KZ - AM16

i'd consider kz am16 balanced. high value set, nicely detailed and technical set nice for pinpointing footsets but has a nice amount of bass for immersive games and your music genres which tend to like some bass boost if those are out of budget tripowin vivace are a nice set for fps and should do everything else pretty well too

I listen to all those genres. Xenns Mangird Tea Pros are my daily drivers (and they play those genres and anything else I've thrown at them really well) and are highly recommended by others for gaming too. If you want to do it on a shoe string, I'd recommend the KZ AM16 Balanced, although I don't find them very comfortable. Don't expect the sort of bass from either of them that you'd find in a pair of Soundcore buds, but you can always learn how to EQ bass in if you need more. Sound stage is adequate with both those models (IEMs aren't really about soundstage, compared to a set of open-back over ears (I have a set of Hififman HE400se and the soundstage on them is miles better than any IEM I've tried), imaging much better with the Tea Pros. What headphones do you use at the moment?

Glad I could help! All BA sets are usually pricey. You could try the tuning with the KZ AM 16 which are a heck cheaper than any all BA set out there. Depending on your preference you'll choose between the bass and balanced versions. I own the bass versions and I like them. If you are still set on the SLT6 caliber of iems you could do your research on the EPZ 530. This one is mentioned in almost the same vein without the pressure build up and hbb praises it for having named drivers. These are the value picks for me. Other than these, you are probably looking at a higher price range for other sets.

KZ ZS12 Pro X is competent. Not a bass monster. Put some Tang Sancai Noble tips for better bass over stock tips. KZ AM16 is really good, fun set. My current favorite that I have.

KZ AM16 is a fun set.

https://mobileaudiophile.com/in-ear-earphones-iem-iems-reviews/kz-am16-review/?amp=1 KZ AM16 Review -8 balanced armature drivers per side Hello, at the link above is my full review of the KZ AM16. The AM16 is KZ's latest all-BA iem and from my perspective it is a solid purchase at the price of only $57. Honestly, for that cost this set is a no-brainer. That is, if you enjoy a more fun and dynamically expressive tuning. Bigger bass presence equaled by a nice treble contrast. There's a hair of a low-mids recession but the midrange generally comes through with very nice presence in the mix. The AM16 is a very good first all BA iem for anyone who simply wants to hear an all balanced armature set. I can tell you this, the sound is not bad by any stretch. You don't have those screaming bright highs like all-BA KZ sets from years ago. You don't have muddy bass. Instead the highs are just brilliant enough to offset the bass and the bass is tighter, punchy, and fantastic for balanced armature drivers. KZ actually created their brand new bass driver (22955) which really does mimic a DD very well. The only obvious difference is that the KZ driver has a tighter decay, less atmospheric, but very well defined. The sound is a good quality V-shaped sound for the price. Now, I am not saying that the AM16 will change your life, but I am saying that the AM16 is a fun set. I wouldn't have reveiwed it if I thought it was a bad set. At any rate, feel free to check out my thoughts on the AM16 if you'd like. If not, no biggie, just take good care and enjoy your tunes!! 🔥🔥🔥 AM16 Pros 🔥🔥🔥 -Price to performance -Build isn’t bad at all -Fully open-back design -Design is cool, even if we’ve seen similar KZ designs -Very fun and spirited sound -Bass is very good, deep, palpable, textured and tight. Close to DD style bass. -Nice mids for a V-shaped set, clarity, nice for vocalists, natural note weight -Detailed treble region, mostly non-offensive, very solid extension -Detail Retrieval -Big outward soundstage, multi-layered -Great imaging abilities for the cost 👎👎👎 AM16 Cons 👎👎👎 -Unboxing -Of course the cable -Slight unnatural timbre at times

AM16 is so underrated. Sounds very similar to quatio too

https://preview.redd.it/z4nkiur6ns4f1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2ab68be31f702fa1d22d1f456fb7d10210441f8a I bought them for 30$ waiting them to arrive. Expectations are high since I loved the PRX

I have these too, they're really great for the price (30usd) and they are very versatile when EQ'ing. Not hard to drive and in stock configuration despite having some recessed mids to my liking, is still a very fun sounding iem.

