KZ ZSA – Review

KZ ZSA

 KZ ZSA

| Balanced Armature | Dynamic Driver |




 


? KZ ZSA, the latest budget release from KZ with a design and performance that exceeds a “budget model” label.

The KZ ZSA is one of the latest hybrid earphones launched by KZ this year. Differently to the KZ ZS10 and KZ ZS6, the KZ ZSA is born as a much more budget-friendly model, costing way less than the other 2 models.

The KZ ZSA features a dual driver setup with 1 balanced armature + 1 dynamic driver, this is the same type of driver’s configuration of the KZ ZST, KZ ES4, KZ ES3, KZ ED15 but KZ is stating that the KZ ZSA has a a new capacitive frequency division technology that smooths-out the interaction between the DD and the BA and makes use of a newly developed balanced armature – the dynamic driver of the KZ ZSA has a diameter of 8 mm.

The housings are built in metal with the same quality of the KZ ZS6. In fact, the general aesthetics have a strong legacy from the superb KZ ZS6 – they look somewhat like a “Mini Me” version of the KZ ZS6 but with curvier and smoother forms. The back plate of the housings have 3 vents and 3 screws.

The size and general footprint of the KZ ZSA have been dwarfed, in comparison to precedent models, even the angled cable connection has almost the same length of the earpieces; making the KZ ZSA the smallest hybrid earphone from the brand. As a reference we measured the KZ ZSA, KZ ZS6 and KZ ZS10 to give our readers a quick idea of the reduced dimensions of the KZ ZSA:

The KZ ZSA durability feels outstanding with their aluminum alloy housings and detachable cables. The cables of the KZ ZSA are detachable and use the same bi-pin 0.75mm connector of all KZ earphones with detachable cables.

Some great news for owners of the KZ Bluetooth cable, KZ Silver-plated and KZ gold-plated cables is that they are all compatible with the KZ ZSA, so you can turn the KZ ZSA into a multi-driver wireless earphone by just purchasing the super affordable KZ Bluetooth cables.

KZ offers 2-types of cables connectors, a straight one (connector used in the KZ ZS6, KZ ZS5, KZ ZS3) and an angled one (seen in the KZ ZS10, KZ ES4, KZ ZSR, KZ ZST), the KZ ZSA uses the angled cable model. The cables provided are the same as every one included with all the 2018 latest generation of KZ earphones, with their dual double helix design, very rubberized coating and excellent anti-tangling capabilities. This cable is the exact same as the one of the KZ ZS10, KZ ES4, KZ ED15.

The KZ ZSA price will be lower for the mic-less version, but the price difference is minimal.

You can buy the KZ ZSA in:





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KZ ZSA Review

Tests & Scores


W

Weight

KZ ZSA weight in Ounces and KZ ZSA weight in grams.

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A

Accessories & Packaging

The KZ ZSA unboxing results in 3 pair of eartips and the latest generation of KZ detachable cable. Everything comes inside the exact same packaging size and design of the KZ ES4, KZ ED15, KZ ZS10, KZ ZS6.

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B

Bass & Sub Bass

If you own KZ earphones you might know that most of their models offer rich, punchy and energetic bass. The KZ ZSA are inline with the bass tuning of most KZ 2016/2017 models, their fun style with mid-bass and very deep sub-bass is able to cover absolutely every music genre with no “bass-shortage”.

Applying an EQ there is an insane amount of depth added to their sub-bass and a strong boost of mid-bass punch – all resulting in a bass response that can even reach a very mild rumble and impact.

During our extreme bass tests the KZ ZSA were able to handle 40% of the maximum power of a Fiio E12 amplifier while being set to high gain and with bass boost turned on; a custom basshead EQ was used. This extreme amplification and equalization made the KZ ZSA achieve a massive increment of mid-bass punch and sub-bass depth able to provide worthy basshead level impact and rumble way above the KZ ATE, Xiaomi Mi Pro HD but below the Elecom EHP-CA3580, Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro or the KZ ZSR, Sony MDR-EX650, Senfer 4in1, Pioneer SE-CX8.

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KZ ZSA
KZ ZSA
KZ ZSA
KZ ZSA

M

Mids & Vocals

The KZ ZSA mids have crisp and clear higher mids, male vocals that do not sound distant nor congested and a general warm and inviting sound. Higher mids can reach some harshy peaks depending on each song, but are not extremely pronounced. Overall their mids are warm but not muddy and clear but not forward.

If eq’ed correctly, the KZ ZSA can respond with an important clearing up of lower mids and lower vocals. If overdone, some boxy sounding mids could be introduced. Be aware, that higher mids are already very crisp, therefore it is not advised to apply an EQ to boost them or they will easily get harsh.

