KZ ZS6
| Double Balanced Armature | 10mm Driver | 6mm Driver |
? We have reviewed the KZ ZS6, the ultimate budget-priced high-class earphone from Knowledge Zenith. The KZ ZS6 features 8 drivers in total (4 drivers in each earpiece) in a premium hybrid configuration of 2 balanced armatures and 2 dynamic drivers per side. The dynamic drivers have a diameter of 10mm and 6mm. This complex quad driver configuration is something that can be found in very expensive and premium in ear monitors that cost up to 50 times more than the KZ ZS6.
The housings of the KZ ZS6 are made of metal and have a metal grid on the outer side of them which suggests an open-back design, we saw this on the design of the KZ ED9, KZ ED7 and some other KZ earphones, we will see after the KZ ZS6 soundtests if they show an open-back design.
Looking at the KZ ZS6 vs KZ ZS5 firstly you will notice the different materials of the housings, the KZ ZS5 are constructed in plastic while the KZ ZS6 are built with aluminum. The housings of the KZ ZS5 vs KZ ZS6 look very similar and have almost identical shape and design, with the exception of the metal grids on the outer section of the earpieces of the KZ ZS6. The KZ ZS5 vs KZ ZS6 technical specifications are different; the KZ ZS6 has a broader frequency response of 7-40.000Hz while the KZ ZS5 is 20-20.000Hz, impedance of the KZ ZS6 is 15 ohm and the ZS5 is 16 ohm, also the sensitivity differs by 1 dB (105dB for the KZ ZS6 and 106dB for the KZ ZS5)
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: KZ ZS6 vs KZ ZS5 Comparison
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Regarding the difference between the KZ ZS6 vs KZ ZST and KZ ZS6 vs KZ ES3; all three have an hybrid configuration but the KZ ZS6 has 4 drivers in each earpiece while the KZ ZST, KZ ZST PRO and KZ ES3 have 2 drivers per side.
The cables of the KZ ZS6 have a bi-pin connector, are detachable and replaceable in case that they break or if you want to buy the KZ Bluetooth cable, KZ Silver plated cable, KZ gold plated cable or any of the upgraded bi-pin connector cables available on the market. The cables have a grayish color and very rubberized finish. The KZ ZS6 compatibility presents no issues with Apple and Android devices being 100% compatible with either. You can buy online the KZ ZS6 with or without an inline microphone and 1-button control, often choosing the mic-less option will cost a bit less. You can buy the KZ ZS6 in:
- KZ ZS6 Black
- KZ ZS6 Red
- KZ ZS6 Green (same color of the one that we own and are reviewing)
- KZ ZS6 Gray
Right now there are some limited timed deals available for the KZ ZS6 and the KZ ZS5, you can get the deals by clicking the green button
KZ ZS6 Flash Deal, Limited Time Deal
KZ ZS6 Flash Deal, Limited Time Deal
KZ ZS5 Flash Deal, Limited Time Deal
KZ ZS5 Flash Deal, Limited Time Deal
The black color is always the most popular one but we bought the green model, they cost the same so you might be wondering why we got it in green. First of all, because we liked more the green metallic finish and also because, thanks to the metal grids of the KZ ZS6, you are getting a pimped out looking version of the premium Campfire Audio Andromeda (sold only in metallic green), a high-class IEM from Campfire Audio that usually has a 4-figure price tag.
MORE: KZ Earphones Reviews
You can buy the KZ ZS6 in black, red, gray or green color…
FIND ALL: Earphones Scores Compared
SEE ALSO: KZ ZS5 Review
MORE: KZ ZST PRO – KZ ZST COLORFUL Review
MORE: KZ ZST Review
MORE: KZ ZS3 Review
KZ ZS6 - Review
Tests & Scores
WWeight
KZ ZS6 weight in ounces and KZ ZS6 weight in grams. The KZ ZS6 have been weighted with and without their cables.
MORE: In-Ear Headphones Weight Comparison SEE ALSO: Earphones Size Comparison
Side by Side:
- KZ ZS5 vs KZ Z6 | See Also: KZ ZS6 vs KZ ZS5 Comparison
RELATED TO THIS REVIEW: KZ ZS6 vs KZ ZS5 Comparison
A
Accessories & Packaging
The KZ ZS6 come inside a packaging with a style similar to the one of the KZ ES3, which now seems to be the new generation of KZ’s packagings. After unboxing the KZ ZS6 you will get 2 extra pair of eartips (plus 1 already fitted on the earpieces) and the detachable bi-pin cable.
7.5/10
B
Bass & Sub Bass
The very first thing that we noticed while putting the KZ ZS6 through the soundtests is that they do not suffer from low volume output as the KZ ZS5. The KZ ZS6 bass is very punchy with also greatly deep sub-bass. Both mid-bass and sub-bass show a good relation between them. The amount of bass that the KZ ZS6 produce is super fun and energetic, the KZ ZS6 will never under-deliver bass during any kind of music genre and song, even under EDM styled music. Still bass does not get boomy and does not muffles all the sound frequencies.
MORE: KZ ZS5 Review
Applying an EQ, punch gets strongly empowered and sub-bass adds a huge amount of depth.
We ran the KZ ZS6 through our standardized extreme basshead tests and they were able to handle 40% of the maximum power of a Fiio E12 Mont Blanc amplifier (custom basshead EQ, bass boost ON, high gain mode). The results of the tests were an insane amount of added mid-bass and sub-bass reaching a very respectable basshead rumble and impact above the KZ ATE but still below the KZ ZST, Sony MDR-EX800ST, Xiaomi Mi Quantie Pro Hybrid, Senfer 4in1, DZAT DF-10, KZ ZST PRO or the unique Pioneer SE-CX8 and Pioneer SE-CX9.
9/10
MORE: Earphones Amplification Power Comparison
MORE: Best Basshead Earphones
SEE ALSO: Best Fun Sounding Earphones Chart
Side by Side:
- KZ ES3 vs KZ Z6 | See Also: KZ ZS6 vs ES3 Comparison
M
Mids & Vocals
The mids of the KZ ZS6 have nice warmth and very clear lower vocals despite a slight mid-bass bleeding into lower mids. Higher mids are not rolled off nor harsh at all and sound very well.
Using an EQ lower mids get even clearer with reduced mid-bass bleed strength while higher mids still do not get harsh. A tip, just do not overdo it or mids may show some boxy vocals and harshy higher mids but not something that happens if you do things right.
9/10
H
Highs & Treble
The sophisticated hybrid configuration of the KZ ZS6 offers bright highs with an outstanding amount of detail and usually not excruciating piercing peaks; some sibilance can arise with very sibilant prone songs.
With an EQ, brightness is highly added and a substantial amount of additional detail is resolved, still there are no piercing highs while sibilance gets stronger.
9/10
Side by Side:
- KZ ZST Pro Colorful vs KZ ZS6 | See Also: KZ ZST Pro Colorful Review
- KZ ZS3 vs KZ ZS6 | See Also: KZ ZS3 Review
- KZ ZST vs KZ ZS6 | See Also: KZ ZST Review
SL
Sound Leak
The sound that leaks out the KZ ZS6 is somewhat stronger than on the KZ ZS5, the metal grids on outer section of the housings offer a sort of a open-back design, therefore making their sound leaking levels more hearable but it is not terribly high. Their performance is actually more or less inline with most average earphones.
7/10
SI
Sound Isolation
The sound isolation capability of the KZ ZS6 is very similar to the KZ ZS5, which means that they offer a highly efficient noise isolation even at low or moderate volume.
8.75/10
C
Comfort
The housings of the KZ ZS6 may seem big and the metal materials could make you think that they are heavy but none of them is true. The aluminum used offers a robust construction quality but do not add excessive weight to the units and the size, despite being larger than a bullet-shaped earphone, remains within a comfortable size to wear. The fit is highly secure thanks to the the deep nozzles and the memory cables provided. Overall the resulting comfort is excellent with no pain or discomfort issues even after prolonged listening sessions.
9/10
EQ
Response to Equalization
With every custom equalization that we applied the KZ ZS6 showed an exemplary response with highly punchier and crazy deep bass without getting boomy or muffled; mids offered even clearer lower mids with a reduction of mid-bass bleeding levels and still no harsh higher mids; highs gained a substantial amount of brightness and detail with also stronger sibilance.
9/10
MORE: Editor’s Picks Earphones Chart
MORE: Best Bang for the Buck Earphones
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BUY IT AT:
Right now there are some limited timed deals available for the KZ ZS6 and the KZ ZS5, you can get the deals by clicking the green button
KZ ZS6 Flash Deal, Limited Time Deal
KZ ZS6 Flash Deal, Limited Time Deal
KZ ZS5 Flash Deal, Limited Time Deal
KZ ZS5 Flash Deal, Limited Time Deal
KZ ZS6 Scores
- Accessories - 7.5/107.5/10
- Design - 10/1010/10
- Bass - 9/109/10
- Mids - 9/109/10
- Highs - 9/109/10
- Sound Leak - 7/107/10
- Sound Isolation - 8.75/108.8/10
- Comfort - 9/109/10
- Response to EQ - 9/109/10
- Value for Money - 10/1010/10
Summary
- ✅ Superior mid-bass and sub-bass response
✅ No boomy sounding bass
✅ Clear lower mids and lower vocals
✅ Well resolved higher mids
✅ Bright highs with outstanding detail
✅ Highly efficient response to EQ
✅ Very comfortable fit
✅ Capable sound isolation performance
✅ Detachable cables
✅ Durable metal construction
✅ Incredible bang for buck for a quad driver with this performance
- ❌ Higher sound leaking than the KZ ZS5, KZ ZST and KZ ZST PRO caused by the sort of open-back design
❌ Some sibilance could arise with very sibilant prone songs
❌ Not as basshead ear-impacting as the KZ ZST after extreme amplification (if you were searching for a KZ basshead model)
- The KZ ZS6 are a phenomenal in-ear headphone with highly well achieved sound quality through out every audio frequency. Despite the higher price tag in comparison to the KZ ZS5, KZ ES3, KZ ZST PRO and KZ ZST they have proved to be a much improved version of all the previously released models, combining every pro from them without getting any of their cons and fixing all the issues that the KZ ZS5 had.
Due to their impressive performance in every section tested they have gained a solid place as one of the Editor's Picks Earphones and for their deep and punchy bass they are now part of the Best Fun Sounding Earphones Chart also regardless of the their higher selling price they have classified on the Best Bang for Buck Earphones Chart thanks to their overall performance, crazy 8 drivers hybrid configuration, etc.
The KZ ZS6 are outstanding earphones with excellent sound quality and with premium looks (in green, almost identical to the Campfire Andromeda) that can be safely recommended to anyone looking for an amazing earphone who wants to taste a high level of audio quality.
FIND ALL OUR: Earphones Reviews / In-Ear Headphones Reviews
MORE: Best Earphones Charts
Buy it at:
Right now there are some limited timed deals available for the KZ ZS6 and the KZ ZS5, you can get the deals by clicking the green button
KZ ZS6 Flash Deal, Limited Time Deal
KZ ZS6 Flash Deal, Limited Time Deal
KZ ZS5 Flash Deal, Limited Time Deal
KZ ZS5 Flash Deal, Limited Time Deal
MORE: Coupons – Discounts – Deals – Promo Codes – Sales Deals
KZ ZS6 Frequency Response
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: Headphones Frequency Response Curves
SEE ALSO: KZ Headphones Frequency Response Curves
KZ ZS6 Technical Specifications
Type | Hybrid / 2 Balanced Armature + 2 Dynamic Driver |
---|---|
Driver Unit | 2x BA + 10 mm DD + 6 mm DD |
Sensitivity | 105dB/mW |
Power Capacity | Unknown |
Impedance | 15 ohms |
Frequency Response | 7-40,000Hz |
Diaphragm | Unknown |
Magnet | Unknown |
Cord | Detachable with Bi-Pin connector |
Cord Length | 1.2m |
Plug | L shaped stereo mini plug |
Weight (Without Cord) | Approx. 25g |
Supplied Accessories | 3 eartips; detachable bi-pin cable |
MORE: Hybrid Earphones Reviews
MORE: Coupons – Discounts – Deals – Promo Codes – Sales Deals
zs3 is better or zs6 ??because that zs6 “ssshh” high pitch sound is really spike ur ear.
The ZS3 does not have as high peaks as the ZS6, if they are disturbing to you.
Can I offer a point of view??
You reviews are awesome, and I enjoy reading them.
(I don’t QUITE understand the point of the response to equalization section, but it’s interesting still!)
There is something that I find disorienting though. I know it is important that you try to get affiliate sales and views to survive, however your review layouts have such large interruptions with links and deals, etc, that, on more than one occasion, I have thought I was done reading the review early! I have missed the response charts on countless pages due to the impression that I was done the review, since on most sites those kind of links are only at the BOTTOM. I am referring a friend to the KZ6 review here, and I feel that I have to let him know that he needs to keep scrolling, even if the review seems to be over.
I am not a web developer, but as a user, I’m pretty sure my input matters. To keep your sales link visibility high, perhaps it would be better to make use of static side bars on the page? I feel that it would be much better. Perhaps you can think of another way that would work even better. Anyhow, my .02
Side note – I am continuously amazed by the KZ ATE. I guess it produced a lot of buzz on the web when it came out! It’s not spectacular on paper, but MAN what a great pair of IEM’s to just enjoy your music on! Sure, the high’s are not detailed as a hybrid, but they are just so much FUN to hear, and for the price, they are my second favorite for casual gift giving. My first choice is the QKZ DM1, just because they are so cheap, but still offer a very enjoyable listen, especially for the price. Is it true that QKZ and KZ are completely different companies? There is some negative talk about OKZ to do with them just putting their name on a lot of other brands and selling them. The complaint being that they are not innovators, just marketers. I actually thought they were both the same until I read that.
Hello Phil, thanks for the feedback. We have just done some fine tunning to the layout; the web team will continue to evaluate the best possible design and functionality.
We agree about the KZ ATE, they are certainly not the most detailed or clear sounding earphone but they are a great companion for fun listening sessions.
About QKZ and KZ, despite the similar brand name, there is no connection between them. Undoubtedly, QKZ has a very efficient marketing team. We have many other QKZ models on the review queue so we will keep on investigating their “rebranding” reputation.