I EQed mine like this https://preview.redd.it/3eg5u9ytw4ef1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=834e27c38c0bae55229f70204577cee0b04c6dd6 Mostly by ear. Reduced it's bass, brought the mids back just a bit and gave it just enough air to my likings. To this day I feel it to be the best eq I've made. It took more eq than the PRX but nowhere near what the hexa needed to be perfect, just 1 filter.

Well it depends of course on your music preferences, finances and source of music. May I suggest you disclose a couple of tracks you absolutely adore and would want to sound brilliant with the new IEM. Based on the genres you're into, the recommendations will change. Also mention your budget. Second, unless you are monitoring recorded/ live studio music, analysing technicals, you are not going to enjoy flat tuned iems that people generally recomend. Most people prefer iems with overall good textured thumping bass and sub bass rumble, clean strong vocals and airy crispy treble with a wide soundstage. If you have the option to physically try out IEMs before buying them, you might be able to first time right on purchase. Else, start small and go for starter iems and accessories. Once you are sure about what you like, you'll be able to research and find your endgame iem. I am listing some starter iems based on my listening preferences: Single Drivers. 1. Truthear GATe - Good single 10mm Dynamic Driver, fun sound tuning. Nice bass and vocals , smooth treble. Can be Equlised to make it amazing. Cons. Cheap cable, plasticy, needs 8 core upgrade cable to improve music quality and eq above 4 db boost. 2. Kiwi Ears Cadenza - Good single 10mm DD , fun sound, nice bass , smooth vocals, smooth treble. Can handle EQ well. Looks great. EQ can boost bass and treble and vocals . Cons. Bass is good you will love iems with more thump. 3. 7Hz Crinacle Salnotes Dioko - Single planar driver 14.5 mm. Clean tuning , focus on mids and vocals. Great for vocals and classical music. Can EQ will to boost bass and treble to sound amazing. Good looking set and kit Cons. Can sound muddy with EDMs with out EQ. 4. ARTTI T10 . Good single planar driver 14.2 mm. Great tuning , good bass texture , mids and lows. Sounds amazing on female vocals and instrumental tracks. Good kit, ok looks . Cons. Looks, needs EQ to boost lower mids for male vocals . Tambre is very planar and may sound different to sensitive ears. I recommend Truthear GATe with a better cable or the Kiwi Ears Cadenza as is. Multiple drivers. 1. Kz Vader. 3, 8mm dd drivers. Good bass, mids and treble. Nice soundstage, can handle eq boosts well. Good sound stage. Cons. Need cable upgrade to 8 core (qkz t1 cheap will do) . 2. Kz AM16 bass edition- 8 driver all BA. Good bass, good vocals and treble. Great musicality and comparable to expensive DD iems. Cons. Need better cable 8 to 16 cores. EQ is tricky as the low frequency BA driver is easy to boost , mids not so much. 3. Kz Castor Pro. 2 10mm DD driver. Good bass , good mids and treble.. Can be Equalised to boost bass and treble to sound like endgame bass iems like Punch audio Martillo . Cheap and dynamic. Cons. Need a 8 or 16 core cable (qkz t1) . With EQ this can amaze people . 4. Letshuoer DZ4- three 6mm DDs with a passive radiator. Great sound, good bass and treble. Sounds nice without EQ. Mid focused and perfect for vocals . Good kit and cable. Cons. Looks. 6mm dds do not handle much EQ. Sound is not the best for EDM. I recommend the KZ Castor Pro bass version or the Letshuer DZ4. With EQ and new cable the KZ Castor Pro or Vader will sound better than others.

One event where the guy who reported it ended up retracting because it didn't happen that way. Glue was getting in the driver's consistently on one model. So based on that, you 'boycot', when there is now KZ Am16, Zenith, ZVX Pro, and a while bunch of really good iem's for very small money for what you get. Well, it's you missing out. If you were not probably 17 years old, I would suggest you were a big cheerleader for the Iraq War, and probably still don't know there were no WMDs. Simple logic should tell you, if you put the drivers in, you have paid for them, so there is less then zero reason to leave them unwired. The whole issue is stupidity, typical sheeple stuff.

> KZ AM16 is better than every single DD IEM that gets recommended lol wut. more drivers =/= more better.

i can see it beating out budget single dds but it's another thing to say it's better than every single dd that gets recommended there are some rly nice single dd sets. still am16 has unusual fr.

I will speak to your mobile setup for $100. For DAC my choice would be the TRN Black Pearl or Hiby FC4 original version (no screen) for having good sound and powerful 3.5 and 4.4 mm ports. For the IEM I recommend the KZ AM16 balanced, a very musical IEM which might be the best all BA set under $100.

From that list Castor or Castor Pro but honestly I prefer Vader Balanced, Zenith, AM16, and ZS12 Pro X as my favorite KZ IEMs.

Check KZ AM16 for 35 bucks. You will be surprised.

I have a balanced version and it is more than enough bass

Kz am16 are bang for the buck!

First, a big shoutout to **Jenny** from **Knowledge Zenith (KZ)** for giving me this set to make this review and to give it my sincere opinions and impressions. The **KZ AM16 Balanced** is an IEM launched recently by **KZ** promoting it as the ‘High Resolution’ option of the **AM16** with the other option being a **Bass Improved** one, and being driven by its **new** **22955 bass BA** in conjunction with the already known mids and highs BA they used in other successful BA models like the **KZ Sonata** and **AS24 pro,** with an “old school” tuning but with the perks of this new bass driver, delivering a more than solid bass response, something unusual for BA only sets. My confession before talking more about this IEM is, this is my first time trying an only BA set, with my previous experience trying BAs in hybrid sets only, but, oh boys and girls, this is a grateful surprise, this **AM16 Balanced** is excellent! The **KZ AM16 Balanced** is another product who follows the success of the **PRX, Sonata, Zenith, ZA12, Saga, Castor Pro,** and other excellent bang for the buck sets by **KZ,** driven by a combination of **8 Balanced Armature drivers** per side, and at a **MSRP of 56 to 62 USD** (depending of the option you want: without mic, with mic, with the M2 type-C cable without and with mic, and of course the **Balanced** or **Bass enhanced** version) the **AM16** shows how not only an **“old school” KZ tuning** is well done but how a good combination of drivers and price is a sign of the brand best effort in delivering a price/performance outstanding option in the market . **You can find it at the official KZ website:** [https://www.kztws.com/products/kz-am16?variant=47127205249275](https://www.kztws.com/products/kz-am16?variant=47127205249275)**, also available in other minor retailers online (Aliexpress, Shopee, Amazon, etc).** **TDLR;** Practically, the best BA only IEM in the 60 USD dollars or less market, a balanced, bassy, organic, technically capable, with a solid bass and a musical experience bring by **Knowledge Zenith** to offer an “old school KZ” yet mature and fun sound to beginners and seasoned audiophiles for an affordable price. The **KZ AM16 Balanced** presents a balanced (excuse the redundancy) sound with an outstanding and enjoyable bass boost, with enough of technical qualities, a pleasant extension into the lower and high frequencies, and a well beloved and known but matured **KZ** **house sound** who puts in a run for the money to other products in the market, with a very affordable price and competing at a higher level. **Technical specifications:** · Driver Type: 8 Balanced armature drivers: o 1 x new 22955 BA for bass o 1 x 29869 BAs for mids o 1 x 31736 dual BA for mid/highs o 4 x 30019 BA for ultra-highs · Frequency Response: 5Hz-45kHz. · Sensitivity: 104dB. · Impedance: 22Ω · Jack connector: SE 3.5mm. · Connection Type: 2Pin, QDC. · Cable length: 1.2m ±0.2m. **What comes in its package?** The IEMs themselves, the warranty card, the usual KZ silver plated free-oxygen copper cable with a 3.5 mm single ended plug, a set of the well-known **KZ staline eartips** (SML sizes, M size installed in the IEMs). Its cable looks very nice and well-built, is the usual KZ cable included in almost all of their sets, I think you can use it as it is, but for us audiophiles who like to match the cables with the shells and also who like to use a balanced connection is recommended to change it to the cable of your taste. The shells are made of ABS resin with a metal faceplate, so well-constructed, with a beautiful honeycomb-like faceplate in which you can see the **AM16** letters in white, and a mark of the side of the earphone. The housing is in the bigger size but is very ergonomic and comfortable to use in long sessions, for $56 you are expecting a quality product to last. With a nozzle who fits so well in my mid-sized ears (6 mm diameter) but I advise seeing if is a nice fit for you because it goes in the medium to large size in comparison to other sets. **How the KZ AM16 Balanced sounds:** The **KZ AM16 Balanced** with its **8 BA drivers per side config** offers a **V-shaped** tuning, a nicely balanced and natural sound with a noticeable subbass boost and midbass incidence with a nice extension into the lower and high frequencies, with enough technical capacity and punches above its weight, offering a quality bass, not so recessed mids, full of macro and microdetails, configuring an all-rounder who offers an immersive, musical and fun presentation of sound. In the soundstage department it is impressive, the resolution and imaging are very remarkable, and you can distinguish all the instruments and other tracks in the music, this is no-brainer option for its price IMHO. For this review, I changed the cable for the one included in the **Artti T10 pro**, finding a perfect match aesthetically, I also