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H

Highs & Treble

The KZ ZSA highs are very bright and substantially detailed but not usually piercing. Some sibilance is present depending on the “S”, “Sh”, “T” frequency and strength of each singer/track.

An EQ adds a huge increment of brightness and monumental addition of detail to their highs. Obviously, expect stronger and more frequent sibilance.

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KZ ZSA
KZ ZSA
KZ ZSA
KZ ZSA

SL

Sound Leak

Their rear grills of the KZ ZSA are not only an aesthetic detail, they are also part of their semi-open back design system. As expected from open back headphones, their sound leaking levels are not the lowest that you can get but the KZ ZSA is still able to provide leaking levels lower than most average earphones.

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SI

Sound Isolation

Noise isolation of the KZ ZSA is strong, offering a better performance than most average earphones and easily reaching a nearly absolute isolation without having to crank up the volume too much.

gramophone-256608.5/10

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KZ ZSA
KZ ZSA
KZ ZSA
KZ ZSA

 

KZ ZSA
KZ ZSA

C

Comfort

The KZ ZSA are the smallest hybrid earphone from KZ released so far and adding the fact that they have inherited the same metal construction of the KZ ZS6 and a miniaturized form factor them (but with smoother and less pointy edges), the KZ ZSA are able to provide an impressive level of comfort and superb fit that can be used in all types and sizes of ears without a single issue.

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EQ

Response to Equalization

The response to EQ of the KZ ZSA was almost impeccable, with extreme increment of sub-bass depth and mid-bass punch, pronounced clearing up of lower vocals and mids and radical added brightness and detail of their highs.

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Scores Scores

KZ ZSA Scores

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Frequency Response (raw)

KZ ZSA Frequency Response Curve

KZ ZSA Frequency Response Curve
KZ ZSA Frequency Response Curve

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Specifications

KZ ZSA Technical Specifications

TypeDynamic / Hybrid
Driver UnitBA + DD
Sensitivity101dB/mW
Power CapacityN/A
Impedance18 ohms
Frequency Response7-40,000Hz
DiaphragmUnknown
MagnetN/A
CordY-type, round cord
Cord Length1.2m
PlugStereo mini plug
WeightApprox. 19g
Supplied Accessories3x Earphone tips; cable

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FAQ

KZ ZSA FAQ

How many drivers does the KZ ZSA have?

The KZ ZSA is a dual driver headphone. Which means that the KZ ZSA has 2 drivers per side.

What type of headphone is the KZ ZSA?

The KZ ZSA is an in-ear headphone.

Does the KZ ZSA have a microphone?

The KZ ZSA have a microphone and a remote.

Which KZ ZSA colors are available?

The colors available for the KZ ZSA are: Space Gray, Black/Red.

What is the price of the KZ ZSA?

You can check the most up-to-date price of the KZ ZSA by following THIS LINK.

Where can I buy the KZ ZSA?

You can buy the KZ ZSA HERE

How many eartips does the KZ ZSA include?

The KZ ZSA includes 3 pair of eartips.

What cable do the KZ ZSA have?

The KZ ZSA have a detachable, Y-type, rounded cable.

What cable connection does the KZ ZSA have?

The KZ ZSA cable connection has a 0.75mm Bi-Pin interface with a 3.5mm mini stereo plug.

Are there replacement cables for the KZ ZSA ?

The KZ ZSA cables can be replaced with compatible 0.75mm bi-pin replacement cables.

Are there upgrade cables for the KZ ZSA ?

The KZ ZSA uses 0.75mm bi-pin cables which are very popular standard cables. You can buy any cable with a 0.75mm bi-pin connector to upgrade the cable.

Does the KZ ZSA have Bluetooth / The KZ ZSA is a wireless headphone?

The KZ ZSA does not have Bluetooth but you can buy Bluetooth cables to make the KZ ZSA Bluetooth-enabled headphones.

Is the KZ ZSA compatible with Apple devices?

The KZ ZSA is fully compatible with Apple devices.

Is the KZ ZSA compatible with Android devices?

The KZ ZSA is fully compatible with Android devices.

Photos

KZ ZSA Photos

DISCLAIMER
We highly discourage anyone from trying to apply our testings to your own earphones, the risk of damaging or permanently breaking your iems is absolutely probable to happen. With our standardized equalization and amplification tests we push the limits of the earphones to the extreme. If anyway you decide to do so, we cannot be held responsible of the damage done to your equipment. Do it at your own risk.

KZ ZSA

8.9

SCORE

8.9/10