top of page
Search
Writer's picturedbstechtalk
Sep 259 min read

KZ ZS12 Pro X (Standard No Switches) & AS10 Pro - Giving KZ Another Chance - Honest Audiophile Impressions

My relationship with KZ has been turbulent. to say the least, I featured many KZ products on the Honest Audiophile channel at first. However, I gradually realized that they did not match up to other products in terms of quality. Moreover, questionable business practices, subpar quality control, and peculiar tuning choices deterred me. It has been quite some time since I last tested a KZ product. Keep Hifi sent me these two products a while ago, prompting me to give them a listen and see if KZ has made any improvements.


I want to thank Keep Hifi for providing the ZS12 Pro X (Standard No Switches) and AS10 Pro for review, much appreciated.


Purchase/More Information:


The KZ ZS12 Pro X Standard addition will set you back $50 from your bank account. KZ provides two versions of the ZS12 Pro X: Standard and Tuning. The Tuning version is distinguished by the presence of 4 tuning switches and costs $62. Since I have not experienced the Tuning version, I cannot comment on how the tuning switches impact the sound. It's important to mention that my review pertains to the Standard (No Switches) version.

ZS12 Pro X (Standard No Switches):


AS10 Pro:

The KZ AS10 Pro will set you back $50 from your bank account.



Specifications:


ZS12 Pro X (Standard No Switches):  


Impedance: 25Ω

Sensitivity: 106dB

Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-40000Hz


AS10 Pro:


Impedance: 26Ω

Sensitivity: 109dB

Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-40000Hz


Driver Configurations:


The driver configurations are different and need to be notated.


ZS12 Pro X:


The ZS12 Pro X is a hybrid model featuring a 10mm dynamic driver, 2 sets of 31736 dual array balanced armatures, and a 30019 balanced armature.


AS10 Pro:


The AS10 Pro features a 5 balanced armature setup consisting of a 22955 Low-frequency BA, a 29689 Mid-frequency BA, a 30019 High-frequency BA, and a 31736 High frequency / Ultra high-frequency dual array BA.


Box/Contents:


ZS12 Pro X:

A standard KZ white box features a picture and branding on the front of the outer sleeve, while the back displays specifications and contact information.

Upon removing the sleeve, you will uncover a clear plastic sheet safeguarding the ZS12 Pro X. Beneath the cardboard branding, you will discover a bag containing small, medium, and large Starline tips, a pair of foam tips, and a cable.


AS10 Pro:


A standard KZ black box features a picture and branding on the front of the outer sleeve. On the back, you can find specifications and contact information.

Upon removing the sleeve, you will uncover a clear plastic sheet shielding the As10 Pro. Beneath the cardboard branding, you will discover a bag containing small, medium, and large Starline tips, a pair of foam tips, and a cable.

Build/Design:


ZS12 Pro X:

The black metal shells are sturdy and aesthetically pleasing, featuring a grated face plate, but they are quite heavy. The back is sleek, with a lengthy nozzle.


AS10 Pro:

Features a metal and resin casing, a glossy metal faceplate is a fingerprint magnet , a sleek semi-transparent resin back with a sloped design, and a medium-length nozzle. It is notable for its substantial size and weight.



Tips:


I now understand why KZ chose to preinstall foam tips on both the ZS12 Pro X and AS10 Pro. I advise against using silicone tips with either of these models.


ZS12 Pro X:

KZ provides small, medium, and large silicone Starline tips along with a universal size foam tip. While the Starline tips are comfortable, they did not effectively keep the ZS12 Pro X secure in my ears. Conversely, the foam tips provided comfort, slightly enhanced warmth, and subdued the harshness of the sound compared to the silicone tips, while also keeping the ZS12 Pro X securely in place.


AS10 Pro:

KZ provides small, medium, and large silicone Starline tips, as well as a universal size foam tip. While the Starline tips are comfortable, they did not help keep the AS10 Pro securely in my ears. Conversely, the foam tips offered comfort, increased warmth slightly, reduced the sharpness of the sound in comparison to the silicone tips, and enhanced the fit of the AS10 Pro in my ears.