changed the included starline eartips for a wide bore eartips once included with my **BQEYZ BQ-10** packaging, finding a synergy in fit and a good seal. (Thanks to OBOdio for the graph). **BASS:** The **KZ AM16 Balanced** excels in this portion of the frequency range, with a DD-like bass shelf but with the Balance armature advantages, with a remarkable quality and quantity of subbass punch and midbass knocking, is very transparent, so fast and resolving, well extended into the lower frequencies, so enjoyable, with plenty of weight and a good decay, it sounds very natural and adds a nice dynamic to the overall sound tuning. In songs like **“El Muñeco de la Ciudad”** by the master and living legend **Bobby Valentin** you can feel the exceptional of the bass guitar and drum kicks in a delightful and engaging presentation, in **“Orocoa”** by the same **Bobby Valentin and the LJ’s** from his last album **Mind of a Master** (a full Jazz journey btw), the **KZ AM16** **Balanced** shows how its bass delivery thanks to its **new** **22955 Bass BA** is the perfect choice for this set. **MIDS:** in this portion of the FR, there’s no bleeding from the bass, but as a V-shaped tuned IEM the male vocals are slightly recessed, but not veiled nor shouty. The mids takes a subtle dip until its forwarded smoothly and enters the pinna gain with a nice transparency and enough presence and resolution, a nice 3 kHz and 5 Khz peaks to add to the feel of those plates and cymbals, female vocals are forwarded as well, neither sibilant nor fatiguing. In songs like **“I’m With You”** by **Avril Lavigne** you can feel her voice presented with an impressive quality and zero spiciness’, the engaging tuning of the **KZ AM16 Balanced** makes you feel the emotions she putted in her singing. The vocals of **Amy Lee** in **“Everybody’s Fool”** with the guitars and drums in the track is a transport to the music with the **AM16** tuning making it a match made in heaven. **TREBLE:** In this region of the frequencies, the **KZ AM16** **Balanced** derives in an enough presence and transparency, it is very crisp and sharp without too much harshness, handling the sibilance so well, I’m finding myself listening to music at mid to high volumes without worrying for lowering the volume, so it’s not fatiguing in long sittings (And I have a mild treble tolerance). In songs like **“Fight Fire With Fire”** by **Kansas** is shown all the drums and guitars details and colorations in the production of the album with a nice quality and without that spicy treble expected in a BA set, that’s another point in favor of the **KZ “old school” tuning** done so right in this **AM16 Balanced**. In **“Methademic”** by **Black Sabbath** you can just put the **KZ** **AM16 Balanced** in your ears, and headbang for the duration of the song, I personally wanting more and more by the legendary band. **TECHNICALITIES:** The upper treble of the **KZ AM16 Balanced** extends so pleasantly, offering an airy and spacy sound, the soundstage is wide and have enough depth. In songs like **“Hysteria”** by **Def Leppard** and the **Royal Philharmonic Orchestra** in their album **Drastic Symphonies** you can feel inside the scenario in which they recorded the music, with all the symphonic arrangements playing with the band, a total journey into those lovely macro and microdetails’. The **KZ** **AM16 Balanced** has an enough resolving presentation of sound with a separation of sound more than average for its price, so, with complicated tracks like **“Moment of Glory”** by **Scorpions** and the **Berliner Philharmoniker** you can be sure to hear all its pieces and instruments, all the display of voices and chorus in the song without missing anything from the start to the end of the track. **Closing thoughts and conclusions:** The **KZ AM16 Balanced** stands out as an impressive offering and practically one the best options to buy in the under 60 USD segment, its balanced, immersive and engaging tuning, its quality and quantity bass, and its extension into the lows and highs put it as an overall excellent all-rounder with a technical, charming and musical character, making it ideal for mature and newbie audiophiles and KZ fanboys who want a very high-quality audio experience at an affordable cost. Is one of their best BA only sets, and for its price is a set who sets a precedent as an excellent option in a very competitive market. The **KZ AM16 Balanced** with its 104 dB sensitivity is easy to drive, even with a low powered device, but it is benefited of source interchanging, with a clean and uncolored source like the Hi.dizs S9 pro plus ‘Martha’ dongle is a delightful synergy of sound, with my Fosi K7 desktop DAC/Amp also shines, and scales well with powerful sources, but as I said before, it is not needed to enjoy it at its fullest. **Can I recommend it?** Of course, YES! The **KZ AM16 Balanced** is one of the best options for its price segment and offers a sound you find in more expensive sets, with the **KZ house sound** and seal of quality, it's a valued addition to my collection, and I have no plans to part with it anytime soon. Once again, I appreciate **Jenny** from **KZ** for providing me with this IEM, allowing me to test it, enjoy, and gather the insights needed to confidently recommend it as a product that truly lives up to its hype and deserves even greater recognition. So, thank you, the reader, for visiting my review, **and happy listening!**

