ZX-HD221 – Review

ZX-HD221

| 10 mm/15 mm Driver |

? This looks like the Samsung Note 4 stock iem that we have already reviewed but they are not, the brand is not even Samsung, they are the ZX-HD221. They look like a knockoff and you may be wondering why we chose to review them, well the very strange dynamic driver specs declared by the manufacturer (10mm/15mm driver) made us decide to give it a try.  To be honest we are almost convinced that the declared specifications are fake as the “10mm/15mm Speaker” (that is the textual writing on the packaging) makes no sense, something similar happened with the Sunlux SU-028. Size, form factor, flat cable style and inline microphone with 3 buttons control look identical to the Samsung Note 4 stock iem until you grab them and feel the clear difference in plastics quality, the ZX-HD221 feel much cheaper.

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Accessories & Packaging

The ZX-HD221 come inside a cardboard box with no extra accessories. The box has a QR-Code that if you scan it gives as a result the following code gh67-00944a bjvd3, that making a quick web search corresponds to the Samsung Galaxy S4 rubber ear tips replacement (things start to look fishy)

^1_/10

Bass & Sub Bass

Bass coming out from them is pathetic with no mid-bass at all and zero sub-bass depth. After trying to EQ they showed no improvement nor change. Under our extreme bass test they took up to 57% maximum power of a Fiio E12 with a slight appearance of sub-bass and, needless to say, no basshead impact or rumble at all.

^1_/10

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Mids & Vocals

Mids are super boxy out of the box and at the same time sound distant and cold but are never harsh. An EQ was useless and it added harshness to their higher mids.

^1_/10

Highs & Treble

The highs of the ZX-HD221 are dark, too recessed with no definition or detail at all, they become piercing at times but show no traces of sibilance. An EQ made them get some brightness as well as some detail but piercing and sibilant highs were enhanced too.

^3_/10

Sound Leak

The sound that leaks out of these earphones is very low, this is maybe the only thing they are capable of. They can be used with no fear if you want to keep private what you are listening to.

^8.5_/10

Sound Isolation

Sound isolation performance is noticeably below most average earphones but they are not terrible either, to better isolate noises they will need higher volumes.

^6_/10

Comfort

The identical shape to the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 iem and many other Samsung earphones makes them very comfortable, they fit easily in the ears and provide no discomfort or pain. At the same time, they are very light and can be worn for long time without issues.

^8_/10

Response to Equalization

As you may have realized already, their response to any type of equalization was useless. No improvement was achieved after applying any EQ and at the same time they introduced many sound issues as sibilance, piercing highs and harshness.

^2_/10

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Scores

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Photos

ZX-HD221

3.8

SCORE

3.8/10