KZ ZAX
| 7x Balanced Armature | 1x Dynamic Driver |
? KZ ZAX, the newest top-tier model from the “Z” line.
The KZ ZAX is a 8 driver earphone with an hybrid configuration of 7 balanced armature drivers and a single 10mm dynamic driver with a double magnetic design.
It is fair to specify that despite being promoted as a 16-driver earphones, the KZ ZAX actually has 8 drivers per side – the brand promotes the KZ ZAX adding up the total drivers (8+8)
The KZ ZAX joins the brand’s catalog under the “Z” series, a lineup of KZ that has seen many better performing models such as the:
Despite this, the model naming pattern by KZ does not always follow a logic sense or coherent lineup evolution, therefore during our review we will find out if the KZ ZAX is up to the standard of other recent KZ earphones from the “Z” series.
Users can buy the KZ ZAX in 2 color options:
- KZ ZAX black (as seen in our review)
- KZ ZAX silver
Both color options are available with or without a cable with an inline remote/mic.
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KZ ZAX Review
Tests & Scores
W
Weight
KZ ZAX weight in Ounces and KZ ZAX weight in grams.
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A
Accessories & Packaging
The KZ ZAX has the same quality and style of packaging of most recent modes; a small rectangular black box with an inner foam and a metal plate with the model name and driver’s configuration engraved.
The earphone comes bundled with a silver-colored 2-pin cable and 3 pair of eartips – quite an accessories standards for KZ products.
7.75/10
B
Bass & Sub Bass
The KZ ZAX shares the powerful bass style that characterizes most of their product’s lineup, yet users will notice a mid-bass punch and sub-bass depth that will be more inline with the KZ ZS10 PRO and KZ ZSX than to other bass-centered models from KZ.
Owners should expect a fun bass response able to cover any music genre and track no matter their bass demands. At the same time, the KZ ZAX will not derail into a boosted chaos as to sound overly bouncy nor become a bass-only sounding earphone.
Applying an EQ, the KZ ZAX can be pushed for basshead styled sound and a massive increment of both punch and depth at the cost of congestion.
8.75/10
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M
Mids & Vocals
The KZ ZAX mids have a warm profile that offers an overall full-bodied midrange and vocals response.
A frequent issue with earphones that have this mids approach is some problems with congestion, yet the KZ ZAX does a good job keeping their midrange cozy and inviting without turning into an excessively busy sound signature.
Upper mids and female vocals will exhibit a more emphasized tuning than their lower mids, which makes their notes in the upper mids sound very crisp and cleaner, in comparison, than their lower notes.
Regarding harshness, despite the bit of spiciness on the upper midrange, we consider their peaks to be acceptably under control to not be rated as harsh and far from bcoming disturbing.
With an EQ, deep vocals and lower mids can be boosted pushing them for a more present response without exhibiting issues of boxiness nor other sound-deteriorating consequences – upper mids should not be boosted or they will instantly become too harsh.
8.5/10
H
Highs & Treble
The highs tuning chosen for the KZ ZAX complement quite well their mids and mostly their energetic bass.
With sufficient detail retrieval and a bright response, the upper frequencies of the KZ ZAX are able to balance their sound signature avoiding it to sound too bass-heavy or suffering from an overly dark or muffled sound.
It worth noting that this model can become hot with piercing-prone and sibilant-prone tracks but within a typical “KZ range”.
Overall, the KZ ZAX can be rated as a V-shaped model with an inviting sound but no over-boosted ends as to be “too much”.
An EQ can be chosen to either smooth out their highs or to squeeze out some extra brightness and detail. Either EQ path will show substantial results but cautious is recommended when opting to boost their highs to avoid excruciantingly fatiguing peaks.
8.25/10
SL
Sound Leak
The sound leaking out of the KZ ZAX shows a performance inline with most average headphones. This means, that their sound leakage will be heard by nearby people on less-noisy environments and when cranking up the volume but their leakage will not be as strong as to disturb people.
On the other hand, this also means that this is not a model that can be recommended for usage in libraries.