Oh, it is impressive, it have a quality bass and an overall tonality that's very catchy, it fits in my tastes. Thanks for reading!

I have the balanced version and i can certainly vouch for AM16

I agree, i have 1 month with my AM16 Balanced and its incredible, i got it for $27!! I dont know how people are recommending $20 IEMs here when this exists!

Yes exactly, Earphones Store. I just checked and it's $25 for me now lol

sorry for the late reply, yes its rally good, its a nice warm relaxed tuning, detailed with amazing bass you wont believe its coming from BA,textured and slams hard and you can EQ even more if you want!!, decent instrument separation and doesnt loose amt details with no sibilance at all, its my favorite tuning coming from the Vader, if its the kind of tuning you like you will love the set edit:scales well with source too

You definitely like the tuning of the hbb more. I had a similar situation. My first high end iem was the Blessing 2 ($320 new) and the detail was amazing but it depends. Only well recorded music with decent dynamic range like jazz, acoustic, or vocal focused tracks did well. Bassy tracks, edm, and hip hop was not so great. I then bought the Tangzu Waner for $18. The tuning was much better for pop, rock, hip hop, edm, and ither bassy genres. After switch back to the B2s, I started to notice the deficiencies of the cheaper iem. Much worse detail, imaging, soundstage, and dynamics. I was curious and bought another iem a year later. The Kz Am16. This is where things got strange. Default tuning was really fun and bassy with amazing soundstage but something was missing. The vocals sounded thin and sucked out. I did research and started using parametric eq using auto eq towards ief neutral curve as a starter. Then found out I have a pinna gain around 6500-7000hz. After appling the eq to the am16s and listening to a few reference tracks. The sound quality actually exceeded my B2s... The am16 use lower quality BA drivers but when tuned right, they can almost resolve ad much detail. I did the same to the Waners and.. it made them sound 2-3x as good. The sound stage opened up, detail increased, and overall sounded much more balanced and refined. So to answer your question, the price comes from the material quality. The pricier materials aren’t magic, they simply push the mechanical and thermal limits farther out, letting your EQ changes remain clean and dynamic instead of compressed or distorted. Tl;dr: Find your preference target with cheap iems, use auto eq with squig.link, find your ear gain resonance and reduce till frequency sweep sounds flat, do not eq the 8khz peak if there is one(coupler inaccuracies), and make sure your source is capable. Then, you can increase material quality with more expensive iems :) Source: PC: Win11, Topping dx3 pro+ usb dac amp FIR 7 mode, music bee wasapi shared, peace gui with eq apo. Mobile: S23 Ultra, Usb audio player pro peq with bit perfect on.

I'd recommend the KZ AM16, either balanced or bass edition. Sounds like a >$100 IEM, very technical and the tuning is excellent.

Nothing wrong with KZ. They had some misses in the past though so the internet remembers. Personally I've been in the hobby for 15+ years and have a sizable collection including many $1k+ IEMs and I still buy the KZ sets that I find intriguing, latest one being the Duet, which I quite like. Before that I got the AM16 which is a fantastic IEM, paid around $20 on it and it sounds like a $200 set easily.

I have the balanced version but both are good.

