The Beginning of Something Old.........
EQUIPMENT
Topping a50s Headphone Amplifier
Xduoo MT-602 Hybrid Tube Amplifier
SMSL Sanskrit 10th MK2 DAC
iFi Hip-Dac
Stock Tips, Acoustune AET07 & BGVP A01 Tips
Cable: Stock MMCX Cable, NiceHCK 16Core HPC
Sources: Flac Files From my Personal Collection / Tidal
SPECS
Driver unit: 10mm dual magnetic dynamic unit + 6mm single magnetic dynamic unit x2
Impedance: 24Ω
Frequency range: 20-40000Hz
Earphone sensitivity: 112dB/mW
Earphone interface: 2Pin 0.75mm gold-plated
NOTES
The Knowledge Zenith DQ6 is a very interesting release from KZ for a number of different reasons. It is a V-Shaped tuned multi driver earphone that eschews the use of Balanced Armature drivers for three dynamic drivers per side. The bane of cheaper earphones is often the questionable implementation of often time sketchy BA drivers leading to sound that can be hit or usually miss. The tuners of the DQ6 have used this driver configuration to good measure in creating a sonic footprint that easy to enjoy and appreciate. The DQ6 is quite sensitive and easy to drive as well.
BUILD QUALITY, Accessories& FIT
Build quality of the KZ DQ6 is very good with shells and metal faceplate fit and finish made to a good standard. As with most KZ budget offerings, the packaging and presentation can be best described as basic. One set of tips and a basic KZ cable are all that's included. Fit is excellent with the DQ6 felling snug without any discomfort even after extended listening sessions.
:Sound:
BASS
Bass is extended and accented with good sub bass growl when in the source material. There is a sense of control and smoothness to the bass region that is very pleasant. This control is evident in that the Bass is not over-prominent or constantly calling for attention. Rather it serves as a solid foundation that can roar when the source material calls for it. Bass has more of a sub-bass lean then mid-bass and does not bleed aggressively into the midrange. Detail, speed and overall control is above average in this price category but not class leading. On Wayman Tisdale's "Inside Stuff" and "Circumstance" the texture of the low end was readily apparent with more than enough meat to give the bass guitar lots of bite, if not exhibiting the last word in detail or snap. A Guy Called Gerald's "Stella" has a rhythmic low end driving the track and the DQ6 reproduced it with good authority while maintaining control. On rare occasion the low end can take on a slightly bloated character but instances of this were far and few in between. Using the BGVP W01 tips & driven by the Topping a50s tighter, cleaner bass was the result.
MIDS
The midrange of the KX DQ6 is slightly recessed with performers being a little back in the mix. Thankfully upper midrange elevation is kept in check and consequently they are not harsh or shouty. The mids are natural with macro details winning over micro details here. Detail and definition could be better as the midrange takes a somewhen laid back approach which makes extended listening very easy but absolute definition and detail can be wanting at times. Transients are reproduced with good attack and decay but fall behind in impact and clarity as heard on the Smabat NCO and HZsound Heart-Mirror for example. I would call the midrange presentation as safe not venturing into areas where the target sound quality may suffer but still pleasing.
TREBLE
The Knowledge Zenith DQ6 has a natural treble sound without the overblown artificial boosting of so many models in this price range. It can sound peaky & prone to sibilance at times, but control is really never lost and this is track dependent. Choosing the right tips and source can help this quite a bit. Treble extension is admirable with a smooth roll off high enough allowing some air and sparkle to still be heard. With a DD carrying the treble, absolute detail and clarity fall behind a quality and well tuned balanced armature, but the DQ6 still does a good job at a natural and insightful presentation. The DQ6 is not a treble heads earphone but strikes a balance between brightness and control.
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE
The KZ DQ6 throws out a very defined if confined soundstage. The soundstage was more lateral than in height or depth but instrument placement was stable. Listening to Anita Baker's "Been So Long" , the DQ6 lacked the intimacy that models such as the Senfer DT6 can convey so well at times. "Stimela" by Hugh Masekela sounded good but lacked that visceral feeling of space that the track commands.
VERSUS
- Senfer DT6
The DT6 offers a more balanced and presentation with better imaging. The bass on the DQ6 is more controlled and goes just as deep. Overall bass on the DQ6 is more pleasing in presentation but not by a wide margin. This isn't to say that the DT6 lacks good bass, just a reflection on what was heard in the direct comparison. As for the midrange, in terms of detail and clarity, it's a toss up. The DT6 does have an edge in the highs with respect to absolute control and smoothness.
- HZsound Heart-Mirror
The DQ6 has a much stronger bass output than Heart-Mirror. That being said, the Hear-Mirror is superior when it comes to bass quality, speed and definition. The mids on the heart mirror are recessed as well but are more clear and have better detail retrieval. Treble, with respect to detail retrieval and clarity, is where the Heart-Mirror wins the race. A Heart-Mirror with the DQ6 bass output would be killer imho.
- KZ EDX
Bass output is greater on the EDX but the DQ6 isn't lacking and has bass that is tighter with better detail and control. Midrange is a mixed bag with the lower mids on the EDX having more presence, but the upper mids falling behind the DQ6 with respect to control and clarity. Treble belongs to the DQ6 with the upper registers on the EDX sounding more splashy and less refined. Overall the DQ6 is NOT a refined EDX. There are enough differences that each brings something different to the table.
CONCLUSION
The KZ DQ6 is a surprisingly coherent and capable performer. From it's solid bass underpinnings to the controlled and pleasant, treble, Knowledge Zenith has something special here. Perfection has not been achieved though. There are some rough edges which stop short the DQ6 from achieving "Giant Killer" status, whatever that may mean in this subjective soup called audio. Initially , out of the box , they do sound impressive, but time spent tip rolling will definitely lead to improvements. The DQ6 is also better matched with warm to neutral sources, as brighter sources will aggravate the tendency towards sibilance.
Still the DQ6 is easy to listen to even for long periods of time and has even produced its share of "WoW" moments. Still, if this is the direction KZ is headed in, then I'm anticipating their products in the future. With an asking price of $27 USD, the DQ6 should be on anyone's shortlist when looking for earphones in this price range.
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