KZ ZSR

| 2 Balanced Armatures | 10 mm Driver |

? The KZ ZSR Review is up! We have just finished reviewing the KZ ZSR, the first triple driver hybrid earphone from KZ (Knowledge Zenith) and the first KZ model of 2018.

The KZ ZSR might had been the most teased model from KZ ever since, the model’s rumors had been around since early 2017 with little to no official information and all sort of rumors about the KZ ZSR technical specifications.

Almost 2 months before any public appearance and purchase availability of the KZ ZSR, ThePhonograph.net was the first website to share with it’s readers the news about the official announcement of the KZ ZSR triple driver model with original images from the brand, technical specs and estimated selling price.

Now, we are the very first to offer a full in-depth review of the KZ ZSR for our daily readers.

The KZ ZSR are part of the latest generation of KZ earphones which include the:

KZ ZS6 – the latest hybrid quad driver model
KZ ES3 – the latest hybrid (1 BA + 1 DD) model
KZ ZS5 – the first hybrid quad driver model from KZ
KZ ZSE – the latest double dynamic driver
KZ ED12 – the latest model from the ED line
KZ ZS3 – the latest single dynamic driver model
KZ ZST Pro/Colorful – the first hybrid (1 BA + 1 DD) model
KZ ZST (carbon) – the first hybrid (1 BA + 1 DD) model

The main difference of the KZ ZSR with all the other models from the brand, is that the KZ ZSR features the very first triple configuration with 2 balanced armatures and 1 dynamic driver on any Knowledge Zenith earphone. This type of hybrid configuration is something that usually belongs to premium in-ear monitors that cost a lot of money but KZ was able to offer it at groundbreaking budget price even making the 1MORE Triple Driver seem expensive in comparison (the ultra famous budget-friendly in-ear headphone with a triple hybrid driver configuration).

The housings of the KZ ZSR have a curvy shape that is in-between the KZ ES3, KZ ZST and KZ ZS3 but with a design mostly inherited from the KZ ZS3. The housings, essentially, have the outer section somewhat similar to the KZ ZST and the rest seem like a less curve-full KZ ZS3 with noticeably longer and wider nozzles. The KZ ZSR durability feels solid and by having housings with the same plastics quality of the KZ ZST and KZ ES3, they are robustly constructed.

Four colors are available for the KZ ZSR but the green one is the only one that is translucent (very), you will see all the inner components easily, for example the dynamic driver is obviously recognizable at first sight and if you remove the eartips you will perfectly see the 2 balanced armatures placed inside the nozzles, near the very end.

The KZ ZSR, much like every other latest model from KZ (except the KZ ZSE), have a detachable bi-pin cable and a custom IEM wearing style. Something highly useful of KZ earphones with repleacable cables is that they can be easily transformed into a wireless Bluetooth earphone by simply buying the KZ Bluetooth cable that costs less than a breakfast and can be used on any KZ ZST, KZ ZS6, KZ ZS5, KZ ES3, KZ ZST Colorful, KZ ZS3, KZ ED12 and KZ ZSR (just be aware that you need to buy the corresponding angled or straight connector version according to the KZ model)

The cable of the KZ ZSR is rounded, very rubberized and has a memory cable section near the bi-pin connector that can be custom-shaped to fit your ears perfectly. KZ has used a very copper-colored cable on most of their earphones, this time they opted for a cleaner, more polished looking alternated copper and silverish-white coloring. The cable bifurcation and the 3.5mm plug section are made of plastic with a rubberized texture as on many other KZ earphones and the mini stereo plug has a 90 degree angle, that many users greatly appreciate. The KZ ZSR uses the same angled bi-pin cable connector type as the KZ ES3, KZ ZST Pro/Colorful, KZ ZST and KZ ED12 and not the straight one that comes with the KZ ZS6, KZ ZS5 and KZ ZS3.

The detachable cable holds an inline microphone and 1-button remote control that enables the possibility to play/pause music, skip tracks and answer/reject calls.

Our KZ ZSR soundtests will show if the first hybrid triple driver from KZ is a capable earphone.

The KZ ZSR is fully compatible with any Android and Apple devices (having a 3.5mm headphone jack).

Much like what was seen with the release of the KZ ES3 (the latest hybrid model with 1 balanced armature and 1 dynamic driver), the KZ ZSR, initially, can only be purchased from . UPDATE: The KZ ZSR can now be bought on Aliexpress too on these 2 links: KZ ZSR (link 1), KZ ZSR (link 2)

You can buy the KZ ZSR microphone-included version or mic-less version in:

KZ ZSR black
KZ ZSR translucent green
KZ ZSR red (to this date, not in stock)
KZ ZSR white (to this date, not in stock)

Discount available for the KZ ZSR valid for a very limited time, get the deal by clicking the green button below

[coupon title=”KZ ZSR Flash Deal” description=”Limited time offer” url=”https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dV5SIqt”earbud-headphones/pp_1512920.html?wid=21&lkid=12477054″ button=”Get Deal” image=”” theme=”base green”]

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KZ ZSR - Review

Tests & Scores

Weight

KZ ZSR weight in Ounces and KZ ZSR weight in grams. The KZ ZSR have been weighted with and without their cables.

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Accessories & Packaging

The KZ ZSR unboxing results in 3 pair of eartips, the detachable bi-pin cable. The packaging of the KZ ZSR is the same as the one found with the KZ ZS6, KZ ES3, etc, which is a white small sliding box with a clean and minimalist style that resembles a lot to the packaging of some Xiaomi earphones that we have reviewed such as the Xiaomi Mi Hybrid Pro HD and the Xiaomi Mi Active Noise Cancelling In-Ear Headphones.