KZ AM16 is better IMO and costs 3 times less. I like the Defiant and I own it but the AM16 is just better value, and a more techincal IEM. Edit: This comment ruffled some feathers lol, the KZ haters are so freaking funny >u/Admirable-Two2679 replied to your comment in r/iems Such a hilariously wrong opinion unless you’re deaf and like scam IEMs

Its an all BA IEM, the sound is tight, there's no looseness at all, no bloat, and this particular model is very well tuned.

KZ AM16 Balanced is absolutely phenomenal. The best bang for buck IEM I've ever tried. I urge anyone reading to buy it instead of a Zero Red.

Hmm, I'd still probably say the t10 but if you're specifically wanting bass I can personally recommend the KZ Decet, or maybe the Bass version of the KZ Am16 (I have the balanced and that's pretty bassy so I guess the Bass version would have loads)

T10 is ALWAYS my first recommendation... It hurts that people buy $30 IEMs when for $20 more they could have got THAT. It's SO much better. New- KZ AM16 Balanced - glorious value KZ Decet- 5 DDs in each ear. BASSY glorious value. TRN Shell - All round value package. Great sound, build, accessories, and a unique 3dds and a planar.

That's a tough one, I've not tried them back to back, but from memory I think the sound is quite equal. Trn Shell has MUCH better accessories for sure. If you want I can have a proper listen tomorrow and tell you my opinion. I ALWAYS think it's better to buy both and test them yourself. Return whichever loses.

I love KZ. They let beginners or people in poorer countries experience a taste of great sound and hybrid setups. KZ AM16 is better than every single DD IEM that gets recommended.

I've tried most of the budget ones (Wan'er, Chu2, Cadenza etc) and the AM16 is so much better, it's not even close. Not because it has more drivers, but because it sounds better.

KZ AM16, TRN Shell, Artti t10.

I just had to Google it because I didn't think there was an AM16 Pro. I think you mean AS16 Pro? Kz are notorious for constantly pumping out a different models every week with confusing letter names that were anywhere from terrible to great, so it's hard to keep up. Recently they slowed down a lot, and every release has been quality. AM16 came out a few months ago so I wouldn't bother with the other one

Never buy KZ on Amazon! I don't know why but they're over twice the price! I still think that's too high. I got my AM16 for $31 on AliExpress. If you're in America though I've seen people say the prices are way up because of the tariffs.

Awesome. Yeah I think balanced is the way to go- I was surprised how bassy it was.

Hmm, if soundstage and separation are your main thing, I'd actually recommend the KZ AM16... It has 8 drivers in each, so each instrument sounds very individual and clear. I'd been listening to a $300 IEM all day, then switched to the AM 16 and was SO impressed at how well it kept up. It needs well mastered music with instruments to show it's best. If the majority of your music is EDM and hip hop, get the Shell, but if it's lots of soul, funk, jazz, indie, rock the AM16 is the best I've ever tried at its price.

I've tried 2 out of your lists- AM16 (but the Balanced version) and Zero Red's. Zero Red's are overrated, I returned them. AM16 is one of the best bang for buck sets I've ever tried. For the middle of your budget, I really recommend Hidisz MP145. It's the best I've tried at that price. A very bassy planar, that still has great details and accurate instrument timbre. A great all rounder. A bit over your budget - TSMR Armor or Punch Audio Martilo.

My EA500LM is good. Recently bought a KZ AM16 Bass version and i like it more!

Agreed. I own a pair and they’re quite impressive for the price!

I’ve got a pair and absolutely love them! They deliver great clarity with controlled, punchy bass that doesn’t overpower the mids — a real all-round performer at this price point. If you're looking to upgrade, the KZ AM16 are a great buy. They are exclusively made up of balanced armatures - 16 on each side. Despite being BAs they deliver punchy bass - there is a balanced and also a bass enhanced version on offer. [https://kz-audio.com/kz-am16.html](https://kz-audio.com/kz-am16.html) Otherwise, Crinacle’s IEM ranking list is a great resource when exploring new options: [https://list.hangout.audio/iem/?tableMode=true&sort=alpha](https://list.hangout.audio/iem/?tableMode=true&sort=alpha)

For FPS gaming, I think, it's better to take a planar IEM, like Artti T10 Pro, Letshuoer S08, Kiwi Ears Aether, etc or full-BA IEM, like KZ AM16, KZ Sonata. They are fast and detailed, you will hear everything and everyone in the game. Also you will need a DAC for planars, they like powerful sources

I went from KZ ZSN Pro to KZ AM16 and the sound difference is amazing, also using a Fiio M21 as a DAP

You may want the AM16 over the PRX if you want sound separation and soundstage. This is from the music listening standpoint, not from gaming. The AM16 is priced a little higher than the PRX but the difference is worth it. The downside of the AM16 is it is a large IEM so you may consider that when choosing. Also if your PC (I assume you are gaming on PC) is not grounded then the AM16 will give you those electric tingles (PRX won't).

