There is a ton more precision and detail in the treble of the MP143 compared to the S12 pro, but you also get the bass of the Zero 2.
When I first tried them I thought there was too much treble, but now it's the norm for me.
MP143. Great bass extension but with crystaline highs. They are very spacious and are the best soundstage I have heard in an IEM
S12 Pro. Occupy the middle ground, the bass isn't that extended, but the highs are detailed but ever so slightly rounded. I thought they were perfect until I heard the MP143.
Zero 2. Warm bass and soft highs. Easy listening but don't offer the upper clarity that the above do. The bass is wonderful though, it's soft and a bit diffused compared to the planar sound, but I like it.
BASN MIX-PD. These for me were an upgrade of the Zero 2, they have DD for the bass, and a planar for the mids and treble.
I have tried the KZ AS10 pro (all BA) , and they were utter treble monsters, just not my thing. I want the whole spectrum, and that why the MP143 appeal, same as the Hifiman Edition XS. You get both extremes of the spectrum, but presented in a very refined way.
When I try the S12 pro after listening to the MP143, there is something lacking, it's basically the sparkle and the low end, but on the hand the Zero 2 offer that fat low end, so they are more of a chill type listen, and they are still enjoyable.
The S12 pro were my best friends until the MP143 came along, and there is part of me that is sad about that, as they are wonderfully made.
Hope some of that helps.
For me it's the Hidizs MP143 Salt, they have wonderful layering , resolution, and with a touch of EQ, a decent low end. They are built like tanks, and fit perfectly. The solid metal body is so well engineered.
I'm not sure it gets any better than this for me, but I really should try the Hidizs MP145 for comparison.
Second place are my letshuoer S12 pro, as they are a softer version of the above.
I also have the Hidizs MS5, Kiwi ears Cadenza 2, Kz as10 pro, 7hz zero 2, and BASN Mix-PD, but none of them are anything like my planars, so don't get much use.
I tend to listen to artists like Ekorce, Tipper, Shwamp, Kalya Scintilla, or other Psydub or glitchy artists, so want ultra resolution and sub bass
Same, did 2 gigs with them, even with faom ear tips, and still had a hard time hearing the bass. Bought a pair of the AS10's and have been using them since, got a little more bass response (esp mid-bass) out of those. If listening to music for enjoyment, the ZS10 Pros have more clarity especially at the low and high ends, but the AS10's just cut through better for bass with my bands' wireless packs. We've since got a new setup with a digital mixer, so I can set my own monitor's levels for each person and eq it, so that definitely helps more too and I bring my ZS10 Pros as backups since I can dial it in better.
I started with the S10 Pro but ended up getting a pair of AS10 since they are more bass pronounced and I gig with them. The S10 sound better overall, I just was able to hear my bass better in the mix during gigs on the AS10. Maybe it’s out wireless packs? Oh well.
KZ makes so many different models. Too many maybe. I've tried three of them and if I'm honest with myself, I feel like they were all just as good albeit slightly different in focus. So since you tried the hybrid designs, maybe go for 100% balanced armature like the AS series or planar magnetic like the PR. You won't get much better value for money no matter which model honestly. First time I've hear of KZ I almost couldn't believe how cheap they were.
I use a Behringer P2 wired receiver for a lot of gigs and it’s great. It takes two AAA batteries. The power and volume are the same knob. Extremely easy to use. Also just started using the Xvive U45 wireless system and it’s also great, especially having ears in and walking on stage while already getting sound.
For the ears themselves, check out the KZ KS10s to start out.
If you're set on KZ, their pro10 (I think there's now a pro12?) should be what you aim for. Good coverage and details and all the bla bla.
If you want to enjoy good mixes (DT, Tool, Haken, Tesseract, Periphery....etc), I'd recommend something planar. I like the artti-10 and the sound they give.
Polycosm-