^7.5_/10

KZ ZSR - Accessories — KZ ZSR – Accessories

Bass & Sub Bass

The KZ ZSR bass is highly energetic and fun. Mid-bass has a very strong punch able to make happy any listener that enjoys lively and powerful bass and their lower bass frequencies can reach any required depth on-demand. The bass coming from this triple driver earphone is fantastically fun and is able to remain under a fair amount of control without making the whole sound signature muffled or sounding boomy but at the same time will keep up with any bass-intensive track or genre without breaking a sweat.

Applying an EQ, their mid-bass and sub-bass gets an immense increase of their punch and depth capabilities.

During our extreme bass tests the KZ ZSR handled 49% of the maximum power of a Fiio E12 Mont Blanc (custom basshead EQ, bass boost, high gain). These high-stress tests made the KZ ZSR gain an insane amount of mid-bass punch and adding a crazy depth to their sub-bass, reaching basshead-worthy rumble and impact way above the KZ ATE and Xiaomi Mi Hybrid Pro HD, still above the KZ ZST Colorful, Xiaomi Mi Quantie Pro Hybrid, BlitzWolf BW-ES1, AUKEY EP-C3 and below the Senfer 4in1, Sony MDR-EX650AP, Pioneer SE-CX8 and Sony MDR-EX800st.

^_8.75_/10

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Mids & Vocals

The KZ ZSR mids are clearly warm and have sufficiently clear/alive sounding lower vocals but, still, lower mids exhibit the presence of some mid-bass bleeding into them. Higher mids are crisp, yet not overdone by keeping their higher peaks free of any harshness and at the same time not sounding rolled-off. Their degree of mid-bass bleed will make lower vocals somewhat congested at specific occasions (depending on each user’s level of critical listening demand).

Normal listeners will welcome their warm, cozy sounding and full-bodied mids as well as the non-fatiguing higher mids style.

With an EQ, mids benefit from a great improvement of their lower mids by removing almost every trace of mid-bass bleed, highly clearing up lower vocals and lower mids and remaining free of boxy, thin and tinny sounding mids. Higher mids remain under control with the same harshness-free sound as before.

^_8.25_/10

Highs & Treble

The KZ ZSR highs are bright enough and are able to resolve a good amount of detail. Piercing highs are usually not present unless a very extreme high note shows up, sibilance will show up depending on the track being listened to.

Using an EQ, highs gain a lot of brightness and a very noticeable amount of extra detail is resolved. Piercing highs do not get empowered but sibilance will get stronger.

Our unit had an odd decrease in response from 3900 Hz to 4500 Hz with it’s trough/lowest-dip at 4200 Hz with a -35dB response (same response on both earpieces), we are guessing that this strange behavior could be a partially defective balanced armature or simply a design decision from KZ to reduce the +/- 4000 Hz frequencies that can be perceived as disturbing if strong, but seems like controversy-generating decision. You can see the resulting frequency response curve from our measurements later below on this same review.

Nevertheless, it is extremely important to emphasize that this response dip could only be an impediment for very specific critical listeners or die-hard audiophiles, any other listener will hardly ever notice the trough and most probably will even benefit from lower-fatiguing peaks.

^8_/10

Sound Leak

The sound leaking out of the KZ ZSR will be hearable by nearby people if you set your volume at anything above moderate. If you are intending to use it as a daily commute earphone they will not be a big disturbance but if you are planning to use it in situations that require an almost absolute silence (like libraries) you will probably be better with an earphone like the KZ ATE, DZAT DF-10, Rock Zircon or KZ ED4.

^6.75_/10

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Sound Isolation

Noise isolation of the KZ ZSR is quite good with the capacity of offering an efficient isolation from surrounding noise without the need of setting dangerously-high volume levels.

^8_/10

Comfort

As we pointed out during the introduction of this review, the form factor of the KZ ZSR’s housings greatly resembles to the KZ ZS3. Despite the similarities, the KZ ZSR has a different fitting position and deeper, wider nozzles. These long and wide nozzles and the curvy and protruding sections of the housings add up to their secure fit and tightness. Fair to say that people with smaller than average ears and fairly narrow ear canals could find some discomfort after a while.

^8_/10

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Response to Equalization

A great response to every EQ applied was shown during our KZ ZSR soundtests, bass could be transformed into a bass-lover earphone with a highly punchy and deep response and even into a basshead impacting contender if properly handled by bassheads with advanced experience in custom equalizing, extreme amplification, etc. Mids benefited from very clear sounding lower mids and lower vocals while higher mids did not get harsh at all. Highs gained a strong amount of brightness and detail yet remained fairly non-fatiguing without increasing the strength of piercing peaks but sibilant highs got very noticeable.

^9.5_/10

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BUY IT AT:

Buy it from:

Discount available for the KZ ZSR valid for a very limited time, get the deal by clicking the green button below

[[coupon title=”KZ ZSR Flash Deal” description=”Limited time offer” url=”https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dV5SIqt”earbud-headphones/pp_1512920.html?wid=21&lkid=12477054″ button=”Get Deal” image=”” theme=”base green”]

KZ ZSR Frequency Response

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: Headphones Frequency Response Curves

KZ ZSR

Specifications

Type	Triple Driver Hybrid
Driver Unit	2 balanced armatures + 10mm DD
Sensitivity	107dB/mW
Power Capacity	Unknown
Impedance	22 ohms
Frequency Response	10-40,000Hz
Diaphragm	Unknown
Magnet	Unknown
Cord	Y-type, round detachable cord (bi-pin connector)
Cord Length	1.2m
Plug	Stereo mini plug
Weight	Approx. 21g
Supplied Accessories	3x Earphone tips; detachable bi-pin cable

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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.