KZ AS12

| 6x Balanced Armature |

? KZ AS12, the newest release from the brand under the AS line.

The KZ AS12 is a 6-driver model holding an all-balanced armature driver configuration with no dynamic drivers.

Inside each shell you will find many KZ balanced armature drivers that could be seen on previous models. The specific BA drivers models inside the KZ AS12 are: 2x 22955, 2x 29689, 2x 30012.

The 22955 drivers are responsible of bass frequencies, the 29689 for the midrange and the 30012 for highs and treble.

The all-balanced armature driver design is not the first time in KZ’s catalog. To date it can also be found on some current models, including the:

• KZ AS16 – 8 BA drivers
• KZ AS10 – 5 BA drivers
• KZ AS06 – 3 BA drivers
• KZ BA10 – 5 BA drivers

The earpieces have the exact same form factor and size as the KZ AS16 and, actually, also share the same zinc alloy plate and translucent, polymer main shells.

The cable is detachable with bi-pin, angled connectors and with the same helix, copper colored finish as seen on every one of the latest KZ earphones.

You can buy the KZ AS12 in:

• KZ AS12 black with a golden colored back plate
• KZ AS12 cyan with a silver colored back plate

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KZ AS12 Review

Tests & Scores

Weight

KZ AS12 weight in Ounces and KZ AS12 weight in grams.

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Accessories & Packaging

The KZ AS12 unboxing results in 3 pair of eartips and the detachable 2-pin cable – pretty much a standard of KZ earphones.

The packaging is a dark colored box with a side opening front that reveals the unit with a metal engraved plate stuck to the bottom section of the packaging.

This is the same packaging that has been previously seen with the:

• KZ ZS7
• KZ AS16
• KZ AS10
• KZ AS06
• KZ BA10

^7.75_/10

Bass & Sub Bass

The KZ AS12 bass response is inline with KZ AS16’s bass but with a somewhat more energetic response, offering good punch and depth.

It’s bass tuning is not as emphasized as on older KZ models, nor as on the KZ ZS7.

This different tuning approach grants a cleaner and less bloated sound than many KZ earphones of the previous generations.

Overall, expect lower frequencies capable of fulfilling most genre’s bass requirements without sounding shallow nor thin but do not choose the KZ AS12 as a bass-centered earphone.

Applying an EQ an importantly deeper response will be revealed with noticeable punchier personality too but mostly centered over their sub-bass empowering.

Through out our extreme basshead tests, the KZ AS12 took up to nearly 40% of a FiiO A5 max power, responding with a remarkable deep sub-bass and extreme punch that can even provide mildly acceptable basshead rumble and impact.

^_8.25/10

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Mids & Vocals

The KZ AS12 mids are warm but not overly congested, some mid-bass bleed might be perceived on mid and upper bass heavy tracks but it is not disturbing.

Male vocals are usually relaxed and a bit laid back while higher mids are more emphasized than their lower mids, with a clear and crisp sound which also makes their female vocals alive.

Harsh peaks can pop-up but will mostly not show up when tracks are not overly energetic.

With an EQ, a noticeable cleaning up of their lower mids and male vocals can be achieved but expect harsher higher mids peaks.

^_8/10

Highs & Treble

The KZ AS12 highs are bright and fairly open for a closed back in-ear.

On the other hand, detail can be identified but will not be the most revealing of all KZ earphones out there.

Sibilance and piecing peaks can show up on tracks prone to these peaks, which might not make it the ideal companion for treble sensitive listeners.

An EQ provides a massive opening up and brightening of their highs while not adding a huge empowering of their fatiguing peaks.

^8_/10

Sound Leak

The sound leaking out is somewhat inline with many normal earphones, with probably a slightly lower overall leakage.

It is fair to highlight that the KZ AS12 has an extremely high volume output capacity.

^7.25_/10

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Sound Isolation

The sound isolation provided by the KZ AS12 is more efficient than most average earphones.

Partial isolation will immediately be noticed, while reaching absolute isolation will not be too difficult with the KZ AS12.

^8.5_/10

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Comfort

The KZ AS12 is a fairly large earphone but, fortunately, it has curvy forms and no sharp edges that could add discomfort.

The bigger size will also make them protrude out of the ears. Nonetheless, we found the KZ AS12 to be, in general, comfortable for normally long listening sessions.

As a reference, the KZ AS12 has the same size and form factor as the:

• CCA A10
• KBEAR KB10
• CCA C16
• KZ AS10
• KZ AS16
• KZ AS06

If you are an owner of any the above-listed models, you should get a pretty good idea of what to expect out of the fit and comfort of the KZ AS12.

^8_/10

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Response to Equalization

The response to EQ showed good results over their midrange but it also added harshness. Bass could be pushed for an intense response and highs showed a major improvement.

^8.25_/10

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KZ AS12 Frequency Response Curve

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KZ AS12 Technical Specifications

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Scores

KZ AS12 Scores

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Photos

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KZ AS12

8.1

SCORE

8.1/10

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