In China, there are currently a huge number of brands that produce headphones. They now deservedly dominate the category of inexpensive models. From time to time you come across models that are really very interesting in sound at a very tempting price. One such brand is Knowledge Zenith, or simply KZ. In recent years, their models have already become recognizable among a certain category of fans who like to experiment with inexpensive headphones. Editorial gg Back in 2015, I managed to get acquainted with three budget KZ models, and later the KZ ZS3 came to us. Despite the impressive range and more than 10 years of history, the brand does not talk too much about its history and other interesting details. On the official website, the company limited itself to only a short timeline with some main events and dates during its existence. The first point is 2010, when KZ entered Taobao. Japanese Wikipedia says that 2010 is the year of foundation, and KZ headphones are produced by ShenZhen YuanZe Electronics Co. Ltd.
As for the headphones themselves, KZ now has a huge number of models in its assortment. Starting from the simplest dynamic in-ear headphones to more advanced hybrids, reinforcement models and TWS headsets. As practice shows, all KZ models are very different from each other in sound; there are both frankly “passable” models and quite interesting ones, taking into account the cost. Of course, you shouldn’t expect top-end “audiophile” sound, but the company is not trying to climb into the top league. At least for now. The company has its own branded store on AliExpress, where the entire current range is available. And the official Facebook page. And the manufacturer’s slogan is the phrase “Don’t forget that the main purpose of headphones is to enjoy music.” Below are the 10 most popular models.
KZ ZS10 Pro
The most popular headphones at the moment are the KZ ZS10 Pro headphones. This is a hybrid model that uses a configuration of one dynamic and four armature drivers per earphone. The outer part of the headphones is metal, the inner half is transparent plastic. You can see what's going on inside. The headphone cable is removable, so theoretically it can be replaced. But it is worth considering that two-pin 0.75 mm connectors are used for connection, which in themselves are not unique. But in the case of the KZ ZS10 Pro, they have a recessed design for better fixation, so third-party ones need to be selected carefully. The complete cable is braided, with non-removable earhooks without the possibility of adjustment. The mounting method is behind the ear only. KZ ZS10 Pro is available in versions with and without a microphone, there are different colors.
Cost: from $36. Want to buy!
Equipment
Knowledge Zenith ships its headphones in its traditional minimalist cardboard boxes. KZ ZS10 is packaged in a small box, without any frills, but AS10 is already in a more gift-like box, with a magnetic lid and a nameplate reminding of the number of fittings.
The equipment for both headphones is the same:
- 3 pairs of rubber tips (one pair is already installed on the headphones)
- Connection cable
The nozzles will be familiar to anyone who has previously encountered KZ products; they are soft and comfortable, but the only note is that they easily collect dirt and dust. Even lying on the table in the office, the rubber bands were able to pick up a bunch of fine dust.
KZ ZSX Terminator
The second most popular model with the menacing name KZ ZSX Terminator. These are also hybrid headphones, but there are even more drivers inside. One dynamic radiator is still responsible for low frequencies, and the reproduction of the entire rest of the range is assigned to 5 armature drivers. Two paired for mid frequencies and one pair for high frequencies. The cases are large, which is quite expected with such a configuration inside. As in the previous model, the outer part of the headphones is made of metal, the inner part is made of transparent plastic, which is molded in a la custom shape. The cable is also absolutely similar: a rather thin braid of not the best quality. But at this price it is acceptable. Similarly, slightly customized two-pin 0.78 mm connectors are used for connection.
Cost: from $45. Want to buy!
Unboxing
The packaging of the KZ VX10 headphones has a new design, which is different from the previous model. There is no transparent window on the front side through which you could see the charging case.
However, there is a picture of the headphones, model name and manufacturer. The back of the box contains basic product information in English and Chinese.
Opening the lid we see a white plastic stand on which the charging case lies. Inside it are the KZ VX10 headphones themselves.
Also in the box there is a USB-C charging cable, a pair of silicone ear pads and instructions in Chinese, English and Russian. The headphone package is standard, but it is quite enough for comfortable use.
KZ ED9
KZ ED9 is a simpler and cheaper model. These are in-ear headphones with a classic wearing method and a non-removable cable. The headphone housings are made of aluminum, and there are compensation holes on the outer part. The main feature of the model is the ability to tune the sound using replaceable sound guides. There are two pairs of them, made of copper. One pair makes the sound more accentuated on high frequencies, the second on low frequencies. Unlike the models above, the KZ ED9 uses “only” one traditional dynamic driver. The cable is also simpler, with a classic look and translucent insulation. Available in black and silver, with or without microphone.
Cost: from $11. Want to buy!
Sound
The similarity between our heroes ends in sound. Both pairs of headphones play in a special way and convey the sound picture in their own way; they cannot be confused with each other. We are pleased with the high sensitivity of both models; this will allow you to listen to them in conjunction with both a basic Hi-Fi player and a budget smartphone.
