Table of Contents
amazon KZ ZS5 reviews
Design of KZ ZS5
This KZ ZS5 headset uses fixed plastic to reduce the price of the KZ ZS5. Inside, there are 4 drivers to show that KZ focuses more on sound quality than appearance. The design of this KZ ZS5 headset is quite big and beautiful. There are many straight lines to somehow say the sound quality of this headset. The connector ports are copper for better conductivity. However, it is quite weak, users need to remove it to keep the strength of the connector
This KZ ZS5 headset cord is very good, durable and beautiful. Anti-tangle cord for everyday use. Near the connector, there is an attached memory wire to store the memory of the ears, firmly on the ear when used
The jack of the KZ ZS5 headset, engraved on the jack is the KZ logo, is plated with copper to keep the best sound quality from the jack to the ear canal.
Because the housing is quite large, it is not suitable for some users with small ears, the headset comes with 3 pairs of different size tips to create a sense of comfort for the listener.
Evaluation of sound quality of KZ ZS5
The bass range can be considered the most complete for all KZ headphones. With inspiration like KZ ZST and KZ ZS3, this range has quite a lot of volume but not so much as ZS3 and ZST. With an independent dynamic driver to specialize in recreating this range, this sequence is much smoother than the other models. Sub-Bass and mid-bass have the same inspiration as ZS3, but KZ ZS5 headphones are not bassy, not too strong but sub bass deep, making the hums of EDM electronic music will vibrate and Equally accurate, rock and metal versions will feature drum accents and contemporary pop songs with electronic drum beats to make the background sound fun. The bass guitar sounds not too shaky, the quiet and soulful notes of the piano create a highlight with the kick and snare beats of the drums making the music come alive.
1 small dynamic driver and 1 BA driver to specialize in this mid range, bring warm and smooth listening, this range sounds quite hit in the low mid, highlighting the singer’s voice as well as the dominant instrumental background. We listen to this KZ ZS5 headset with the song Chirstmas Song! of BackNumber with a strong and warm voice in the cold winter song of this male singer. At the beginning of the song, the violin of this song pulls warm listening with low and low notes in the hi-mid, then along with the flick of the steel string guitar engraved very sharp with the hi-hat typed. The vocalist of this singer is a bit warm and heavy with this song when listening with KZ ZS5. When the singer tries to sing a little stronger, the vocal will be floating on the background completely, violin and bass guitar at high notes. The vocal quality is quite bright with this KZ ZS5 headset.
The annoying disadvantage here is that the hi-mid range is pretty harsh if you listen to Japanese vocal tracks, Anime and Vocaloid (generally the songs with bright vocal) will surely be shrill and very uncomfortable trying to enjoy the song to the fullest.
With an independent BA driver for this range, the treb array also has a grating due to the amount of volume compared to contemporary users. In return, the overall range of treb range that the KZ ZS5 headphones bring enjoys the ears, the crispy crispness for some people who like to listen to the treb, details and deep background, making the music listeners will be full of energy. Rock or metal versions have a cymbal, hi-hat or ride sound heard clearly, separated from snare and bright, not submerged as most headphones today. The good separation in this range also makes this KZ ZS5 headset have a wide soundstage, making it easy for listeners to know where each instrument is easily with the treb range like this.
While there are many drivers, the KZ ZS5 has a disadvantage that many Hybird ears suffer from being disjointed between rows.
The soundstage of the KZ ZS5 headphones brings a sense of separation to each instrument, thanks to the aforementioned treb range, the soundstage makes a difference compared to the headset of the same segment. Although there is no depth, but the separate treb will create a sense of space and airiness, as if bringing the listener to the music festival, along with the energetic music that the listener is listening, ears Listening to KZ ZS5 will bring people the music full of life and warmth.
Comfort and Fit
Despite its bulky design, the KZ ZS5 manages to offer a decent level of comfort, although the experience may vary depending on ear size and shape. The ZS5’s large housings can be a bit cumbersome for users with smaller ears, and achieving a proper seal might take some effort. However, once you find the right eartips and adjust the fit, the ZS5 can be worn comfortably for extended periods.
The angled nozzles and over-the-ear cable design help to keep the earphones securely in place during use, making them a good option for workouts or commuting. The secure fit also helps to improve isolation, blocking out a significant amount of external noise.