* AM16 (current daily IEM, balanced version) * EDC Pro * Decet * Vader family * Saga family * PRX * Trio * Hydro * Zenith * Polaris * Sonata

Sonata is your JM-1 Meta tuned-ish, AM16 is on IEF Preference 2025. https://preview.redd.it/44wiwl3p9bhf1.png?width=2400&format=png&auto=webp&s=1235e6f0f5595fea0680a8b2b65306ac287e984c If you try 1100 on your Sonata, it's closer to the Balanced version AM16. Only difference is the slightly more boosted bass, pinna peak change from 2.5k to 3k, and upper treble is less spicy for some. (personally I prefer the Sonata's upper treble) Also Sonata has that nice packaging and better cable included, though I prefer. Though the AM16 is like your classic KZ tuning preference similar to Sonata, AS16 Pro, ZS12 Pro X, etc but retuned for the new KZ milder treble tuning similar to the Saga, Castor, Vader, Hydro, or Trio. If you got the Sonata, it's already a great set. Personally, AM16 is not really an upgrade for the Sonata (more like sidegrade)

If you prefer neutral sound without doing any EQ, ZA12 If you want neutral sound with EQ (which I have a neutral EQ for it), AM16 Balanced AM16 Balanced is geared towards a V-shaped balanced, but bass shelf is more closer to Castor Pro Bass. Decet at default 0000 switches is V-shaped bassy, a tiny bit leaning towards warm, and it might lack the analytical capabilities vs AM16 Balanced or ZA12. Though if you prefer neutral and analytical, why not go straight to Sonata, AS16, AS24, or the ZSxx series? Though, if you prefer a more smoother experience while with your preference then go for either AM16 Balanced (with some EQ), though its not as analytical as like the AS16 or AS24. Treble region is toned down a bit, just like many recent KZs, mostly started since EDC Pro and Zenith. You can also check any from CCA (pre-KZ management IEMs) like CA16, PLA13, or Hydro with some EQ.

difference is more into maturity, general sound experience, and refinement. but it definitely depends on your preference tuning(s). I previously came from the original KZ Castors (both Bass and Silver Harman), then jumped to KZ AM16 Balanced, but I have already experienced few higher end IEMs around 50-200 USD. AM16 Balanced, especially if bought on a discount or at low price (just like mine at $33 locally here in the Philippines, but in the US it might be around $50-60). Better terms of detail retrieval, instrument separation, and "soundstage" vs the Castors (even if I EQ them to a similar preference EQ I like) But with a little bit more pricy set than the AM16 Balanced, because of its deep V-shape tuning and a little bit more refinement on those more expensive sets, those sets sound better overall. (specifically Ziigaat Odyssey 1) Though personally the AM16 Balanced with PEQ is getting there, sounds wonderful, though definitely those two sets are better, But definitely I know now what to upgrade to and most likely I know what are my end game sets. Until I don't need to EQ. My Mild-V/U shape EQ is around the Xenns Mangird Tea Pro and Ziigaat Odyssey 1. https://preview.redd.it/enkhr59aqhyf1.png?width=2400&format=png&auto=webp&s=35e8f417e92d2acc4f2be3885944fbb1a67f9a52

I am usually a sucker for metal or hybrid metal shells, even though they are prone to humidity (especially in my tropical country) Though I do manage the moisture for the most part well (Currently using KZ AM16 Balanced, with PEQ)

I have seen a comment (maybe from Audio Amigo) where the Soundbrenner might just be a rebadged TRN ST2 shells with an additional BA driver. Seen frequency response graphs of it somewhere from ASR Forums, wacky and maybe shouty and shrilly graph. https://preview.redd.it/05hgzaaiqxqf1.png?width=2400&format=png&auto=webp&s=bc1d239095b5772b4ab21beb2e973abb64f6a65d I would personally stay away from the Soundbrenner if this is the actual graph, I would rather personally use my KZ Castor, AM16 Balanced, or my EDC Pro over this. In your case, go ahead and buy the Kefine Klean!

