The KZ EDA is the new release from Knowledge Zenith and one of the surprise releases of KZ. Many thought that KZ is joking since KZ released the photos of the EDA with three pairs in the package. After looking at the KZ EDA, my first impression of it based on the photos that KZ released, was a joke for April Fool.
The KZ EDA is also one of the first to have triple pairs for its price range since you have three pairs for the price of one. The set consists of three sound signatures first is the Bass version, and the Second is Balance. The third and final set is a Hi-Res version or can be also called the treble version.
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.
Package and Presentation
The box has the three pairs presented in the picture of the box and also this is my first time seeing these new looks of KZ. In the Box, it has three pairs and a set of ear tips, and a cable, but its only one cable for the three pairs.
Design and Durability
The design reminds me of the YouTube play button since the shell somewhat resembles it. The colors of the three pairs it has white silver for the balanced version, Cyan for the HI-RES version. followed by the Bass version which has the colorway of Gold. The three pairs are made out of plastic resin, The plastic resin is very common these days. The build quality is decent but still prone to breakage since it's only plastic resin.
Fit and Isolation
it's very comfortable in my ears and I didn't encounter any problems wearing it also it's very light in my ears. I have been using it for my daily sessions with these pairs it feels like I am not wearing IEM in my ears. The pair has a little bit of sound leakage but to tell you the truth it's not that noticeable. The pair goes deep in my ears and even though it goes deep it still has space for my ears to breathe.
Sound Signature
The KZ EDA has a U-Shaped kind of signature(V-Shaped in other sources). The KZ EDA has three different tunings and different emphases, but, I like the Balanced more. since it gives a very great technical aspect and mid-range performance for its price. For this review, my main focus will be the Balanced version since it's the first one that caught my attention. other versions of the EDA will be next.
Lows
The lows have great texture it's controlled by being bodied it gives great quality. Sub-bass is more prominent and it has great attack and decay. Mid-bass is great it does not being too much emphasis on the track. even though this is balanced, the bass adapts to wide kinds of tracks.
Mids
The mids are recessed but only a bit, it is still forwarded. The vocals are great but it depends on the way how they are arranged Male vocals are great, but it's not that thick. The upper midrange has a great extension with clarity, air, and sparkle and KZ surprised me here. Because I am expecting more peak and sibilance but here I didn't hear any.
Highs
The highs have a great extension giving it great brilliance in the upper mids. It also has great detail retrieval and I was surprised because it's not your typical KZ in-house sound. The typical KZ in-house sound is giving too much brilliance in the upper mids and too much emphasis in 4k and 8k. I can say that this pair is safe for sensitive ears.
Soundstage, Imaging, and separation
The soundstage, it's wide but not that deep. The imaging is great the instruments and vocals are colored not dark sounding. The separation is great it is well separated for its price range.
Timbre
I like how the instruments are well presented here, it is organic, not artificial. Violin and Piano sound so organic I can feel the real instruments in my ears. Drums and cymbals are great I can feel the attack and punch from them.
Drivability and response to sources.
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.
Verdict
KZ is showing us that they are coming back and this time it shows that this is their revival arc. I am amazed by KZ since they are now improving and it shows in the KZ EDA.
Product link (non-affiliated):
https://shopee.ph/KZ-EDA-flagship-moving-coil-unit-in-ear...
Product link (non-affiliated):
https://shopee.ph/KZ-EDA-flagship-moving-coil-unit-in-ear...
Pros
Great tuned U-Shape sound signature.
Soft stock ear tips and it's very flexible.
Great Bass presentation and it has control.
comfortable fit.
The cable is great it's soft and light.
No sibilance
Great technical performance for its price range.
For the price of this pair, you are getting 3 pairs.
Cons
One cable for the three pairs. I wish that the included was three cables.
Stock ear tips have a hint of a peak in sibilant prone tracks.
Case for the three pairs(personal choice)
QDC-2pin connector(personal choice)
Balanced Version
Lows:🚙🚙🚙🚙🎮: 4.4
Mids:🚙🚙🚙🚙:4.2
Highs:🚙🚙🚙🚙:4.6
Comfort:🚙🚙🚙🚙🚙:5(best match)
Design:🚙🚙🚙🚙:4
Technicalities:🚙🚙🚙🚙:4.3
Specification
Sensitivity: 112.53dB/1khz
Impedance: 30ohms
Plug Type: 3.5mm
Pin Type: 0.75mm
Frequency:20-40000Hz
Sources Used
OPPO A95
UAPP( USB Audio Player Pro)
Foobar-2000
Abigail By non-VE ( CX31993 HD audio chip)
Local Audio Files that consist of FLAC
Vention 3.5mm Audio Cable Extension Cable with microphone
Test tracks.
Infermata-Spotlight kids
Dance with Bullets- Date a bullet Music.
Symphony No.5 C-minor (Fate)- Takt op destiny Music
Destiny-Takt op destiny Music.
Bagsakan-Halina sa parokya.
Time is Love-Josh Turner.
Crazy Little Thing Called Love(Remastered 2011).Queen
We will rock You(Remastered 2011)Queen
Another One Bites The Dust(Remastered 2011)Queen
Core Pride-Uverworld
The reason why(Live Ayasa Theater episode 7)
Billie Jean-Michael Jackson
Sweet Child O' Mine- Guns N' Roses
Highway to Hell-AC/DC
Database-Man with a Mission
Cherry Bomb-Silent Siren
ANIMA-ReoNa
METANOIA-Nana Mizuki
Believe-Cher
Study x Study-StylipS
No.6(ORT)- Miku Itō
Clattonoia-OxT