7/10
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SI
Sound Isolation
The sound isolation provided by the KZ ZAX is strong and efficient with good capability of reaching absolute isolation without needing to dial up the volume too much.
8.75/10
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C
Comfort
The KZ ZAX has the same size and design as most 2020 KZ earphones and many 2019 KZ models.
This strong resemblance and seeing this very similar aesthetics for quite some time might make it a bit “boring”, yet it ensures the use of a proven efficient design regarding comfort and fit – and good looks as well.
The KZ ZAX is as small and rounded as the KZ ZSN PRO X, KZ ZS10 PRO, KZ ZSN, etc.
10/10
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EQ
Response to Equalization
The response to EQ of this model showed exponential increment over bass intensity and very good capabilities to squeeze out additional clarity over their midrange.
8.5/10
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KZ ZAX Frequency Response Curve
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KZ ZAX Technical Specifications
| Type | Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Driver Unit | 7xBA+1xDD |
| Sensitivity | 113dB/mW |
| Power Capacity | Unknown |
| Impedance | 24 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 10-40,000Hz |
| Diaphragm | Unknown |
| Magnet | Unknown |
| Cord | Y-type |
| Cord Length | 1.2m |
| Plug | Stereo mini plug |
| Weight | Approx. 27g |
| Supplied Accessories | 3x Earphone tips |
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ScoresKZ ZAX Scores
- Accessories - 7.75/107.8/10
- Design - 8.5/108.5/10
- Bass - 8.75/108.8/10
- Mids - 8.5/108.5/10
- Highs - 8.25/108.3/10
- Sound Leak - 7/107/10
- Sound Isolation - 8.75/108.8/10
- Comfort - 10/1010/10
- Response to EQ - 8.5/108.5/10
- Value for Money - 8.75/108.8/10
Summary
✅ Fun bass
✅ Warm mids
✅ Full bodied sound
✅ Excellent fit
✅ Good EQ response
✅ Efficient isolation
❌ Few accessories
❌ No radical difference design and soundwise
The KZ ZAX showed a sound personality and style that could had justified to name it KZ ZS10 PRO X (or anything used to reboot a model with a retuning on top)
The KZ ZAX is, yet, another bang for buck performing model from the brand that can offer great sound and impressive driver's configuration for the money.
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KZ ZAX FAQ
How many drivers does the KZ ZAX have?
The KZ ZAX is a octa driver headphone. Which means that the KZ ZAX has 8 drivers per side.
What type of headphone is the KZ ZAX?
The KZ ZAX is an in-ear headphone.
The KZ ZAX is an open, semi-open or closed back headphone?
The KZ ZAX is a closed back headphone.
Does the KZ ZAX have a microphone?
The KZ ZAX have a microphone and a remote.
What is the price of the KZ ZAX?
You can check the most up-to-date price of the KZ ZAX by following THIS LINK.
Where can I buy the KZ ZAX?
You can buy the KZ ZAX HERE
Which KZ ZAX colors are available?
The colors available for the KZ ZAX are: black, silver.
What cable do the KZ ZAX have?
The KZ ZAX have a detachable, Y-type cable.
Are there replacement cables for the KZ ZAX ?
The KZ ZAX cables can be replaced with compatible bi-pin replacement cables.
Are there upgrade cables for the KZ ZAX ?
The KZ ZAX uses bi-pin cables which are very popular standard cables. You can buy any compatible cable with bi-pin connector to upgrade the cable.
Does the KZ ZAX have Bluetooth / The KZ ZAX is a wireless headphone?
The KZ ZAX does not have Bluetooth but you can buy Bluetooth cables to make the KZ ZAX Bluetooth-enabled headphones. Or you can buy adapters such as the FiiO BTR3
to make it wireless Bluetooth.
Is the KZ ZAX compatible with Apple devices?
The KZ ZAX is fully compatible with Apple devices.
Is the KZ ZAX compatible with Android devices?
The KZ ZAX is fully compatible with Android devices.
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KZ ZAX
