KZ ZS5 is a hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) by two dynamic drivers (2DD) and two balanced armature drivers (2BA) whose pain is to provide a special and unique sound signature. Designed for audio lovers and casual listeners alike, it is meant to be sulking and affordable while boasting high performance from Knowledge Zenith (KZ), a highly reputed yet budget audio equipment manufacturer. It may be budget friendly, but the ZS5 uses advances in technology that were once available in only state-of-the-art models. The review contains the aesthetics of KZ ZS5, from sound quality to build quality, comfort, and overall value of the device, all focusing on its very own 2DD+2BA driver configuration.
1. Design and Build Quality
What you notice first about the KZ ZS5 is that it looks bold and industrial. The earpiece has a strange and almost futuristic angular look with sharp lines and a multi-part shell construction. The shell is from lightweight but durable plastic material, which sought to minimize the weight of the earpieces without compromising its durability. The design of ZS5 is, however, very much like not everyone; it looks bulky and not at all conventional when compared to the rounded ones.
Somewhat bulky as it may seem, the ZS5 also weighs very little, thus making it comfortable, after all, for long listening sessions. The build quality impresses the user for this price. The earpieces feel sturdy, and the detachable cables add to the versatility and durability, allowing a user to replace the cable when it is damaged or upgrade to a better cable for improved performance.
True to KZ’s high-end models, the detachable cable is an added feature in this ZS5 model. The general cable that comes with the ZS5 is quite functional. Conventional has a neat braid to prevent the cable from tangling but the overall feeling is fluorous and the microphonics might vex you at times. For example, many users go for an upgrade to a high-quality feel of the cables and to reduce microphonics.
2. Comfort and Fit
The ZS5’s design is angular and may not sit too comfortably with some users, at least among those with smaller ears. The earpieces are much larger than most traditional IEMs, which means that they are a little harder to fit. However, the ZS5 is provided with various ear tip sizes that are sufficient for most users. Comfort for the ZS5 comes from obtaining deep and secure penetration of the ear tip as it enhances comfort, sound isolation, and bass response.
Most ears that fall within the average-to-larger category could find the ZS5 relatively comfortable once the optimum fit has been successfully acquired. Fatigue from listening for long periods is reduced with the lightweight design. A few users, however, may find that the larger housing protrudes quite a bit from the ear, which may impact comfort particularly for those on the go or engaged in physical activities.
3. Driver Configuration: 2DD + 2BA Setup
The KZ ZS5 sets itself apart with a configuration consisting of two dynamic drivers (2DD) and two balanced armature drivers (2BA) in each earpiece. This configuration is usually found in IEMs that cost a fortune, making the ZS5 the best proposition in value for money for the audiophile on a budget. Now, let’s break down how this hybrid works and subsequently how it affects the overall sound signature.
Dynamic Drivers (2DD)
Dynamic drivers are those which are known for some deep, really punchy bass, as well as a natural, warmer sound. The ZS5 has two dynamic drivers handling low and mid frequencies, delivering a strong bass kick, fullness, and richness of the sound. Together with the full dynamic drivers, users can enjoy feeling that extra sense of power and energy in the music, which makes this type of earphone ideal for electronic music, hip-hop, and rock enthusiasts.
Balanced Armature Drivers (2BA)
Balanced armature drivers are less dynamic than their dynamic counterparts; however, they are more precise and even better at reproducing high frequencies. The two balanced armature drivers in the ZS5 are specifically designed for handling the upper-mid and treble frequencies. As a result, the sound becomes finer and more detailed at the higher end while providing better clarity and separation as compared to IEMs that only use dynamic drivers.
The combined features of 2DD + 2BA drivers set up a V signature sound for ZS5, where the bass and treble are emphasized, and the mids are slightly recessed from the rest. Such tuning generally goes well with modern-day genres of music, thus becoming popular among casual listeners and bassheads with its kind of engaging, energetic sound.
4. Sound Quality
It has a very pronounced V-shaped sound, as if it is made to deliver a very urgent impact through bass and treble, while slightly recessing the mids. Let’s dive deeper into all aspects of sound quality, such as bass, mids, treble, soundstage, and imaging.
Bass
Bass response on the KZ ZS5 carries a punch, perhaps most of it coming from the two dynamic drivers in this unit. The bass is indeed powerful to punchy and goes very low into the sub-bass region with great rumble, which makes it great for enjoying bass-heavy genres such as EDM, hip-hop, and dubstep. The mid-bass is also well-defined, giving drums and bass guitars a solid presence in the mix.
The bass really thumps, but sometimes it hits you too hard, especially in tracks with already highlighted low end frequencies. Bass also bleeds into the lower mids sometimes, which makes the overall presentation muddy, especially during very complex music passages.
For bass lovers, the KZ ZS5’s bass response is definitely a selling point, providing the wow factor with visceral, exciting low-end thumps to pump more energy into the music. For more neutral, balanced bass response, however, audiophiles may find the ZS5’s low end perhaps a bit too much.
