Is This new direction, down a familiar road?
NOTES
The KZ (Knowledge Zenith) ZAS occupies the upper end of KZ's line and features 7 Balanced Armatures and a single Dynamic Driver in each housing. Physically it is an attractive and eye catching design and while initially bulky looking, does fit quite securely.
The ZAS brings to the table a V-shaped sonic presentation with some added warmth and out of the box, prodigious bass output, with the emphasis on the sub-bass as opposed to the mid-bass. This can be tamed somewhat by quality amplification and the usual tip and cable rolling. The ZAS shines with a more neutral source to extract the most performance out of it.
Easy to drive with one major caveat. Out of the box the ZAS qualifies as a bass cannon. Bass quality does get better and quantity made more reasonable when a quality source is used as opposed to a basic phone or dongle. Attention should also be made to the tips used. If spl is all you are after so be it, but for a quality experience one must pay attention to what's driving the ZAS.
The ZAS, and by extension the ZEX, indicate a different direction for KZ. Tuning in these models are more about being musical than brash or attention seeking. It is a welcomed change and one could only wonder what Knowledge Zenith is capable of if they set their minds to it. The KZ ZAS is arguably the best Knowledge Zenith iem I have heard up to this point.
SPECS
- 7 balanced armature s & 1 Dynamic driver(7specially developed balanced armature units)
- Impedance: 24Ω
Earphone sensitivity: 109dB/mW
Frequency range:10-40000Hz
Pin Type:0.75mm
Plug Type : 3.5mm
Cable Length: 1.25±0.05m
EQUIPMENT
Topping a50s Headphone Amplifier
Xduoo MT-602 Hybrid Tube Headphone Amplifier (Sylvania 5654 Tubes)
SMSL Sanskrit 10th MK2 DAC
TempoTec E44 , Apogee Groove & Shanling UA2 Dongles
Eartips: Final Audio E (2020 Version)
Cable: Stock Cable 3.5mm SE, Lunashops SPC, NiceHCK LitzPS Silver
Sources: Flac Files From my Personal Collection / Apple Music
BUILD, QUALITY & FIT
Much like the KZ ZEX, the ZAS is well built with a very attractive resin shell which is also available in a few of colours. Haptics are good and the earphone feels good and solid in the hands. Fit is also very good with no issues noted there at all. The ZAS is on the larger side of medium sized and should fit most users without much issues.
The included cable is actually pretty nice and is definitely not an afterthought. The tips though are typical KZ and some may like them, but I find them to be be too soft where it matters to fit me well.
The box and unboxing presentation is also a major step above lower end KZ earphones. Not overly fancy by any means, but it seems that some thought was given the the overall presentation to indicate to the owner that these are not "Budget" models.
:SOUND:
BASS:
Right away the bass out of the box was very prominent, and not the best example of control or detail. In my experience with the ZAS two things needed to happen in order to get the bass under control. Tip/Cable rolling and powering the ZAS with a more capable source. While not hard to drive by any means, there was a noticeable improvement in the bass presentation when switching form a cheap dongle(s) to a more capable amp/dac setup, making sure to use a decidedly neutral source. Bass tightened up considerably and became more detailed.
The KZ ZAS has good sub-bass reach which is more emphasized than the mid-bass. Slam and impact are quite solid which was readily apparent in the track "Intelligent Hoodlum" by Manix!. The hard hitting bass heard had me sitting up in my chair. Speed is adequate as is definition, but not class leading and can suffer at high volume with bass heavy tracks. Bass texture and detail retrieval is also not class leading but improve when properly amped.
This was heard on "Circumstance" by Wayman Tisdale where the bass output was strong but not the most detailed or textured. Likewise with "Stella" by A Guy Called Gerald where the low end was quite strong but not as tight and detailed as I've heard in and around this price range. Still a good showing for sure.