I could also suggest a KZ, maybe like the KZ AM16 Balanced. But I see your price is at $200 or higher so might as well start with that price point lol. I use the AM16 Balanced, its competent for gaming *personally*. Unsure how it will fair against these much more expensive sets.

Bro. Return to kz this instant, i recommend you 1 banger Full BA driver iem that is good. Kz am16. It is full on comfort with resin nozzle. It's in the $50 bracket. These sound way better than the kz zs10's, above it by 1 level

Easy to drive iem. From kz i picked 2 options, kz am16 balanced and kz zs10 pro. Im more inclined on the am16, you can see the detail just as well as the kz zs10(though you need 2 volume bars higher, so around 50% vol). It is not as shouty and fatiguing and they're very comfortable. The comfort for 'me' comes from the short nozzle and resin material on the am16, compared to the nozzle length of ks zs10 pro which have been a bother to my ears since i am nozzle length sensitive. I have the kz zsn too, and i get the same problem with the nozzle. Sound wise they're all solid iems. Kz am16 bass and sub bass are monstrous though, in a good way. Though not to the point of wowwing bassheads. The sound signature is nearly the same as kz zsn on the graph too, a warm v shaped slightly musical iem. Compared to the kz zs10 pro which has more treble detail and airiness, and less musicality. In conclusion a direct upgrade from kz zsn pro has to be the kz am16(sound wise). That is if you don't find the short nozzle, and shell being close to your ears is a problem then it's a good option. And more to add, the shell size is big and weighs a bit more

For $50 you could've gotten the kz am16 balanced. These rn are the best chifi full BA i can claim. Sounds way better than kz zs10 pro

Sounds like you require a dac. Should make the imaging clearer, try JCally JM06. I have this same feeling you described on my kz am16 too, but plug a dac on it and now it's a musician

Majority will recommend the simgot ew300 + jcally jm06 dac dongle combo for gaming. All is good i think. I have the kz zsn, kz zs10 pro, and kz am16 balanced. Kz zsn is not good for gaming, treble sounds muffled making the footsteps sound in games a bit quiet. Kz zs10 is pretty good for gaming. In the end, my advice is to get newer iem releases preferably from year 2024+

With that new 22955 BA bass feels more organic and natural. Funnily, KZ found their way into the upper budget range - first with a very good DD used in Zenith, now with an outliner bass BA in that price range. They should add a pair of more premium tips for everything above 50, alongside with a 784 core upgraded cable, to complement fully the sets that deliver pretty competitive performance nonetheless

ZS12 has a lot of technicality but lacks bass a bit, AM16 is amazing

KZ AM16 by far.

Depend on your tastes The current darling would be Edx2/gale for the cheapos. Zvx pro for great budget balanced tuning Zenith, kz flagship one dd with balanced tuning Prx, zenith like tuning on planar which gives less "impact" but more details. Require more power. --- Cca trio/vader balanced, for fun v tuning with ample bass for rock music AM16, thick ish fun v with better res via multi BA setup Vader pro, attempt of giving kz fun v tuning more resolution at cost of reigning in the bass tuning. --- Sonata, kz true flagship. Detail monster for the price. --- According to some reviewers in head fi Top 3 kz (well, ish) right now would be KZ AM16, KZ ZAX/CCA trio, KZ ZVX Pro.

Simgot EW300 should be right on your budget, hybrid with newer micro planar driver to try "new" thing in chifi Or get KZ AM16 balance if you want to try newer (budget) BAs setup that focused on musicality TRN Shell also a good option that also came with micro planes driver

I sold the P7 after I got the AM16. It's definitely in the $200 range.

Update: got the balanced kz am16 on AliExpress for 37 included with shipping. Guess the tariffs aren't that bad lol I'm so excited

I doubt you've listened to any recent KZ releases if that's your take. Vader, Vader Pro, AM16, Zenith and other recent IEMs have all been excellent for their price

If all BA IEMs are your thing then you should definitely check out the KZ AM16. Considering it's about $30 it sounds really really nice.

KZ hasn't really fallen and instead it's probably the opposite. They have improved their tuning and frequently get recommended in the sub $100 iem realm. Vader, Vader Pro, Castor Pro, Zenith, AM16 etc are all very good IEMs for their price.