KZ announces a 16 Driver Headphone – NEWS

ℹ KZ has just announced a new headphone with 16 drivers, precisely 1 week after the announcement of the KZ ZSA.

This new model has been teased by the brand with the release of an image that does not reveal in-depth details.

During the March announcement there were many models revealed but none said to carry 16 drivers so this new in-ear monitor should be a totally new addition to the vast options available for this 2018.

Knowledge Zenith is extending their catalog into a monumentally varied one, with options that range from super budget single drivers like the KZ ATE, KZ ZS3 and KZ ED9; double DD like the KZ ZSE and KZ ZS2; dual hybrid like the KZ ES4, KZ ZST and KZ ED15; triple driver with the KZ ZSR; quad driver with the KZ ZS6 and KZ ZS5; 5-driver with the newest KZ ZS10.

KZ Acoustics (seems that they are starting to promote their brand as KZ Acoustics instead of the classic Knowledge Zenith branding) is teasing that this new model will distribute the 16 drivers in, exclusively, balanced armatures and no dynamic drivers will be held inside the housings.

It is still unknown if the housings of this new model will be aluminum as the KZ ZS6 or plastic like the KZ ZS10, KZ ZSR, KZ ES3. Also it is still not clear which type of cable will be used nor the connector, it could hold detachable bi-pin cables with an angled connector like the KZ ZS10 and KZ ZST (to name a few) or a straight angle connector like the KZ ZS5 and KZ ZS3 (among others).

If the new KZ 16-driver headphone uses these type of bi-pin cables, then it should also be compatible with KZ Bluetooth Cables and KZ upgraded cables like the: KZ Gold-Plated Cable and KZ Silver Plated Cable. The name of the new model is still unknown.

On the other hand, KZ is openly letting their fans know that this 16-driver headphone could be available in July and will have an estimated retail price in the +/- $90 range.

The 2018 models that are already available and can be purchased are:

• KZ BA10
• KZ AS10
• KZ BTE
• KZ ZS4
• KZ ED16 – triple driver
• KZ ZSA – a dual hybrid driver model with metal housings.
• KZ ES4 – a budget friendly earphone with 4 total drivers
• KZ ZS10 – KZ’s flagship headphones with 10 total drivers
• KZ ED15 – a dual driver hybrid super-budget earphone

UPDATE:
The KZ 16 driver model that has been teased for nearly 1 year already, has been officially announced as KZ AS16 – following the latest releases like the KZ ZS10 PRO, KZ ZSN PRO, KZ ZSN.

Moreover, an official image has been revealed – yet, no official release date and availability has been released.

Technical specifications are still unknown, besides the 16 driver configuration with 8 balanced armature per side.

UPDATE #2:
The KZ AS16 is now available to buy HERE

UPDATE #3:

VERY IMPORTANT – How to use ThePhonograph Exclusive Aliexpress Coupons: 

1. Aliexpress Coupons are only valid for the link that the coupon opens up by clicking the Green Button in this page.
2. Press the “BUY NOW” button
3. Select the correct model
4. Press “Continue”
5. At Payment Methods press “Change”
6. Select “Other Payments” or “Use another payment method”
7. Write the exclusive Coupon Code at: “Optional message here:”
   —- IMPORTANT: Coupon has to be written on the “Message” field and not the “Coupon Code” field —-
8. Press the “PLACE ORDER” button
9. DO NOT PAY FOR THE ORDER YET. Press the back arrow and cancel the payment.
10. Press “Yes” on “Cancel the payment?” pop up message
11. On the mobile app press back or “cancel payment”
12. Seller will manually set the discounted price of the coupon for you within some hours or a couple days at most.

NOTE for users buying from Aliexpress website directly and not using the Aliexpress app:

1. To access the Message field to write the Coupon you have to click on “Switch to full-page version”

UPDATE #4:  We have published the KZ AS16 review

The technical specifications of the new unknowingly named KZ earphone have not been disclosed but according to the teasing information it should be:

KZ 16-Driver – KZ AS16 Technical Specifications:

• Type: In-Ear Hybrid
• Drivers: 16
• Balanced Armatures: 16
• Dynamic Drivers: 0
• Impedance: 15 ohm
• Freqeuncye response: 20-40000Hz
• Sensitivity: 105dB
• Connector type: not disclosed yet – update: 2-pin angled
• Housings: not disclosed yet – update: plastic with metal rear plate (like the: KZ ZS10 PRO, KZ ZSN PRO, KZ ZSN, CCA C16, CCA C10, CCA CA4)

You can read about the announcements of KZ’s 2018 earphones at: 

• KZ ZSA Officially Announced – NEWS
• KZ ES4 Officially Revealed & Coming Soon – NEWS
• KZ Announces KZ ZS4 – KZ YZ66 – KZ YZ63 – KZ YZ49 – KZ YZ46 – KZ YZ41 – KZ YZ40 – KZ YZ39 – KZ YZ35 – KZ YZ34
• KZ ED15 Announced and Available – NEWS
• KZ ZS4 Tech Specs and Photo Revealed – NEWS
• KZ ZS10 Officially Revealed – NEWS

The KZ 16-Driver will join KZ 2108 models with the:

• KZ BA10
• KZ AS10
• KZ BTE
• KZ ZS4
• KZ ED16
• KZ ZSA
• KZ ES4
• KZ ZS10 – Read our review
• KZ ED15

MORE: KZ Earphones Reviews

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: KZ Earphones Comparisons

SEE ALSO: KZ Earphones Frequency Response Curves

RELATED TO THIS ARTICLE: Earphones Scores Comparison

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Best Headphones Charts