Cable:


ZS12 Pro X:

KZ includes the same cable that comes with every KZ product and it is adequate for the price, nothing special. The ZS12 Pro X I received was shipped with an inline mic.


AS10 Pro:

KZ includes the same cable that comes with every KZ product and it is adequate for the price, nothing special. The AS10 PRo I received was shipped without an inline mic.


Fit/Comfort/Isolation:


ZS12 Pro X:


The ZS12 Pro X is not the most comfortable, but also not the most uncomfortable. The weight is a significant issue for me. Luckily, they are small with a relatively long nozzle. The stock silicone tips were uncomfortable and couldn't keep the ZS10 Pro X securely in my ears. Switching to foam tips improved the fit and provided a better seal. They offer decent noise isolation, estimated at around 55%; it's challenging to hold a conversation, but louder sounds like coffee grinders, vacuums, and vehicles are somewhat muted. I can wear them for about 45 minutes before needing a short break.


AS10 Pro:


Once again, the earphones are not the most comfortable, but they are bearable. The weight is a major issue, especially the considerable weight. They are not so large that they cannot fit in my ears, but they are very close to that limit. The thickness of the shells is also significant. Wearing the AS10 Pro for an extended period is uncomfortable for me. I discovered that using stock foam tips provides a better fit compared to silicone tips. I can keep them in my ears for approximately 30 minutes before needing a lengthy break. They do a decent job of blocking out external noises, probably around 55%. Engaging in a conversation becomes challenging, but louder sounds like coffee grinders, vacuums, and vehicles are somewhat muffled.


Source Pairings:


ZS12 Pro X:


The KZ ZS12 Pro X is easy to power with an impedance of 25Ω and sensitivity of 106dB. I discovered that the KZ ZS12 Pro X performed well with various source gear, dongles, DAPs, and desktop setups. Cleaner bass sources were preferred over thicker, more powerful ones, as the latter made the ZS12 Pro X sound bloated and muddy. Additionally, source gear with pronounced high frequencies tended to emphasize harshness and reveal sibilance, brightness, and hotness.



AS10 Pro:


The KZ AS10 Pro is not difficult to drive with impedance of 26Ω and sensitivity of 109dB. I found that the KZ AS10 Pro X was rarely content no matter what source gear, dongles, DAP and desktop, was used. Sources with a little more warmth and less expressive uppers was preferred. Sources that have elevated mids and treble bring out brightness, hotness and lots of sibilance and harshness. Neutral, analytically oriented sources used with the AS10 Pro did not sound pleasing to the ears, frequently causing significant fatigue.


Some of the Gear Used to Test for Review:


Mytek Liberty DAC ii

Mytek Liberty THX AAA HPA

Fiio K11

Fiio K11 R2R

Fiio K9 AKM

Fiio K18

iFi Audio Zen DAC 3

Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini

AFUL Snowy Night

NextDrive Spectra X

Hiby FC3Hidizs XO

Periodic Audio Rhodium

Fosi Audio DS2

Hidizs S8 Pro

Fiio KA17

Aune Yuki


How do these two KZ products sound?


My Review Process:


My Terms & Definitions:


Bass:


ZS12 Pro X:


The KZ ZS12 Pro X offers enjoyable and engaging bass. While it may not deliver a powerful, intense impact, it still maintains enough force to keep the music engaging. The sub-bass provides a satisfactory rumble when needed, and the mid-bass is noticeable more impactful, with the upper bass also contributing effectively, although it can encroach on the lower mid-range. The bass exhibits decent tone and timbre, resulting in authentic-sounding instruments. Detail retrieval is sufficient to deliver expected results, although not exceeding expectations. However, the resolution is average, lending to occasional muddy, bloated, and sluggish bass performance. The overall lack of refinement and focus becomes more apparent, especially when handling complex and bass-heavy tracks.


AS10 Pro:


The KZ AS10 Pro bass performance is below average. The sub-bass delivers satisfying rumble and grumble. While the mid-bass provides decent impact, it comes across as a dull and boring. The upper-bass is tucked and fails to create a noticeable effect. The bass of the AS10 Pro lacks naturalness in tone and timbre, instead having a metallic and tinny quality that sounds dull, with a light note weight. Despite this, details are easily discernible, and the resolution is commendable for its price point. The AS10 Pro aims to prioritize quality over quantity but falls short due to inadequate note weight, tone, and timbre.


