KZ ZSN Pro X: Dual Driver Earphone Review

by Jhon Lennon 42 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the KZ ZSN Pro X, a popular pair of dual-driver earphones that have been making waves in the budget audio scene. If you're on the hunt for affordable audio gear that doesn't skimp on sound quality, you've probably heard of KZ (Knowledge Zenith). They're known for packing a lot of tech into their products without breaking the bank, and the ZSN Pro X is no exception. So, let's get into what makes these earphones tick, how they sound, and whether they're worth your hard-earned cash.

What's in the Box?

First off, let's talk about what you get when you buy the KZ ZSN Pro X. The packaging is pretty standard – you're not paying for fancy extras here, which is fine by me, since that helps keep the cost down and focuses the investment on the audio hardware itself. Inside the box, you'll find the earphones themselves, a detachable cable, and a few sets of silicone ear tips in different sizes.

It's always a good idea to try out the different ear tip sizes to find the best fit for your ears. A proper seal is crucial for getting the best sound quality, especially when it comes to bass. The detachable cable is a nice touch because it means you can replace it if it gets damaged without having to replace the entire set of earphones. Plus, it opens up the possibility of using different cables, like balanced cables, if you want to experiment with your audio setup.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the KZ ZSN Pro X is quite eye-catching. The earphone housings are made of a combination of metal and resin, giving them a premium look and feel that belies their budget price tag. The metal faceplate has a brushed finish and is available in various colors, so you can choose one that suits your style. The resin part of the housing is transparent, allowing you to peek at the drivers inside, which is a cool visual detail.

As for build quality, the ZSN Pro X feels surprisingly sturdy. The metal parts add to the durability, and the detachable cable connector seems well-made. However, keep in mind that these are still budget earphones, so you shouldn't expect them to withstand extreme abuse. Treat them with care, and they should last you a good while. The shape of the housings is designed to fit comfortably in the ear, and I found them to be quite comfortable for extended listening sessions. The included ear tips are soft and flexible, adding to the overall comfort.

Sound Quality

Okay, let's get to the most important part: how do these earphones sound? The KZ ZSN Pro X features a dual-driver setup, with one dynamic driver for the low frequencies and one balanced armature driver for the mids and highs. This combination aims to deliver a balanced and detailed sound signature. And for the most part, it succeeds.

Bass

The bass on the ZSN Pro X is punchy and well-defined. It's not overly boomy or muddy, which is a common issue with budget earphones. Instead, it provides a solid foundation for the music without overpowering the other frequencies. If you're a basshead, you might find it lacking in sheer thump, but for most genres of music, the bass is more than adequate. The dynamic driver really shines here, delivering a satisfying low-end response that's both enjoyable and accurate.

Mids

The midrange is where the ZSN Pro X truly excels. Vocals sound clear and present, and instruments have a natural timbre. The balanced armature driver does a great job of reproducing the finer details in the music, making for an engaging and immersive listening experience. Whether you're listening to acoustic tracks, rock anthems, or electronic music, the mids are well-balanced and never get lost in the mix.

Highs

The highs on the ZSN Pro X are crisp and detailed, but they can be a bit harsh at times. Some listeners might find them fatiguing during long listening sessions, especially at higher volumes. However, this can be mitigated by using EQ or by simply turning down the volume a bit. Overall, the highs are well-extended and provide a good sense of airiness and sparkle to the music.

Soundstage and Imaging

The soundstage on the ZSN Pro X is surprisingly wide for a pair of earphones. It's not as expansive as open-back headphones, but it's still quite impressive. Instruments are well-separated, and you can easily pick out individual elements in the music. The imaging is also quite good, with a precise sense of placement. This makes for a more realistic and engaging listening experience.

Isolation

The KZ ZSN Pro X provides decent noise isolation, thanks to the snug fit of the ear tips. They're not as effective as noise-canceling earphones, but they do a good job of blocking out ambient noise, making them suitable for use in noisy environments like public transport or coffee shops. If you're looking for complete silence, you'll still want to opt for noise-canceling headphones, but for everyday use, the ZSN Pro X provides adequate isolation.

Pros and Cons

To summarise, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the KZ ZSN Pro X:

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Dual-driver setup for balanced sound
  • Detailed midrange
  • Punchy bass
  • Detachable cable
  • Eye-catching design
  • Comfortable fit

Cons:

  • Highs can be a bit harsh
  • Build quality could be better
  • No microphone or inline controls

Who are these earphones for?

The KZ ZSN Pro X is a great option for budget-conscious audiophiles who are looking for a pair of earphones that offer good sound quality and a comfortable fit. They're also a good choice for people who want to experiment with different cables or ear tips. If you're a basshead or someone who is very sensitive to harsh highs, you might want to look elsewhere. But for most people, the ZSN Pro X offers a lot of value for the price.

Alternatives

If you're not convinced by the KZ ZSN Pro X, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • CCA CRA: A similar dual-driver earphone from KZ's sister brand, offering a slightly different sound signature.
  • Moondrop Quarks: An ultra-affordable single-dynamic-driver earphone that punches well above its weight.
  • 1More Triple Driver In-Ear: A more expensive option with three drivers for even greater detail and clarity.

Final Verdict

So, are the KZ ZSN Pro X earphones worth buying? In my opinion, absolutely. They offer a lot of performance for a very reasonable price. The dual-driver setup delivers a balanced and detailed sound signature that's enjoyable for a wide range of music genres. While they're not perfect, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. If you're looking for a budget-friendly pair of earphones that sound great, the KZ ZSN Pro X is definitely worth checking out.

Whether you're jamming out on your commute, relaxing at home, or just want some good quality audio for a great price, these earbuds will do the trick!