MIDRANGE
The midrange is slightly recessed yet male vocals in particular sound rich and full. "Tenderhearted Lover" by John Stoddart came through with that satisfying richness and detail as I know it to possess. Female vocals are also quite good and the midrange clarity that the ZAS is a big help here. While not an absolute "Detail Monster", the KZ ZAS does offer a satisfying level of detail retrieval to keep things from getting too bland. Thankfully the ZAS avoids the harshness and strident leanings of some earlier models to offer a much smoother and enjoyable experience here.
"Protection" by Massive Attack is a stellar track but on some earphones Tracey Thorns vocals can be prone to sibilance. The ZAS avoided this pitfall and reproduced the vocals with a satisfying density and clarity.
The legend Hugh Masekela's well recorded live track "Stimela" had the master voice well presented and impressively clear. Impact and transients were also well handled with good attack and decay. Not at the level shown in the Hidizs MS2, but that model is $30 to $40 more costly.
The KZ ZAS does a good job with the midrange and is the best KZ models I have heard in this regard. That in of itself is a positive thing, though lacking is just that level of Organic mature tuning that would really set it apart in it's price segment from some of its competitors.
Treble
The KZ ZAS has treble that is detailed and open sounding yet safe. The level of detail is good but it must be noted that the upper registers do exhibit a roll-off. This keeps things under control avoiding the potential for excessive brightness, but may negatively impact air and sparkle. This can be heard in Ronny Jordan's "Vanston Place 12am" which has lots of cymbal work and other airy effects. Well reproduced but just not as atmospheric as with some close competitors such as the less expensive Reecho SG01.
Still the treble has ample detail and clarity and is smooth enough for longer listening session without fatigue. IMHO, one of the best KZ treble I have heard which again is something significant. Definitely a good topper to the rest of the frequency spectrum, just not the most airy.
IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE
The KZ ZAS throws up a reasonably wide soundstage with moderate height and just average depth. Imaging is very stable and believable. A definite step above what the DQ6 offers in this department, as an example, but not significantly better that soundstage offered by the less expansive KZ ZEX. The soundstage is seen as more intimate than expansive.
- KZ ZEX ($22usd)
The ZEX offers a balanced tuning as compared to the more prominent V-shape of the ZAS. Bass output is hands down won by the ZAS but then things get more complicated. Both do better with a quality source, and its really a choice between an occasionally heavy handed approach vs and even keeled one. The ZAS though offers more bass output with greater slam and rumble. Midrange is more weighty and rich with the ZAS, as opposed to the ZEX, in particular with male voices, coming off as somewhat thin at times on the ZEX. Detail retrieval is superior on the ZAS but both are smooth and not harsh nor fatiguing. Treble is interesting in that both are rolled off at the extreme top and each offers a smooth experience lacking a little air or sparkle. Treble energy is more prominent with the ZAS but held in check by the stronger bass output. I can't really choose a winner with respect to the treble between these 2.
- Hidizs MS2 ($80usd)
Bass, while having greater output and going slightly deeper on the ZAS, is bested by the MS2 in all other points of comparison. Bass on the MS2 is much more controlled and detailed with great texture. Midrange and treble with the MS2 excel is detail retrieval without sounding clinical. Treble extension is superior with the MS2 with definite improvement is air and sparkle over the ZAS.
CONCLUSION
Let's get this right out there. The Knowledge Zenith ZAS is arguable the best sounding KZ to date, at least with respect to the KZ's I've heard.
It offers a good combination of sonics and looks that I am sure will please many people. Is it the best earphone at it's $65usd asking price? That is not so cut and dry. While it offers a tuning that will be sure to satisfy tons of people, it is not necessarily the be all and end all of the sub $75 range. For under $15 more the Hidizs MS2 Mermaid is more detailed and musical but not as well known. For $15 less the Reecho SG01 is a phenomenon that just is so musical and engaging.
Still the ZAS is quite an achievement and hopefully a good sign of things to come from Knowledge Zenith. If you are a fan of KZ, or are a fan waiting to happen, the KZ ZAS gets a recommendation.
Where to Buy
KZ Official AliExpress Store:
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