Mids:


ZS12 Pro X:


The midrange of the ZS12 Pro X is enjoyable, a characteristic I rarely associate with KZ products. While the upper mids are a bit emphasized, they do not overpower the lower mids or cause fatigue with moderate volume levels. A subtle warmth is present due to the upper bass bleeding into the lower mids. The weight of the notes is satisfactory, but a slight metallic timbre affects the tone, making it sound somewhat unnatural.


AS10 Pro:


The KZ AS10 Pro midrange exhibits a classic v-shaped sound profile. The lower mids are recessed while the upper mids are boosted, causing instruments and vocals to be overpowered by the upper mids and somewhat obscured in the lower mids. This can create a hollow sound in the midrange, with a lack of clarity in the lower mids. The heightened upper mids sound harsh and strident, giving off a shouty and honky impression. The overall tone and timbre lack naturalness and instead carry a consistent metallic edge.


Treble:


ZS12 Pro X:


The treble of the ZS12 Pro X is pleasurable as well. It offers good extension with a good sense of air and spaciousness. However, the lower treble can feel sharp and tiring at higher volume levels. Sadly, the treble tends to emphasize a metallic timbre, resulting in instruments sounding somewhat unnatural.


AS10 Pro:


The treble of the AS10 Pro is almost unbearable to me. It is sharp and excessively accentuated. The AS10 Pro has a fiery and intense sound. It offers good extension with a sense of airiness and spaciousness. The treble sounds artificial with a prominent metallic timbre, and the note weight is very thin.


Technical Abilities:


ZS12 Pro X:


The technical capabilities of the ZS12 Pro X are impressive considering its price. While the stage width tends to be on the smaller side, it doesn't feel cramped or overcrowded. The depth is also somewhat limited, but it doesn't feel cramped either. There is sufficient air and space, although the stage is slightly smaller. The imaging is good, not extremely precise, but it adequately tracks and positions sound from side to side. Detail retrieval is good for the price, with no major complaints. The resolution of details is also good for the price, although it can be a bit harsh, splashy in the mids and treble frequencies and lacks refinement in the bass. The tone and timbre have a metallic overtone, which is a little offensive and prevents the ZS12 Pro X from sounding natural.


AS10 Pro:


I found two aspects of the AS10 Pro particularly enjoyable: the sound stage width and detail retrieval. The stage width effectively portrays various venue sizes, while the depth provides a good perspective of the stage. The imaging is satisfactory, allowing for tracking from side to side with minimal gaps, although not the most precise. The detail retrieval is impressive for its price, ensuring that nothing is missed. However, the resolution of details in the mids and treble is a big concern, as they come across as harsh, glassy, and smeared. Additionally, the tone and timbre are subpar, sounding very metallic and unnatural.


Conclusion:


The KZ ZS12 Pro X outperforms the AS10 Pro, which appears to be holding itself back. While the AS10 Pro has some advantages, the drawbacks outweigh them. On the contrary, the ZS12 Pro X stands out as the best-sounding KZ model I can recall or choose to recall. Having said that, the KZ ZS12 Pro X is unlikely to outperform most devices in its price range. However, if you truly desire it, there are worse options available, but also definitely better ones.


I am Dave the Honest Audiophile. Thanks for reading, and I will catch you in the next one. Don't forget to enjoy the music and that honesty is the BEST policy!


I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research.  I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear.  I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.


Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.


Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkDbs @TalkDbs


Recommended Gear:

Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: http://www.rossonaudiodesign.com/

Audeze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)

Massdrop THX AAA 789: 


If you like the content of this channel and want to see more like this in the future, please consider donating. All funds donated to the channel will be used to purchase headphones and audio gear for  the channel.

Venmo: @David-Sylvia-6 

If you would like to contact the channel please send an email to: dbstechtalk@gmail.com


Affiliate links:

ADV-Sound: https://adv-sound.com/?mct=8ENJK5lB promo code: DavidS10



112 views0 comments

Comentários

Post: Blog2_Post
bottom of page