KZ ESX Review – 10 Years of Another One

INTRO

In this hobby, if you have not heard of Knowledge Zenith these past few years then time to get educated on the KZ ESX. Recycling the shell from classics such as the KZ ZSN, Z10pro , and countless other models from TRN, CCA and others, KZ gives the faceplates a cosmetic refresh. Given inflation these budget models have trickled up in price from $12-15 and now come priced at around $19. The KZ EDX is a bassy rolled off treble listen that is inoffensive and lackluster.

DISCLAIMER: It’s hard to get excited over new budget models, but I graciously received these direct from KZ to give everyone an Audioreviews take. There are limits to budgets, and we cannot forget those folks.

GOOD TRAITS

• Common universal shell with good nozzle length and a lip to keep the eartip on
• 2 Pin cable
• Inoffensive treble, no sibiliance
• Easily driven from smartphone

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

• Darker/mellow sounding treble (yes I put treble in both pros and cons)
• Technically abilities
• Better bass articulation

FITMENT / DESIGN

The rear of the KZ ESX driver is vented quite a bit, but I don’t notice it impacting isolation so much. The translucent blue is a nice color accenting the silver metal faceplate. The nozzles are long and made of plastic with a lip, they are on the larger side but not XL. Cable is the standard silver plated straight cable with a right angle plug and plastic molded earhooks.

The dynamic driver is a 12mm liquid crystal 5 micro thick diaphragm, claiming more powerful energy, faster response, and stronger vocal resolution. This reminds me of a persona that typically says things that are untrue to detract from what may be really happening.

PACKAGE CONTENTS

• Earphones
• 0.75mm 2 Pin detachble 1.2m silver plated cable
• S/M/L White starline eartips

SOUND

Tested using LG G8 and SMSL DO100/HO100 DAC/AMP

First thing you notice on the KZ ESX is the throbbing bass, I would say the boost feels centered near 40-60Hz, sub bass is covered no problem. While not articulated in precise terms, it has a boomy linger that tends to color the lower mids and sits in front of the mix.

Midrange is recessed with no harshness, but no excitement either. I sense some crowding of instruments all in the center. There appears to be a medium/normal pinna gain, guitars and horns are present, but lack any bite or edginess to them to sound realistic or exciting to listen to.

Treble roles off quickly and early after 10khz making the KZ ESX sound “polite” or even too dark at times. No real sparkle on cymbals, string instruments are present but like wallflowers. If feels as if I was around loud noises all day and my hearing has compensated for the barrage of noise.

TECHNICAL STUFF

There is not a lot to say about the technical merits of the KZ ESX. Width feels narrow, perhaps the recessed midrange gives it the essence of depth. Overall they feel claustrophobic, lacking in resolution, and congested with busy music. At least there is no sibilance or shoutiness.

FINAL REMARKS

10 years of KZ slowly defining the era of budget entries, the KZ ESX feels as if panders to collectors. This is one I don’t find particularly worthy of purchasing. It has a very 70’s/80’s vibe of big driver bass, coupled with low resolution midrange without decent tweeter output to mask the shortcomings.

This is probably not the review KZ was hoping for, but not everything is a homerun, and sometimes they strike out. Maybe it is not far to call it a strikeout, perhaps a bunt is a better classification as I am sure some people might prefer the politeness of the treble. The CCA CRA+ is a better buy at $9 more, although I do like the styling of the KZ ESX better.

SPECIFICATIONS

GRAPHS

• Left vs Right

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DISCLAIMER

Get it from KZ direct at their Aliexpress Store or other distributors and retailers.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

About my measurements.