:
- For the nth time, their “best” IEM is under 30 USD yet!
- The usual, “neutral” sound signature (subjective).
- Well-balanced sound quality in terms of technical and tonal performance.
- Well-controlled, smooth bass bass response.
- Open, detailed mids.
- Non-fatiguing yet airy upper frequencies.
- Very good technical performance under 25 USD.
- Versatile, “KZ-signature” tuning switch.
- Very good fit, comfort, and isolation.
- Smooth, sleek “fluid” design! (subjective).
- Easy to drive.
- Relatively cheap!
:
- Due to two existing versions of this IEM, the switch feature is quite pointless or a gimmick (subjective).
- Bass may sound monotonous at times (subjective).
- Sound isn't good when all switches are turned off/ some of the switches are turned off.
- Despite not being sibilant or harsh in any way, people with sensitive ears may prefer the bass version more or look for something else due to its “clean-neutral” sound approach (highly subjective).
- Barebone accessories.
KZ Castor (Harman/Neutral) Review!
Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the KZ Castor (Neutral/Harman Version). KZ’s Gemini!
Disclaimer:
- - I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as how earphones should be used.
- - KZ sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased 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.
- - No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- - Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
- - Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- - Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
- - Fosi Audio DS1.
- - Sony Xperia X Compact
- - Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: stock medium eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, DSP/USB-C plug, 40-60% volume.
(We'll start this review with all of the switches flipped on, as it is the "stock" configuration of the KZ Castor out of the box.)
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Sound signature:
- - The KZ Castor (Neutral) quite resembles the overall sound characteristic that the KZ EDA (Balanced) had, but greatly improved. It is still a “harman” or mild-u-shaped sounding set, but managed to balance both tonality and technicalities for its price greatly, in terms of quality.
Lows:
- - This region isn't the Castor neutral's strong suit because it isn't the most raised or textured in this IEM. It's punchy and somewhat raised, with a fast attack and decay, yet it can get boring on certain tracks. When compared to the EDA Balanced, it is noticeably thicker and has better decay for most genres, including bassy ones. However, the Castor Bass version is the one to choose if you want a bassy sound while still preserving the Castor naming scheme.
Mids:
- - Now we are at the highlight of this IEM, in my humble opinion. Sure, it is slightly more recessed than the other frequencies, as are most u-shaped IEMs, but it is quite open, clear, and detailed for the price. Male vocal fans may find the thickness of the male vocals missing, but it is usually insignificant and has the details when needed. Upper frequencies are slightly raised, clean, airy, and contain a lot of sparkle. This region will sound "peaky" to sensitive hearing on badly recorded or particularly sibilant tracks, but it will never be sibilant or piercing. Overall, I like the mids of the KZ Castor Neutral and probably it’s their best rendition of their signature mids among all of their products I have auditioned.
Highs:
- - This set's treble is nicely extended and somewhat raised. It's neither sibilant or fatiguing at all, while still retaining the necessary presence of this region. Detail retrieval is average, nothing new or something to write home about. It still has most of the details needed for casual music listening sessions.
Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:
- - Just like the EDA Balanced, the Castor Neutral quite has the balance in terms of technical and tonal performance. The soundstage is better on this set in terms of depth and height, layering and separation is also a bit better but nothing too significant and may struggle on very busy tracks compared to their recently released IEMs. Imaging and separation is very good and very good for listening to live performances and fps games.
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Switch configurations in a nutshell!
- Just like the first KZ to do the tunable switch feature, the switches here in the KZ Castor exhibits the “add/subtract” type of mechanism. One switch flip equates to a 1db elevation in the low/high frequencies.
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Other IEM comparisons!
VS CVJ KE-S
- - The KE-S is definitely warmer, smoother, but suffers less treble extension, air, and detail. Technical performance is also better on the Castor Neutral.
VS Tanchjim Zero
- - The Zero is literally dead flat, neutral, and prioritizes the technical performance more than the tonality. The Castor Neutral is a bit behind on the layering, but is on par on all technical aspects when compared. It is also easier to drive when compared.
VS CCA Duo
- - The CCA Duo is a brighter, more peaky IEM. It edges out the Castor Neutral on the detail retrieval and layering, but the rest both IEMs are on par. The Castor Neutral does not suffer in any form of harshness though. It is cheaper as well.
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Pros:
- - For the nth time, their “best” IEM is under 30 USD yet!
- - The usual, “neutral” sound signature (subjective).
- - Well-balanced sound quality in terms of technical and tonal performance.
- - Well-controlled, smooth bass bass response.
- - Open, detailed mids.
- - Non-fatiguing yet airy upper frequencies.
- - Very good technical performance under 25 USD.
- - Versatile, “KZ-signature” tuning switch.
- - Very good fit, comfort, and isolation.
- - Smooth, sleek “fluid” design! (subjective).
- - Easy to drive.
- - Relatively cheap!
Cons:
- - Due to two existing versions of this IEM, the switch feature is quite pointless or a gimmick (subjective).
- - Bass may sound monotonous at times (subjective).
- - Sound isn't good when all switches are turned off/ some of the switches are turned off.
- - Despite not being sibilant or harsh in any way, people with sensitive ears may prefer the bass version more or look for something else due to its “clean-neutral” sound approach (highly subjective).
- - Barebone accessories.
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Verdict
In a very good, positive way, there is nothing significantly new about KZ's current lineup. All of their products are really good, refined, and very capable of sounding great on casual music listening sessions. This KZ Castor Neutral version, in KZ manner, is by far, their best yet and their “for the masses” IEM yet! However, I do find its switch feature rather pointless and definitely a useless gimmick due to the Castor’s dedicated “bass” version. Despite the said gimmick, the KZ Castor is definitely on the top of my budget recommendations if you are looking for a neutral-sounding set, well done!
Pairing recommendation/s:
- - Eartips: The eartips are alright and enough for the most part. You may always use your preferred eartips.
- - Source: This IEM is easy to drive, but benefits well on a Hi-Fi dongle or USB DAC.
- - Cable: is already good as what it is, but you may use what you prefer.
Thank you for reading!
Non-affiliated product link here!: https://keephifi.com/products/kz-castor-hifi-headphones?_pos=1&_sid=1db7c254e&_ss=r
Additional Photos Here:
