KZ ED4

| Dynamic Driver |

? The KZ ED4 are among the classic earphones from Knowledge Zenith and we thought it was about time that we tested and reviewed them. In case you missed it, we have already reviewed the latest earphones from KZ: the KZ ZS5, KZ ZST, KZ ZST PRO, KZ ZS3 and KZ ED12 among many other KZ models that we have tested. The KZ ED4 have metal housings that look and feel premium, the back section has a metallic mesh that suggests an open-back design like we have seen on earphones like the GeekRover iEPW021 or the KZ EDR2. The overall housings are solidly built while remaining lightweight. The cables are the very classic KZ cables that can be found in iconic KZ models such as the KZ ATE and the KZ EDR2 among many others, which is a very rubberized rounded cable with a mainly copperish color that does a great job against tangling issues. The cable of the KZ ED4 has an inline microphone and 1-button control that allows to skip songs, play/pause music or answer/reject calls. You can buy the KZ ED4 either with or without the inline microphone and 1 button control.

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KZ ED4 - Review

Tests & Scores

Weight

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Accessories & Packaging

The packaging of the KZ ED4 is the classic first generation KZ’s small dark cardboard with a small bag inside that contains the extra accessories; in this case 2 eartips.

^6_/10

Bass & Sub Bass

The KZ ED4 have fun bass with punch and depth capable of fulfilling most genres. The energy coming from the dynamic drivers of the KZ ED4 will be enough and not too boosted. With an EQ, sub-bass gains depth and mid-bass gets out of control sounding boomy. During our extreme bass tests the KZ ED4 was able to handle 46% of the maximum power of a Fiio E12 Mont Blanc set to high gain, with it’s bass boost turned on and with a custom basshead EQ applied. The results were an exponential increase of depth and punch with a marginal impact and rumble. Despite the very empowered bass they were unable to reach a basshead level and remained below the KZ ATE‘s impact capacity.

^7_/10

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Mids & Vocals

Mids are warm and cozy with strong mid-bass bleed and somewhat laid back lower vocals at times, if less mid-bass centered songs are being listened their lower vocals will sound much better. Higher mids are not harsh. An EQ makes lower mids clearer with the right amount of kick as to not reach any boxy sounding vocals. Higher mids can start to show some harsh peaks at times.

^7_/10

Highs & Treble

Highs on the KZ ED4 exhibit a slight level of detail and are nicely bright and airy. A bit of piercing highs and some sibilance is present but not excessive, if it is within your tolerance will depend if you are too treble sensitive or not. Using an EQ, highs become noticeably brighter and a lot of detail is gained. On the negative side, more sibilant highs will arise.

^7.5_/10

Sound Leak

Their sound leaking levels are extremely subdued and under control, among one of the best performers in this aspect. You can use them even in libraries at moderate volume levels with no concern of disturbing nearby people. As what happened with the KZ EDR2, the KZ ED4 have an aesthethical look that suggests an open-back design but watching at the results of their sound leaking levels it certainly does not look like they are opened on the back.

^9.25_/10

Sound Isolation

The sound isolation performance is slightly above average, they will lower the perceived ambient noise but to get a full isolation medium and high volumes are needed.

^7.5_/10

Comfort

The KZ ED4 have a classic bullet-styled design which offers ease of handling and great comfort with no protruding or hard edges that could possibly touch the ears and generate pain. They will offer hours long listening sessions without pain or fatigue.

^8_/10

Response to Equalization

A custom EQ can be applied to the KZ ED4 and they will show noticeable improvement in some audio frequencies. Sub-bass will get deeper but mid-bass could get out of control; vocals will sound better but higher mids could become harsh; higher frequencies will add substantial detail with the cons of more sibilance.

^7_/10

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BUY IT AT:

Scores

• Accessories - 6/10
  6/10
• Design - 8.75/10
  8.8/10
• Bass - 7/10
  7/10
• Mids - 7/10
  7/10
• Highs - 7.5/10
  7.5/10
• Sound Leak - 9.25/10
  9.3/10
• Sound Isolation - 7.75/10
  7.8/10
• Comfort - 8/10
  8/10
• Response to EQ - 7.75/10
  7.8/10
• Value for Money - 9/10
  9/10

Summary

AWARDS

Pros

• Fair overall sound quality
• Classic but premium looking design
• Outstanding sound leaking performance
• Very comfortable
• Solid metal housings
• Cheap cheap cheap

Cons

• Treble sensitive people could get turned off by their at times harshness and piercing peaks

Conclusion

The KZ ED4 are ultra cheap priced earphones that offer great looks and build quality. Their sound quality will not probably win an audiophile contest against heavy-weight award winning earphones but they offer a fairly good overall performance that could be enough for most normal listeners.
They can be recommended to non-audiophile listeners that feel attracted by their looks and want a solidly built earphone with good sound quality at an ultra budget price (very treble sensitive people may want to think twice before getting this)

7.8/10

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Photos

KZ ED4

7.8

SCORE

7.8/10