While catching up on some anime, I suddenly remembered the pile of review backlogs waiting for me. So here we are.
This time, we’re looking at an interesting collaboration between Angel Ears and KZ. Collaborations involving Angel Ears aren’t exactly uncommon. They’ve partnered with several brands over the years and have become one of the more recognisable names when it comes to tuning collaborations.
KZ lately tends to make a variety of options in the in-ear monitor category, but the main focus of their brand right now is gaming and sound improvements. Compared to their earlier releases, KZ has made noticeable improvements, and honestly, they seem to be finding their footing again in the budget IEM scene.
Now, the real question is: will this collaboration prove to be a genuinely competitive piece of gear, or is it simply another product riding the wave of hype? Let’s find out as I dive into my full assessment and share my thoughts.
Disclaimers
This review is not sponsored, and I have no affiliation with KZ or Angel Ears.
The review unit was purchased using my own money.
I’m not a professional reviewer, just an anime fan and audio hobbyist sharing my personal experiences.
Audio is subjective, and your experience may vary depending on your source, ear anatomy, and preferences.
Kiso Loot
The unboxing experience here is simple and straight to the point. My expectations weren’t particularly high, considering this is a budget-oriented set to begin with. Fortunately, it still manages to include everything you need to get started.
The included eartips are surprisingly comfortable. They don’t feel like the typical generic tips often bundled with entry-level IEMs, making them perfectly usable right out of the box.
As for the cable, KZ includes its familiar silver-plated cable. While it gets the job done, it is worth noting that these cables may develop oxidation over time depending on usage, storage conditions, and the environment, so individual experiences may vary.
Lastly, the shells are primarily constructed from high-quality plastic with metallic accents, giving them a more premium appearance than their price would suggest. Overall, the build and accessories are perfectly acceptable for what you’re paying, and I don’t think they’ll leave most buyers disappointed.
Kiso Briefing
The KZ Libra X is a collaboration between KZ and Angel Ears, designed to deliver an enjoyable listening experience without demanding a premium price.
The Libra X features a single dynamic driver configuration with a claimed frequency response of 20 Hz to 40 kHz. It also uses a detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin cable.
One small nitpick I have is KZ’s implementation of the 2-pin connector. While it technically uses the standard 0.78 mm interface, the recessed housing means not every aftermarket 2-pin cable will sit perfectly flush. Considering its price bracket, this isn’t unusual, as many budget-oriented IEMs adopt a similar connector design.
Kiso Test Bench
For this review, here are the sources I used for my assessment.
- Tempotec E44
- Harmonic Empire: sonic eartips
- Hidizs AP30
Test Tracks
- Beat it: Michael Jackson
- SAY-BYE!!: Kotoko and Aiobahn+81
- Hide and Seek: i-dle
- Night dancer: imase
- Undercover feat. Hatsune Miku: DECO*27
- Hot Limit: T.M.Revolution
- We on go: Bia
- Mundian To Bach Ke: Panjabi MC
- Katyusha: Girls Und Panzer Version
- Erika: Girls Und Panzer Version
- Monodrama: Hoyomix
- Ravings: Hoyomix
- Burning Desire: Hoyomix
- Lumayo ka man sa akin: Rodel Naval
- Dixon Cider: Smosh
- Vivarium: Ado
- Idol: Yoasobi
- World is mine: Hatsune Miku
- Defender’Z Brand!: Tsubasa Kazanari(CV:Nana Mizuki)
- Dopamine: vanilla ikanamii
- Fugitive: vanilla ikanamii
- After hours: vanilla ikanamii
- Can you own me?: vanilla ikanamii
- Game over: vanilla ikanamii
- Say Sex Latex: vanilla ikanamii
- Danganronpa Trigger Happy Havoc: Opening
- Danganronpa Goodbye Despair: Opening
- Danganronpa V3 Killing Harmony: Opening
- Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls: Opening
- Madual↔Heart: Melody Wave (Yume Miyamoto), Luciana Rudleberg (Rumi Okubo)
- Tsuki ni Mukatte Ute: Hoshimachi Suisei
Symphony Analysis
Overall Signature
The overall signature of the KZ Libra X leans towards a U-shaped sound rather than a strictly neutral one. This kind of tuning reminds me of the KZ EDA Balance, but the Libra X offers a more impressive level of technical performance. While the EDA Balance delivers decent technicalities, it doesn’t quite reach the level of refinement that the Libra X provides.
After using it as my daily driver, I also noticed that its tuning bears some resemblance to the Harman target, resulting in a balanced yet engaging listening experience. Overall, especially at its price point, the Libra X performs remarkably well, and I can confidently recommend it to newcomers entering the audio hobby.
