilance. When switches 3 or 4 are turned on, the mids become more forward and clearer, but this can introduce a bit of sibilance, especially in tracks that are already prone to it. Despite this, the overall midrange remains pleasant and engaging.
The treble on the KZ Castor Harman is well-extended and crisp, providing plenty of sparkle and air without being harsh. Cymbals and high-frequency details are rendered with good clarity and definition. With switches 3 and 4 off, the treble is smooth and non-fatiguing. Turning these switches on makes the treble more prominent and aggressive, which some might find too intense, but it enhances the overall clarity and detail retrieval for those who prefer a brighter sound signature.
- Timbre: The timbre is natural and lifelike, thanks to the absence of BA drivers, which can sometimes sound artificial.
- Soundstage: The soundstage is spacious, with a good sense of width and depth, creating an immersive listening experience.
- Imaging: Imaging is precise, with clear placement of instruments and vocals, providing a decent sense of 3D space.
- Resolution, Clarity, and Detail: The resolution is impressive for its price, with clear and well-defined notes. The clarity and detail retrieval are enhanced when switches 3 or 4 are on, although the tonal balance might not be to everyone’s taste in this configuration.
- Separation and Positioning: Instrument separation and positioning are solid, benefiting from the dual dynamic driver setup, which helps to maintain a clear and organized soundstage.
Conclusion:
The KZ Castor Harman offers a popular tuning with many competitors. It might feel familiar to those who frequently change IEMs. However, for fans of the Harman tuning seeking a more energetic experience than the KZ D-Fi or better technicalities than the Simgot EW100, the KZ Castor Harman is a worthy choice.
Considering the price, finding faults with the Castor Harman is challenging. Its Harman tuning might be repetitive for some, and bassheads might find the bass lacking. Those sensitive to peaks may have limited tuning options due to the switch effects.
Comparisons:
- KZ D-Fi: Better build quality with a full metal design and a more neutral tuning.
- KZ Krila: For those who dislike BA timbre, the Castor offers a more natural sound with similar technicalities.
- TRN MT1 Max: The Castor wins in technicalities, soundstage, separation, and clarity.
- CCA Polaris: This will be covered in a future review.