KZ AS10 immediately surprises with its dynamic and detailed bass; you don’t expect that the armature can transmit the lows so quickly and methodically. The mids and highs are perfectly divided into ranges, there is no confusion and there is no feeling of excessively high frequencies. The headphones reproduce string instruments and vocals perfectly; it was amazing to hear the clicks of the strings and the complete difference between all the people involved and the instruments in the compositions. The KZ AS10 also handles electronic instruments perfectly, transmitting them clearly and quickly, but sometimes the bass does not seem as good as usual, this is all due to the use of balanced armature drivers.
The KZ ZS10 also sound particularly open and clear, there is no feeling of an influx of ranges on top of each other, but the KZ ZS10’s transmission of stringed instruments is a little lame, there is no such precise detailing and transmission of all the nuances. But they are able to better convey the low frequency range, giving them a more familiar, spacious sound and elasticity. You won't be able to confuse where the bass guitar is playing and where the double bass is playing.
| Knowledge Zenith AS10 Black mic 2 109 — 2 109 UAH Compare prices | Knowledge Zenith ZS10 Black 1,119 — 1,881 UAH Compare prices | |
| Type | Headphones with microphone | Headphones |
| Connection method / range | wired | wired |
| Bluetooth Profiles | — | — |
| Construction type | vacuum (“plugs”) | vacuum (“plugs”) |
| Type of acoustic design | closed | closed |
| Mounting type | behind the ear | behind the ear |
| Materials (headband/cups/ear pads) | -/plastic/silicone | -/plastic/silicone |
| Foldable design | — | — |
| Swivel bowls | — | — |
| Waterproof housing | — | — |
| Neckband | — | — |
| Emitter design | with balanced armature (reinforcement) | dynamic + with balanced armature (reinforcement) |
| Number of emitters in one earphone | 5 | 1+4 |
| Frequency range, Hz | 20-20000 | 7-40000 |
| Resistance, Ohm | 32 | 32 |
| Sensitivity, dB | 106 | 104 |
| Maximum input power, mW | no data | no data |
| Speaker diameter, mm | no data | no data |
| Magnet type | no data | no data |
| THD (nonlinear distortion factor), % | no data | no data |
| Active Noise Cancellation | — | — |
| aptX | — | — |
| Microphone type based on operating principle | no data | — |
| Microphone design | built into cable | — |
| Focus | no data | — |
| Output plug (for computer headsets) | — | — |
| Remote control | 1 button | — |
| Volume control | — | — |
| Cord length, m | 1,2 | 1,2 |
| Cable type | standard | standard |
| Connecting the cable | bilateral | bilateral |
| Unbalanced cable | — | — |
| Detachable cable | + | + |
| Connector type | mini jack 3.5 mm | mini jack 3.5 mm |
| Plug shape | L-shaped | L-shaped |
| Weight, g | no data | 24 |
| Power / operating time | — | — |
| Gaming headset | — | — |
| Headphones for monitoring | — | — |
| Surround support | — | — |
| Apple compatibility | — | — |
| Android compatibility | — | — |
| Equipment | headphones, replaceable ear pads | headphones, replaceable ear pads |
| Additionally | — | — |
| Color | — | black |
4
ITC.UA rating
Pros: the headphones have excellent sound quality, a convenient cable and the ability to change it
Cons: Repetitive design, large body, behind-the-ear design
Conclusion: Knowledge Zenith does not let its fans down and produces good headphones that can give a head start to more expensive models. And their versatility, both in sound and unpretentiousness to the playback source, makes the KZ AS10 and KZ ZS10 good companions for every day
KZ ZSN Pro
KZ ZSN Pro is the manufacturer’s budget hybrid model. Visually it resembles the more expensive options from the list above: the outer part is also made of metal, and the inner part is made of transparent plastic in various colors. The emitter configuration includes one dynamic and one reinforcement. The cable is removable with its 0.75 mm two-pin connectors and formed earhooks without the possibility of adjustment. Although in this case it is not particularly needed. They promise the usual sound tuning with a “fashionable” V-shaped frequency response, which is best suited to the “mass” listener and is universal in terms of musical genres. The available options are the same as above: different colors and an optional microphone for use with smartphones.
Cost: $16. Want to buy!
KZ ATE ATR
Under one position in the KZ brand store on AliExpress, the company decided to place actually two models: KZ ATE and KZ ATR. Although the difference between them is very small, so this move is quite logical. These are inexpensive in-ear headphones with dynamic drivers and a behind-the-ear type of mount. The peculiarity is that a non-removable cable of a standard type with translucent insulation and without any earhooks is used. Instead, small weights (made of metal or plastic depending on the model) were placed on the cable below each earbud to simply pull the cable behind the ear. There are options with and without microphone.