Bass
The bass performance is quite enjoyable and engaging. The sub-bass is prominent, delivering a satisfying amount of rumble and vibration that adds weight to the overall presentation. If you’re a rhythm game player, you’ll definitely appreciate the energy and impact it brings to the music yes, that’s a little nod to “Don’t Fight the Music.”
The mid-bass is also well-executed. It carries a respectable amount of depth and body, There is a slight hint of bass bleed into the lower mids, but in my experience, it’s minimal and never became distracting. Personally, I don’t consider it a deal-breaker, especially considering the Libra X’s price point.
Mids
The midrange performance is quite decent. It has a slight recession, but There’s still a sense of forwardness, although the overall clarity could be better. Even so, for commuting and casual listening, the Libra X delivers an enjoyable and pleasant midrange presentation.
The vocals have a surprising amount of expressiveness. Male vocals sound natural and aren’t overshadowed, while still retaining a satisfying amount of body and presence. Overall, Despite that slight recession, I still found the overall presentation enjoyable.
Treble
The treble is good, offering a hint of air along with a decent amount of sparkle. In terms of peaks and sibilance, it still needs some refinement, as there are occasional peaks depending on the track. However, the overall sound is never piercing. Sibilance is not really present here, so if you have treble-sensitive ears, this should satisfy you since you won’t have to endure harsh or fatiguing highs.
Kiso tech side
The soundstage is wide, though it isn’t the most expansive presentation I’ve experienced. Instead, it gives the impression of being inside a well-treated recording studio, spacious enough to avoid sounding confined while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. Layering is quite good, as both vocals and instruments are presented distinctly without sacrificing control or overall cohesion.
Separation is quite good, with instruments and vocals occupying their own distinct spaces. I particularly appreciate how natural and almost accurate the placement feels, preventing the presentation from becoming congested.
Imaging is equally commendable, offering precise positional cues with a clean and well-defined presentation. The brighter character also helps enhance directional accuracy without sounding artificial.
When it comes to detail retrieval, the performance is impressive. It manages to present both macro-details and micro-details effectively, allowing larger musical nuances and finer textures to coexist without either overshadowing the other.
Source Resonance
The KZ Libra X is an easy-to-drive pair, and even a modern smartphone can drive it to its full potential. Pairing the Libra X with the Hidizs AP30 makes the overall sound a bit more precise while adding a nice sense of musicality. The bass becomes punchier with better attack, the mids become more pronounced with a slight improvement in clarity, and the treble sounds more controlled while gaining a bit more air.
When paired with the Tempotec E44, the Libra X takes on a more balanced presentation with noticeably better technical performance, which is honestly a huge improvement over using it with a basic source.
For eartips, I decided to use the Harmonic Empire Sonic, as they helped open up the overall sound and gave the frequencies a bit more room to breathe. The second pair of eartips I can recommend is the TRI Clarion. They’re a budget-friendly option, but they deliver a surprisingly premium-sounding presentation that pairs well with the Libra X.
Duel Arena
The Libra X’s counterparts for me are the following:
Tangzu Wan’er SG — It has a somewhat similar tuning, but the Wan’er presents vocals with more expressiveness and emotion.
KZ EDA Balance — This is probably the closest comparison in terms of overall tuning. However, the Libra X offers a more refined presentation with noticeably better technical performance.
CVJ TXS — It shares some similarities in technical performance, but the TXS has the advantage of offering multiple tuning options, making it a bit more versatile.
Kiso Affinity
I can recommend these in this criterias i have.
- Beginners entering the audio hobby
- Anime soundtrack listeners
- EDM lovers
- Casual commuters
- Rhythm game players
Reason i wont recomend these
- Neutral-heads
- Studio monitoring
- Mid-centric vocal enthusiasts
Kiso Value Check
For me, this is a nice set for its price. I honestly think it’s a solid option and can serve as a budget-friendly all-rounder without breaking the bank. While there are better options if you’re willing to spend more, the Libra X offers a well-rounded package for those on a tighter budget. Overall, it’s a great deal, and it’s Kiso Approved.
Final Verdict
“I’ll Never Forgive You, KZ.” (Yes, that’s a nod to Sparxie’s “I’ll Never Forgive You, Star Rail.”)
If KZ had included a few more accessories and an upgraded cable, the Libra X would have offered even better overall value. However, if sound quality is your top priority and you’re working with a tight budget, the Libra X definitely won’t disappoint.
Despite a few compromises in the accessories, the Libra X delivers where it matters most — the sound. For newcomers entering the hobby or anyone looking for a capable budget all-rounder, this collaboration proves that KZ is steadily finding its footing once again. Kiso Approved.
Kiso Ratings
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