Mids
You only get a slightly recessed midrange with the KZ ZS5 earphones, which means that the signature is indeed quite V-shaped. As such, vocals and midrange instruments such as guitars and pretty much pianos can turn out to be somewhat distant, owing to the forward bass and treble. However, the mids cannot be said to remain completely lost in all this; there is definitely some detail and clarity possible to be had here, more so in the upper mids where the crossover connection with balanced armature drivers comes into play.
If anything, male vocals can be a bit distant, as female ones spill from the upper mids. Midrange such as acoustic guitars and pianos are quite detailed but not very forward and rich as they may seem to be found in more mid-centric IEMs.
Vocal and midrange detail addicts will find underwhelming midrange from the KZ ZS5 as compared to IEMs that offer a more balanced or neutral tuning. The recessed mids, however, can create a more spaced-out, airy presentation for those who eat up an energetic bass-and-treble-fueled sound.
Treble
This IEM’s treble is provided by the balanced armature drivers, and it is, arguably, the best feature of the KZ ZS5. Treble: crisp, detailed, energetic is just enough sparkle and airiness to the sound as it translates to high-frequency details like cymbals, hi-hats, and string instruments, which would sound very fine with clarity and precision.
But a little bright at times and gets to feel that way at higher volumes. Long listening periods can make most listeners feel it is fatiguing, especially in heavily treble-oriented tracks. Even some recordings can exhibit sibilance; that is, while “s” and “t” sounds become harsh or piercing at times.
But for all these potential downfalls, the airiness created by the ZS5 treble brings an excitement and energy feel to the overall sound signature-likely to please listeners who enjoy bright, detailed treble-while audiophiles who are sensitive to treble or like it a bit smoother and laid-back may prefer another IEM with more relaxed highs.
Soundstage and Imaging
One of the aspects which astonish about the KZ ZS5 is its soundstage, which is typically far broader and expansive than could be imagined from such an IEM in this price range. The hybrid driver system and the big housing of the ZS5 create an open-air, airy soundstage, adding space to the music itself. Instruments and vocals have been well-separated, while the ZS5 provides decent depth with which you can pinpoint the position of each one within the mix.
While the soundstage can never be as wide as that of a full-sized over-ear headphone or even as high as an IEM, it still impresses for a budget model and adds a bit more to how the entire soundstage feels around you. Imaging is also accurate spatially to understand the direction of other sound elements, a boon for especially orchestral music to live recordings through gaming.
5. Compatibility by Genre
The KZ ZS5’s V-shaped tonal signature is suited for a few music genres whereby the bass output and treble effect become important. This is how the ZS5 performs across genres:
Electronic Music: ZS5 is meant for electronic genres like EDM, dubstep, and house where the bass really roars and treble angles deliver engorgement to whatever impact it has. The deepest sub-bass and heavy punch from mid-bass combine to create a wild feeling in the excitement of deep bass. Treble shines like a sparkle for all high-frequency synths and effects.
Hip-Hop: Hip-hops certainly get pumped up by bass-heavy sound of ZS5’s tuning, and for this reason it becomes most famous among bass heads who like deep impactful bass, which has been ideated through the dynamic drivers of the ZS5 that drive the most recent hip-hop beats. Such response of bass packs depth into such rhythm as well as enhances even the basslines and kick drums. The voice doesn’t stand out significantly in the mids, but what ZS5 does give might be energy and excitement when hearing hip-hop tracks.
Rock/Metal: Rock and metal become dedicated themes capturing the impressiveness of their own engagement at the speed of KZ ZS5’s punchy bass and bright treble giving way to those aggressive guitar riffs and cymbals climbing upwards within the listening experience. This can leave some listeners feeling that there is somewhat of a recessed midrange and perhaps the vocal and guitar are not as prominent next to that which is bass and treble, although separating the instruments through wide soundstage and excellent imaging would make it rather easier for following along more complex arrangements when playing fast-paced rock and heavy metal songs.
Pop: The ZS5 is also great for the signature of modern pop sounds. With boisterous basses, pop tracks tend to be all the more entertaining and energetic, whereas treble sharpens high-pitch vocals and electronic elements. Some tracks fall under the category of slightly recessed mids, leading them to sound a bit distantly vocal-wise, but generally, ZS5 doesn’t struggle with typical mainstream pop tracks.
Classical/Jazz: The kind of performance and output rendered by the KZ ZS5 bright treble and excellent soundstage would be very good for any acoustic or instrumental genre like classical or jazz. It could enjoy such impression while listening to orchestral or live performances though very catchy with bass and recessed mids when used on these musical types as that featured above might hamper Natural Tonality, which is why most audiophiles requiring more neutrality, mid-centred sound would perhaps look elsewhere for IEMs for them.
Sometimes, sound-bass would numb better than that magic presence which purely defines acoustic or folk music. It needs absolute clarity, natural midrange reproduction-the kind this headset does not have. It has messy trebles; it tends to drown out some of the recessed mids; hence, I suspect that its acoustic guitars and vocals will sound uneasily from the entire IEM bunch, more predicated on other mids-forward or well-assigned tunings.