However, it’s worth noting that the KZ ZS5’s design may not be suitable for everyone. Some users may find the earphones too large or uncomfortable for long listening sessions. Additionally, the stock silicone eartips, while serviceable, might not provide the best seal or comfort for every user. Many enthusiasts recommend swapping the stock eartips for third-party foam tips to improve comfort and isolation.
Soundstage and Imaging
One of the most impressive aspects of the KZ ZS5 is its soundstage. For a budget IEM, the ZS5 offers an unexpectedly wide and open soundstage that rivals much more expensive models. The hybrid driver configuration helps to create a sense of depth and separation between instruments, allowing the listener to pick out individual elements in a track with ease.
Imaging is also solid, with instruments and vocals being placed accurately within the soundstage. This makes the ZS5 a good option for genres like orchestral music or live recordings, where a wide soundstage and precise imaging are crucial for an immersive listening experience.
Performance in Different Genres
The KZ ZS5’s V-shaped sound signature makes it well-suited to certain genres, but it may not be the best choice for all types of music.
Electronic, Hip-Hop, and Pop
The ZS5 excels in bass-heavy genres like electronic music, hip-hop, and pop. The powerful bass response adds plenty of energy to these genres, making them sound dynamic and engaging. The treble also helps to bring out the details in high-frequency elements like synthesizers and vocal harmonies.
Rock and Metal
For rock and metal fans, the ZS5 offers a decent experience, although the recessed midrange can sometimes cause guitars and vocals to sound less prominent in the mix. The treble provides plenty of detail for cymbals and high-frequency percussion, but the bass can occasionally overpower the midrange in more complex tracks.
Classical and Acoustic
For classical and acoustic music, the ZS5’s sound signature may not be ideal. The recessed midrange can make acoustic instruments and vocals sound distant, and the bass may feel too prominent for genres that rely on midrange clarity. However, the wide soundstage and detailed treble still provide an enjoyable listening experience for instrumental and orchestral music.
Durability and Longevity
The KZ ZS5’s plastic construction may raise concerns about its durability, but in practice, the earphones are surprisingly robust. The angular design and solid build quality help the ZS5 withstand daily wear and tear, and the detachable cable adds another layer of durability by allowing users to replace the cable if it becomes damaged.
However, the plastic housings may not be as durable as metal or resin alternatives, and the two-pin connector system can wear out over time with repeated cable changes. While the ZS5 is built to last, it’s essential to handle the earphones with care to avoid damage to the connectors or housings.
Overall evaluation of KZ ZS5 headphones
Advantages
+ Sound quality exceeds expectations
+ Fun with bass strings solid
+ Focus treb range sounds very crispy
+ Easy to change the sound by changing the wire
Defect:
+ Mid and treb sometimes harsh with the bass listener
+ Accessories are not much, users have to buy headphones box by themselves
+ Housing is not good
where can you get a KZ ZS5 online
Quad Driver Headphones,ERJIGO KZ ZS5 High Fidelity Extra Bass Earbuds without Mic,with Detachable Cable (Blue): Buy it now
KZ ZS5 Dual Dynamic and Dual Armature 2DD+2BA Hifi In Ear Earphone (Blue with Mic): Buy it now
Conclusion
The KZ ZS5 is a remarkable budget IEM that offers an impressive combination of features, sound quality, and value. Its hybrid driver configuration, wide soundstage, and dynamic V-shaped sound signature make it an exciting choice for listeners who enjoy bass-heavy genres like electronic, pop, and hip-hop. The detachable cable and potential for customization through aftermarket upgrades further enhance its appeal.
While it’s not without its flaws, such as the bulky design, recessed midrange, and occasionally harsh treble, the KZ ZS5 punches well above its weight in terms of performance for the price. For those looking for an affordable entry into the world of high-quality in-ear monitors, the KZ ZS5 is a strong contender that’s hard to beat at its price point.
Whether you’re a casual listener or an aspiring audiophile on a budget, the KZ ZS5 offers a level of performance and versatility that’s hard to match in the sub-$50 range. With its powerful bass, detailed treble, and wide soundstage, it delivers an engaging and enjoyable listening experience across a variety of music genres. For those willing to experiment with upgrades and modifications, the ZS5 can be an even more rewarding investment, providing a customizable and personalized sound experience that rivals much more expensive IEMs.