KZ ZS10 review - quality hybrid headphones for $ 40

The new KZ ZS10 model, which the GearBest store provided us for review, looks even more interesting. Judge for yourself: 5-driver hybrid headphones with modern design and replaceable cable for only $ 40! However, the main thing is not the number of emitters, but the sound. We paid the closest attention to it during testing.

A bit of theory

As we noted above, KZ ZS10 uses a 5-driver design: 1 dynamic emitter and 4 reinforcing ones. Why so much? Let's try to explain on the fingers, without delving into the issues of physics and acoustics.

There are two types of emitters used in modern headphones. Electrodynamic speakers are designed in the same way as conventional full-size speakers found in home speaker systems. They have been used in the production of headphones for a very long time and are well known to everyone.

Armature emitters differ from the dynamic design features and characteristics. This is also far from a new invention, but they began to use it in headphones relatively recently. The reason lies in the technological complexity and high production costs. At the same time, they have a number of undeniable advantages. First of all, low distortion, high sensitivity and small size.

However, it was not without its drawbacks. Armatures are bad for their narrow frequency range, which did not allow them to be previously used in high-quality equipment. Until the engineers found a solution: they began to use several reinforcing emitters, each of which was responsible for its own frequency range. And for correct reproduction of the lowest frequencies, a traditional dynamic emitter is also added.

This is exactly the design we see in KZ ZS10. Until recently, multi-driver headphones were the preserve of professionals or sophisticated audiophiles, ready to shell out several hundred dollars for them. But the great Chinese industrial revolution made this technology available to literally everyone.

Specifications

Emitters: 1 dynamic and 4 reinforcing.
Resistance: 32 Ohm.
Sensitivity: 105 dB / mW.
Frequency range: 20 Hz - 22 kHz.
Cable: replaceable, with a microphone, length - 1, 2 meters.
Plug: angled, 3.5 mm TRS.

Packaging and equipment

The earbuds come in a plain white box with a photograph of the product on the top and specifications on the back.

Inside are the headphones themselves on a black plastic backing with the company logo. Under it we found a replaceable brown braided cable, a set of replaceable ear pads (S, M, L) in a bag and an instruction manual.

The packaging is very modest, the package bundle is Spartan. One could add a carrying pouch, a handful of extra ear pads in different colors, and a clothespin for the wire. But we will not be very upset - the model is still budgetary.

Ergonomics

The appearance of KZ ZS10 is not amazing, but it looks quite interesting. The earbuds have a streamlined body made of translucent colored plastic through which you can see all of their electronic insides. There are several color options for the case, including Vivid Red, Neutral Blue, and Full Clear.

The shape of the earbuds follows the contours of the inner part of the auricle, therefore, in theory, they should ideally fit into the space allotted for them. In our case, this is what happened: the fit is comfortable, nothing presses and does not interfere. The headphones are securely held and do not think of falling out even with vigorous head movements. Additional confidence is provided by the earhooks on the supplied cable.

The cable is connected to the headphones using a standard two-pin connector for this company. This is very convenient, since in the event of a cable failure, it can be easily changed to another one. In addition, there is an opportunity to purchase a special Bluetooth module from the same company and turn KZ ZS10 into wireless headphones.

In general, we did not have any significant complaints about the assembly and ergonomics of KZ ZS10. The product is made of high quality materials, the wire looks reliable. The comfortable anatomical shape allows you to use the headphones for many hours without any discomfort.

Nevertheless, it can be assumed that KZ ZS10 will not suit all users. We recommend that owners of small auricles try on the headphones before buying so that their size does not turn out to be too large.

Sound

Before moving on to sound, we would like to remind you once again that such assessments are always subjective. The perception of the acoustic picture is influenced by many different factors, including the individual characteristics and the previous experience of the listener.

The xDuoo X20 player was used as a sound source for testing. The musical material was very different: from old psychedelic experiments of the 60s to modern heavy and even dance electronic music.

Low frequencies are clearly expressed, but do not occupy a dominant position. The bass is deep, soft and quite fast. Because of this, even the most complex heavy styles sound in these headphones without clutter and rumbling. However, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that the bass performance of KZ ZS10 strongly depends on the depth of the fit and the size of the ear pads.

Mid frequencies a bit disappointing. In our opinion, they lack detail and separateness. The instruments sound rich and bright, but it is sometimes difficult to single out individual parts. However, when listening to some musical styles, for example, modern pop music, such a fusion of sound can even act as a dignity.

High frequencies deserve all praise. They sound lively, crisp and very clear. It is important that high frequencies occupy a strictly allotted place for them, without running over, on the one hand, into the middle range, and on the other, without flying away into the sky-high, which causes ringing in the ears and irritation in the listener. Exactly as much as you need, and not a gram more.

In general, we liked the sound of KZ ZS10. Headphones gravitate towards soft natural sounding, almost without contributing their own color to the sound palette. Therefore, they can be recommended for listening to music of different genres. These headphones will be able to show themselves well not only with a smartphone or computer, but also in conjunction with a Hi-Fi-DAC or an entry-level player.

Outcomes

The ZS10 headphones have advanced electronics, eye-catching looks and balanced sound that fully justifies the price of the device. We liked the workmanship, the availability of a replaceable cable and the ability to use the headphones wirelessly with the purchase of a special module.

However, it was not without its drawbacks. The original body shape is not suitable for all listeners. Some may think that the mids sound flat. And the equipment for this money could be richer. However, these are more nitpicks that do not spoil the great overall impression of KZ ZS10.

At the time of writing the review, the cost of KZ ZS10 is 2,450 rubles.