6. Comparison with Other Competitors
The KZ ZS5 competes with many competitors in the budget IEM segment, among which it has a tough time combating with other affordable models that have a whole variety of different driver configurations and offer a huge variety of sound-voices. Here’s how it fares against a few of those leading competitors:
KZ ZS6: ZS5 is equipped with the similar 2DD+2BA driver combinations along with tunings made much better as compared to it. However, the ZS6 features even more bass and brighter trebles to create a more extreme V-shape signature. Some listeners may be catching it on the strength of being able to find clarity beyond that brightened ear, but its sharper peaks may be too much harshness/strain for long periods of listening. Metal shell also constructs the ZS6, making it more durable but possibly adding weight and discomfort compared with the ZS5. TRN V80: And this one’s got another 2DD+2BA setup and has indeed been competing with the ZS5. The V80 shows a slightly more balanced sound signature, and so is another hybrid IEM against the ZS5. It brings a less intensive bass punch and more on an even smoother treble. Well, for people who appreciate nice smooth and mellow sounds, then the V80 indeed is a good option. On the flip side, bass sludge just might prefer this ZS5-driven more enthusiastic sound.
Tennmak Pro: The Tennmak Pro is a single dynamic driver IEM with a rather neutral sound signature as against ZS5. It suffices a very balanced natural presentation while centering on midrange details and smooth treble. The Tennmak Pro has no bass impact and lacks treble energy as ZS5 but is a brilliant choice for mid-centric listeners who are keen on vocals and instruments rather than the bass-heavy sound. CCA C10: The CCA C10, from a sister brand of KZ, works on a 1DD+4BA configuration to yield a more balanced sound signature in retrieval of details through the mids and treble. The CCA C10 has a resolution that’s smoother and more refined, making it apt for those who prefer a hybrid IEM with less bass emphasis and more concerned midrange clarity and detail on treble.
One of the most appealing aspects of the KZ ZS5 is that it lends itself easily to modification and customization. Many users from the audio community like to play around with everything from changing cables and ear tips to actually doing internal mods to make the ZS5 sound like they want.
Cable Upgrades: The ZS5 model comes with interchangeable cables, so users can easily replace the stock cable with aftermarket ones. Usually, upgrading to a better quality stock actually feels better, reduces microphonics, and sometimes even enhances sound quality more differential because of conductivity. For better treble clarity, silver plated copper cables are the most sought after, while pure copper cables are the ones recommended for better bass response.
Changing seize ear tips can gain significant effects to the sound and comfort of ZS5 products. Go for foam tips, like comply tips or similar memory foam tips, which definitely improve isolation while tightly enhancing bass response. On the contrary, silicone tips normally give a more balanced sound and do well last long for a person’s daily use.
Filters and Dampening Mods: Some users go a step further by modding the internals of the ZS5, such as adding acoustic dampening material to reduce harsh treble or tuning the vents to adjust the bass response. These configurations often require a bit of technical expertise, but for DIY enthusiasts, the ZS5 offers a lot of potential for experimentation.
7. Longevity and Durability.
Refuses entry based on his budget. It is a reasonably tough construction for an all-budget IEM. The plastic casing is light but tough enough to bear daily bashing. The detachable cord design tops the durability graph since when the wire breaks or gets damaged, with such a design one can replace it alone without having to change the entire IEM.
But some users also reported build quality issues after some time such as having unfastened connectors or minor external wear and tear on the body itself. The ZS5 can perhaps not be as rugged as some of the more expensive ones that come with metal housings but it sure is protected for quite a long stretch of time with the right care and maintenance.
9. Worth it
Indeed, one of the customers’ most purchasing justifications of the KZ ZS5 is money value. The price-performance level that ZS5 provides for this price tag was previously reserved for only the most expensive IEMs. Full hybrid 2DD + 2BA configuration; wide soundstage and V-shaped sound signature that makes it all the more exciting: it certainly sounds interesting enough about budget audiophiles or casual users to raise the bar with respect to portable listening without blowing up the budget.
Certainly, there is much one can nitpick against the ZS5: recessed mids, et al. There is still no denying how value-for-money the overall performance is for what it costs. The ZS5 is simply amazing for those listeners who are into bass-heavy, energetic sounds. In addition, there is still the possibility for “personalization” or modding options to make things even better as users can spend time tweaking for their sound and comfort.
10. Conclusion
What an outstanding budget IEM! The KZ ZS5 features both powerful bass and sparkling treble on a wide soundstage, due to its dual-driver configuration and 2BA. A compliment to the eye, a treatment for the budget, and a cord to hang on which users can custom-make their profiles hence very appealing to an audio-geek. The ZS5 excellently fits music branches such as electronic, hip-hop, and rock where there is a lot of bass and treble, and could hold the V-shaped signature off-putting to some, especially to those fond of forward mids or a more neutral sound.
For what it costs, the KZ ZS5 is tremendous value. It gives you a taste of the high-end hybrid IEM technology without even coming close to the high-end price tag. Not that it doesn’t have its flaws but for those amateurs seeking a fun, engaging sound without breaking the bank, the KZ ZS5 is as good as one gets.