Cost: from $9. Want to buy!
KZ ED4
Another entry-level model is the KZ ED4. A kind of budget option for those who regularly lose or tear their headphones, so that they don’t feel so sorry. These are classic in-ear headphones with a 9.6 mm dynamic driver, a traditional mounting method and metal headphone housings. The cable, of course, is not removable. At this cost, in case of problems with the cable, it is easier to order new ones. You shouldn't expect any revelations in terms of sound quality, but for their price they sound more than decent. Available in silver and grey, with or without microphone.
Cost: $6. Want to buy!
KZ ZS5
When creating the KZ ZS5 headphones, the company was clearly inspired by the recognizable design of Campfire Audio headphones with their chopped shapes. But in the case of KZ, the cases are made not of metal, but of plastic. As for the characteristics, these are hybrid in-ear headphones, which use a circuit with two armature and two dynamic emitters. The wearing method is behind the ear, the cable is removable, standard type, with black silicone insulation. Traditionally for KZ, two-pin 0.75 mm connectors are used. The model is available in blue and gray colors, with or without a microphone.
Cost: $21. Want to buy!
Price and where to buy cheaper?
Currently, the price tag for TWS headphones KZ SKS is very attractive, which is $32.87 with a 55% discount.
These are incredible wireless headphones that can surprise you with both their ergonomic fit and sound quality. Thus, I can easily recommend the headphones for purchase, despite their main shortcomings.
KZ SKS with 55% discount
★★★★★
$32,87
$73,05
Buy
Aliexpress.com
KZ S1
It’s impossible not to mention the company’s first TWS headphones, KZ S1. They are not currently available in the company store, but are available on other AliExpress sites. They are available in white, grey, black and green colors and two configurations. KZ S1D - with one dynamic emitter, KZ S1 - a hybrid version with dynamic and reinforcement emitters. It is stated that the Bluetooth 5.0 module is used with support for AAC and SBC. The hybrid version supports gaming mode with minimal latency. The headphones are controlled by touch panels on the outside. The battery capacity in the headphones is 40 mAh, they promise up to 3 hours of operation. The charging case is equipped with an additional 300 mAh battery and a Type-C port for charging.
Cost: from $24. Want to buy!
Design
KZ VX10 wireless headphones are housed in a round charging case. It's made of matte black plastic, which doesn't easily show fingerprints. The dimensions of the charging case are quite compact - 6 cm in diameter and 3 cm in height. It weighs only 44 grams.
The charging case lid opens vertically and is held in place by a rear hinge. The hinge securely fixes the cover in a vertical position, preventing it from play and swinging.
In the center of the lid there is an engraving of the KZ brand logo. The back of the case contains a USB-C connector for charging.
Lifting the lid, we see two seats for headsets, the KZ logo, the inscription ACOUSTICS and an LED battery charge indicator.
The indicator may light up in different colors to indicate the remaining battery charge. But I will tell you more about this a little later.
KZ ZS3
KZ ZS3 is not a new, but still relevant model, which we once had for review. These are in-ear headphones with dynamic drivers, behind-the-ear wearing and a detachable cable. The cases are molded from plastic and have an “anatomical” shape that resembles custom IEMs. Detachable cable with ear hooks and two-pin connectors. Early deliveries came with a regular cable, but now the headphones are equipped with a “braided” version with black insulation. Versions with and without microphone are available.
Cost: $11. Want to buy!
KZ ZS6
KZ ZS6 is another hybrid model. A configuration of two dynamic and two armature drivers is responsible for the sound. The cases are angular, like the KZ ZS5, but are made of metal rather than plastic and have compensation holes on the outside. The wearing method is behind the ear, the cable is removable with two-pin connectors 0.75 mm. Available in interesting color options including red and green.
Cost: $29. Want to buy!
Results
After testing the KZ ZS5, we are left with the impression that we have encountered some kind of phenomenon. Well, headphones for 20 dollars can’t sound like that! Nevertheless, this is a fact. Under the nondescript packaging and ambiguous appearance lies a high-quality professional filling that produces unparalleled sound for this price category.
The KZ ZS5 model is a definite must-have for all lovers of good sound who are not willing to pay hundreds of dollars for the products of advertised competitors. You can buy discounted headphones here.
The author expresses gratitude to the GearBest store for providing the device for testing.
Bonus 1: KZ HD Bluetooth Module Upgrade Cable
In addition to headphones, the company also has all sorts of useful accessories. For example, here's a magical Bluetooth cable that turns wired headphones into wireless ones. There are two options with two-pin connectors, and an MMCX option. So the cable is compatible with a bunch of third-party models. The module is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, uses the CSR8675 chip, and supports aptX and aptX HD codecs. The cable is protected against moisture according to IPX5 standard. They promise that it will work up to 8 hours on a single charge.
Cost: $23. Want to buy!
