Hello everyone and this is the second part of the KZ EDA, I have already reviewed the other version. Which is the Balanced version, so if you want the balanced version. the link is at the end of this review, so without further ado let's start.
Disclaimer. I would like to thank sir Tyvan Lam and KZ ACOUSTICS for lending their trust and letting me review the KZ EDA. Rest assured that this review will be honest. No monetary compensation was gained before and after doing this written review. My reviews are all based on my hearing and preferences so expect different opinions. I am a former musician and have experience with the violin for around 3 years. We have different opinions and preferences, so always take my reviews with a bit of real talk.
Lows
Mid-bass is more prominent here and it's not the old KZ that has a prominent bass bleed in any kind of track. It also has a great sub-bass presence giving it a clean presentation. The lows have also fast driver response and it also has a fast decay. The rumble is fast and very prominent.
Mids
The mids are recessed but only a bit, it is still forwarded. It's also the same with the EDA Balanced. Upper mid-peak only occurs when the volume is too much and also in the stock tips. Vocals sound great but male vocals are deep end male vocals will benefit since the bass has great quality and control. Female vocals are sparkly and at the same time leaning on the bright side because of the peak.
Highs
it has a great extension with control. The balanced has more detailed retrieval compare to this version. This version still has decent detail retrieval. there is a hint of roll but it's not that noticeable in the track. it has great brilliance without being honky.
Soundstage, Imaging, and separation.
The soundstage is very wide but not that big it has a bit of weight compared to the Balanced version. Separation is good. vocals and instruments are clear and it's easy to locate, in busy tracks it gets congested. imaging is good both vocals and some instruments are clean.
Timbre
The balanced version has a better timbre compared to this version. This version is not suited for violin tracks, and acoustic because it feels drowned and dark.
Drivability.
The pair is easy to drive and any source can drive it to its full potential. the pair has a great response to any kind of source even a smartphone. The pair can adapt the power coming from the USB-DAC and smartphone
Recommendations
Stock ear tips of the pair are good but have a hint of sibilance in sibilance-prone tracks. I am using a wide bore ear tip and it removes the sibilance and peak.
As much as possible when removing the cables, please be gentle since it's prone to wear and tear.
EQ Settings: Parametric
Preamp: -3.2 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 20 Hz Gain 0.5 dB Q 3.000
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 150 Hz Gain -3.0 dB Q 0.750
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 780 Hz Gain 1.8 dB Q 1.400
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 2900 Hz Gain 6.3 dB Q 2.000
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 9000 Hz Gain -11.5 dB Q 0.500
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 10000 Hz Gain 11.0 dB Q 2.000
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 4580 Hz Gain -3.0 dB Q 6.000
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 3550 Hz Gain 1.0 dB Q 5.000
Filter 9: OFF PK Fc 0 Hz Gain 0.0 dB Q 0.000
Thanks, Asterhythmist for giving me EQ settings for the KZ EDA, and the EQ works well with the Balanced and Bass variants didn't test it yet in the HI-RES variant.
Pros.
Well-tuned bass.
Great depth in the soundstage with being wide.
great attack and decay.
No sibilance.
Great for EDM tracks(especially with eq)
Cons.
No dedicated Cable since the three variant only uses one cable.
Not great for acoustic and violin Tracks.
At higher volumes female vocals become shouty.
An acoustic, orchestra sounds artificial.
Ratings.
Lows:🚙🚙🚙🚙🎮: 4.8
Mids:🚙🚙🚙🚙:4
Highs:🚙🚙🚙🚙:4
Comfort:🚙🚙🚙🚙🚙:5(best match)
Design:🚙🚙🚙🚙:4
Technicalities:🚙🚙🚙:3.5