KZ ZVX Review – Fast Eddie

The $21 KZ ZVX is a well-built single-dynamic driver earphone with great resolution but off timbre.

The KZ ZVX was provided unsolicited by the manufacturer and I thank them for that. You get it from KZ Audio.

Introduction

I had given up on KZ after their 50th model or so. The company focused on releasing new models (“quantity”) but not on getting their tuning and therefore their sound right (“quality”). In particular did they never tone down their icepick peaks in the 2-4 kHz area, which is the most sensitive area of human hearing. I think the last KZ earphone I reviewed was the EDX in 2020.

Paradoxically, KZ’s first batch of iems, all single-dynamic drivers, back in 2014, were quite good sounding. Oldies of this hobby may remember the classic bullet-shaped EDR1 and EDR2, both in the $5 category (including shipping). They offered an “agreeable” mainstream sound – their only issue was a somewhat boomy/loose bass.

KZ introduced their aggressive tuning at around 2017 with the general advent of affordable hybrids.

But this may have finally changed, which appears to be a common trend of many Chinese companies across the board. I recently got wind of the Ling Long, a $15 single dynamic driver in the classic bullet shape, and wanted to give them a chance.

Coincidentally (or not), the KZ ZVX showed up in that package, too. A good opportunity to test this new generation of dynamic drivers.

Specifications KZ ZVX

Physical Things and Usability

In the box are the ZVX earpieces, a cable, 3 pairs of foams (S/M/L), and the paperwork. The cable is the standard slightly springy fare from the past — but I am missing some silicone eartips.

The metal earpieces have a matte finish and are slightly bulky and heavy and feel substantial – way above a $20 product. Fit and comfort somewhat standard according to their standard shape. Isolation is good because of the foams.

Tonality and Technicalities

The KZ ZVX is a well tuned, incredibly well resolving single DD, that falls short of being sensational by its weird timbre and its overly fast note decay. The sonic performance is reminiscent of an overpixelated photo. Yep, it could have been that holy grail bargain hunters have been hoping for in Chifi in the last 5 years – but it isn’t quite. Though it is a very interesting iem at this price.

When saying “fast note decay”, you may expect a crisp, tight, lean bass with good speed that does not bleed into the midrange. And sure, it is, although sub-bass extension is just average: the rumble is subtle, but it is there. The low end has a good punch. So far so good.

Vocals are rather forward, but they are edgy, analytical, even robotic, and sometimes tinny and nasal. Notes are lean and with sharp corners. Smoothness is entirely missing. Midrange resolution and clarity are outstanding. Note definition is great, note weight is lean. Voices could be rounder and smoother, they sound a bit roughed up.

There is no shoutiness as KZ have finally dialled back that pinna gain from 13 dB in some previous models to 8 dB.

Treble continues to be well resolving, lean, and…fast. Cymbals are tizzy and robotic, they are grainy and too fast.

Stage is rather deep, of average width (voices don’t leave your head), imaging is very good, there is lots of headroom. In live recordings with band and applause, the concert hall is mapped out well. Dynamics is very good and the overall presentation is rather lively.

Timbre is somewhat off, it is overly metallic, and, paired with an overly fast note decay (string instruments sound scratchy), makes the overall sound somewhat odd and edgy. This does not matter that much with pop and rock, but it does with acoustic sets, jazz, and classical music.

Concluding Remarks

The KZ ZVX is a mixed bag full of contrasts. On the one hand, it is tuned well and offers excellent technical capabilities that rival much more expensive iems, but timbre and speed are not natural on the other. My most positive take home is that KZ have finally recognized and fixed their shoutiness issues.

Despite all its shortcomings, the $21 KZ ZVX is a very interesting budget iem worth a try by the learner drivers, but the “pros” won’t bother.

Until next time…keep on listening!