LZ A2 Pro Review – Bomb The Bass
Pros — Good depth of stage, good dynamics, light earpieces, good cable.
Cons — Uninspiring bassy sound.
In this Article
Executive Summary
The LZ A2 Pro offers a warm, bassy sonic signature but deserves more overall refinement.
Introduction
Lao Zhong Audio, better known as LZ Hifi Audio, is a Chinese company that specializes in in-ear monitors. Their versatile A7 model was highly acclaimed by reviewers and customers alike, and we are no exception.
The A2 Pro follows the tradition of the classic A2 series, now with a triple-driver hybrid configuration.
Specifications
| Drivers: 1 SAE Dynamic＋2 Knowles BA |
| Impedance: 15 Ω |
| Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW |
| Frequency Range: Hz |
| Cable/Connector: 0.78 mm, 2 pin/3.5 mm plug |
| Tested at: $139 |
| Purchase Link: NiceHCK Store |
Physical Things and Usability
In the box are the earpieces, the cable, two sets of eartips (S/M/L) in a nice plastic case, a metal storage box, and the paperwork. The earpieces are made of resin and are therefore light, however bulky, and reminiscent of the Shozy Form 1.4 and Unique Melody 3DT. The relatively short nozzles feature a lip.
The hybrid earphone cable features 8 strands consisting of 4N oxygen-free copper “OFC” (99.99% pure) and silver-plated OFC cores. It has 2 pin/0.78 connectors and a 3.5 mm plug. The soft PVC outer material makes it extremely soft and pliable.
Despite the short nozzles, the earpieces fit me very well with the blue-stemmed stock tips. Comfort is great, isolation is not. The LZ A2 Pro is easily driven with a phone.
Tonality and Technicalities
Equipment used: MacBook Air; Earstudio HUD100, blue stock tips.
That graph tries to to tell us two things: a “healthy” bass and something weird going on in the midrange (and perhaps in the treble). When listening, that midrange peak is not of concern, at least not to the extent one would expect it.
But the low end dominates the sonic reproduction, although it is not outright basshead material (yet). Lots of rumble from a good extension, which helps characterizing the LZ A2 as a warm earphone. Unfortunately, the low end is a bit crude and uncontrolled for an iem at this price. Bass is punchy, rubbery, thumpy, and somewhat fuzzy, it deserves a bit more contorl/refinement and finesse. And it bleeds shamelessly up into the lower midrange.
This pushes male vocals back and cuts into midrange clarity and resolution. Note weight in the lower midrange is lean. Male and female voice sound somewhat “breathy”/overly airy and not very robust, in cases hollow and nasal. And they are steadily attacked by the low end. All this makes for a somewhat congested and hollow midrange. Bass and midrange appear as a single goo.
Treble is reasonably well extended, however that 8-9 kHz peak causes some weird tizziness.
Soundstage is deep but rather narrow caused by the dominant low end. I feel I am sitting in a tunnel. Dynamics is very powerful, there is a good heft. Timbre is somewhat off so that classical music sounds unrealistic.
Concluding Remarks
I wished I could sugarcoat this, but I can’t. We have experienced the LZ A2 Pro 100 times before. They are poorly tuned, overly bassy and unbalanced, and therefore uninspiring. You could get a much better earphone for cheaper, for example the Moondrop Aria at $80. A fancy faceplate is the only interesting feature of this earphone. In the overcrowded market, there are simply better options.
Until next time…keep on listening!
Disclaimer
The LZ A2 Pro was supplied unsolicited by NiceHCK Audio Store for my review and I thank them for that.
Get the LZ A2 Pro from the NiceHCK Audio Store.
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